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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

The prohibition is a period in the United State’s history when the consumption and production of liquor were banned. Prohibition was ratified with the 18th Amendment in January 1920. However, the prohibition was difficult to impose, and results were not satisfying, so Congress proposed the 21st Amendment to the Constitution that would repeal the 18th Amendment on December 5, 1933, which ended the prohibition.

The prohibition started as a religious movement, such as the abolitionist movement to end slavery, in the early decades of the 19th century. In 1838, Massachusetts passed a temperance law to impose a ban on the sale of spirits in less than 15-gallon quantities, though the ban was lifted two years later. However, it set the path for such legislation. The State of Maine passed the first prohibition law in 1846, followed by a stricter was in 1851. When the Civil War Broke out, several other states imposed similar laws.  After the civil war ended, the movement gained rapid support in the late 19th century from social reformers who saw alcohol consumption as a destructive force in families and marriages. Others associated alcohol with urban immigrant ghettos, a primary cause of crimes, and political corruption.

At the start of the 20th century, a new wave of attacks started on the sale of liquor led by the Anti-Saloon League (established in 1893). Some factory owners also supported the prohibition to increase the efficiency of their workers in an era of increased industrial production and extended working hours. When the United States entered into the First World War in 1917, President Woodrow Wilson imposed a temporary wartime prohibition to save grains for food production. Congress submitted the 18th Amendment which outlawed the production, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors began on 17 January 1920. The act defined ‘intoxicating liquor’ as anything that contained one half of one percent alcohol by volume, the medical or industrial use of the was exempted. Both the local and federal government tried to enforce prohibition across the country. The task was initially assigned to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and later transferred to the Prohibition Unit (federal Bureau of Prohibition). The bureau numbered around 3,000 agents and they can take help from local police. Several other steps were taken to prevent the smuggling from the Canadian and Mexican borders.

Despite very early signs of success, such as the number of deaths decreased due to Cirrhosis, the enforcement was very difficult. The illegal production and sale of liquor (bootlegging) started to meet the demands. Before the prohibition, been bars and saloons, served large quantities of. After the prohibition, there were illegal drinking dens known as “speakeasies” or “blind pigs” which by the end of the decade were numbered at an estimated 200,000. The era also encouraged the rise of criminal activity associated with bootlegging.  The most notorious example was the Chicago gangster Al Capone, who earned $60 million annually from bootleg operations and speakeasies. The price of bootleg liquor was doubled which only restricted the poor and some working-class people. Prohibition almost destroyed the brewing industry, causing a huge loss in jobs. It also resulted in a loss of $11bn in tax revenues, and cost $300m to enforce. An estimated 10,000 people died of alcohol poisoning during prohibition from bootleg whiskey, tainted gins and a federal government program that added poison to alcohol to frighten folks from imbibing (according to The Poisoner’s Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York).

When Franklin D. Roosevelt ran for president in 1932, he demanded to revoke the prohibition and easily won the victory over the incumbent President Herbert Hoover. Eventually, in February 1933, Congress passed the 21st Amendment which repealed the 18th Amendment. Though a few states continued to prohibit alcohol after Prohibition’s end, Mississippi was the last until 1966.

Have a look at these historical photos that perfectly depict the prohibition era.

#1 Mother Stewart Protesting against the liquor.The picture shows a group of women committing to rather extreme measures in support of the temperance movement.

Mother Stewart Protesting against the liquor.The picture shows a group of women committing to rather extreme measures in support of the temperance movement.

The temperance movement was an effort in the 1910's in the United States to reduce alcohol consumption. It actually led to Prohibition.This image is taken from book entitled "Memories of the Crusade: A Thrilling Account of the Great Uprising of the Women of Ohio in 1873, Against the Liquor Crime" The reason why the women are holding this sign for this picture is because they did not want a man that would drink because in most cases the women and children would be beaten, and the men would spend all of their money on the alcohol. This is a terrible issue of the time and it needed to be fixed, so women got together and protested and made sure that men knew their stance on the subject of alcohol.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#2 “The lips that touch liquor shall never touch mine.” is a line from a poem.

