Prohibition Era Presentation in Fosston

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.


Marriage Exhibit – Beltrami County

BEMIDJI, MN – Beltrami County Historical Society Announces Marriage Exhibit Opening March 15
Beltrami County Historical Society is pleased to announce its special exhibit, “I Thee Wed: Histories of
Marriage in Beltrami County,” which will open Wednesday, March 15, at Beltrami County History Center
at 130 Minnesota Ave. SW, Bemidji.
“Although marriage is present in virtually all cultures, the ceremonies, rules, and roles of and in marriage
differ from community to community,” shares Emily Thabes, Executive Director of the Historical Society.
“Our exhibit will share some of the regional cultural aspects of marriage that we honor and celebrate, as
well as photographs of many couples married in Beltrami County across the years. Additionally, we
intend to highlight a few specific stories that may give visitors a new perspective on the meaning and
purpose of marriage across the decades.”
The Historical Society is looking for additional stories for this exhibit, including couples who have been
married for more than 50 years and persons whose marriages were not always legally recognized in
Minnesota. The Historical Society also welcomes loans of handmade and vintage dresses and accessories
for our exhibit display and programs. If you are interested in participating, please get in touch with the
Beltrami County Historical Society at depot@beltramihistory.org or 218-444-3376.
We look forward to welcoming you at our exhibition opening on March 15. For more information about
the Historical Society’s exhibits, events, membership, and volunteer opportunities, please visit
https://www.beltramihistory.org or follow us on Facebook @beltramihistory.