It seems that a night doesn't go by when I don't see someone getting busted on the Six O'Clock News for smoking, using, or growing marijuana. It appears to be a national epidemic!
I got to thinking that perhaps I would have preferred living back in the 1930's or 1940's when times were simpler and more innocent. When they didn't have the problems that we have today. It surely wouldn't be likely to catch a pot smoker or grower back then, especially in Little Egg Harbor.
Well, imagine my chagrin when I stumbled across a June 27, 1935 Tuckerton Beacon article about a ten acre marijuana farm right here in Little Egg Harbor. It seems that the old saying - "The more things change, the more they stay the same." is indeed true!
The owner of the farm, Thomas Perry, maintained his innocence in the matter, stating that the loco weed just grew naturally, and that he was unaware that it was marijuana. Evidently, the authorities believed him, as he was not prosecuted. However, he was ordered to plow the field under. Somehow, I'm a little skeptical about Mr. Perry's assertions, but you be the judge. I clipped out the article to share it with you.
The Perry farm was on Old Stage Road, according to the 1930 Little Egg Harbor census. That would put it in the Galetown section of Little Egg Harbor. Thomas was born in Texas, and his wife, Inez, was born in Virginia. His occupation is listed as truck farming.
The owner of the farm, Thomas Perry, maintained his innocence in the matter, stating that the loco weed just grew naturally, and that he was unaware that it was marijuana. Evidently, the authorities believed him, as he was not prosecuted. However, he was ordered to plow the field under. Somehow, I'm a little skeptical about Mr. Perry's assertions, but you be the judge. I clipped out the article to share it with you.
The Perry farm was on Old Stage Road, according to the 1930 Little Egg Harbor census. That would put it in the Galetown section of Little Egg Harbor. Thomas was born in Texas, and his wife, Inez, was born in Virginia. His occupation is listed as truck farming.
If anyone out in the Blog-O-Sphere has any information on the Perry family or farm, I would like to hear from you.
Pete S