“The lips that touch liquor shall never touch mine.” is a line from a poem.

This mantra published in newspaper articles, magazines and books; depicted on placards, signs, and needle point; and repeated in poems and songs. “Lips that touch liquor…” has reached iconic stature and as such has attracted more than its share of parodies.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#3 Three men having a liquor party before the prohibition day.

Three men having a liquor party before the prohibition day.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#4 A family drinking a day before prohibition.

A family drinking a day before prohibition.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#5 The day before prohibition, a man dirnking bottles.

The day before prohibition, a man dirnking bottles.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#6 New York City Deputy Police Commissioner John A. Leach (right) watches as agents pour liquor into a sewer following a raid during the height of Prohibition.

New York City Deputy Police Commissioner John A. Leach (right) watches as agents pour liquor into a sewer following a raid during the height of Prohibition.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#7 Stop when you see this sign! The Bureau of Prohibition adopted a special insignia plate for use by prohibition agents in stopping suspected automobiles.

Stop when you see this sign! The Bureau of Prohibition adopted a special insignia plate for use by prohibition agents in stopping suspected automobiles.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#8 Women and the ballot box: Women’s Organization for National Prohibition Reform.

Women and the ballot box: Women's Organization for National Prohibition Reform.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#9 Policeman stands alongside a wrecked car and several cases of moonshine.

Policeman stands alongside a wrecked car and several cases of moonshine.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#10 After a thrilling chase through the busiest streets of Washington, a couple of bootleggers and their car are apprehended by the Capitol police

After a thrilling chase through the busiest streets of Washington, a couple of bootleggers and their car are apprehended by the Capitol police

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#11 Detroit police inspecting equipment found in a clandestine underground brewery during the prohibition era

Detroit police inspecting equipment found in a clandestine underground brewery during the prohibition era

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#12 Prohibition agents dump liquor out of a raided building, 1929.

Prohibition agents dump liquor out of a raided building, 1929.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#13 A tower built with barrels of alcohol, which will be destroyed later. 1929.

A tower built with barrels of alcohol, which will be destroyed later. 1929.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#14 An FBI Officer breaks a confiscated barrel of beer. 1924.

An FBI Officer breaks a confiscated barrel of beer. 1924.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#15 Barrels of beer emptied into the sewer by authorities during prohibition.

Barrels of beer emptied into the sewer by authorities during prohibition.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#16 Emptying more than a hundred kegs of beer seized in a raid.

Emptying more than a hundred kegs of beer seized in a raid.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#17 A brewery in Washington, DC, switches from brewing beer to making ice cream during Prohibition. Workers roll the giant beer vats out to make room for ice cream production equipment.

A brewery in Washington, DC, switches from brewing beer to making ice cream during Prohibition. Workers roll the giant beer vats out to make room for ice cream production equipment.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#18 Police dumping beer from barrels into sand at Atlantic City.

Police dumping beer from barrels into sand at Atlantic City.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#19 Prohibition agents destroy unlawful liquor seized in Hoboken.

Prohibition agents destroy unlawful liquor seized in Hoboken.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#20 Two carloads of beer poured into the Hudson River.

Two carloads of beer poured into the Hudson River.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#21 At an army base in Brooklyn, men drain 10,000 barrels of beer into New York Harbor.

At an army base in Brooklyn, men drain 10,000 barrels of beer into New York Harbor.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#22 Two men pour alcohol down a drain during prohibition in the United States, c. 1920.

Two men pour alcohol down a drain during prohibition in the United States, c. 1920.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#23 Prohibition-era policemen Moe Smith (on the left in top picture, on the right on the bottom picture) and Izzy Einstein (on the right in the top picture, on the left in the bottom picture). The pair would use disguises to infiltrate speakeasies.

Prohibition-era policemen Moe Smith (on the left in top picture, on the right on the bottom picture) and Izzy Einstein (on the right in the top picture, on the left in the bottom picture). The pair would use disguises to infiltrate speakeasies.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#24 Police mug shot of Chicago mobster Al Capone, one of the leading gangsters of the prohibition era.

