​“Skel’s Speakeasy Club… where grown-ups let their skeletons out to play!”

For Adults Only

www.skelspeakeasyclub.com

​History of a Speakeasy
​

• Origin: Speakeasies emerged during Prohibition (1920–1933) in the United States, when the sale and consumption of alcohol were illegal.
• Concept: They were hidden bars, often behind secret doors or in basements, requiring passwords for entry. The name “speakeasy” came from patrons being told to “speak easy” (quietly) about these places.
• Atmosphere: Known for exclusive vibes, jazz music, dim lighting, and a sense of secrecy and rebellion.
• Cultural Impact: Speakeasies became symbols of innovation and resilience, offering creative cocktails and fostering social interaction despite restrictions.

​

National Prohibition in the United States officially began on January 17, 1920.
While the 18th Amendment was ratified on January 16, 1919, the text of the amendment specified that it would not take effect until exactly one year after its ratification. At midnight on January 17, the country officially went "dry" under the enforcement of the Volstead Act.
Key Dates of the Prohibition Era

• December 18, 1917: Congress proposed the 18th Amendment.
• ​January 16, 1919: The amendment was ratified by the required 36 states (Nebraska was the deciding state).
• January 17, 1920: Prohibition officially went into effect nationwide.
• December 5, 1933: Prohibition ended with the ratification of the 21st Amendment, which repealed the 18th Amendment.

It is worth noting that many parts of the U.S. were already "dry" before 1920 due to state laws and the Wartime Prohibition Act, which was passed in 1918 to save grain for the war effort.

While Prohibition lasted from 1920 to 1933, it gave rise to a fascinating underworld of hidden bars and powerful criminal syndicates.

Speakeasies: The Hidden Social Scene
The term "speakeasy" came from the need for patrons to "speak easy" (quietly) to avoid attracting police attention.

• Secrecy and Passwords: These illegal bars were often hidden behind secret doors or located in basements, typically requiring a password for entry.
• Cultural Hubs: Speakeasies became symbols of rebellion and innovation, fostering a unique atmosphere of jazz music, dim lighting, and creative cocktails designed to mask the harsh taste of bootlegged alcohol.
• Famous Examples: Some legendary speakeasies still exist today as legitimate businesses, such as The 21 Club in NYC and The Green Mill in Chicago, which was a frequent haunt for Al Capone.

The Rise of Organized Crime
Prohibition created a massive, lucrative black market for alcohol, which was quickly seized upon by organized crime figures.

• Bootlegging Empires: Gangsters like Al Capone built vast empires by controlling the manufacture, transportation, and sale of illegal liquor.
• Corruption: The immense profits allowed criminal organizations to bribe local police, politicians, and federal agents, leading to widespread systemic corruption.
• Violence: Competition between rival gangs for "turf" led to a surge in violent crime, most notably the 1929 Saint Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago.
  ​
  

​Here are some of the most famous speakeasies from the Prohibition era that still exist today, along with a brief description:

1. The 21 Club – New York City, NY

• Address: 21 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
• Description: One of the most iconic speakeasies of the Prohibition era, known for its celebrity clientele and sophisticated security systems, including hidden doors and a secret wine cellar behind a 2,000-pound camouflaged door. Today, it operates as an upscale restaurant while retaining its historic charm. [maloriesad…ntures.com]

From History Page   

​Every corner has a story to tell
When the doors first opened on January 1, 1930, few could imagine that '21' would become one of the most famous speakeasies of the Prohibition Era. Over 80 years, we’ve charmed celebrities and captains of industry alike. Step inside today, and you’ll find a space that’s alive with history.

Iron Gate
Our wrought-iron gate is an icon. It dates back to 1926, when founders Jack and Charlie moved their Club Fronton from 88 Washington Place to open the Puncheon Grotto at 42 West 49th Street. No sooner had the doors opened when they received notice that the Rockefeller Center was to be built on the site.
​
On January 1, 1930, they unhinged the gate from the doorway of No. 42 and installed it three blocks north at 21 West 52nd Street. '21' was officially opened.
​

2. The Green Mill – Chicago, IL

• Address: 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
• Description: A favorite haunt of Al Capone, this jazz bar still features its original Art Deco design and even a hidden trapdoor used during Prohibition. It remains a vibrant spot for live jazz and authentic 1920s atmosphere. [maloriesad…ntures.com]

