PROHIBITION BROUGHT BURGLARS TO LAKE FOREST

America's most unpopular law made criminals of millions of otherwise
law-abiding citizens. With the passage of Prohibition in 1919, drinking or
possessing alcoholic beverages became illegal.

Enterprising local citizens and more than a few Chicagoans responded by
opening speak-easies, roadhouses and nightclubs all over Lake County.
Citizens flocked to these joints to consume their drinks in peace, secure
in the knowledge that in most cases the authorities would not come crashing
through the doors with axes and arrest warrants.

Burglars, however, were breaking into the homes of the wealthy, especially
in Lake Forest, in increasing numbers in quest of the better
pre-Prohibition booze, "the good stuff." Author Edward Arpee writes of the
thefts in his "Lake Forest, Illinois, History and
Reminiscences 1861- 1961," published by the Rotary Club of Lake Forest in 1963.

Lake Forest police reports, according to Arpee, showed a different break-in
every night between Dec. 11 and 21, 1919, in which only alcohol was stolen.
After the burglars were apprehended, they were acquitted because juries
seemed to hold the view--according to Arpee--that because it was against
the law to possess liquor, they couldn't convict anyone for stealing it.
Prohibition was repealed in 1933.

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)