Episode February 23, 2025 22 min 35s

Every Home a Distillery: Alcohol, Gender, and Technology in the Colonial Chesapeake

"Every Home a Distillery" explores alcohol production and consumption in the Chesapeake region from the late 17th to the late 18th centuries. The study uses sources such as probate records, wills, and court documents to illuminate the roles of colonial women in the South. It examines how women were initially central to alcoholic beverage production, but over time, men increasingly took over these tasks. This transition resulted from a combination of factors, including the introduction of new scientific methods, population density, and the demands of supplying the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The study argues that alcohol became a social concern when wealthier colonists found alternative beverages, leading to fears about slaves' drinking and setting the stage for the temperance movement. Furthermore, it discusses how colonists adapted traditional English drinks to the New World, utilizing local ingredients and relying on large plantations for surplus alcohol.

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