​
History from Chicago Bar Project   

​Al Capone, Prohibition and the Gangster Era
​The Green Mill is best known for serving as a gangster hangout and speakeasy during Prohibition. During this time, the Green Mill was leased by the Chamales Brothers to the mob, including James Vincenzo (Gebardi) DeMora – better known as Jack “Machine Gun” McGurn – who held a quarter stake in the club. McGurn is suspected of being the primary gunmen in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre that took place behind a garage on Clark Street (next to present-day Clark Bar), though he was never charged.
​

3. The Back Room – New York City, NY

• Address: 102 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002
• Description: One of the few original speakeasies still operating today. Accessible through a narrow alley and secret door, it serves drinks in teacups—a nod to Prohibition-era concealment. Its dim lighting and vintage décor transport you back in time. [maloriesad…ntures.com]

​From www.nyctourism.com

The Back Room is one of only two speakeasies in New York City that operated during Prohibition and is still in existence today. It is a timeless example of the underbelly of New York past. The original 1920’s speakeasy, known simply as “The Back of Ratner’s,” played host to many theater and movie actors of the “Roaring Twenties,” as well as famous gangsters of the era. These gangsters included Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky. They were known to use the space for “business meetings.”

​4. Turtle Club – San Francisco, CA

• Address: (Exact address varies; located in San Francisco’s historic district)
• Description: Originally a members-only hideaway requiring a password, this speakeasy has evolved into a modern bar while preserving its secretive charm and hidden entrance vibe. [maloriesad…ntures.com]

​

Prohibition Context in San FranciscoDuring Prohibition (1920–1933), San Francisco was a hotspot for speakeasies and underground drinking establishments. The city strongly opposed the alcohol ban, and hundreds of secret bars operated throughout neighborhoods like North Beach and the Tenderloin. These venues were often hidden behind legitimate businesses, in basements, or accessed through secret doors. Organized crime played a role in controlling the flow of illegal liquor, and colorful figures like Izzy Gomez and Gerri Ferri became notorious in the North Beach scene. [foundsf.org]
​

​5. The Old Seelbach Bar – Louisville, KY

• Address: 500 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202
• Description: Located in the historic Seelbach Hotel, this bar was a popular spot for bootleggers and mobsters. F. Scott Fitzgerald frequented it and used it as inspiration for The Great Gatsby. Its oak-paneled décor and bourbon selection make it a must-visit for history lovers. [maloriesad…ntures.com]

​Peppercorns Restaurant — Park Ridge, NJ

• Located at 176 Colony Avenue, Park Ridge [peppercorns176.com]
• Established in 1984, originally called "Eddie’s Inn," built on a former speakeasy active during Prohibition, whose basement was used for illicit drinking. There's a story in every building and here a legend began during Prohibition.  When it was Eddie's Inn.  The main floor served as the restaurant but secretly in the basement was one of New Jersey's notorious SpeakEasy.  After the 21st Amendment the restaurant became The Bears Nest  It was a local pub until Dean decided to buy and bring his vision to life.  In 1984 Peppercorns was born.
• Functions as a neighborhood restaurant and bar, known today for comfort food like wings, sandwiches, and steaks. 

​

​Story began: Halloween 2023 - October 31, 2023 

 ​
​On a unseasonal warm Halloween night in 2023.  Skel comes to life in a Rockland County bar/ restaurant where magic still lingers. Born from a fun night and an incredible ice breaker for networking with strangers. Skel jumped in the car with John to accompany him in the Halloween party adventure.

​That excitement has taken on a life of its own and continues strongly building everyday and night.

​​ 
​“Skeletons Aren’t Just for Halloween--
The Skel Crew Celebrates Every Season
Spreading Fun & Life Lessons All Year!”
​

Professor SkelJon ™

Learn. Grow. Lead 
​​Embrace curiosity and keep growing—because learning never ends.

Skel & Ask Professor John:
​Teaching Life’s Lessons with Heart and Humor

The Skels have teamed up with Ask Professor John to bring fun, creativity, and wisdom to life’s most important lessons. Through stories, activities, and community engagement, we inspire kids and adults alike to embrace kindness, teamwork, inclusion, and lifelong learning. With a playful twist and a skeleton crew full of character, we make education exciting and meaningful—because every day is a chance to grow, laugh, and learn together

                                                                                              “Enjoy the Adventure and join the Adventure”
​

Mission Statement
​
SkelClub

Skels & Ask Professor John partner to spark joy, creativity, and wisdom in every interaction.  Our mission is to teach life’s lessons with heart and humor, inspiring kids and adults to embrace kindness, teamwork, inclusion, and lifelong learning. Through stories, activities, and community engagement, we make education exciting and meaningful—because every day is a chance to grow, laugh, and learn together.

