Langlade County, Wisconsin - Chapter 16, 1922

Chapter 16

F. A. Deleglise, Radical Prohibitionist - Dry Regime of 1878-1885 - The Fight of 1886 - "The Blind Pig" - Good Templars Organize - Anti-Saloon League In Langlade County - County Prohibitionists in 1885 - B. F. Dorr and Congressman W. T. Price - W. C. T. U. - Antigo Prohibition Club - The Prohibition County Ticket in 1884 - Order of Camels - Moonshine Era Since Volstead Act - Breweries - Pioneer Rallies - The Law and Order Plea.

Hon. Francis A. Deleglise, radical Prohibitionist, inaugurated the first Prohibition movement in Langlade County. Mr. Deleglise was determined that not a drop of liquor should be sold in the village of Antigo. With this view in mind the first officers were chosen at the first election. The issue was not "repeal the 18th Amendment" or "liberalize the Volstead Act," but was whether the town board should grant retail liquor licenses or not. Antigo, as a village, was officially as dry as the great Sahara. Not until after incorporation as a city in 1885 was the first sale of liquor made under a municipal license.

While Antigo was legally dry it was many times actually wet during the prohibition regime of 1878 to 1885. A blind pig operated on the west bank of the Spring Brook in a log cabin. Another way to de- feat the purpose of local prohibition was explained by James Smolk: "We had a tent where great excitement prevailed. Announcement was made that a bear would climb a pole and then dance inside the tent. A small fee was charged. Those who were admitted received a nip o' rye that took away th' glooms." J. C. Lewis tells how the purpose and intent of the prohibition law was defeated when a man hid his "likker" in the hollow of an old stump near the M. L. S. & W. depot. Any person desiring a drink would place a dime in a cup in the stump, dip in a pail for a glass of spirits and "go about your business." The proprietor was where he could witness his business from a distance. Thus the law was unjustly violated then as it is today.

1886. In the spring election, April 6, 1886, the voters declared for "No license." The anti-liquor forces fought valiantly and honestly and won.

The opposition to the temperance folks worked earnestly and fairly and did not give up until the vote was counted. M. M. Ross was chosen Mayor. In the county election of 1886 the Prohibitionists put up a complete ticket. Not a man was elected. The Republicans charged the Prohibitionists with splitting their normal vote.

While Antigo was dry in 1886 Casino clubs flourished. Members in good standing were allowed beer and whisky, by applying at club headquarters. Whisky co'ild also be secured from druggists. This privilege was abused then as it is today.

Antigo citizens voted overwhelmingly for license in 1887. From then until the enactment of the Volstead Act the city granted license. The question was frequently voted on since 1887, but each time went down to defeat. Many old saloon keepers went out of business when the Volstead Act was passed. The annual municipal license for operating near beer parlors in Antigo is $100.

The Woman's Christian Temperance Society was organized in Antigo in 1883. It became a force in the little community. Years later Friendship Union, W. C. T. U., was reorganized. It is still intact.

The Anti-Saloon League, active temperance organization, still fights on. It opposes attempts to liberalize the Volstead Act. The League was a force in Antigo before Prohibition became law. Its chief purpose was to secure restrictive temperance legislation.

F. C. Fuller was the leader of the Langlade County prohibitionists in 1885 . The party opposed granting license and sought to defeat anti-prohibitionist candidates. They had a complete ticket in the county field.

November 13, 1883, Rev. Father Cleary, noted Prohibition speaker, addressed a large crowd at the county court house. Father Cleary then organized a branch of the Catholic Total Abstinence Society of America.

B. F. Dorr was probably a more ardent Prohibitionist than Hon. F. A. Deleglise. He energetically espoused the cause of temperance at all times, contributing many articles to the press. Responding to a letter from B. F. Dorr, Congressman W. T. Price of Black River Falls said : "The whole fight, Mr. Dorr, is an uphill one. We shall never succeed in destroying the traffic, but we can, and ought to lessen its baneful influence." Almost a half century has passed since then and National Prohibition has become the law of the land.

