Name/Title
LetterEntry/Object ID
Q2022.21.304Scope and Content
A Xerox copy of a two-page letter from Wilbur P. McDonald, M. D. , to L. James Held, Stone Hill Wine Co., Hermann, Mo, dated April 15, 1987. It is on Dr. McDonald's letterhead with his home address.Context
Dear Jim,
At the Missouri Regional Grape & Wine Conference the last of January, you asked me to write you about how I obtained the #2 Domestic Wine License in Missouri. Since my retirement 6 years ago, I find that I just don't have the time to do the things I would like to do - or should do. Hence the delay.
Enclosed are copies of letters, etc. that fairly well outline my travels through the "Bureaucracy" to obtain the license, but most of the inquiries were by telephone to the local State Liquor Control Agent, whose name I cannot recall, and who resided in the St. Francis Hotel, that was torn down 20 years ago. These inquiries started in 1959 . . . . So I got my two lawyer friends to work, and no one could find a (Grandfather Clause".
This type of conversation with the Local Agent went on during 1960 without any results, so I decided to go ahead and make wine - but then . . . a horrible thought struck me. What if the "Feds" raided my 20 gallon production. So I applied to the U. S. Treasury, . . . for exemption to make "Tax-Free Wine for Family Use" . . . . . their reply dated November 9, 1960, inform(ed) me that "THIS EXEMPTION DOES NOT AUTHORIZE THE PRODUCTION OF WINE FOR SUCH USE CONTRARY TO STATE LAW" and I was in violation of the laws of this state.
Conversations with the Local Liquor Agent did not produce any results . . . My lawyers, . . . . remained active in my belief and I received some verbal assurance that it would be all right if I produced a little wine for home use, . . . So I applied to the "Feds" again and received the same answer as (before) . . . (Copies of correspondence enclosed.)
. . . . , Supervisor, Dept. of Liquor Control, in his letter of 24 October, 1961, said he couldn't "find any provision in thr Intoxicating Liquor Law permitting"., me to make wine. My lawyers seemed disturbed and within one months time, . . . . I was granted the #2 license to produce wine. (copy enclosed)
I really don't know what legal work went on - but I give credit to my two Attorneys, . . . . .
I held the #2 license every year until 1970, when there was a change as (the) Liquor Control Supervisor. . . . . Since then there have been 7 Supervisors - and each time there is a change I have to request #2 again. . . . . . . In 1983 my license number became 13xxx dueto some change in regulations - and it has been consistent since then.
Enclosed is a copy of a letter I wrote to . . . . in 1982 that failly well explains my purpose and actions. Since 1982 I have torn out and replanted several grapes. My two newest ones are from Elmer . . . . , and William . . . ., from Minnesota, . . . . Supposed to be winter hardy to m-35F and does not have any foxiness . . . They won't produce enough this year, but next year I'll be able to make some wine from them.
Enjoyed your dry sparkling Catawaba - I thought you had blended it, but your wife said "no."
My buds are beginning to break - a very mild winter so far. Nothing below 0 F so far - - - - - - -
Good luck. I'm proud of what you've done for the wine industry in Missouri.
SincerelyLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
LetterNomenclature Primary Object Term
CorrespondenceNomenclature Sub-Class
Other DocumentsNomenclature Class
Documentary ObjectsNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsDimensions
Dimension Notes
8.5" x 11"
