Prohibition Era Presentation in Fosston February 19 th
“Peddler’s Cure-All’s to Secret Liquor Halls” will be presented on February 19, 2023 in Fosston.
Sponsored by the East Polk Heritage Center (EPHC) and given by Caleb Curfman, the event will
cover many details of the prohibition era in the United States (1920 – 1933), with specific
reference to Mark’s Pharmacy in Fosston, MN. During Prohibition, the U.S. Treasury
Department authorized physicians to write prescriptions for medical alcohol. This was one of the
few legal exceptions to the 13-year ban on the production, sale and distribution of alcohol,
initiated in 1920 by the 18th Amendment.
In addition to the presentation, EPHC will exhibit historic pharmaceutical artifacts from its
collection. Refreshments will be served to include a variety of “Mocktails” – fruit-juiced, non-
alcoholic drinks that gained popularity during the prohibition era.
Curfman is a member of the EPHC Board of Directors. He is the History Instructor at Northland
Community Technical College and has taught at the college, first as adjunct, and full-time since 2018.
He is an avid historic researcher with special interests in the American Civil War, Early
American History, Ancient World History, Religious History, and Presidential History.
EPHC is offering this presentation as part of its 2023 programming that will include additional
history activities including a History Book Club facilitated by Curfman.
This event will be held at the Fosston Arts Center Theater, 403 N. Foss Avenue. Doors will
open at 5:00 PM with the presentation beginning at 6:00 PM. There is no admission and all are
invited to attend.