Jail Fills with Tipplers, July 17, 1924

Many Arrests Made Locally. . . County Jail Practically Filled with violators of the Federal Prohibition Laws and Other Statutes

Up until just prior to the Fourth of July there had been but one arrest made during the few weeks ex-Sheriff Moody had been holding down the job of Chief of Police, and Mr. Moody had been heard to remark many times about the excellent behavior of the boys around time. But just as things were sailing along so smoothly, and the sheriff had no doubt about decided that his position was too easy, the glad and glorious Fourth comes along, and with it the usual quota of “red-eye”. The first arrest came on the 4th, and from that the policeman, assisted sometimes by the Sheriff of the county and Deputy George Hayes, began a systematic round up of the offenders, the highest number in jail at any one time being 21. A few have been bailed out from time to time, but at present about 18 are still boarding with Jailer Hayes.

Not all of the offenses were committed right in the town, nor were all those arrested boys of this place. The came from as far away as Charlotte to fall into the carefully laid nets of the local officials, and the luckless ones included the pilots of the high powered cars as well as the “Lizzie.” Five arrests were made for speeding, two for check flashing and all of the others had to do with the liquor traffic in one way or another, from having a few drinks in the stomach to transporting a gasoline can of the liquid in an auto. Business has been so rushing with the officers that we cannot give this week an accurate list of the offenders and the crimes committed.

Never before in the history of the town have the citizens shown such a spirit of cooperating with the authorities in putting down lawlessness. Chief Moody has unlimited support it seems, and intends to do his duty, as do all those associated with him in the execution of the law. It would appear that at present Boone might be the wrong place to get gay. The speed laws and those governing the passing of worthless checks will be more strictly enforced in the future.

From the front page of the Watauga Democrat, Boone, N.C., Thursday, July 17, 1924