On the Eve of Prohibition...

April 06, 2015

From the desk of Steve Willis, former Central Library Services Program Manager of the Washington State Library: After the voters of Washington State had approved a state-wide prohibition of alcohol in 1914, the clock started ticking for drinkers. The last legal drinks could be consumed on December 31, 1915. By that time, the town of Starbuck was the last town left in a two-county area that was still "wet." The following article found at random in the January 8, 1916 issue of the Starbuck Standard describes the town's transition into a Brave New World:

'Mid Shrieks of Many Whistles Starbuck Sees a New Epoch Starbuck, for the past five years the only wet town in either Columbia or Garfield counties is dry and for the first Saturday in over 25 years, liquid refreshments were not dispensed on New Years' day. Many had anticipated an unprecedented New Year eve for the old town, and but for a shortage of malt, vinous and spiritous liquors, this might have been fully realized. At any rate there was "something doing" from early in the day Friday until the numerous engines in the yards proclaimed the dawn of nineteen hundred sixteen.

Image

The Star Hotel bar, owned by J.S. Fuller, for 20 years in business in Starbuck, was the first to run out of goods and closed its doors at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The Columbia Bar, J.R. Hill proprietor, held on until 8 in the evening when a shortage of goods compelled the closing of the doors. The Starbuck saloon, Mike Ray proprietor, seemed better supplied with stock and remained open until midnight, although during closing hours only whiskey was on sale. Mr. Ray has been in business here for nearly 15 years. Saturday apparently was a blue day for many, and a quiet one for the town. Many of the imbibers, however, had laid in a supply of refreshments and this helped in making the world look a little brighter, for the moment at least. The stores were open during the forenoon, but in the afternoon the town took on a graveyard appearance. The Star Hotel bar will be transferred into a pool and billiard room, where cigars, tobaccos and soft drinks will be sold, and will be open for business in about another week. It is probable that the Columbia bar will be utilized to a similar purpose, but as yet nothing definite has been announced. No announcements have been made regarding the old Starbuck bar, and it is reported that the building will not be placed in use for the present. James S. Fuller (1860-1933) remained in Starbuck, running a "cigar store" until ca. 1923, when he moved to the Spokane area. Fuller died right before Prohibition was brought to an end. Toronto-born Mike Ray (1869-1943) also stayed in Starbuck for many years and worked as an employee of the railroad. James R. Hill (born ca. 1882) returned to his native Michigan and worked in auto mechanics and construction. Originally a railroad junction, the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company was a major economic concern in Starbuck in the early 20th century. The Railway Carmen's Journal, a labor union organ, mentioned all three of the above gentlemen in the April 1912 issue. Apparently there are a few inside jokes in this song:

OPENING ODE OF SHOP FEDERATION AT STARBUCK, WASHINGTON.

(Air, Casey Jones)

Dedicated to the Strikebreakers of Starbuck, Washington.

Come all you scalies, if you want to hear

The story of the strikers here.

Recognition is the strikers' aim,

On the Harriman lines she will win her fame.

Caller called the scalies at half past four

To calk the flues and look her o'er;

'Twas the old switch engine, No. 24;

They found "Bad-Eye" York in the fire box door.

J.F. Killeen to the scalies said:

"Get Kid Yorke out or he will soon be dead."

Then he gave them all the big glad hand,

Said, "I'll write you transportation to the promised land."

He weighed 200 pounds when he started the stunt.

Put on the overalls and cached his white front.

With Farry you can tarry just as long as you please,

In the bull pen with scalies, your crumbs, and your fleas.

Old Jim Fuller is a big fat slob,

With scab loving Beck he is onto his job,

Catering to the scalies and picking up the change,

Having no respect for his son's good name.

Mike Ray stands in front of his bar,

Drinking with scalies, puffing a scab cigar;

Here's where you can get your drinks and your smokes,

For this bunch of union men are nothing but jokes.

Mr. J.R. Hill is surely our pard,

Having due respect for a union card.

When a scalie approaches him for a drink,

He points to his card and says, I don't think.

(html)

Secretary of State
Steve Hobbs

Connect with Us

OSOS Websites

About this Blog

The Washington Office of the Secretary of State’s blog provides from-the-source information about important state news and public services.

This space acts as a bridge between the public and Secretary Steve Hobbs and his staff, and we invite you to contribute often to the conversation here.

Comments Disclaimer

The comments and opinions expressed by users of this blog are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of the Secretary of State’s Office or its employees. The agency screens all comments in accordance with the Secretary of State’s blog use policy, and only those that comply with that policy will be approved and posted. Outside comments will not be edited by the agency.