During the turbulent era of Prohibition, young Joe Carey from Greybull found an unexpected path to fortune. At just 23 years old, he began running bootleg liquor from Canada, aided by a supportive local banker. The 1919 law prohibited alcohol, leading many, including Carey, to seek creative ways to smuggle it back into the U.S.

With financing from the First National Bank, where the banker remained discreet about their arrangement, Carey quickly established his rum-running business. Over four years, he made numerous trips across the border, efficiently delivering bourbon and scotch to the thirsty residents of Greybull. Historian Tom Davis noted that Carey’s previous experience as an ambulance driver during World War I equipped him with the calm demeanor and driving skills necessary for his risky undertakings.

Carey once recounted how his silent partner at the bank, George Hinman, was initially hesitant about the venture but eventually profited handsomely from it. After his first successful run, Carey vowed he’d ensure the bank’s investment was safe. He managed to not just repay but triple their return.

However, challenges occasionally arose. On one occasion, a young partner named Charlie, less adept at navigating the covert business, was nearly apprehended after a mistake led them to a suspicious garage. Just as the situation seemed grim, Carey’s decisive action and some quick thinking saved their haul.

Carey cleverly utilized network connections, delivering liquor to the Elks Committee, a group distinct from the Elks Lodge, allowing him to sidestep certain legalities. He became well-acquainted with community figures along the way, further weaving himself into the fabric of local life.

With the passage of time, a loophole in the law permitted medicinal alcohol sales, allowing Carey to procure whiskey legally for those with “prescriptions.” He joked about the absurdity of the situation, noting how easy it was to obtain a doctor’s note.

By 1923, with Prohibition’s end on the horizon, he shifted gears, retiring from his life of crime to establish a legitimate business. Within a few years, he married the daughter of a police officer and became a respected businessman, running a hotel and bar as he raised his family in Greybull. The connections and wealth he amassed during the Prohibition era allowed him to transition smoothly into a lawful life, marking an intriguing chapter in Wyoming’s history.