The rarely discussed history of Prohibition in Harbor Springs will be brought to light on Thursday, October 20 with an online lecture hosted by the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society. Curator Beth Wemigwase will present an original Harbor History Talk based on the research she conducted to create the fascinating new exhibit, “Dry Harbor: Prohibition, Gambling and Gangsters in Harbor Springs.”

Wemigwase’s talk begins with early, national temperance movements which led to the passage of the 18^th Amendment in 1920 (which outlawed the production, importation, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages), including sweeping changes brought on by World War I, the Spanish Flu epidemic and the women’s rights movement. The talk then moves to local history.

The Harbor Springs area experienced a healthy share of bootlegging, speakeasies and casinos for the 15 years Emmet County was dry (Michigan had passed a statewide prohibition law beginning in 1918), complete with elaborate delivery schemes, underground escape tunnels and even connections to Detroit’s notorious Purple Gang.

Wemigwase’s lecture begins at 7:00 pm and takes place online via Zoom. Admission is $10 per person and advanced registration is required. Click the button below or call 231-526-9771 to register. A zoom link will be emailed to participants a day prior to the talk.

All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Harbor Springs Area Historical Society’s community campaign to develop and preserve a historical corridor at the eastern approach to Main Street, including creation of a Shay House Innovation Museum and new exhibit installations in the History Museum.