When The Farmers Hotel Was Raided, Watsontown 1922

 

The Farmers Hotel was raided on Thursday January 12 1922, due to a tip from the W.C.T.U.
Along on the raid was Evangelist H. N. Faulconer, who was conducting Christian Union Temperance Services at Watsontown.

"The evangelist is a brother in law of Commissioner Haynes, and it was through his personal report to Washington of the conditions at Watsontown that the raid was ordered."
The 5 men entered the bar room of the hotel, armed with necessary papers, and then conducted a complete search of the saloon and hotel property.

A quantity of real beer, whiskey, gin, and wine was found, in addition to a quantity of Jamaica ginger.

Jamaica ginger extract, known in the United States by the slang name Jake, was a late 19th-century patent medicine that provided a convenient way to obtain alcohol during the era of Prohibition, since it contained approximately 70% to 80% ethanol by weight.
Barto was placed under arrest, but the hearing was delayed until a chemical analysis of the alcohol could be made.

"Barto's barroom has long been a source of annoyance to temperance workers in Watsontown, matters coming to a head when it was rumored that soldiers stationed at Devitt's Camp near Allenwood, to receive treatment for tuberculosis, were securing high powered booze there"

Read more about the Tuberculosis Camp in Allenwood here:

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/12/when-allenwood-had-tuberculosis-camp.html

The raid was conducted by Federal Agents Ellinger and Christley of the Harrisburg office, assisted by two state policemen from the Lewisburg detail.

Barto's hotel was the last licensed place to remain open in Watsontown,

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Farmers Hotel, 805 Main Street Watsontown

The building still stands today, as a multi family dwelling

To the back on the right [In Photo at top of page] you can see the top of the 8th street school

1882 "The Watsontown Hotel"  Property on Main street above 8th, from the Lewisburg building association, which he will occupy in the spring with the intentions of opening a hotel." 

1917 Liquor License granted to A. L. Bardo of the Farmers Hotel.

1902 - Farmers Hotel damaged in fire.  Davis & Barto proprietor.  Fire contained to the upper stories', building was insured and "will be rebuilt at once"

January 1922