Code of Behavior

​Kindness and Respect
Be kind and respectful. Treat others with empathy and show you care !

Inclusion and Diversity
Welcome voices from all backgrounds and cultures, different ideas and perspectives make a skeleton crew stronger !

Fun and Growth 
Have fun while learning, every game or activity is a chance for creativity and growth.

Teamwork and Support 
Support one another like a good skeleton crew, you can do more when you work together !

Positivity and Encouragement 
Avoid negativity and spread good vibes. A big smile can go a long way !

Health and Nutrition
Make sure you stay healthy by exercising your body and mind. Eating right is very important to always be at your best !

Halloween has become one of the biggest adult party seasons, rivaling even New Year’s Eve in popularity. It’s a mix of costumes, themed drinks, and immersive experiences that make it so appealing.
If you’re planning something for Halloween at Skel’s Speakeasy Club, 
​

Skels who Rock

click on image to buy guitar on Amazon

​my-music-70s

​my-music-80s

​my-music-90s

my-music-2000s

​my-music-2010s

​Skels bring us important life messages
​

Legsie and Armando™

“Strong Bones, Strong Spirits”

Meet Armando and Legsie, two Mini-Skels who’ve lost an arm and a leg—but never their determination. They remind us that life isn’t about what’s missing; it’s about what we still have and how we use it. Armando says, “I may have one less arm, but I’ve got twice the heart!” Legsie adds, “Losing a leg didn’t stop me—I just learned new ways to dance!”
Together, they show that challenges don’t define us—our courage and creativity do. Disabilities aren’t limitations; they’re opportunities to discover strength, resilience, and joy in new forms. Just like these Skels, we can all keep moving forward, one step or( hop) at a time.

Join the Adventure
​

Skel's™ Speakeasy Club.com

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Stemmed Skeleton Wine Glass Set of 2 | 12oz Gothic Wine Goblets 10" Tall

198 Purchased mini-Skels gave away 147 to invite adult members to the Skel SpeakEasy Club

Kids Corner

For Kids Only

Skel has inspired a Children's Book Series promoting positive values and setting an example for children and their community

click on cover to buy paperback on Amazon

First book now on Amazon

Skel's Holiday Adventure 
​Paperback – Large Print
by Matthew Fugazzie (Author),
​John R. Fugazzie (Author)

Skel ™ click on photo to buy on Amazon

​Adventures of Skel™                   and his friends
Skelvis ™, Skelroid ™, Fetch ™, Skelily ™, Skelema ™
Skeljes ™​
many Mini-Skels ™,    Armando ™ and Legsie ™​

Click on Cover to buy Kindle version on Amazon

​Skel's Holiday Adventure Kindle Edition
by Matthew Fugazzie (Author), 
John Fugazzie (Author)

Book 2 February
Skels get Hearts

Book 3 March

Book 4 Apr

Book 5 May

Book 6 June

Books 6,7,8,9,10,11,12
to be announced

Happy Birthday you old bag of bones

198 Purchased mini-skels gave away 147 and 51 in inventory

12 Pcs Mini Skeleton Figurines, Small Tiny Skeletons

Buy Lindt LINDOR on Amazon

Skeletons Aren’t Just for Halloween--
The Skel Crew Celebrates Every Season

2 Pack Hand Bath Towel,Rock and Roll Skeleton Fingertip Towel Bathtub Decorative Bath Towel Bathroom Kitchen Towel Set Highly Absorbent SPA Gym Towels 14x28 Inch

See 3 ft Skel video
​
Buy on Amazon 

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Skelroid 8 ft skeleton

Skel Club Merchandise
​on Amazon

buy "Fetch Bones" on Amazon

Click on image to buy 3' Skel

Books about Skeletons on Amazon

Latest addition to the familiy
​click image to buy on  Amazon 

Disney 1929

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click Skel to buy on Amazon Dept 56

