Booze, Bootleggers and Bandits
Our speaker, Mrs Mitchell, came flamboyantly dressed in a gorgeous satin turquoise flapper dress with a peacock feather in her hair, reflecting the costume of the era of her talk, prohibition in America.
In January 1920 the Prohibition enforcement law went into effect making the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquor illegal. It was claimed people would lead healthier and happier lives if drunkenness could be eliminated. Posters were issued at that time showing the four stages of man from fresh faced young boy to dissolute drunkard, indicating the evil of drink.
However, Americans were not willing to give up alcohol and immediately illegal drinking places called "speakeasies" opened up in backrooms and basements all over the country and were supplied by "bootleggers". Bootleggers soon grew wealthy and used their money to bribe the police and public officials to turn a blind eye to their activities. One of the most famous bootleggers was Al Capone who ruled Chicago with his gang of thugs.
This law, far from stopping people drinking, actually increased the alcohol consumption and by the end of the 1920's nearly every home had a still for making illegal liquor. Prohibition finally ended in 1933 by which time it had become a joke. Prohibition created a hotbed for law breaking and many criminal businesses were set up all over America on the bootleggers illegally earned money.
Skittles Evening
Our annual skittles evening proved as popular as ever with about fifty people attending, some husbands accompanying their wives. We had excellent prizes in our raffle and the proceeds of this went to our charity. Half way through the evening our fish and chip supper arrived and everyone tucked in with relish.
St George's Ladies Group
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