Prohibition and Moonshining in Sherburne County
Campaign button for Edwin W. Chaffin, Prohibition Party Presidential candidate in 1908 and 1912. From the collections at SHC: 2000.025.061 Prohibition, wet versus dry, has long been an issue in Sherburne County. In 1895, temperance advocates met in the Elk River Methodist Church to urge prohibition in the county. Wet advocates countered with assertions regarding the economic benefits of alcohol. Their position insisted saloons would increase trade and business in local economies. The Sherburne County Times went so far as to predict annual income from alcohol licensing exceeding $2000 for the county. As early as 1899 the Times newspaper, reported the organization of a local chapter to the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, the WCTU. For two decades before national Prohibition took effect, Sherburne County voters regularly debated and voted on the issue. Passions ran deep with each election held. National Prohibition...