History of “Vinegar Hill”

Weekly trains loads of the "precious stuff" on
their way from Mt. Pulaski to Decatur, Illinois
. . . 1920's . . .

       Prior to the repeal of the eighteenth amendment (prohibition) in 1933,  Mt. Pulaski stayed “wet” longer than the surrounding “dry” towns.  Since Mt. Pulaski had thirteen prosperous saloons and a few bootleggers, the railroads brought customers into town from every direction.  They would come with empty flasks and leave with full ones.   Upon nearing town, the conductor would call out “Vinegar Hill next stop”.  Thus, Mt. Pulaski earned the nickname, “Vinegar Hill”.