Roy Olmstead was a major and highly successful bootlegger during National Prohibition (1920-1933). However, Olmstead began his career in a most unusual way. Olmstead joined the Seattle, Washington, Police Department in 1907. He quickly rose through the ranks and become sergeant in 1910. I. Officer Olmstead In 1916, Washington implemented state-wide alcohol prohibition. The next …
Category: History
History of Alcohol and Drinking around the World: Wine, Beer and Spirits (Liquor)
Alcohol has provided a variety of functions for people throughout all history. From the earliest times to the present, alcohol has played an important role in religion. Historically, alcoholic beverages have served as sources of needed nutrients. They have been widely used for their medicinal, antiseptic, and analgesic properties. The role of such beverages as …
Alcohol Blue Laws Prohibit Sunday Sale of Alcoholic Beverages
Blue Laws Alcohol blue laws prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sunday. A blue law is one restricting activities on Sunday. They were to enforce the Christian sabbath. Virginia enacted a blue law in 1617. It required church attendance and authorized the militia to force colonists to attend church services. Other early blue laws …
Prohibition Era Dry Laws in New York State: Discover the Story
Prohibition era dry laws in New York State fluctuated frequently. Some were strongly supportive of Prohibition. Others were not. This is the story of dry laws in New York during National Prohibition. Alfred E. Smith Governor Alfred E. Smith of New York was a strong advocate of states’ rights and individual freedoms. He pressed the …
Alcohol History Dates: Is One Your Birthday? Anniversary?
Alcohol history dates are listed for events related to drinking in the U.S. The date of your birthday or anniversary isn’t listed? No problem. Resources for identifying other alcohol history dates are at the end of the list. Enjoy! Alcohol History Dates January in Alcohol History Jan. 1, 1801. The U.S. Federal duty on distilled …
Alcohol in Art (Paintings) From Ancient Times to Today
Even the earliest humans made and enjoyed art. And early humans also enjoyed drinking alcohol. For example, anthropologists find evidence that humans have made alcoholic beverages for at least twelve thousand years. So it makes sense that our ancestors have long shown alcoholic beverages in their art. Thus, the place of alcohol in art has …
Liquor in the 20th Century: History of Distilled Spirits Timeline
Liquor in the 20th century underwent major challenges. The biggest was prohibition. During the early 20th century some countries established, and later repealed, prohibition. They included Canada, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, and the United States. Referenda to establish prohibition failed in Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden.1 Liquor in the 20th Century & Beyond by Date …
Liquor in the 19th century: History of Distilled Spirits Timeline
The major event impacting liquor in the 19th century was the growth of a very powerful temperance movement. It began by calling for moderation in consumption. In general, that meant drinking less. But the temperance movement was victim to a myth that continues to this day. Its supporters failed to understand that a standard drink …
Liquor in the 18th century: History of Distilled Spirits Timeline
The popularity of alcohol in Europe as a medicine was very high.1 But the big story of liquor in the 18th century was its dramatic growth as a beverages. This was especially the case for gin. Liquor in the 18th Century by Date 1707-1725 England and Scotland merged under the Acts of Union, creating …
Liquor in the 17th Century: History of Distilled Spirits Timeline
Over the course of the 1600s, distilling expanded as did the demand for spirit beverages. Thus, liquor in the 17th century expanded significantly. ‘From the end of the sixteenth century, distilled drinks were to be found throughout the West.’1 ‘While distilling industries were slow to develop, they expanded in the mid-to-late seventeenth century. The rise …