CROSBY — Unlimited Learning will host a presentation on moonlighting whiskey in Stearns County during the Prohibition era (1920-1933) on Sept. 9 at 1:30 p.m. at Hartwood Senior Living in Crosby.
Stearns County, Minnesota was famous for its moonshine production during Prohibition, producing a nationally famous “moonshine” whiskey called “Minnesota 13.” The safe, high-quality whiskey was named after the University of Minnesota's 13th attempt to create a type of corn that would grow well in Minnesota. Whiskey production filled a cultural need for the area's German residents and also provided a source of income for farmers during the very difficult times following World War I.
When Congress passed the Volstead Act in 1919, banning the sale and use of alcohol, no one expected the rampant increase in alcohol consumption that would follow. Never in U.S. history had the law been so unenforceable. Prohibition was repealed in 1933, but the popularity of the Minnesota 13 continued.
Presenter Roger Paschke grew up in Bertha and graduated from Hibbing High School and Junior College and St. Cloud State University. He taught middle school science in Albany and has been president of the Melrose Area Historical Society for 26 years.
The program is free for members and $10 for non-members.