1920's New York City History

Usually, I write historical romance novels based upon the lives of heroic women and events in history. Originally, I intended this book to be based upon the true Broadway Butterfly Murders that took place in New York City in 1923-24. 

Dorothy King and Louise Lawson were two not-so-famous actresses who were drawn away from their Broadway careers by a few wealthy businessmen who showered them with furs and diamonds. They were both killed separately a year apart, and their murders remain unsolved to this day. Back then, the newspaper headlines had read, “Who Killed the Broadway Butterflies?” 

Yet, as I continued writing and researching the era, I had so much fun learning about the way of life on Broadway during the Roaring Twenties before the depression, and the slang expressions of the time, that my story ended up more lighthearted than I had expected, so it merely includes some fictionalized tidbits addressing the murders. 

During my research, I happened upon a couple of great videos that I wanted to share with you. The first one is a live video of Coney Island in the 1920s. What a hoot!  The rides were none too safe back then! The second video is Judy Garland singing her 1959 rendition of April Showers, which was one of the most popular songs in 1923. And the last video is a taste of the jazz era that rocked and altered the music world forever in so many ways.

Canned Thrills at Coney Island in the 1920s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wz5vZmU8Dc&t=47s

Judy Garland sings “April Showers” finale from “GE Theatre” 1956

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsfXi5BKkNo

Original Memphis Five - Tin Roof Blues 1923

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43S1Yk5PMoU

Thank you again for your time and interest!