The Poca Post is pleased to announce a new issue commemorating 150 years of Poca River moonshine making.

The first recorded still on the Poca River was built by the young Mazie Milam in 1841.  The first still was located just upstream from the current location of Pliny-on-the-Poca.  This small still was soon replaced by larger works until Miss Milam was able to produce as much as 50 gallons a week.

In these early days, not much attention was paid to those who distilled spirits, except by the patrons of the distillery.  However, by 1890 federal agents began to enforce the laws of the land, demanding that the distilleries be bonded and pay the proper federal tax.

Mazie Milam was not much fond of paying taxes, so she moved her still to the remote head of Luther Green Hollow, about 3 miles upstream of Pliny.  There she continued to produce the clear nectar, distilled from corn, Poca River water, and sugar, for another 10 years.  Miss Milam died at the age of 87.  She was robust and active until the explosion of her still ended her life in 1911.  

Needless to say, the traditions of Mazie Milam have been continued to this day by countless craftsmen up and down the Poca River.

The issue is a plate of 16 stamps in the denomination of 92  pu. Date of issue: 1 May, 2001