10/18/2009:
Speakeasys, or blind pigs as they were often called, were common, illegal drinking establishments during prohibition. On this date in 1910, there was big news from Lakota concerning a reformation pastor and a band of blind-pigger vigilantes.
The Reverend Stephenson of United Methodist church was the victim of the incident. An active member of the reform movement, Stephenson worked tirelessly supporting prohibition in the community. His efforts were lauded by the majority of his flock, but a few members of the criminal persuasion found him tiresome and problematic. As a result, the pastor received several anonymous, threatening letters. Finally, on October 18th, these parties made good on their threats by setting fire to the poor pastor's home. Stephenson and his children barely escaped with their lives, but the public outcry that ensued surely made life much more difficult for the blind-piggers.
Dakota Datebook written by Jayme L. Job
Source:
The Fargo Forum and Daily Republican, Tuesday (Evening ed.), Oct. 18, 1910: p.2.