Life — July 12, 1923 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Farewell to Delmonico's" (1923) This is a farewell poem to **Delmonico's**, a famous New York restaurant destroyed by fire on June 19, 1923. The subtitle states: "(Destroyed by Fanatics, June 19, 1923)"—referring to Prohibition enforcement agents who raided speakeasies. The poem, by Arthur Guiterman, nostalgically recalls Delmonico's as a place of elegance and sociability. It mourns the loss of fine dining, oysters, wine from "underground cells" (illegal liquor), and the restaurant's courteous service. The illustration shows well-dressed diners enjoying a final meal. The celebratory cherub border and satirical tone suggest the author views Prohibition—which criminalized alcohol and forced closures of establishments like this—as an affront to civilization and pleasure. The reference to "Fanatics" criticizes zealous Prohibition enforcers.