![]() But, Lincoln wasn’t able to leave the business behind for long. ![]() Sounds like a solid business plan, but unfortunately for Lincoln, Berry wasn’t a very reliable business partner.Īfter just a few years, Lincoln sold his share of the business to Berry and became a mailman instead, while he studied law and pursued politics. Berry and Lincoln also offered carry-out meals for stage passengers for 37 cents, as well as room and board for weary patrons and their horses. Wine was just 25 cents a glass, rum was 18.75 cents, and whiskey was 12.5 cents.Įven then, they knew you shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach. They sold half pints of Brandy for less than 25 cents, half pints of Holland gin for 18.75 cents, or domestic gin for 12.5 cents. However, the prices they charged were regulated by the license they received, so they didn’t get much say there. The license cost them $7, and gave them permission to sell half-pints of whatever they pleased. In March, 1833, Berry and Lincoln General Store, became Berry and Lincoln Tavern with the issuance of their liquor license, which allowed them to sell individual drinks at the store. Not only did their “grocery” sell practical and necessary household items, they also served as the local watering hole, and one of the few places in town to get a good stiff drink. Maybe not quite so fancy, but the idea is the same. Instead, they were more like an upscale grocery store where you can wander around sipping Champagne while you shop. They didn’t just sell pints and fifths like today’s corner market or bodega might. ![]() In those early years, not many towns had bars or saloons, so the General Stores/Groceries were often licensed to sell alcohol. He entered into a partnership with 21-year-old William Berry and the two purchased a general store together (on credit) in New Salem, Illinois. At 23, Abe Lincoln landed in New Salem, Illinois after his return from the Black Hawk War. Lincoln basically said, ‘not that it would be a big deal if I did work as a bartender, but I totally didn’t’. During the Douglas-Lincoln Debates, Lincoln got put on blast for operating a ‘grocery’, which at the time was a well known euphemism for a tavern or bar.
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