Berry died two years later, and Lincoln assumed the debts from the business. In April 1833, he sold his interest in the store to Berry and was appointed Postmaster of New Salem on May 7, 1833. Lincoln spent more time dealing with customers and his down time reading, and they fell into debt. Lincoln's foray into the world of booze was short-lived-Berry was apparently an alcoholic and took advantage of the new liquor license to drink while he was working in the store. Takeout meals for stage passengers cost 37.25 cents, and they also sold beer and cider. Lodging was 12.5 cents per night, and horses could stay for 25 cents, with feed going for 12.5 cents. They could also sell food-breakfast, dinner, and supper were each 25 cents-and put people up for the night. Wine cost 25 cents, rum was 18.75 cents, and whiskey was 12.5 cents. Half pints of Holland gin cost 18.75 cents, while domestic gin was 12.5 cents. So what did they serve? Half pints of French brandy for 25 cents, peach brandy for 18.75 cents, and apple brandy for 12 cents. Stores that sold liquor to consume on the premises were called groceries. In March 1833, Berry and Lincoln were issued a tavern, or liquor, license, which cost them $7 and was taken out in Berry's name. Stores could sell alcohol in quantities greater than a pint for off-premises consumption, but it was illegal to sell single drinks to consume at the store without a license. Berry, to purchase a small store, which they named Berry and Lincoln. In January 1833, he partnered with his friend from his militia days, William F. He worked as a store clerk, served in a militia, and unsuccessfully ran for office. His boat got stuck there and after visiting New Orleans, he returned to New Salem and decided to stay. ![]() He first arrived there on a flat boat when he was 22 and en route to New Orleans. Lincoln was co-owner of Berry and Lincoln, a store/drinking establishment in New Salem, Illinois, where he lived from 1831 to 1837. But Lincoln was the only president who was also a licensed bartender. Andrew Jackson's inaugural party in 1829 was so legendary that we still drink the orange punch partygoers consumed (and you can find it on the menu at Big Jones). Holders of the nation's highest office have often had a close relationship with booze, as George Washington established the nation's largest whiskey distillery in 1797 and Thomas Jefferson brewed his own beer. And before he was a lawyer, he was something else entirely-a bartender. Back before he was President, Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |