Discover the Rich History of Our Historic Building
Explore the fascinating past of the building that houses Speakeasy Coffeehouse, a cornerstone of Quitman, TX.
A Journey Through Time
Step Inside Our Story
Join us as we delve into the storied history of our beloved building.
Our Building's Legacy
Nestled in the heart of Quitman, TX, our building has stood the test of time since its construction in the 1800s and has been a silent witness to the town’s evolution. From a bustling dry goods store to brothel to funeral parlor, each chapter of the building’s history adds to its unique charm. Notable events include hosting town meetings during the Prohibition era and serving as a community hub during the Great Depression. Today, it stands as a testament to resilience and community spirit.
The high ceilings, old world details, and vintage fixtures transport visitors back in time, offering a glimpse into the past. Over the years, it has been a venue for countless stories, from whispered secrets of the Prohibition era to the joyous celebrations of local milestones. As you sip your coffee, take a moment to appreciate the history that surrounds you, making each visit to Speakeasy Coffeehouse a journey through time.
Our Historical Timeline
Key moments that shaped the legacy of our building.
1800's
Construction Completed
The building was completed in the late 1800s and opened as a dry goods store downstairs, while the upstairs was a bit more scandalous with a saloon and brothel.
1922
Building Destroyed By Fire
The community, then a thriving oil center, quickly rebuilt on the same site, constructing a hotel with nine rooms and a shared bathroom. Given the era of Prohibition, it’s unsurprising that a speakeasy was hidden within the hotel, specifically in room number seven. During renovations, whiskey bottles were discovered, tucked away in the baseboards of the room and the men’s bathroom. Local legend has it that the infamous Bonnie and Clyde even visited the speakeasy during their notorious crime spree.
1940's to 1950's
Funeral Home
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the upstairs space was used by Cain’s Funeral Home. We purchased the building with remnants of this period, including old burial policies, casket displays, and the coffin dollies that had once been used to transport caskets upstairs. These dollies now serve as unique lighting fixtures above our stairway. During this time, funeral homes operated differently than today. They primarily sold burial items and prepared bodies, while viewings and services were typically held in homes or churches.
1950's to 1960's
The Tattler Gossip Paper
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, a local writer named Johnny “Frank” Smart established a small office in the northeast corner of the second floor. Frank published a gossip paper, The Tattler, which reportedly outsold the local newspaper, The Wood County Democrat. While there’s limited documentation about Frank or his paper, local lore suggests that the spirit of the speakeasy and his office space may have had a significant influence on him.
Discover the Charm of History
Step into Speakeasy Coffeehouse and immerse yourself in the rich history of our unique location. Enjoy a cup of our finest brew while exploring the stories that make our building a true gem of Quitman, TX.
