Blue Laws hit Forest Park
The Christian day of worship, Sunday, was tied to the policy of Sunday closing of commercial venues that served alcohol. The creation of the so-called Blue Laws encouraged both sobriety and rest. The anti-saloon and temperance movements gained power in Illinois just as World War I intensified. Additional anti-German sentiment against brewers and grain conservation efforts were also used to justify alcohol restrictions. In July 1917 federal courts began ruling on wartime restrictions of alcohol, which impacted Forest Park. An attempt was made to manage and enforce the state rules was made in town when the rules came into effect.
This was printed in the Forest Leaves of Aug. 10, 1917:
Lid Tilted Sunday
Twelve Saloonkeepers Arrested — Drunks and Bums again on the Steets — Big Police Haul
Sunday was a big day in Forest Park, the lid was tilted wide open and the drunks and bums were back again on the streets. Twelve saloonkeepers were arrested, also a number of drunks and disorderly persons and a number of persons who violated the speed and traffic ordinances of the village.
The biggest police catch of the day was made by Officer Errgang, the motorcycle cop, who succeeded in over hauling Mike Malpeda, age eighteen years, who was speeding in a stolen car along Madison street at a rate of about forty miles an hour. It was after 12 at night. In the car were two women passengers, who, after attending a picnic and visiting several saloons, had hired young Malpeda to take them to their home near Humboldt park. But for the women, who became abusive to the officer, Malpeda would probably have been released on his own recognition.
At the police station it was found that the young man did not own the car and that he did not know either of the two women. He was locked up as were also the women passengers, who, in spite of a tip to keep quiet and go home were loud in their abusive language, until they were put behind the bars. Next day, the world had taken on a different aspect and they were sorry they were abusive and also sober when they appeared before the judge. Their mild demeanor and their sorrowful countenance did not save them from a fine for disorderly conduct, which, together with the costs, came to $9 apiece. The young man was sent down to the county jail where he will be held to the criminal court or returned to Pontiac from whence he was paroled last March. The car, which is a Studebaker, belonged to R. D. Kelly of Rogers Park who came out and identified it Monday.
Among the saloon keepers and bartenders arrested were Meelbush, Forse, Berger, John Schwass, Otto Schneider, William Radke and three barkeepers at the amusement park.
They were all open in defiance to the mayor’s orders and considerable speculation is rife as to just what will be done next Sunday after council action on Tuesday evening.
