Prohibition Wine: A True Story of One Woman's Daring in Twentieth-Century America

In 1918, Rebecca Goldberg, a Jewish immigrant from the Russian Empire, lost her husband in a railroad accident. To support her family, she started selling eggs and then began selling illegal alcohol during Prohibition. Her business grew, and she became a historical figure known as "The Chicken Woman of Boston."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2021
Publisher: She Writes Press

In 1918, Rebecca Goldberg, a Jewish immigrant from the Russian Empire residing in rural Wilmington, Massachusetts, faced an unthinkable tragedy when her husband, Nathan, tragically lost his life in a railroad accident. Left alone with six children to raise, Rebecca was determined to provide for her family. Despite having worked tirelessly for years, keeping chickens to support the family, she knew she needed to do more.

One day, a customer who had been purchasing Rebecca's fresh eggs suggested an innovative idea. He proposed that she start selling alcoholic beverages in addition to her eggs to supplement her meager income. The customer, who made his homemade raw alcohol, offered to provide it to Rebecca, who would then transform it into a drinkable product and sell it to new customers in Wilmington.

Rebecca, driven by her desperate need to feed her family and keep them together, agreed to take on this risky endeavor. She became a cautious participant in the illegal alcohol trade, aware of the dangers and consequences that lay ahead.

Rebecca's business grew slowly and surreptitiously over the years, until 1925, when her luck ran out. She was caught and summoned to appear before a judge, facing the possibility of legal consequences. However, her case took a surprising turn when the chief of police, one of her loyal customers, spoke highly of her character before the court. Thanks to his recommendation, all charges were dropped, and Rebecca's story made headline news.

Her remarkable journey not only brought attention to her personal struggles but also highlighted the challenges faced by Jewish immigrants and women in the early 20th century. Rebecca's determination, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit became an inspiration to many, and she paved the way for future generations of women to pursue their dreams and overcome adversity.

In conclusion, Rebecca Goldberg's story is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Her journey from a rural immigrant to a successful businesswoman, who made history by participating in the illegal alcohol trade during Prohibition, is a reminder of the power of hard work, innovation, and the determination to provide for one's family.

Weight: 178g
Dimension: 127 x 202 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647420611