Police mug shot of Chicago mobster Al Capone, one of the leading gangsters of the prohibition era.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#25 A potential customer examines an advertisement for an illegal drinking den or speakeasy during US prohibition in the 1920s.

A potential customer examines an advertisement for an illegal drinking den or speakeasy during US prohibition in the 1920s.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#26 Beer barrels are destroyed by prohibition agents in an unknown location. Picture date: Jan. 16, 1920.

Beer barrels are destroyed by prohibition agents in an unknown location. Picture date: Jan. 16, 1920.

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#27 Authorities unload cases of whiskey crates labeled as green tomatoes from a refrigerator car in the Washington yards on May 15, 1929.

Authorities unload cases of whiskey crates labeled as green tomatoes from a refrigerator car in the Washington yards on May 15, 1929.

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#28 Large quantities of Canadian beer and whisky are being transported in cars from Amherstburg, Ont., Canada, across the frozen lower Detroit River, to the Michigan side of the international boundary line, Feb. 14, 1930.

Large quantities of Canadian beer and whisky are being transported in cars from Amherstburg, Ont., Canada, across the frozen lower Detroit River, to the Michigan side of the international boundary line, Feb. 14, 1930.

The cars are driven with one door open, so if the car goes through the ice the driver can scramble free.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#29 The largest distillery ever uncovered in Detroit was raided and prohibition officers are seen inspecting tanks and vats in one part of the plant, on Jan. 5, 1931. Each of these vats have a capacity of 15,000 gallons and there were thirteen on this floor alone.

The largest distillery ever uncovered in Detroit was raided and prohibition officers are seen inspecting tanks and vats in one part of the plant, on Jan. 5, 1931. Each of these vats have a capacity of 15,000 gallons and there were thirteen on this floor alone.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#30 Coast guardsmen stand in front of two truck loads of liquor that were seized after a midnight battle between three Falmouth policemen and a score of alcohol smugglers in the woods near Falmouth, Ma., April 14, 1931. One policeman was injured and all the rum runners escaped.

Coast guardsmen stand in front of two truck loads of liquor that were seized after a midnight battle between three Falmouth policemen and a score of alcohol smugglers in the woods near Falmouth, Ma., April 14, 1931. One policeman was injured and all the rum runners escaped.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#31 Large beer vats are seized by prohibition agents on West 25th Street in New York City, July 22, 1931.

Large beer vats are seized by prohibition agents on West 25th Street in New York City, July 22, 1931.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#32 Prohibition agents uncover about $300,000 worth of liquor concealed in a pile of coal when they boarded the coal steamer Maurice Tracy in New York harbor on April 8, 1932.

Prohibition agents uncover about $300,000 worth of liquor concealed in a pile of coal when they boarded the coal steamer Maurice Tracy in New York harbor on April 8, 1932.

The inspectors shovelled coal for about an hour before they discovered the 3,000 bags of bottled beverages.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#33 Coast guardsmen stand on a speed boat packed with nearly 700 cases of liquor they captured as it was unloaded at Newburyport, Mass., on the morning of May 6, 1932.

Coast guardsmen stand on a speed boat packed with nearly 700 cases of liquor they captured as it was unloaded at Newburyport, Mass., on the morning of May 6, 1932.

They pursued the craft from outside the harbor into the Merrimack River. The crew fled as the government boat approached.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#34 Prohibition-era prescription for whiskey

Prohibition-era prescription for whiskey

American doctors earned $40 million for whiskey prescriptions during the prohibition. Predictably, thousands of people across the country became very sick in no time. Some of them were actually ill, but most were feigning illness in order to get a prescription for booze. Alcohol was used for the treatment of various conditions and ailments, including tuberculosis, headaches, toothache, high blood pressure, or anemia. To buy spirits from the pharmacy, one had to pay $3 for each prescription, the equivalent of $40 today.

