How did people hide alcohol during prohibition?

During the American Prohibition era (1920-1933), people got creative and daring in their efforts to hide alcohol. Here are some of the most popular methods:

Concealment Techniques:

* Fake Bottoms and Secret Compartments: Barrels, suitcases, furniture, and even cars were outfitted with hidden compartments to stash liquor.

* Disguises: Alcohol was hidden in plain sight, disguised as other items. For example, it was stored in jars labeled "vinegar," "medicine," or even "tea."

* Underground Tunnels and Vaults: Speakeasies and bootleggers used tunnels and secret underground vaults to store and transport alcohol.

* Fake Churches and Businesses: Some establishments, like churches, disguised themselves as legitimate businesses, but actually ran secret bars or distilleries.

Transportation Methods:

* Cars and Trucks: Vehicles, particularly those with hidden compartments, were used to transport alcohol.

* Trains and Ships: Liquor was smuggled across state lines by rail and sea.

* Airplanes: Although less common due to the infancy of aviation, some individuals even used airplanes to transport alcohol.

Other Techniques:

* Home-Made Alcohol: People brewed their own beer and spirits in their homes, often using recipes passed down through generations.

* The Black Market: Networks of bootleggers and gangsters ran a thriving black market for illegal alcohol.

Examples of Ingenious Hiding Places:

* Hidden compartments in pianos and phonographs.

* Fake "milk" cans filled with liquor.

* Hollowed-out bread loaves and fruit baskets.

* Saddles and suitcases with hidden compartments.

The Risks of Hiding Alcohol:

* Legal Consequences: Possessing or selling illegal alcohol was a serious crime, punishable by fines and imprisonment.

* Violence and Corruption: The prohibition era saw an increase in violence and corruption, as criminal gangs fought over territory and control of the illegal alcohol market.

* Poisoning: Home-made alcohol was often poorly made and dangerous to consume, leading to illness and death.

The ingenuity and creativity of people during prohibition illustrates the lengths to which individuals will go to enjoy their favorite vices, even when they are outlawed.