Cult of Invisible Women

Yes, I confess -  I'm a woman in love with my TiVo. :)  Last week I caught a glimpse of a show on the History Channel and decided to record it later that night when it ran a second time. The show was Rumrunners, Moonshiners and Bootleggers.  I guess it peaked an interest because of my Southern history.  My family tree reaches back into the north Georgia mountains and there easily could have been moonshiners somewhere hanging in that tree. (yeah, more that easily)

I finally had a chance to watch the show tonight.  Wow! There has been a long history in this country surrounding legal and illegal liquor.  I learned so many things... like where the term bootleggers came from.  Back during the Revolutionary War time, men would smuggle liquor in bottles they hid in their high boots - get it?  The show covers this bottled history from the George Washington era to the mob wars to modern day back woods brewing.

The historical fact that hit my giggle button was about the moonshine haulers.  These haulers learned how to out run the law in the 1940's by souping up their cars.  As time went by, NASCAR was born and many of the racers were - you've guessed it - moonshine haulers!  I laughed so hard I was crying.  I've never understood the fascination behind driving in a circle really fast, but to connect it to white lightin' - it's now as clear as... well... do I have to say it? ;)

I enjoyed this history lesson... and the funniest thing about it... I don't indulge in such spirits. (honest!)

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