Historic Photos

Photo of the Week, 63: ​Reefer Madness In Bloomington, November 1937

April 17th, 2014

McLean County State's Attorney Bernard E. Wall (right) and Deputy Sheriff James Christenson examine “herbs" seized in a November 20, 1937 raid on 324 South East Street in Bloomington. “Mr. Christenson's powerful magnifying glass reveals telltale 'mariuana' traces among the pulverized plant spread on the paper," read an account in The Pantagraph (the reporter used an archaic spelling for marijuana). Meanwhile, Wall inspects an “aphrodisiac compound" suspected of containing marijuana. Also confiscated and seen on the table are a .32 caliber automatic pistol and at least two rosaries.

Bill Kemp

Librarian

Contact Bill