On this day in history, January 16, but in 1919, the law prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and distribution of intoxicating beverages was enacted in the United States of America with ramifications in Canada.
The early 9th century Temperance movement, driven by church and groups of activist women, was the igniter of the Prohibition Law.
The Prohibition Law took effect in January of 1919. It failed to curtail the distribution and consumption of intoxicating beverages (booze) and in fact was the vehicle for crime to capitalize on the underground distribution of liquor. Organized crime, in the business of Distribution of Alcoholic Beverages, flourished.
While the laws surrounding Prohibition of Liquors where different in Canada one province was affected - Saskatchewan! Saskatchewan passed a prohibition law that took effect on May 1, 1917 but ended in May 1924. The end of Saskatchewan’s prohibition provided residents with an opportunity to sell liquor to the still dry United States.
Walter P. Johnson, Chief of Police
Walter Johnson was one of the west’s most infamous lawman. Under his benign reign, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, reportedly became a hideout for American gangsters such as Al Capone and the centre of a well-organized liquor-running operation. When needed liquors were shipped via a USA train, directly to Chicago, Illinois.
Prohibition in Saskatchewan ended in 1924 but it was not repealed in the United States until 1933.
Gene Sanderson is owner, with his wife, Shirley, of Marie Shoes.com. Marie Shoes.com has been selling quality moccasins, mukluks and slippers around the world since 2006.
Gene Sanderson is owner, with his wife, Shirley, of Marie Shoes.com. Marie Shoes.com has been selling quality moccasins, mukluks and slippers around the world since 2006.
