Name that Flyover City! — June 16, 2022
Here’s a review of this week’s questions:
- What midwestern city had a city ordinance that made dancing between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. illegal?
- What southern city is home to the Byrd Theatre, which has operated continuously as a “grand movie palace” since 1928?
- What midwestern city is home to the corporate headquarters of the Steak N Shake restaurant chain?
And here are the answers:
- Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines’ “antiquated ordinance,” overturned in 2009, was rarely acknowledged or understood, let alone violated by citizens of Iowa’s capital city prior to its demise. Few even were aware of the ban, enacted in 1942, until members of the non-profit Des Moines Social Club sought to hold an after-hours dance at their downtown building. After the city council lifted the ban, everyone was free to shake their groove-things well into the late night, despite the fact that many dance club owners believe most Iowans are likely to prefer sleep over late-night dancing anyway.
- Richmond, Virginia. Recognized as both a state and national historic landmark, the 1,200-seat Byrd Theatre is named after William Byrd, one of the founders of Richmond, and is one of the nation’s finest cinema treasures. For over 90 years, the theater, and its famous Wurlitzer organ, have delighted visitors with regular showings of Hollywood classics and current popular movies, as well as tours, private parties and even occasional film festivals.
- Indianapolis, Indiana. Steak N Shake was founded in 1934 in Illinois, but its current corporate office location is Indianapolis. The word “Steak” in the restaurant’s name may throw people who are not familiar with the signature “Steakburger,” a hamburger that was originally made from a mixture that included T-bone, sirloin, and round steaks. The menu keeps it simple, offering burgers, chili, and milkshakes. In 2008, the company was acquired by Indianapolis-based Biglari Holdings. It currently has over 550 locations nationwide and employs over 20,000 people.