Today in Iowa History: “Dingleberry Dew” Meets Its End Near Iowa City

It was on this day: June 17, 1927

Thanks to Our Iowa Heritage, they say: During Prohibition (1920-1933), Dingleberry Road, just north of Iowa City, became notorious as the residence of moonshiners Peter and George Dingleberry, known for their "Dingleberry Dew" whiskey.

On June 17, 1927, Sheriff Frank Smith of Johnson County, along with four deputies, raided the Dingleberry farm, arresting the brothers for moonshining. The raid yielded substantial evidence: 21 gallons of illicit liquor, 400 gallons of mash, 30 gallons of wine, and a 40-gallon still.

What did prohibition bring?

During the era of Prohibition, which began nationally in January 1920, efforts to combat alcoholism, family violence, and political corruption associated with saloons were championed by supporters known as "drys." Led by groups like the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League, the movement gained momentum during the final years of World War I. The culmination came with the ratification of the 18th Amendment in 1919, leading to nationwide Prohibition taking effect on January 17, 1920. However, this attempt to legislate morality ultimately failed and was repealed with the ratification of the 21st Amendment on December 5, 1933. 

Iowa took a different approach

Iowa PBS reports: Iowa took a proactive stance on Prohibition well before the national mandate, one of three strong prohibition states along with Kansas and Maine. In 1916, four years ahead of the 18th Amendment, Iowa enforced a statewide ban on alcohol sales, manufacturing, importing, and exporting. This early adoption spurred a burgeoning illicit industry across the state, with many turning to bootlegging and moonshining to make ends meet amidst dropping corn prices. 

Charles Dingleberry (1838-1919) and his wife, Catharine Crouse Dingleberry (1846-1889), settled in Iowa around 1866, establishing their homestead on over 300 acres in Graham Township, Johnson County. Their property, with Rapid Creek running through it, would later become known for a notorious chapter in Iowa's Prohibition history involving their sons, Peter and George Dingleberry. 

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Peter and George, operating from their farm on Thompson Road, became prominent figures in Johnson County's moonshining scene during Prohibition. Utilizing their ample supply of corn and spring water sourced from their land, they produced "Dingleberry Dew," a prized local moonshine known colloquially as "white lightning." Their operation thrived until a raid in 1927 by Johnson County Sheriff Frank Smith and his deputies resulted in their arrest and the confiscation of substantial quantities of illicit alcohol and distilling equipment. 

Despite the legal consequences, the Dingleberry brothers' enterprise left a lasting mark on local history. The aftermath of their arrest and subsequent trial underscored the challenges and contradictions of Prohibition enforcement during the early 20th century. Today, their story is remembered through local lore and historical accounts, contributing to Iowa's rich cultural tapestry.