Date of Award

4-1981

Degree Type

Master's Essay - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

William D. Miller

Abstract

On March 22, 1933, Judge A.J. Hedding was attempting to hold court when commotion let loose outside. The Judge was puzzled until Attorney A.L. Weise leaned over and whispered in his ear. The Judge then addressed the court: "Pardon me, the whistles announcing President Roosevelt has signed the beer bill are blowing. Court is adjourned."

On March 22, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act into law, and the City of Milwaukee went wild. The Cullen-Harrison Act officially repealed the hated Volstead Act of 1919 and made brewing~ distribution, and consumption of 3.2 beer legal as of April 7, 1933. At 12:01 A.M. beer became legal and the citizens of Milwaukee held a celebration the likes of which had not been seen since the signing of the Armistice ending World War One. Bands played, whistles blew, people screamed, gallon after gallon of the new brew made its way down thirsty throats, and the happy drinkers said the libation was "splendid." Ten days later the city officially welcomed back beer with a giant "Volksfest" at the Auditorium. German bands played, the mayor and other celebrities gave speeches, people danced, and beer flowed from twelve bars as Milwaukeeans once again lifted their steins to the return of beer. Happy days were back.

Comments

An essay submitted to the faculty of the Graduate School, Marquette University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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