WAR ON WHISKEY BRINGS FIREWORKS - An article in the Monitor in 1916 outlined the drinking habits of Dubliners. New laws establishing the prohibition of liquor sales resulted in their desired effect. May shipments of whiskey dropped from 1600 gallons per month to 400 gallons per month as compared to the previous period. Consequently it was estimated that only $25,000.00 worth of whiskey would be received in freight offices as compared to the $100,000.00 received during the year 1915. City fathers didn’t rest with prohibiting the consumption of spiritous liquors. They set their sights on a Christmas tradition, one which had been celebrated since the end of the Civil War. On every Christmas since the end of the war, Dubliners celebrated the holiday season by lighting fireworks. The city council of Dublin passed an ordinance in December 1915 which assessed a $1000.00 fee on any business desiring to sell fireworks within the city limits. City fathers reacted to the complaints from citizens, who saw the fireworks as a nuisance. The ordinance didn’t prevent the use of fireworks. It only limited them. All one had to do was to travel outside the limits of the city, purchase the fireworks, and light them anywhere in the city, except on a public street or in the business section of town. Montgomery Monitor, June 1, 1916, December 30, 1915.
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