OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg celebrated its shady past Saturday as the Ogdensburg Elks Lodge marked the 90th anniversary of the end of prohibition with its "Bootleggers Ball."

A capacity crowd in mobster and flapper costumes filled the fraternal organization's clubhouse which had been transformed into a roaring 1920s speakeasy, complete with a special password to get inside.

"Ogdensburg, Canton, Potsdam, Masssena and Malone were on the front line of the Prohibition war against demon rum in the 1920s and 1930s," said North Country author James E. Reagen who wrote "Booze, Badboys & Bootleggers ( North Country Tales Grandpa Never Told You). "Ninety years ago at the end of Prohibition, Ogdensburg and Northern New York had worked up a mighty thirst. The Bootleggers Ball gave our area a chance to remember and celebrate our unique and colorful history."

"With so many families who can trace their ancestry to the smugglers, bootleggers and speakeasy operators who played such major role in the battle against the Prohibition, it's obvious this event helped bring our community together to celebrate our rich cultural heritage, he said. "Many of us are hoping we'll see this become an annual event that will help future generations realize history happened here and is worth preserving."

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People dressed up and were having a good time celebrating the end of prohibition in St. Lawrence County, which took place 90 years ago. Photo submitted by James Reagen.