A limit was established on the number of prescriptions per head, so a single patient could only get one prescription per week, paying three dollars for a pint of whiskey, gin or brandy. It is estimated that doctors across the United States earned approximately $40 million during the 13 years of the prohibition period.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#35 Police officers look over distilling equipment and guns confiscated during a Prohibition raid, Chicago, ca.1920s.

Police officers look over distilling equipment and guns confiscated during a Prohibition raid, Chicago, ca.1920s.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#36 Alcohol seized by police is dumped into sewage drains in New York.

Alcohol seized by police is dumped into sewage drains in New York.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#37 Casks of booze go straight down the drain as Prohibition takes effect.

Casks of booze go straight down the drain as Prohibition takes effect.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#38 Gallons and gallons of wine pour into the street at this winery near Los Angeles.

Gallons and gallons of wine pour into the street at this winery near Los Angeles.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#39 Booze smugglers employed all manner of tricks to avoid the law. In this image police officers have just uncovered one.

Booze smugglers employed all manner of tricks to avoid the law. In this image police officers have just uncovered one.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#40 During Prohibition, Americans hid their bottles of alcohol in creative ways.

During Prohibition, Americans hid their bottles of alcohol in creative ways.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#41 These rural moonshiners set up their operation far out in the woods to avoid detection by Johnny Law.

These rural moonshiners set up their operation far out in the woods to avoid detection by Johnny Law.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#42 Officers in Cambridge, Massachusetts pour confiscated liquor into the sewer.

Officers in Cambridge, Massachusetts pour confiscated liquor into the sewer.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#43 Customs agents confiscate a large amount of alcohol from a bootlegger’s boat.

Customs agents confiscate a large amount of alcohol from a bootlegger's boat.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#44 Officers break up an illegal distillery in King County, Washington.

Officers break up an illegal distillery in King County, Washington.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#45 Prohibition agents seize boxes of booze during a raid.

Prohibition agents seize boxes of booze during a raid.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#46 Huge black-and-white posters printed in bold type serve as notice that a Chicago business had been closed by the federal courts for violations of the Volstead Act.

Huge black-and-white posters printed in bold type serve as notice that a Chicago business had been closed by the federal courts for violations of the Volstead Act.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#47 A driver tries to ensure his safety with a banner on his vehicle that reads, “I’m not a Bootlegger. Don’t shoot, I’ll stop,” near the Mexico border in 1929.

A driver tries to ensure his safety with a banner on his vehicle that reads, "I'm not a Bootlegger. Don't shoot, I'll stop," near the Mexico border in 1929.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#48 Bottles of Scotch whisky smuggled in hollowed-out loaves of bread are confiscated by police on June 12, 1924.

Bottles of Scotch whisky smuggled in hollowed-out loaves of bread are confiscated by police on June 12, 1924.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#49 Children watch as a prohibitionist destroys a barrel of beer with an ax during the 1920s.

Children watch as a prohibitionist destroys a barrel of beer with an ax during the 1920s.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#50 Police officers raid a Long Island, New York, home to find $20,000 worth of booze on Jan. 26, 1930.

Police officers raid a Long Island, New York, home to find $20,000 worth of booze on Jan. 26, 1930.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#51 Superintendent Crowley Inspects a Speakeasy, 1930

Superintendent Crowley Inspects a Speakeasy, 1930

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#52 Aerial Photo of a Seized Rum Runner

Aerial Photo of a Seized Rum Runner

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#53 $175,000 in Liquor Seized by Coast Guard – Jan. 18, 1932

$175,000 in Liquor Seized by Coast Guard – Jan. 18, 1932

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#54 Captured Rum Runner Brought to the Appraiser’s Stores – c. 1917-1934

Captured Rum Runner Brought to the Appraiser’s Stores – c. 1917-1934

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#55 Officers Dismantle a Speakeasy After Raid, Boston

Officers Dismantle a Speakeasy After Raid, Boston

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#56 Boston Police Liquor Squad – 1928

Boston Police Liquor Squad – 1928

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#57 Casks Seized by Police, 1930

Casks Seized by Police, 1930

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#58 A woman demonstrates the use of a Prohibition era book that conceals a liquor flask, 1927.

