Letter from Mrs. B.H. Smith Asking Governor Doyle Carlton to Send Help to Combat Moonshining Near Palmdale, 1931

Prohibition--Florida

Distilling, Illicit

Stills (Distilleries)

Letter from Mrs. B.H. Smith of Palmdale in Glades County, asking Governor Doyle Carlton for help stopping moonshining in the area. According to Mrs. Smith, several moonshiners were operating in the area and selling illicit whiskey to local men, causing them to neglect their families. Mrs. Smith notes that the local sheriff is of no help because he is connected with some of the moonshiners. The letter was "written by a friend" and was probably dictated by Martha Smith, wife of Henry B. Smith of Palmdale.

State Archives of Florida, Series S204

1931-07-19

Smith, B.H.

letters (correspondence)

eng-US

Text

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Depression Era Florida (1926-1939)

Palmdale (Fla.)

Glades County (Fla.)

Moore Haven (Fla.)

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Health And Safety

Palmdale, Fla. July 19, 1931 Governor Doyle E. Carlton Dear Sir, I have been advised to ask your [assistance] to rid this little place of a [very] bad joint or in other words of some awful bad bad places [right] down here in this little place called Palmdale. We women of this place is now suffering a great distress. These places which sell what is called sue moon shine whiskey is selling it to our husbands and sometimes we don't have bread for our children to eat. We are in

are suffering on account of such and if you will please send a man sure to look into matters we will point out these places to him. I will, for I have six little children almost starving [right] today & am not the only one either. The [?] farmer's wife here will point out these places places to your man. Our high sheriff here is related to some of these people that [operates] those bad places. He closes his eyes to all this so we can see our children starve. So now will you please send a man [right] at once to clean up this place.

When he comes I can tell him where he can find several more such joints in Moore Haven and around it. So do please do this for the children's sake.I feel that you are an old friend of mine & I have a good friend in Miami, Mrs. Emily Bell, and all of her family is my friends. Now I will ask you once more to do please do this much to help us have a few days of rest and [peace] in Palmdale. I will ring off hoping to see your man soon. Mrs. B.H. Smith [Written] by a friend