Shine Hauler

Story 3: Life In Appalachia. The Shine Hauler. An ode to rebellion and right of passage in Appalachia. Deep in the hills of Eastern Tennessee, I came across this original bootlegging vehicle which had it's own still for making moonshine. Moonshine could and can be made from anything fermentable. At it's nascent roots in the U.S., it's origins are traced to Pennsylvania and other states producing grain. In 1920 nationwide Prohibition went into effect. Organized crime syndicates became heavily involved in the illegal production and movement of moonshine. Anything for a profit. Vehicles like this one became the peddlers for illegal distribution. Mechanics began modifying cars beefing up their engines and creating hidden storage spaces to outrun the cops and carry the liquor. When running from the cops, these folks became quite adept drivers, and on their days off they would race each other often in the hills of Appalachia. This eventually led to the origin of NASCAR which present day is wildly popular in the region and worldwide. The rebellious spirit of Appalachia lives on and is ingrained into the fabric of this pocket of America.

Shine haulerlife in appalachiacarmoonshineculturetennesseehistoryalcoholprohibition