On April 2, 1888, a Prohibition Club was organized in Antigo. W. R. Brown, state organizer, presided at the first meeting, which initiated 42 members. Officers were: President, R. C. Dresser; Vice President, W. D. Badger; Secretary, Julia Bliss; Treasurer, E. P. Bridgeman.

Temperance Ticket Of 1884

During the Blaine-Cleveland presidential campaign of 1884 Langlade County temperance leaders put the following ticket in the field: Treasurer, B. F. Dorr; Sheriff, John Goodwin; District Attorney, J. H. Trever; County Supt. of Schools, L. K. Strong; County Clerk, George Clithero; Register of Deeds, M. M. Ross; Clerk of Court, F. C. Fuller; Surveyor, G. W. Bliss; Coroner, John F. Saxe. The ticket was sometimes referred to as the "Third Party" ticket. J. H. Trever and M. M. Ross, successful nominees, were the only two on the ticket elected.

The Langlade County Prohibitionists have always been active at the polls, ever striving to elect men, who were proven leaders and supporters of the temprance movement.

The Order Of Camels

In 1920 the Grand Caravan, Order of Camels, an anti-Prohibition order, sent A. R. Diegle, Grand Secretary, of Milwaukee, to Antigo. He installed temporary officers of the Antigo Order of Camels. The first and only meeting was held in Skibba Hall.

The Moonshine Era

Much was said before Prohibition relative to the evil environment of a saloon. All of that doubled cannot lessen the pernicious damage that the illicit traffic in moonshine, "sour mash," has accomplished. This home-made product has ruined many men, caused the death of many and has made law breakers out of those who manufacture it. It has brought disgrace and sadness into many a good home.

December 24, 1921, three federal Prohibition officers with Deputy Sheriff Harry Morse, went to Elton where Julius and Joseph Wurzer were alleged to have operated a moonshine still. The officers surprised the Wurzer brothers and Luther Pennington in a shack. In the commotion Julius Wurzer was killed. The officers were held on a charge of manslaughter. The

Respect The Law

The many temperance organizations mentioned in this chapter have had their influence in not only turning men from the whisky glass, but they have also created a public sentiment in favor of civic virtue, cleanliness and sobriety in living - all of which the saloon did not aid. The temperance cause grew as it was based upon a noble purpose. The traffic that brought distress and degradation to thousands of people has been legally banished.

In this age we need organizations that will uphold law as it exists - men and women with red-blooded Americanism - those who are ready to stand by and defend a law and condemn the citizen who does not. Dissatisfaction with a law can be settled by the electorate through the ballot box, not through disrespect and defiance.

Pioneer Temperance Rallies

The last speech given by a Prohibition leader before the 18th amendment was made by John Strange of Neenah, ex-Lieut, governor. He spoke in the Antigo Opera House before a fair sized crowd.

The Antigo Brewery

The Antigo Brewing Company was organized September 25, 1896, by Albert Koles, Frank Hanzel, Frank Riendl, Albert Fisch, Thomas Schmitz, John Kestly, William Krier, Joseph Hoffman, Max Hoffman and A. Jenss. The plant and office were located on south Edison street. Near beer was manufactured for a while after the 18th amendment was passed.

The Citizens Brewery

The Citizens Brewing Company was incorporated September 15, 1899. John Sipek, Wencel Sipek, Frank Boyanowski, and Frank Cherf were the incorporators. John Benishek was one of the active men in this industry also. Articles of incorporation were amended June 6, 1907, and the capital stock was increased from $25,000 to $100,000. Chris Wunderlich, deceased, was then president of the concern. May 27, 1913, the name was changed to the Great Northern Manufacturing Company. The plant was located on Superior street north of the office. The office was at the intersection of Sixth avenue and Superior street.