Map of Clay County showing rural 3.2 bar locations.

Congress declared that on April 7, 1933, 3.2% alcoholic beer could once again be sold.  After 13 years of national Prohibition, beer was back!  They called it “New Beer’s Day.”  Applicants had to get permission from their Township Boards before applying for a license from the County Commission.  All ten rural 3.2 beer establishments in 1933 opened in the more alcohol-friendly western part of Clay county.  The Downer Mercantile and Baker Confectionery were the first in line for licenses.  Adopted from the Clay County Auditor’s Records.