Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Maine was the first state to ban the manufacture and sale of liquor in 1851 with the “Maine Law,” providing a template for other states to limit alcohol consumption, or go “dry.” The US Government made Prohibition the law of the land in 1920 with the 18th Amendment, repealed in 1933.
This song reveals the liquor smuggling trade that developed off the coast of Maine during Prohibition. In 1920, vessels anchored three miles offshore were outside of state and federal territorial sea, or jurisdiction. Maine’s expansive coastline provided perfect cover for smugglers to covertly transport liquor shipments into Maine ports.
The song cleverly discussed the smuggling activities in the United States,
Ever since they passed the prohibition law
I’ve puzzled over something that I saw
I’ve noticed lately where-ever I go
Most everybody is learning to row
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: "Where Do They Go When They Row, Row, Row" sheet music cover, 1920
- Creator: Waterson, Berlin & Snyder Co.
- Creation Date: 1920
- Subject Date: 1920
- Location: New York, New York County, NY
- Media: Ink on paper
- Local Code: SM 25
- Collection: Sheet Music
- Object Type: Text and Image
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
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