“National prohibition drifted into the county at 12:01 without any undue excitement, according to the revenue officials and the 1,100 saloons of the county automatically ceased to exist, figuratively at least.
From outward appearances the advent did not even create a ripple on the placid surface of Schuylkill’s day in and day out existence.”
– Pottsville Republican, January 17, 1920
On January 17, 1920, the era of Prohibition began across the United States. In the coal fields of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the era began quietly.
It did not last long.
The illicit alcohol trade boomed to life in the Coal Region and gave rise to bootleggers, speakeasies, and other institutions that flaunted the law.
Read more about Prohibition in the Coal Region
A ‘wet’ Christmas in the Coal Region during Prohibition
“Ice cream unrivaled” – How Yuengling survived Prohibition
“LIQUOR SCARCE” – The quiet end of Prohibition in Pottsville and Schuylkill County
The day beer returned to Schuylkill County | 1933
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Found this article rather interesting as it made me see how the differences in US locations made enjoyment of spirits varied. My southern paternal grandparents entertained family, a lawman or two, and neighbors with homemade liquor in their front yard or some cave, while my Polish relatives enjoyed the gaiety of pubs. Have tried to create a family tree of my Polish grandfather Stefan Delinko but tracing family in Europe with Delinko variations reached dead ends. Did hear he had a pub with a partner, Metro Saranczak and that they may have been bootleggers in the Pottsville area. But no written proof as the children were placed in orphanages when both parents died. Did learn that the Pennsylvania relatives had a wider variety of occupational jobs than the poor farmers of the south. However, the outcome of our second and third generations remains about the same with us having the opportunity for education, and a larger scope of employment. Thank you for your research and writing articles of interest and educational value. MaryElla Westbrook Strelchun of Bend, Oregon.