Stories, quotes and anecdotes from Appalachia. 1880s-1950s era.

Category: Bootlegging/bootleggers

They called two dollar whiskey ‘long life’ and one dollar whiskey ‘early grave’

During the 1920’s & early 1930’s, so many arrests and convictions were made by dry agents that the Allegany County Jail couldn’t hold them all.

We’re hiding in the brush; the deputy & Giles are stretched out in front of the still sipping free whiskey, acting like they’re in hog heaven.

Did Chicago mobster Al Capone ever set foot in Johnson City? During the 20s the town was nicknamed Little Chicago. Crime ties to the north?

Bartholomew Himmler established Cumberland MD’s first beer brewery ca. 1852. By the time the WPA produced its guide, ‘Cumberland beer’ was 88.

New Straitsville was considered the Bootleg Capital of Ohio during the Depression. Its enterprising ex-coalminers concealed dozens of stills.

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