“Once, during Prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water”– W.C. Fields, American comedian and actor
Prohibition spanned a dark period in United States history from 1920 to 1933; the production and consumption of alcohol was outlawed for thirteen years. Of course it didn’t take long for society to adapt to this onerous intrusion on their lives. Since neighboring Canada also ruled against the consumption of alcohol, but encouraged production, enterprising Americans to drink Canada dry. The birth of Bootleggers, Rum Runners, speakeasies and gangsters satisfied the needs of society during the “Roaring 20’s”. Long Island played a major role with secret stills producing “bathtub gin” “white lightening” and other forbidden libations. While local production could not satisfy consumer demands, enterprising rum runners transported large quantities of illegal beverages from Canada and the Caribbean using high speed boats and cars. 
The Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, a private highway, served as Rum Runners Road as
did The Kings Highway. Now called Route 25A, General George Washington’s spies and President Washington rode that same route, first to deliver secret messages to the General and then the President came by horse and carriage to Long Island to thank his spies.
Mansions of the wealthy, secret coves along the North Shore and local speakeasies dot the area.
Travel the route! Use your imagination and “detective” skills. Where are the coves and landings? How can you avoid the Federal Revenuers? Where are the speakeasies?
Use our itinerary as a guide to view an itinerary in a specific community and be sure to say “Joe Sent Me” to receive a Prohibition surprise.
The North Shore Promotion Alliance can be reached at 631-751-2244.
