In a simpler time, men and women dressed to the nines and danced their Saturday nights away at clubs like The Trocadero. Located on a strip of land near Henderson, Kentucky, "The Troc" nightclub featured a ballroom, bar and a restaurant on the first floor that served only couples and enforced a strict dress code. I remember the light in my grandmother's eyes when she would pull one of those exquisite ball gowns from an equally exquisite gold padded, zippered garment bag, and hold it out for me to see, as she recounted her memories from a different time.
A time when men wore tuxedos and women wore glittering gowns of gold and silver as couples danced to big band music and sipped cocktails with names like Old Fashioned, Cuba Libre (Interesting name given the year) and Side Car.
During regular operations at The Troc, couples saw no cover charge at the door, but they were required to spend a minimum of $2, roughly equivalent to $40 in today's money. Â Beer cost 25 cents and cocktails cost 35 cents. The club also featured touring jazz and big band musicians, drawing in Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway in its heyday.
Lastly, a large, yet illegal casino operated out of the second floor with numerous slot machines and gaming tables. While neither of my grandparents told me about the second floor of The Troc, I have no doubt they frequented that particular level of the club. My grandparents were skilled gamblers, and lucky to boot, which usually makes for a winning combination. Looking back on it, I should have put two and two together after my grandparents took me to Vegas for my 21st birthday and said it reminded them of The Trocadero. I just thought they were having a senior moment.
I wish I still had one of those ball gowns my grandmother used to show me, but alas, her dresses, like The Trocadero, are only memories. Admittedly, this is one stroll down memory lane I would have liked to have experienced first hand. Did you see the prices on the menu? Not only were the prices amazing, the cocktail menu provided a recipe for each drink...
Unfortunately, The Troc would eventually be shut down by officials, leaving my grandparents forever in search of a Saturday evening destination where they could dance their cares away. If I had a time machine, what year would I need to go back to, to experience this little slice of history?