The Fez, the Double Shutout, Béla Bartók and The Shriner Cocktail

On this day in 1872, the first Shriners Temple opens in New York City.  Beginning with a group of Masons who met frequently for lunch at the Knickerbocker Cottage in New York City, the Shriners were organized around the idea of fun and fellowship first.  Although not affiliated with any religion, they chose the red fez as a symbol of their fellowship but are probably most noted for their presence in parades and their network of 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children.

  

The Historical Inebriant: The Shriner Cocktail

http://www.esquire.com/drinks/aviation-drink-recipe

Ingredients:

1 ounce sloe gin
1 ounce brandy
2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
2 dashes sugar syrup
Twist lemon peel

Combine all ingredients, except the peel, in a mixing glass with ice and stir well. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel.

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On this day in 1908, Ed Reulbach of the Chicago Cubs pitches a shutout in the first game of a doubleheader against the Brooklyn Dodgers. He would do the exact same thing in the second game to become the first and only pitcher to throw two shutouts in one day.

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On this day in 1945, the Hungarian composer Béla Bartók, passes away from leukemia at age 64 in a hospital in New York City.