The Dry Wave Hits Stevens County
Voters mandate the closure of saloons outside incorporated towns, leaving the region scrambling for legal spirits.
At midnight on Monday, the saloons of Stevens County, outside the incorporated towns, closed their doors, and their legal existence terminated in obedience to the mandate of the majority of the voters as shown by the election held Nov. 7. The only legal saloons now within the confines of Stevens County are located in the towns of Springdale, Northport, and Chewelah, on the west side of the county. The whole east end of the county is now dry, and Newport, Idaho, is the only oasis for the man who needs strong drink. At Ione, the saloon interests have hopes of securing a wet town. The town was in the county unit, and a petition is now being circulated for an election within the limits of the new municipality to be held April 9th. There is a dispute as to the legality of such a proceeding, which has been passed up to the attorney general for an opinion.
“The whole east end of the country is now dry and Newport, Idaho, is the only oasis for the man who needs strong drink.”
This local option movement was a precursor to the statewide prohibition that would eventually sweep Washington in 1916. Today, the 'dry' vs. 'wet' debate has shifted from saloons to the modern complexities of liquor licensing and zoning in rural Pend Oreille County.
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