Bootlegging, moonshine, and bathtub gin

Old Jail Museum Director Andrea Evangelist will be the speaker at History at Night at the Wayne County Old Jail Museum on March 16 at 7 p.m. The lecture is titled, 'Bootlegging, Moonshine, and Bathtub Gin.'

In 1920, the national policy of Prohibition began in the United States. The mission of the backers of the 18th amendment was to change United States citizens into teetotalers and put an end to all evils associated with drinking. On some levels Prohibition worked. The consumption of beverage alcohol did decline dramatically under prohibition.

However, some argue that outlawing alcohol was not a totally positive move, and it created a black market that gave birth to organized crime, and encouraged previously law-abiding citizens to break the noble law.

One thing is certain. Before Prohibition was repealed in 1933, a lot of people made a lot of money making, smuggling, and supplying alcohol to the Americans who disregarded the law that they viewed to be foolish.

Some of those people lived in Wayne County.

Under cover of darkness, ships from Canada, carrying ale that would be sold in the United States, docked in Pultneyville and at points east of Sodus Point. There the illegal hooch was loaded for shipment and the deliveries began. Evangelist will share Wayne County residents' memories of those times.

The public is invited to attend this free event, but reservations are required as seating space is limited. Zappia Vending Service Inc. and the Wayne County Historical Society will provide refreshments.

To make reservations call 946.4943, Monday-Friday, from 10 to 4. The Old Jail Museum is located at 21 Butternut Street, Lyons.

top of page

Copyright © 2004
Courier-Gazette, 613 S. Main St. Newark, N.Y. 14513 - 315-331-1000
All Rights Reserved