A woman demonstrates the use of a Prohibition era book that conceals a liquor flask, 1927.

While police had been rounding up the many gangs of male rum runners and bootleggers—the men who smuggled or transported illegal liquor across the border, or even just from one place to another—they had reason to believe that there was another, even more clandestine source of the illegal liquor transport in the country. And these bootleggers would be much harder to track down and much more complicated to search: women. They were wives, sisters and mothers, after all. And no one, quite literally, wanted to touch them.

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#59 Woman wearing a floppy overcoat (left) which conceals two tins of booze strapped to her thighs (right). (Underwood & Underwood/Corbis)

Woman wearing a floppy overcoat (left) which conceals two tins of booze strapped to her thighs (right). (Underwood & Underwood/Corbis)

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#60 Estelle Zemon, left, and an unidentified woman model ways to conceal bottles of rum to get past customs officials during the U.S. alcohol prohibition, March 18, 1931.

Estelle Zemon, left, and an unidentified woman model ways to conceal bottles of rum to get past customs officials during the U.S. alcohol prohibition, March 18, 1931.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#61 A woman arrested in Minneapolis on April 10, 1924. Her crime was “dispensing wet goods” from her bootlegger’s life preserver.

A woman arrested in Minneapolis on April 10, 1924. Her crime was “dispensing wet goods” from her bootlegger’s life preserver.

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#62 Estelle Zemon shows the vest and pant-apron used to conceal bottles of alcohol to deceive border guards during the U.S. alcohol prohibition on March 18, 1931.

Estelle Zemon shows the vest and pant-apron used to conceal bottles of alcohol to deceive border guards during the U.S. alcohol prohibition on March 18, 1931.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#63 Woman putting flask in her Russian boot

Woman putting flask in her Russian boot

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#64 Latest thing in flasks. Mlle. Rhea, dainty dancer who is now in the city as part of the Keiths program inaugurates the garter flask fad in Washington D.C.

Latest thing in flasks. Mlle. Rhea, dainty dancer who is now in the city as part of the Keiths program inaugurates the garter flask fad in Washington D.C.

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#65 A flapper flouts the Volstead Act by carrying a whiskey flask in her garter, ca. 1920s.

A flapper flouts the Volstead Act by carrying a whiskey flask in her garter, ca. 1920s.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#66 Woman seated at a soda fountain table pours alcohol into her cup from a cane. Note the large Coca-Cola advertisement on the wall, 2/13/1922.

Woman seated at a soda fountain table pours alcohol into her cup from a cane. Note the large Coca-Cola advertisement on the wall, 2/13/1922.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#67 A woman using a dummy book, bearing the title ‘The Four Swallows,’ as a hiding place for liquor during Prohibition, 1920s.

A woman using a dummy book, bearing the title 'The Four Swallows,' as a hiding place for liquor during Prohibition, 1920s.

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#68 Woman shows off her new initialed garter flask, which had become the latest rage in 1926.

Woman shows off her new initialed garter flask, which had become the latest rage in 1926.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#69 Speakeasie at the Hunt Club in the theatrical district.

Speakeasie at the Hunt Club in the theatrical district.

These speakeasies were bars that illegally sold booze to their customers behind locked doors. Some of these popular places were run by criminals, and even though the police would sometimes raid the bars and arrest both the owners and their customers, the speakeasies were so profitable they continued to flourish.

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#70 At luncheon half a dozen dogs feed amicably at their mistresses’ side. This bar is chromium, rose and black.

At luncheon half a dozen dogs feed amicably at their mistresses' side. This bar is chromium, rose and black.

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#71 In the heart of a business section Thomas keeps this speakeasy on the second floor. Drinking starts at 8:30 A.M. when full-bellied Irish contractors drop in for a solidly comforting rye.

