Lawrence P. Gooley

North Country / Adirondack Author

Book Tag: Chateaugay

Bullets, Booze, Bootleggers, and Beer: The Story of Prohibition in Northern New York, Volume 1

Bullets, Booze, Bootleggers, and Beer, Volume 1-Front Cover

Prohibition was the wildest, most chaotic period in northern New York’s history. America’s so-called “Great Experiment”—banning the social and recreational use of alcohol—led to unforeseen and unfortunate consequences. Thousands of speeding bootleggers presented potentially deadly hazards to casual drivers. The number of gun-toting highwaymen (robbers) skyrocketed with the emergence of new and irresistible targets—bootleggers carrying cash north to buy alcohol, and bootleggers carrying valuable booze loads south.

Even more alarming were the almost daily wild shootouts, often on village and city streets, the air heavy with bullets as lawmen and smugglers fought it out during high-speed chases. Worse yet in the eyes of many were the extremely aggressive tactics of lawmen, who were sworn to provide enforcement (the offenses were mostly misdemeanors) and protect the public, but killed bootleggers and innocent citizens alike in the process, and were rarely held accountable. They falsified charges, lied, stonewalled, withheld evidence, and did whatever it took to avoid prosecution. » More Details

History of Churubusco and the Town of Clinton, Clinton County, New York

History of Churubusco and the Town of Clinton-Front Cover

Churubusco has an unusual name and an unusual range of historical connections. With one citizen for every 60 acres, the town of Clinton’s population is sparse by any measure. And yet, Clinton natives have played a leading role in the history of the county, the state, and other states as well.

Locally, we think of the humble reticent dairy farmer when we hear the name Churubusco. It’s accurate to a degree, and admirable, but perhaps most important for forming the roots of strong, pioneering individuals who have gone on to great success.

The scope of their reach is surprising: a state leader who both befriended and battled some of America’s most famous politicians; a founding father of another state and one of the country’s best-known cities; musicians who have performed across the nation and are at the top of their genre; a vital member of the US Olympic Bobsled Team; and two men who helped drive the North Country economy for half a century. » More Details