Posted on 04/21/2005 9:02:56 PM PDT by ConservativeStatement
ROCKPORT, Mass. - This seaside town that was the site of a "revolt against rum" by hatchet-wielding women in 1856 is ready to pop the cork after nearly 150 years of being alcohol-free.Residents on Tuesday voted to allow the sale of alcohol by restaurants, but to ban liquor stores and bars from opening. Last year, the Legislature approved a home rule petition allowing the measure to be placed on the town ballot.
Except for a brief period in the 1930s, the sale of alcohol has been forbidden in Rockport since 1856, when Hannah Jumper and her gang of 200 women swept through town and destroyed anything containing alcohol in "Rockport's revolt against rum."
Some consider the rule a major drag on the tourist business that's the economic lifeblood of Rockport, one of 15 dry towns in Massachusetts. Others say the sale of alcohol will erode the quaint New England character that gives Rockport its appeal.
There were 1,939 votes for the proposal and 1,562 against, Town Clerk Fred Frithsen said.
The town of 7,800 on Cape Ann is one of 15 dry communities in Massachusetts. Many are so small they have no stores or restaurants.
Is that up there near Newberryport?
Yes, adjacent to Gloucester.
Thanks.
Yes, I've been there.
BTTT
I sort of admired their holding out as a dry town in this day and age and am rather sad about this. Probably good for the tourist trade, however.
What's wrong with Ethanol?
This is probably the only town a Kennedy has never campainged in.....until now.
My first trip to Rockport was when I was cleaning out an estate ( antique business ). It was July, very hot and I spent the day working like a farm animal. I went into town for dinner and a few cold beers. Imagine my surprise when told they didnt serve beer. I thought they were joking!
Beer / spirts can finally be purchased on a Sunday here in Massachusetts. Getting that done took forever.
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