The Fascinating History Behind Our Liquor Lockers
November 20, 2024
Prohibition didn’t slow down the fun at the Tides Inn.
In July 1947, when our resort first opened its doors, Lancaster County was a dry county, meaning businesses could not sell alcohol. But there was a loophole: Guests to the Chesapeake Club, a private club-slash-restaurant, could bring their own liquor to consume. If they forgot to pack boozy sustenance? Tides staff would take them on a Whiskey Run—a boat ride to the next town over where they could purchase the good stuff. Back at the Tides, the bootleg bottles would be stored in liquor lockers for $1 per day.
Lancaster gave up its dry status in 1970, but you can still see all 121 of those handcrafted vaults—made from walnut harvested from a nearby farm—in the bar at Salt & Meadow. In fact, the restaurant’s renovation earlier this year was designed around the historic items. “When we built the new bar, we added an area where we have a few of them open with a nice bottle of liquor in them,” says Susan Williamson, director of guest services. “They’re a talking point.”
Where the doors remain sealed, the gold keyholes on the left side are the only clues that something important could be hidden inside. At least, once upon a time there was something to be discovered. Today, the lockers are mostly for display. But Williamson says the team will utilize them for special occasions, like during the Tides Inn scavenger hunt or to conceal a surprise during a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary.