The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MY HUSBAND'S GRANDMOTHER WAS A BOOTLEGGER DURING PROHIBITION. SHE
MADE THE STUFF IN A STILL HIDDEN BEHIND A SECRET DOOR UNDERNEATH
THE STAIRS. INCIDENTLY ALTHOUGH THE POLICE RAIDED HER HOME MANY
TIMES THEY NEVER FOUND THE STILL. SHE DELIVERED HER GOODS IN
BOTTLES PACKED IN SHOEBOXES WHICH SHE CARRIED IN A SHOPPING BAG.
SHE WOULD DELIVER THEM ON THE BUS ON THE EAST SIDE OF DETROIT IN
THE AREA OF SHANE AND KIRBY. THE HOUSE WAS RAIDED SEVERAL TIMES.
ONE TIME HER DOG TRIED TO PROTECT THEM AND THE POLICE SHOT HIM
FIVE TIMES AND IT STILL CRAWLED ALL THE WAY TO HER SISTER'S HOUSE
TO WARN THEM. ANOTHER TIME HER SISTER TRIED TO KEEP A POLICEMAN
HE BROKE HER ARM. I'M NOT SURE HOW PROFITABLE THE BUSINESS WAS
BUT WHEN THEY OPENED UP GRANDFATHER'S SAFE THEY FOUND $60,000.00.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES

Date learned: 03-15-1984