William F. Cody in one of his Wild West show jackets, May 1909. Photo: Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
The fall of 1916 was a season of momentous events for America, Virginia and Hampton Roads. At midnight on Halloween, Prohibition took effect across the Old Dominion, three years before alcohol sales were banned nationwide by the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Virginia voters had approved a state ban in a September referendum.
"NIGHT OF SPIRITS MARKS PASSING OF JOHN BARLEYCORN," read The Virginian-Pilot's front-page headline on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
As celebrations were held in churches, mournful tipplers raised their last legal glasses in local saloons.
The Portsmouth Star reported this anecdote:
"One man over at the navy yard requested two days leave of absence Saturday, saying he hoped to get back Wednesday.
'Why the departure?' he was asked by the leading man.
'I want to celebrate two State holidays,' was the answer.
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