Topic starter
16/05/2010 1:59 pm
Hi all,
I have a question concerning some research that I am doing in regard to excursion boats on the upper Mississippi in 1917. My question is in regard to alcohol being served.
From what I have gathered, alcohol was in fact served on board the boats. Streckfus served alcohol on "alternating hours" and one source claimed that alcohol was only served when the boat was moving; the bars were closed when the boat docked.
In 1916, Iowa went dry. What about boats that left from Iowa cities, such as Dubuque? Streckfus was registered in St. Louis---did that mean that they could have alcohol on board, but not serve it when stopped in places in Iowa? Or, were excursions that served Iowa completely "dry?"
From what I gathered, alcohol was in fact served, but not when in port. Supplies were either brought up from Missouri or restocked in places like East Dubuque. Is this true?
Thanks for any help you can give. It is much appreciated.
Bruce Janu
Topic starter
16/05/2010 11:04 pm
Interesting Find
The Streckfus line was investigated in 1917 for selling beer on a Sunday afternoon excursion between La Crosse and Winona, both dry towns on Sunday. The authorities were looking into federal law to see if they could prosecute.
So perhaps the port is important. But what about an excursion that leaves Dubuque (dry) and goes directly to East Dubuque (wet) and then heads up river to Wisconsin (mostly wet) and then Gutenberg (dry)? How does the alcohol selling work?
Attached is an article from a La Crosse newspaper, June 1917.
17/05/2010 2:21 am
Hi, Bruce, and welcome to the board.
My very limited understanding of how things work now is that if a boat has a federal license that supersedes state law. I understand that the bar cannot be open in port but may be during interstate travels. Again, this is all very limited. Ted Guillaum may be able to shed some more light on this.
I also seem to remember that at one time airlines were prohibited from serving alcohol when they were flying over dry states/counties. Not sure if this is/was true or not.
I'm sorry i have no idea what the situation would have been in the early 20th century. Please do keep us informed!