sponsibility for keeping it’s presence a secret widened. The neighbors also helped if a man was sent to serve time for his actions. They would turn out to do the farm work until he returned home.

Smuggled rum was not the only alcoholic beverage to be used. Many turned to the manufacture of homebrew or moonshine. The making of moonshine still occurs, and is still illegal, on the island. Many a still was set up in the back woods to provide the owner with some white lightening to liven him up. The discovery of a still also held a stiff penalty.

Homemade beer, fruits cordials, and wines were also made. The use of these spirits was often a private affair, with a man bringing a bottle to share with his friends, although they could also be purchased from bootleggers. It was said you never had to go a great distance to obtain a drink.

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