File:Meadows Bldg Basement Tunnel.jpg

Summary

The tunnel under the Meadows Building is a source of interesting speculation. Could it have housed a gambling room or prohibition era speakeasy? The tunnel led from this building to the one next door. Could it have provided as escape route up onto W. Potomac if it were one or the other? It's also possible the reason for its existence was innocent. Dr. Meadows owned both buildings at one time.

Here are some comments:

Stanley Lamm Could of been part of the underground railroad for slaves?

Michele R. Payton Mom said it might have been from during the war when men still wanted to gamble but they had blackouts and they had to be in basements?

Patricia Nichols I was raised on that corner, my parents owned My Sisters Place at one time, and I can remember bets being taken for the horse races in Charles Town, WV.

Gene Fauble I remember that area. Fritz Powers used it for storage for the bar and restaurant back in the early 80s.

Taffie Wilson My grandfather was Fritz Powers. My mom shared with me that she doesn't recall the gambling, only the pool table. She was told by her father that the steps leading to W. Potomac Street were used to bring in supplies at one time.

(Photo courtesy of Mayor Nathan Brown)