Rehearsals have started for Cocktails with Mr. Volstead and the cast is excited to dig into the music and dance of the 1920s. Let’s get into the spirit by learning some facts about Prohibition history.
A Constitutional Amendment and an Act of Congress brought Prohibition
The 18th Amendment banned the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors. It was ratified by the states on January 16, 1919.
The Volstead Act, the informal name for the National Prohibition Act, was enacted to enforce the 18th Amendment. It went into effect January 17, 1920.
The Volstead Act was and wasn’t effective
The popular feeling is that enforcement of Prohibition was not effective. The rise of and success of gangsters such as Al Capone seem to prove this theory. However, studies show that drinking and public drunkenness did decline. Initially this decline was large. Drinking did increase by the end of the 1920s, but remained below pre-prohibition levels.
Prohibition was repealed by another Constitutional Amendment
The 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment and was fully ratified in December 1933. Part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s winning platform was the repeal of Prohibition. His victory over an incumbent president shows how public sentiment towards alcohol had changed.
For some fun facts about Prohibition, check out this article: https://www.history.com/news/10-things-you-should-know-about-prohibition
Get your tickets for Cocktails with Mr. Volstead here, or by calling 814-333-1773. The show takes place February 4-13, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm. Remember to bring your face mask!