My grandfather had a still under his garage, and Dad would help him with it. Grandpa got caught twice. I don’t know if he got jail time the first time, but he did 6 months the second time. Dad didn’t go to jail because he was underage. The cops, however, warned Dad he should move out of there, his response was “Where am I gonna go”
Grandpa once shot someone who was trespassing in his garden. Thank God he didn’t kill him, but he did shoot him in the ass. GP was arrested and hauled into court. The tomato thief admitted stealing his produce. The judge sent everyone home, and that was it. It was a different world back in 1910…
My grandparents came from Sicily around 1900. Grandpa was still dispensing Old World justice in the New World. He was quite the character.
I have his revolver, a Colt Police Positive Special 32/20.
The father of a friend from my past was a bootlegger for his dry county back in the 40s and 50s. At that time you had to drive 1.5 hours to buy booze in a store.
He took orders from doctors, judges, cops, teachers, etc. and flew to Baltimore once a week and purchased the goods. He came and went via a little grass strip out in the country and when he returned he delivered it right to the front door like a milkman.
Super cool history, thank you for sharing that! :)