Ground hog day Feb 2

Will Skel see
​his shadow

​
​2026 Winter Olympics in Italy - Feb 6 - Feb 22

 
​Superbowl  Feb. 8

Valentines Day
​Sat Feb 14

Yankees vs Baltimore first spring training game Feb 20 2026    1:05 PM

St Patrick's Day March 17

​Opening Day for Yankees March 25 in SF

April Fools Day Apr 1

Easter April 5

Memorial Day Mon May 26th

​
​FIFA World Cup 2026 June 11 in Mexico ​ending July 19th in Meadowlands

4th of July 

Labor Day

Veterans Day

October 20th Mickey Mantle's and my Birthdate

National Chocolate Day Oct. 28th

Halloween 2026  Saturday Oct 31st  Skel's 3rd Birthday

Dia de Muertos - Nov 1 and 2   Day of the Dead 

Thanksgiving

Christmas

New Years

​Buy All kinds of skeletons and club merchandise on Amazon
​

Click on T-shirt
and buy

Buy T-Shirts

Ordered on Sept. 24, 2022

Radiology Department X-Ray Tech T Shirt, Skeleton Squad

Buy Hats on Amazon                                       16 inch Skels buy here

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Differences between a female and male skeleton:

​​

• Brow Ridge: ​Typically more pronounced in males.
• Ribcage:  Males often have a larger, wider ribcage.
• Pelvis:  Females have a wider, more rounded pelvis for childbirth.
• Coccyx:  Females generally have a shorter, less curved coccyx.

Skel was purchased on Amazon 
You can have your own Skel !​

WODMAZ 5 Packs Halloween Skeletons, 16" Halloween Full Body Skeleton with Posable Joints

Chillleton Click on image to buy on Amazon "Chilleton" 5'6"

---

Introducing our new member "Skelroid" 7.9 ft tall click to buy on Amazon

Christmas 2025

Skelmas

12-13-25

3 Ft Christmas Skeleton Decoration Accessories,3 Pcs Outfit

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50Pcs Mini Knit Hat Mini Christmas Scarf Set, Xmas Santa Hats

12-14-25 click on photo to buy 7.9 Skeleton on Amazon

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2024

Skel was responsible for the 2024 drones that were sighted

Skels Loves the ​Holidays!
​
"Skel was sad on Halloween night,
He wanted more fun, more joy, more light!
Christmas came with bells that ring,
Valentine’s hearts made his bones sing!
Easter eggs in his ribs he’d hide,
Fourth of July—he marched with pride!
Now Skel knows what holidays do,
They bring love and laughter to me and you!"
​

Mini Skels  having fun and getting around the town

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Yankee Skels bringing good luck to the Yankees vs Boston

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click on image to buy on Amazon Skelroid 8ft

Buy on Amazon

Click on image to buy on Amazon 16"

Buy Skeletons on Amazon

Click on image to buy on Amazon 3ft

Click on image to buy on Amazon "Fetch"

Click on image to buy on Amazon 5.6' "Chilleton"

​Skelvis had a horrible fall from the balcony to the street below  8/11/25

Large Skeletons

36" Skeletons

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click on image to buy 24" Skeleton on Amazon

6 Pcs Skull Stainless Steel Refrigerator Magnets

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Skelily 2 ft Skeleton

AI created Skels

Skel’s Perspective on Death

“To me, death isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning of a new kind of adventure! Sure, I don’t have skin or muscles anymore, but that just means I never get tired or cold. I can dance all night, play with my skeleton dog, and even join in on holidays I never got to enjoy before. People think skeletons are scary, but I’m here to show them that life after life can be full of fun, friendship, and a little bit of mischief!”
​

​Season 42, 2016

Watching NY Giants games has been killing Skel over past two years

Skel wants to add Christmas to his celebrations...wants to replace Elf on the Shelf 

🌟 

The Church and Skeletons 

Christian tradition, especially within Catholic and some Protestant branches, regards skeletons and skull imagery through a symbolic lens rather than as literal objects of veneration.

