Laurel Highlands

Some mountain men in the Laurel Highlands continue to distill their own moonshine in copper pipes and pots. During prohibition, they used this product as a way to survive, either by bartering or for cash. Those visitors who had reason to intrude on their property found themselves threatened by baying dogs or mountain men looking down the barrels of their hunting rifles. Operating a still was dangerous work.

Knowing how to placate these farmers was part of the job of those who represented the telephone or gas companies. Right-of-ways had to be purchased and cleared. Those who became regular visitors often came home with a gallon of maple syrup or almost 100- proof alcohol.