Brave Little State

What role did Vermont play during Prohibition?


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When the federal government banned alcohol in 1920, Vermonters took matters into their own hands. We head to the Northeast Kingdom to collect stories of cross-border bars, liquor hidden in baby bottles and potato cellar robbery.


Thanks to Nathan Bangs for the great question. Check out old photos from Prohibition-era Vermont in our web feature.


Want to have a say in which question we tackle in an upcoming episode? Vote here!


Kevin Trevellyan reported this episode. Josh Crane produced it, and did the mix and sound design. Editing and additional production from the rest of the Brave Little State team: Angela Evancie, Myra Flynn and Mae Nagusky. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons. Other music from Blue Dot Sessions.


By the way, December 5 will mark the 89th anniversary of the repeal of federal Prohibition. If you want to honor this very random anniversary (or any other special occasion), might we suggest a toast with Brave Little State Pale Ale — that’s right, our show has a namesake beer. It's brewed by Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield and it’s available throughout Vermont.


Special thanks to Andy Kolovos, Kate Phillips, Peter Martin, Odette Crawford and Adrian Thibeault.


As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:


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  • Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

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