This Week In Illinois History: Prohibition Begins (January 17, 1920) (Jan. 18, 2021)
W. Hurd Clendinen, mayor of Zion City, Illinois, pours out 2 of 80,000 bottles of beer seized en route to Chicago.
Credit Library of Congress (88715937)
One hundred and one years ago, America’s non-drinkers really hornswoggled everyone who loved their booze. Prohibition began at midnight, January 17, 1920, a Saturday. Americans had one last Friday to imbibe or sock away their sauce.
In a state known for bootleggers and violence, the transition actually happened without much fanfare.
Newspapers ran headlines like “Huge Army of Booze Sleuths Seek Violators” and “Midnight Strikes Fatal Hour for Booze Disciples.” The