Announcement: Andrew Volstead is coming to Austin this month, 100 years after he helped to ratify the 18th amendment which established prohibition in the United States.

Volstead, portrayed by Doug Bengtson of Woodlake, Minnesota, will explain why he chose to back the law which prohibited the production, sale and transport of “intoxicating liquors.”

Volstead, a native of Kenyon, Minnesota, was a member of the House of Representatives from 1903-1923.  He resided in Granite Falls from 1896 to 1947 working as a lawyer and serving as mayor from 1900-1902.

Join us at the next History Happy Hour on Monday, Oct. 21, to hear about his life and political views.

In trying to relate this program to our community, I found many references to the Anti-Saloon League and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union advocating for prohibition as early as the 1850s. The topic was widely reported in newspapers and sides were taken many years prior to the formal implementation of Prohibition.

George Hormel’s position on the matter is not on record, but he was an executive committee member of Austin Citizens’ Law and Order League in 1895.  The group made a recommendation for the refusal of licenses for any saloon in connection with other places of business and that the number of licensed saloons be reduced not to exceed a total of 10.  George had seen the negative effects of the abuse of alcohol on individuals and families during his time working in the Chicago stockyards. I don’t know whether he supported Prohibition, but I am sure he was for the legal and responsible procedures that would protect the integrity of families.

Another Hormel reference to laws around legal alcohol distribution occurred in 1899 when the State of Minnesota sued Timothy Galvin for alleged violation of a city ordinance in selling liquor without a license from the city.  It was suggested that the Anti Saloon League was trying to stack the jury to convict him.  When John Hormel, brother to George A., was called for jury duty he stated that:

“he had a decided prejudice against the illegal saloons and also some prejudice against the licensed saloons but does not belong to the Anti Saloon League.  Had no prejudice in this case.”

Interesting fact: The Volstead Act did not make it illegal to own alcohol.  Alcohol purchased before Jan. 17, 1920, and stored in private homes was legal. In fact, President Harding had $1,800 worth of personal liquor transferred to his living quarters at the White House once he was sworn into office.

Join us for History Happy Hour and share with Mr. Volstead your own views of the Act that bears his name.

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Duets & Desserts

1-2:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13

Instrumental and vocal musicians of all ages are invited to perform a duet in the historic living room. Casual and fun environment in which to share musical talent. Free

Community Presentation: “Loving Our Differences and the Power of the Micro Step”

6:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 14

Presented by Jason Freeman who shares his inspirational and transformative story about how he struggled to accept his voice, his body and his place in the world. HHH Historic Living Room

History Happy Hour 100 Year Anniversary Of the Volstead Act

5:30 p.m. Social/6 p.m. Presentation, Monday, Oct. 21

Free for members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society, or Friends of the Library. $5 for nonmembers.