The early 1920s were a time of pride and optimism in the United States. There was still an afterglow of winning the war “to make the world safe for democracy,” and the dreaded Spanish flu was waning.

Finally the post-war race and labor riots had quieted. Women had the vote, and most people thought Prohibition would have a positive influence on the country.

Part of the optimism was focused on a giant hanger in the middle of the Jersey Pine Barrens.