Latest news with #Prohibition-era
USA Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Gun groups want law reversed on mailing through postal service
Two gun organizations are challenging a 1927 federal law prohibiting mailing handguns through the U.S. Postal Service. Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation, together with Pennsylvania resident Bonita Shreve have filed a lawsuit in the Western District of Pennsylvania against the United States Postal Service. The Pennsylvania resident wants to mail her father a handgun as a gift, according to the filing, but is prohibited by federal law and Postal Service regulations. In their filing the plaintiffs argue that the Postal Service allows businesses and government officials to ship handgun and that individual Americans should have the same ability. Private shipping companies like UPS and FedEx have policies prohibiting shipping a handgun, the filing states. "The federal government's Prohibition-era ban on mailing handguns violates the Second Amendment," Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, said in a statement. Sam Paredes, with the Gun Owners Foundation, said in a statement that the law was passed in a different time. "Every day this ban remains in effect, it infringes on the rights of law-abiding Americans who are fully entitled to exercise all of their Second Amendment freedoms," Paredes said. Mailing a handgun is currently a Class E felony punishable by up to $250,000 fine and two years in prison. A spokesperson for the Postal Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
National Geographic
11-07-2025
- National Geographic
Alcohol was banned to protect women—but it ended up empowering them
In June 1920, The New York Times reported that William Hartman shot and killed his wife, just after returning from a night of drinking whiskey. It's impossible to know what led to his actions. But stories like his appeared with disturbing regularity in newspapers during the early 20th century, illustrating the very dangers that Temperance advocates cited when pushing for alcohol prohibition. 'We all know that a lot of crimes occur when people are a little loaded or a little high, because there's the disinhibition factor,' says Deborah Blum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist and Prohibition expert. Alcohol consumption has long been linked to increased violence, and studies have historically shown that men are twice as likely to binge drink than women. 'So men would become more drunken and abusive and be more dangerous to women,' she adds. While much has been written about the women who helped repeal Prohibition, less attention has been paid to the complex role women played in its passage. Ironically, the very same legislation that limited their freedoms also opened doors to new forms of empowerment and legal recognition. 'It—in a way—implies that women have rights,' says Peter Liebhold, a Smithsonian curator emeritus. 'It was argued by the Temperance folks that great harm was often done to women by men consuming alcohol. By passing Prohibition, it suggests that women have greater value and therefore, should have higher legal standards.' Though Prohibition didn't grant women direct rights, the act of restricting something for everyone—rather than targeting women alone—subtly suggested a shift toward equality. Members of the Women's Christian Temperance Union destroy barrels of liquor during a Prohibition-era raid. Photograph by NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images Prohibition's impact on women Before Prohibition, saloons and bars were strictly male spaces. In fact, in places like Colorado, it was even illegal for women to enter. But contrary to the intent of the Anti-Saloon League and other 'drys,' the ban on booze created opportunities for people who had never been involved in the saloon scene and liquor trade before, especially women. (Americans knew their booze was poisoned—and drank it anyway.) 'Women were not allowed into the saloons and bars. This was male territory,' says Blum. 'They would meet and gather in the bar and make a lot of policy decisions. Women couldn't even cross the threshold. So, alcohol was part of what was perceived by women as having this powerlessness.' The booze ban defied societal norms and allowed women to transcend their traditional gender roles. No longer protected from alcohol, women began drinking, serving, and even selling it. Discreet liquor containers like this hollowed-out book (left) and garter flask (right) became fashionable among young women seeking to evade search and seizure laws. Photograph by ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty Images (Top) (Left) and Photograph by Bettmann via Getty Images (Bottom) (Right) The rise of female bootleggers As Prohibition took hold, it created unexpected opportunities for women, especially in the underground alcohol trade. Figures like Texas Guinan, a former silent film actress, were scouted by a bootlegger and ended up running some of New York's most infamous speakeasies. With a pistol strapped to her thigh and a drink always in hand, she flipped power dynamics nightly—welcoming guests with her famous 'Hello, suckers!' More than just serving drinks, she sold defiance—and in doing so, she became one of the first women to profit off nightlife on her own terms openly. (Humanity's 9,000-year love affair with booze.) Others like Ether Clark, who was known as 'The Henhouse Bootlegger' for famously storing her moonshine stash in her chicken coop, found careers where they'd be otherwise excluded. Prohibition allowed women to bypass traditional gender roles—such as dressmaking or teaching—and enter new, often illicit, fields like running speakeasy kitchens, peddling alcohol, and even smuggling liquor across borders. But gaining access to these opportunities wasn't without its social costs. The 'lady of the street' label