Texas Guinan

Mary Louise Cecilia "Texas" Guinan (January 12, 1884 – November 5, 1933), American actress, producer, and entrepreneur, original, vintage double-weight photograph. Guinan opened the infamous New York City speakeasy, 300 Club, in 1920, an establishment that quickly earned a reputation or its troupe of forty scantily-clad fan dancers and for Guinan's distinctive aplomb, which made her a celebrity. A frequent focus of law enforcement, Guinan was Arrested several times for serving alcohol and providing entertainment, always claiming the patrons brought their own liquor and maintaining that she had never sold an alcoholic drink in her life.

This photograph hails from one such incident of arrest, as identified through various clippings on verso: "Hey! Hey! A Million Dollar Ride - 'I wouldn't take a million for this experience,' said Texas Guinan after arrest in 300 Club raid. She's shown boarding the wagon, followed by Tommy Guinan, at West 47th st. station. 'Here's hoping this bus has springs,' said Texas."

Measuring approximately 8 x 10.5, this photograph exhibits the expected age wear, surface marks, bends, small press notations and edits.