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Except for Bootlegging, Rum-Running and Drinking During Prohibition

  • Apr 27
  • 1 min read

Saint John is known for its love of hard beverages, so it is no wonder the city was quick to get behind bootlegging, rum-running and drinking during prohibition in New Brunswick (1917-1927) and supplying the Americans during their prohibition (1920-1933).


In this episode, we are joined by guest co-host, Valerie Emerson, to discuss all the ways the city entered the illicit liquor trade and conducted business. As well, we discuss the evolution of the temperance movement and the social ills caused not only by alcohol abuse, but by prohibition itself. Ultimately, the “noble experiment” failed, but not before ushering in many societal and cultural changes: some good, some not so good.


Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in background; Simeon Jones Brewery in the foreground, Saint John, ca. 1900. Provincial Archives of New Brunswick. P13-132
Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in background; Simeon Jones Brewery in the foreground, Saint John, ca. 1900. Provincial Archives of New Brunswick. P13-132

Sources:


  • Belshaw, J. Canadian History: Post-Confederation. BC Campus. Victoria. (2016).

  • Dubreuil, S.. Come Quick, Danger: A History of Marine Radio in Canada. Public Works and Government Services, Ottawa. (1998).

  • Grant, B.J.. When Rum Was King: The Story of the Prohibition Era in New Brunswick. Goose Lane Editions, Fredericton. (1984).

  • Warsh, C.. Drink in Canada: Historic Essays. McGill-Queen’s Press, Montreal. (1993).

 
 
 

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