was easily applied to women who deviated from the prescribed norms—whether it was by contracting a sexually transmitted infection, working as a waitress, or, in this case, running a speakeasy. Though accusations of 'prostitution' were often more about social control than actual accusations, they served to push women out of spaces of male power. Still, the secret double life of the 'New Woman,'—independent, assertive, and defying traditional expectations—became a key figure of the Roaring Twenties, signaling a broader cultural shift toward women's independence and self-expression. For example, some restaurants began implementing table service for female customers who would've been otherwise uncomfortable with bar-sitting. But as more women became involved in bootlegging, law enforcement took notice. Police officers were astonished at the number of women they were suddenly arresting, so much so that they started to treat female criminals differently, often to their advantage. In court, there were accounts of judges letting female criminals off the hook. Catching on to this pattern, the mafia actively recruited women. (Meet the female sheriff who lead a Kentucky town through Prohibition.) 'Increasing numbers of bootleggers would use women to help smuggle their alcohol as several states had laws preventing male agents from frisking or otherwise searching female suspects,' according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 'Creating the urgent need for female law enforcement officers.' And just like that, new jobs were available for women. But this time, they're legal. A group of women drink wine, circa 1930. Though Prohibition made alcohol illegal nationwide from 1920 to 1933, many women defied the ban—drinking socially in private homes, speakeasies, and underground clubs. Photograph by Kirn Vintage Stock/Corbis via Getty Images A subtle shift toward equality Though Prohibition is widely seen as a failed experiment, it laid the foundation for larger societal changes. For decades, women had been laying the groundwork for this shift. The Women's Christian Temperance Union wasn't just an anti-alcohol group, but one of the largest women's political organizations in U.S. history. For reformers like Frances Willard and firebrand hatchet-wielder Carrie Nation, temperance wasn't just about liquor—it was a level to gain social power in a society that denied them the vote, protection, and public voice. When William Hartman murdered his wife in June 1920, the newspaper accounts didn't ask what she'd wanted or wore, only what he'd done. For the first time in U.S. history, lawmakers started paying attention to the dangers women were facing behind closed doors—and responding with policy. It wasn't perfect—far from it. But it was symbolic. And in a country where symbolism shapes law, it was a starting point. As a result, Prohibition's subtle shift toward gender equality laid the groundwork for later advancements in women's rights, from suffrage to labor reforms, which began gaining momentum in the following decades. 'I think that there was a tectonic shift at the time, and prohibition was part of it,' Liebhold says. 'Women start to be recognized in terms of laws, and what follows is a broad culture shift that their place in society goes through. But the journey never ends.'
Hamilton Spectator
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Bridgewater Golf Club in Fort Erie to mark 100 years with exclusive celebration
One hundred years after it was established by a group of American businessmen seeking refuge from Prohibition, Bridgewater Country Club is marking its centennial with a private celebration steeped in nostalgia and history. The invitation-only event, set for July 12, will welcome about 600 to 700 guests, including long-term members who have helped shape the Fort Erie club's legacy. 'It's invite-only,' said head pro Rocco D'Amelio. 'We're inviting some members, dignitaries and people who have been associated with the club for the last 30, 40 years.' With the theme of 'Cheers to the Years,' the event will be a nod to the club's early days with decor inspired by the Prohibition-era 1920s. After its establishment in 1925, the 18-hole course officially opened in 1927. The course, originally known as Erie Downs, was designed in 1925 by Canadian golf course architect Stanley Thompson. It hosted the Ontario Open in 1940 won by golf legend Sam Snead, survived multiple ownership changes and sharp membership declines over the years. To help celebrate the club's resilience, guests can expect memorabilia, displays with historic newspaper clippings and trophies dating back to the '20s and '30s, as well as artifacts from the 1950s era of member tournaments. 'It's going to just be a fun time for everybody, and fireworks will be around 10 o'clock,' said D'Amelio. 'It's going to be crazy.' D'Amelio, longtime head pro at Bridgewater , reflected on the milestone. 'I've been here for 45 years as head pro here, which is unheard of to be at a course that long,' he said. 'I've been pretty fortunate to be associated with a place like this and members like ours at the club.' After nearly folding multiple times, Bridgewater was purchased in 2021 under new ownership that revitalized the course with a renewed focus on community and quality. 'It's a once in a lifetime thing,' D'Amelio said of the upcoming celebration. 'My partners want to do it up right.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Time Business News
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
The Only Grown-Ups Pub Crawl in Nashville: Where Whiskey History Meets a Damn Good Time
