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BEGINNING OF PROHIBITION

The Prohibition Years, 1920-1933, are often described as a period of widespread defiance of law and order. In 1917, the U.S. Congress passed the 18th amendment and in 1919, they passed the Volstead Act. Both related to prohibition of the manufacturing, transporting, and sale of alcoholic beverages. Throughout the country many Americans opposed these laws and began making “bathtub gin,” and “white lightning” in their homes.  A special “dry” squad of Lansing police officers made hundreds of raids yearly and was the nemesis of bootleggers, gamblers and racketeers.

Photo of the Lansing Police Department – circa early 1900s

Lansing Police Department – circa early 1900s

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Last modified: 06/05/03