​Here's an overview of how the Church views such imagery:

⚰️ 1. Memento Mori – “Remember You Must Die”

• Skeletons and skulls serve as reminders of human mortality. The Latin phrase memento mori encourages reflection on life's brevity and one’s spiritual readiness. [catholic.com], [outofthebo…arning.org]
• These images frequently appear in church décor—on memorial plaques, tombs, and frescoes—to prompt us toward moral living and preparation for the afterlife. [outofthebo…arning.org]

🕊️ 2. Biblical Symbolism of Bones and Skulls

• Passages like Golgotha (“place of the skull,” where Christ was crucified) evoke themes of death and redemption. [divinenarratives.org]
• Ezekiel’s vision of the Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37) uses bone imagery to signify resurrection and spiritual renewal. [divinenarratives.org]

🎨 3. Spiritual Reminders in Christian Art

• In paintings and sculptures, skulls symbolize penance, detachment from worldly goods, and contemplation of mortality—seen in Vanitas still lifes or holding at Saint Jerome’s desk. [divinenarratives.org], [catholic.com]
• In medieval and early modern churches across Europe, skeleton murals and ossuary decorations (e.g., Hourglass-bearing skeletons) were used to instruct on life’s fragility and the urgency of spiritual vigilance. [outofthebo…arning.org]

🏛️ 4. Ossuaries & Decorated Skeletons

• Some churches feature actual human bones arranged symbolically—most notably the Sedlec Ossuary (Czech Republic). [divinenarratives.org], [alamy.com]
• Between the 16th–18th centuries, Catholic churches even adorned the remains of martyrs with jewels, transforming them into relics venerated as witnesses to faith. [alamy.com], [reddit.com]

✅ Summing It Up

• Symbolic Intent: Skeletons remind believers of mortality (memento mori), calling them to repentance, moral focus, and preparation for eternal life.
• Not Worship: These reminders are meant for contemplation, not reverence or idolization.
• Focus on Resurrection: Crucially, the imagery also affirms the Christian promise of life after death—transforming death from a terminus to a spiritual passage.

Here are several notable examples of churches and artworks featuring skeleton‑related imagery, spanning Christian tradition and memento mori symbolism:

🕍 Sedlec Ossuary (Church of Bones), Czech Republic

• Located beneath the Cemetery Church of All Saints in Kutná Hora, this chapel houses the remains of an estimated 40,000–70,000 people, artistically arranged into chandeliers, garlands, and even a heraldic coat of arms—all crafted from real human bones. [en.wikipedia.org], [delveintoeurope.com]

🦴 Capuchin Crypt, Rome

• Beneath Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, this underground ossuary contains the bones of over 3,700 Capuchin friars. Bones and skulls form chandeliers, arches, and symbolic patterns meant to remind visitors of the impermanence of life. [en.wikipedia.org], [througheternity.com]

🎨 Danse Macabre Frescoes (Dance of Death)

• Medieval church murals across Europe, such as the 1474 fresco in St. Mary of the Rocks, Beram (Croatia), and the 1490 mural in Holy Trinity Church, Hrastovlje (Slovenia), depict skeletons leading people from all social ranks—popes to peasants—in a moralistic "dance toward the grave". [en.wikipedia.org], [worldhistory.org], [atlasobscura.com]

🖋️ Paintings of Saint Jerome with Skull

• Renowned Christian artworks often depict Saint Jerome in contemplation with a skull on his desk—such as Albrecht Dürer's engraving Saint Jerome in His Study and Joos van Cleve’s 1528 painting Saint Jerome in His Study. The skull symbolizes mortality and spiritual reflection (memento mori). [brooklynmuseum.org], [artmuseum….nceton.edu], [catholiccompany.com]

Why Skeleton Imagery Matters

• Memento Mori: Both ossuaries and artworks serve as stark reminders of death’s inevitability, urging viewers toward repentance and spiritual reflection.
• Democratizing Death: Danse Macabre art emphasizes that death spares no social class, encouraging humility.
• Symbols of Resurrection: In ossuaries like Sedlec and the Capuchin Crypt, bone arrangements—especially near altars and crypts—underscore themes of resurrection and eternal life.

Here are visual examples of the two most iconic Danse Macabre frescoes:

1. Holy Trinity Church, Hrastovlje (Slovenia)

• Wikimedia Commons showcases a public-domain photograph of the 1490 fresco painted by Janez (John) of Kastav:
  Danse Macabre fresco – Hrastovlje
  [commons.wi…imedia.org]
• Atlas Obscura provides a striking close-up view:
  Close-up – Atlas Obscura [atlasobscura.com]

2. St. Mary’s Church (Sanctuary of St. Mary of the Rocks), Beram (Croatia)

• World History Encyclopedia features a high-resolution version of Vincent of Kastav’s 1474 fresco:
  Danse Macabre – Beram
  [worldhistory.org]
• Wikimedia Commons offers a free-licensed image:
  Beram, Church Maria in Rock – Dance of Death [commons.wi…imedia.org]

You can click each link to view the full-size images.