If you're coming to Nashville for a night out, chances are you'll end up on Broadway. Neon lights, honky tonks, party buses—it's the stuff of country song legends and bachelorette party dreams. But what if your idea of fun involves a little more story with your whiskey? A night where the drinks are strong, the company sharp, and the conversation laced with history, not just hollerin'? Welcome to Nashville Adventures' Pub Crawl—the only Nashville pub crawl that blends Music City's deep whiskey roots with grown-up good times. This isn't your average bar hop. It's a guided tour through the spirited past of Tennessee's most storied drink, crafted for people who want their bourbon neat and their stories compelling. While other pub crawls in Nashville might lean into gimmicks and glitter, Nashville Adventures pulls something stronger off the shelf: history. This is the only Nashville Pub Crawl that embraces the real story of Tennessee whiskey, moonshine runners, speakeasies, and the wild men (and women) who built the state's reputation on the back of a barrel. Each stop on the crawl is chosen not just for the drink list—but for the story it helps tell. From Civil War generals who used whiskey for battlefield surgeries, to Prohibition-era bootleggers who ran routes across state lines, our guides pour out the past with every glass. Let's be honest—there are plenty of booze-fueled tours in town, but this is the one where you don't have to worry about getting hit by a pedal tavern. Nashville Adventures curates an experience that's equal parts social and smart. Our groups are smaller. Our guides are seasoned. And our humor is sharp enough to keep everyone laughing between sips. This isn't for folks trying to drink their age in Jell-O shots. It's for the curious crowd. The kind who ask what makes Tennessee whiskey different from bourbon, or why moonshine played such a huge role in rural Tennessee's economy. It's for grown-ups —in spirit, not just in age. This pub crawl is rooted in something deeper than a happy hour. Tennessee's whiskey history is inseparable from its cultural identity. The limestone-filtered water. The Scotch-Irish distilling techniques. The rebellion of small-batch distillers who defied prohibition. It's not just about alcohol—it's about American grit . On this crawl, we toast those rebels. We walk the alleys and backstreets where Nashville's liquid legacy was formed. And we sip the spirits that tell a bigger story about the South, its music, its politics, and its people. Led by Locals, Not Scripts : Every guide is a trained storyteller who knows Nashville inside and out—not someone reading from a printout. : Every guide is a trained storyteller who knows Nashville inside and out—not someone reading from a printout. Award-Winning Team : Nashville Adventures has been featured by NewsChannel 5, USA Today, and The Tennessean—and won the 2025 Nashville Hitmaker Award. : Nashville Adventures has been featured by NewsChannel 5, USA Today, and The Tennessean—and won the 2025 Nashville Hitmaker Award. Veteran-Owned, Community-Focused : A portion of all proceeds goes to veteran-focused charities, and the tour partners with local bars and distilleries to keep the economic impact in the neighborhood. : A portion of all proceeds goes to veteran-focused charities, and the tour partners with local bars and distilleries to keep the economic impact in the neighborhood. Flexible for Private Groups and Corporate Events: Whether you're hosting a team-building night or a private bachelor/bachelorette party, we tailor the crawl to you. If you're looking for a deeper sip of Nashville—one with heritage, heart, and high-quality pours—this is your crawl. Come thirsty for both spirits and stories and leave with a richer taste of the city. 📍Book now at and experience the only Nashville Pub Crawl that takes history as seriously as it does happy hour. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Miami Herald
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Glamorous ‘old Hollywood' estate for sale in CA has a ‘Prohibition-era speakeasy'
A jaw-dropping estate in the Los Angeles area has landed on the real estate market in California — and it has a secret. Listed for $7 million, the five-bedroom, five-bathroom house in the Eagle Rock neighborhood was built in 1930 and carries the name 'The Gatsby.' Since it was built during the Prohibition era, a time where there was a nationwide ban on liquor sales, it has a hidden speakeasy, the listing on Zillow says. 'On the lower level, a hidden treasure awaits. Known as The Velvet Room, this authentic Prohibition-era speakeasy seems to echo with stories from another time. With secret rooms, a built-in bar, a fireplace, and private access to the backyard, it's a moody and unforgettable escape, where the spirit of the Jazz Age still lingers in the air,' the listing says. While that's certainly a major draw, the house has a lot to offer. 'Originally built in the 1930s and reimagined by legendary architect Paul R. Williams, AIA, this storied estate has been lovingly restored by Gary Mkrtichyan of Opus Builders, blending old-world craftsmanship with modern-day refinement in perfect harmony,' the listing describes. 'From the exterior, The Gatsby evokes the romantic grandeur of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, with graceful archways, ornate wrought ironwork, hand-carved wood details, vibrant tilework, terracotta rooflines, and lush, manicured gardens spread across nearly three-quarters of an acre.' Features across and outside the 6,700-square-foot property, per the listing, include: Front fountainVaulted ceilingsFormal dining roomChef's kitchenBuilt-in wine fridgeSecret pantryRomantic backyardSports courtSwimming poolFormal studyBalconySundeck There are even exposed ceiling beams that are 'a breathtaking tribute to Paul R. Williams' signature artistry, an exquisite blend of architectural poetry and Old Hollywood glamour.' 'From sun-drenched interiors to hidden corners of enchantment, The Gatsby is a home built not just to impress, but to inspire.' The listing is held by Nicole Plaxen and Shauna Walters of The Beverly Hills Estates and Brad Keyes of Keyes Real Estate.
