Norwood Police Conduct Four Liquor Raids in 24 Hours; Large Quantities of Cider and Moonshine Seized

NORWOOD, May 24 — In one of the most vigorous enforcement drives seen in months, Chief of Police William Kindelan today led two major liquor raids—coming less than 24 hours after two similar operations Friday night—resulting in the seizure of large quantities of hard cider, mixed liquors, and moonshine, and the arrest of several individuals on charges of illegal sales and possession.

Afternoon Raid on Railroad Avenue

At 4 o’clock this afternoon, Chief Kindelan and a squad of officers descended upon the store of James F. Burke, located at 175 Railroad Avenue, where soft drinks and near‑beer were purportedly sold. Officers found Burke behind the bar with five men standing before it, glasses filled with liquor resting openly on the mahogany counter.

Police seized:

• 53 gallons of hard cider
• 4 bottles of Jamaica ginger
• 19 quarts of mixed liquors

The raid was executed swiftly and without incident.

Simultaneous Raid at Burke’s Home

At the same hour, a second squad raided Burke’s residence on Plimpton Avenue, where an additional large quantity of hard cider was confiscated. Authorities indicated that both locations had been under observation for some time.

Friday Night Raids Yield Moonshine and Still

The afternoon operations followed two significant raids conducted Friday night, during which police seized:

• 25 gallons of moonshine
• one 15‑gallon still
• 29 gallons of whisky mash (destroyed on site)

Two men—Toufie Bader and Joseph Yourguliswicz—were arrested and charged with making unlawful sales and keeping and exposing for sale intoxicating liquor.

Both were arraigned in the local court today. Their cases were continued until Thursday, with Bader held on $500 bonds and Yourguliswicz on $600.

A Coordinated Crackdown

The rapid succession of raids suggests a coordinated effort by Norwood authorities to curb illicit liquor activity as the summer months approach. Chief Kindelan has not commented publicly on whether additional operations are planned, but today’s actions indicate that enforcement efforts are intensifying.

SOURCE

“Liquor Raids in Norwood,” The Boston Globe, May 24, c. 1920–1925, p. 3.

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