In the heart of a business section Thomas keeps this speakeasy on the second floor. Drinking starts at 8:30 A.M. when full-bellied Irish contractors drop in for a solidly comforting rye.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#72 Champagne from right to left, on mantel: half nip, nip, pint, imperial pint, magnum, jeroboam, rehoboam, methuzelah, salmanazar, balthazar… Twenty-nine waiters and eight chefs are none too many for a popular place.

Champagne from right to left, on mantel: half nip, nip, pint, imperial pint, magnum, jeroboam, rehoboam, methuzelah, salmanazar, balthazar... Twenty-nine waiters and eight chefs are none too many for a popular place.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#73 Social atmosphere has made the popularity of this speakeasy, which is full of gay chintz, red and white awnings, indirect lights. The barroom is gold and Victorian-green.

Social atmosphere has made the popularity of this speakeasy, which is full of gay chintz, red and white awnings, indirect lights. The barroom is gold and Victorian-green.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#74 Scene inside a New York City speakeasy during Prohibition, 1933.

Scene inside a New York City speakeasy during Prohibition, 1933.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#75 Speakeasy patrons drink and dance at this party.

Speakeasy patrons drink and dance at this party.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#76 The Krazy Kat Klub was a painting school, treehouse, and illegal speakeasy in Washington, D.C.

The Krazy Kat Klub was a painting school, treehouse, and illegal speakeasy in Washington, D.C.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#77 Four women chug bottles of illegal liquor, 1925.

Four women chug bottles of illegal liquor, 1925.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#78 The shoe of an alcohol smuggler who had been arrested at the Canadian border is strapped with wooden soles in the form of cattle hooves to camouflage their border crossing, circa 1924.

The shoe of an alcohol smuggler who had been arrested at the Canadian border is strapped with wooden soles in the form of cattle hooves to camouflage their border crossing, circa 1924.

Photo of George Cassiday in 1930. Cassiday managed his bootlegging activities out of the congressional Cannon House Office Building in Washington from 1920 until 1925 when he was first arrested. From 1925 to 1930, he operated out of the Russel Senate Office Building. After his second arrest on February 1930, Cassiday withdrew from bootlegging activities, and during the fall that same year, he went on to write the Washington Post articles. The shared information was sensational and pointed to the Congressional hypocrisy.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#79 The shoe of an alcohol smuggler who had been arrested at the Canadian border is strapped with wooden soles in the form of cattle hooves to camouflage their border crossing, circa 1924.

The shoe of an alcohol smuggler who had been arrested at the Canadian border is strapped with wooden soles in the form of cattle hooves to camouflage their border crossing, circa 1924.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#80 Freedom advocates demand the end of alcohol prohibition, 1930s

Freedom advocates demand the end of alcohol prohibition, 1930s

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#81 These anti-prohibition protesters use biblical passages to make their point.

These anti-prohibition protesters use biblical passages to make their point.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#82 Protestors march in New York City on November 10, 1932, calling for the end of Prohibition.

Protestors march in New York City on November 10, 1932, calling for the end of Prohibition.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#83 Protestors in the NYC streets, protesting against the prohibition.

Protestors in the NYC streets, protesting against the prohibition.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#84 More than 40,000 demonstrators gather in Military Park, Newark, on Nov. 1, 1931, to oppose the ban of alcohol in the US.

More than 40,000 demonstrators gather in Military Park, Newark, on Nov. 1, 1931, to oppose the ban of alcohol in the US.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#85 A July 4 protest against the 14-year-ban on alcohol takes place in New York in 1925

A July 4 protest against the 14-year-ban on alcohol takes place in New York in 1925

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#86 Five members of the Alcohol Prohibition Research Committee depart on the bus Diogenes, named after the man who sought in vain for an honest man, in New York City.

Five members of the Alcohol Prohibition Research Committee depart on the bus Diogenes, named after the man who sought in vain for an honest man, in New York City.

