After pressure from the 'temperance movement' throughout the nineteenth century and as a result of the growing anti-German feelings caused by the First World War (German Americans were notoriously fond of beer!) America passed the 'Volstead Act' in 1920. This became the Eighteenth Amendment to the US Constitution and prohibited (banned) the manufacture, sale and advertisement of intoxicating liquor.
Unfortunately, this ban led to the emergence of organised criminals who made fortunes supplying illegal alcohol. Corruption became commonplace and many American cities, most notably Chicago, were afflicted by an almost complete breakdown of law and order.
Our exhibition shows some of the equipment used by alcohol 'bootleggers' to create their illegal wares and focuses on the activities of the 'Untouchables', a group a law-enforcers led by Eliot Ness who eventually captured Al Capone, the most notorious gangster in America.
And after all that excitement its now time to finish our tour by visiting Rustie's Rum Fun Room.
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