Record #:

8165

Author(s):

Jeter, Frank

Abstract:

Following World War II, many North Carolinians wanted a drink of liquor. Many counties, however, enforced dry laws. The need for alcoholic beverages gave rise to the tradition of the mountain moonshiners. The most exciting aspect of the moonshining business was transporting the liquor. Haulers devised new ways to avoid the police. One way was to reinforce a car's rear springs. This kept the car level when hauling a heavy load. When a car was not loaded, the rear springs lifted the car's rear, giving away a hauler's identity. Contrary to popular belief, confrontations between police and moonshiners were usually nonviolent. As counties repealed their dry laws, the demand for illegal alcohol decreased, but the moonshine industry left a legacy of fast cars and high speeds.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 52 Issue 5, Oct 1984, p17, 39

Subject(s):

Distilling, Illicit