The membership is seeking one drunk who has been reformed by the 18th amendment in their campaign against the liquor ban.From left are, Stephen Duggan Jr., assistant investigator; Russell Salmon, chief investigator; Ernest Boorland Jr., member of the executive committee; Robert Nicholson, assistant director; and Paul Morris, director.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#87 President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Cullen-Harrison Act, or “Beer Bill,” the first relaxation of the Volstead Act, on Mar. 22, 1933. The new law allowed the sale of beer and wine containing 3.2% alcohol starting at midnight on April 6.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Cullen-Harrison Act, or "Beer Bill," the first relaxation of the Volstead Act, on Mar. 22, 1933. The new law allowed the sale of beer and wine containing 3.2% alcohol starting at midnight on April 6.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#88 Crowds fill Times Square in New York after hearing that prohibition had come to an end

Crowds fill Times Square in New York after hearing that prohibition had come to an end

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#89 Bartenders at Sloppy Joe’s pour a round of drinks to celebrate the end of prohibition in Chicago

Bartenders at Sloppy Joe's pour a round of drinks to celebrate the end of prohibition in Chicago

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#90 Celebrating the end of prohibition, 1933

Celebrating the end of prohibition, 1933

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#91 Two New York Brewery workers scrub a large tank of beer on November 23, 1932 that had remained empty during Prohibition. With the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment and the end of the Volstead Act, the stills were ready for use again.

Two New York Brewery workers scrub a large tank of beer on November 23, 1932 that had remained empty during Prohibition. With the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment and the end of the Volstead Act, the stills were ready for use again.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#92 Revelers toast the end of Prohibition in 1933.

Revelers toast the end of Prohibition in 1933.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#93 The night they ended Prohibition, 1933

The night they ended Prohibition, 1933

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#94 Partygoers celebrate the end of Prohibition amid a tangle of confetti and ribbons in 1933.

Partygoers celebrate the end of Prohibition amid a tangle of confetti and ribbons in 1933.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#95 A woman serves drinks to a crowd of men who are joyfully celebrating the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.

A woman serves drinks to a crowd of men who are joyfully celebrating the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#96 Man enjoying the End of Prohibition in Ohio, December 1933

Man enjoying the End of Prohibition in Ohio, December 1933

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#97 A crowd gathers as kegs of beer are unloaded in front of a restaurant on Broadway in New York City, the morning of April 7, 1933, when low-alcohol beer is legalized again.

A crowd gathers as kegs of beer are unloaded in front of a restaurant on Broadway in New York City, the morning of April 7, 1933, when low-alcohol beer is legalized again.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#98 People enjoy legal drinking as they gather at Cavanagh’s in New York City on Dec. 5, 1933 after the 21st Ammendment is ratified.

People enjoy legal drinking as they gather at Cavanagh’s in New York City on Dec. 5, 1933 after the 21st Ammendment is ratified.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#99 Marie Beiser, Baltimore beauty, took a personal hand in collecting scrap aluminum for defense purposes, July 25, 1941.

Marie Beiser, Baltimore beauty, took a personal hand in collecting scrap aluminum for defense purposes, July 25, 1941.

Among the articles she added to a pile of castoffs gathered by her mother was an old aluminum beer keg of the pre-prohibition era. Marie was “Miss Maryland” in the 1940 Atlantic City beauty pageant.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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#100 Rae Samuels holds the last bottle of beer that was distilled before Prohibition went into effect in Chicago, Dec. 29, 1930.

Rae Samuels holds the last bottle of beer that was distilled before Prohibition went into effect in Chicago, Dec. 29, 1930.

The bottle of Schlitz was insured for $25,000.Rae Samuels was one of vaudeville’s biggest stars for over 20 years, earning $2,500 per week.

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No Liquor: Historical Photos Depicting The Prohibition Era In America From Beginning To Ending

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Written by Benjamin Grayson

Former Bouquet seller now making a go with blogging and graphic designing. I love creating & composing history articles and lists.

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One Comment

  1. I don’t know who wrote the article, but the very first sentence is historically and factually incorrect. It goes downhill from there. The photographs are, some of htem anyway, brand new to me also there are a number of factual inaccuracies in the text.