Prohibition in San Mateo County

In the 1930s, mobster Sam Termini called San Mateo County the most corrupt county in the state. With rumrunners landing Canadian whiskey on isolated beaches, moonshiners operating in homes and a multitude of speakeasies in every Peninsula community, the county earned a reputation as one of the "wettest" in the state during Prohibition. During the presentation, Carmen Blair will share local Prohibition stories she discovered while researching for the San Mateo County History Museum’s temporary exhibit Broads, Bootleggers and Bookies in 2011. This event will be in the Oak Room. Tickets are not required or accepted. Photo: Hotel San Pedro at the Sánchez Adobe was a speakeasy during Prohibition. Courtesy San Mateo County Historical Association.

Carmen Blair joined the staff of the San Mateo County Historical Association in 1998 and has been the Deputy Director since 2007. Among her responsibilities, she is involved with school programs, public programs for adults and children, exhibit design and publications. She received her B.A. in History from Gustavus Adolphus College and her M.A. in Museum Studies from San Francisco State University.

Host or Publisher San Mateo Public Library