Was this Rockville Centre home a speakeasy?
The basement of 40 Hollywood Ct. in Rockville Centre. The bar, made of red oak, is an original fixture of the home and was used to serve patrons during prohibition, or so the story goes. (March 16, 2012) Credit: Albert Orlando
A piece of the Roaring ’20s has been preserved in an expanded Craftsman-style bungalow in Rockville Centre now on the market for $815,000.
Built in 1928, it features a large, Tudor-style basement complete with high ceilings, exposed beams, stained-glass windows, a wood-burning fireplace (one of three in the house) and a red oak bar.
Local lore has it that the bar was a speakeasy during Prohibition. The owners now use part of the basement as a family room.
The house was once home to restaurateur and night club owner “Big” Bill Duffy, who also managed prize fighters — including 1933 world heavyweight champion Primo Carnera.
The house has four bedrooms (with the master bedroom on the first floor), three full baths, a formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen and a small library with built-in bookshelves opening into the living room. There are two porches, one in the front and the other on the side of the home, just off the dining room.
The house has a red Spanish tile roof and a detached, two-car garage.
The listing agent is Anne Hampel at Harms Real Estate.
Photo: The family room with the red oak bar where patrons were served during Prohibition, or so the story goes. (March 16, 2012)
