Paul Calle (1928 - 2010) and Chris Calle (B. 1961) "1920s - Prohibition" Signed lower right. Original Painting Mixed Media on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. Celebrate the Century Series 32c Prohibition Enforced stamp issued May 28, 1998. On October 28, 1919, the Volstead Act was passed, providing enforcement of the recently ratified 18th Amendment, prohibiting the manufacture, sale or transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. President Herbert Hoover declared Prohibition to be "a great social and economic experiment, noble in motive and far-reaching in purpose." Most Americans, however, tended to disagree, especially those living in cities where illegal saloons or speakeasies flourished. Along with speakeasies came the men who supplied the illicit spirits, gangsters such as Frank Costello and Al Capone. Before long, the explosive growth of bootlegging and organized crime led to the broad corruption of public officials. Fewer than 1,600 liquor enforcement agents patrolled a nation inhabited by more than 105 million people, which possessed two lengthy borders and more than 18,000 miles of coastline. And since agents were paid miserable wages, few were dedicated to their work. Two notable exceptions were agents Izzy Einstein and Moe Smith -- famous for donning elaborate disguises to catch offenders. Calls for repeal of Prohibition began as early as 1923. It wasn't until February 20, 1933, however, that Congress passed the 21st Amendment, repealing the 18th Amendment and making liquor legal again. Image Size: 16.25 x 14.25 in. Overall Size: 23.25 x 16.25 in. Unframed. (B16125 / B16126)