Smithfield Dispensary Bottles | ||
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Biographical Sketch: The Smithfield Dispensary opened July 1, 1899, in a corner store in the Fuller building at the corner of Market and Third streets (site of the present Johnston County Heritage Center) in Smithfield, NC, following state enabling legislation that allowed the town to control liquor traffic. The Smithfield Herald of July 7, 1899, noted that "it has already shown its effects towards preserving better order on the streets at night."J. E. Dickens was the first manager, followed by former county poorhouse keeper George S. Wilson in 1901. Kenly, Selma, Clayton, and Pine Level also opened dispensaries during this time. It is thought that the Smithfield Dispensary closed by 1902 as prohibition forces gained further strength. Notwithstanding, when prohibition won approval in a statewide referendum in 1908, Johnston led all other counties in opposing the new law, gaining the distinction of "Banner Whiskey County."
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