Going out for New Year's Eve

Flash The Picadilly Lounge

I was a girl- new to the big city. Cokes and fries after school in the old drug store.

A connecting door with a round glass window- down the dingy hall to the bathroom.

Peeking thru into another world the first time I ever saw a nightclub.

I remember dove grey walls and lots of pink and gold decor around the mirrored bar.

Little round tables with pink skirts and shaded lamps that I knew twinkled to life at night.

No one there during the day. The stage along the back wall where the music would come

from for the dancers. Who would hold each other close in the dim light.

The women would be alluring shiny in sleek dresses and silk stockings. High heels and

fur wraps. Hair done high that Saturday morning at the beauty parlor.

Before the Afro there was the elegance. Marceled hair kept overnight in a tight do rag.

Little row after row of Billy Dee waves pencil thin mustache fine features and high yella

skin. Beautiful clothes fine elegant fine.

A man knew how to make a woman feel like the most beautiful creature.

And a woman would later reward such special treatment with a heat you could feel

thick in the air as the dancers swayed on the wooden floor.

The Picadilly Lounge on Union St New Bedford 1942

Uptown



Have a wonderful safe and romantic New Year's Eve