Maine Memory Network

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Temperance Membership

"GALLERIES: A Call to Temperance | Temperance Membership | Neal Dow | Drinking: Elegance and Debauchery"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Women Leaders and Temperance

"20, 1898." X National Womans Christian Temperance Union School Reports ca. 1910-1920 Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - A Call to Temperance

"GALLERIES: A Call to Temperance | Temperance Membership | Neal Dow | Drinking: Elegance and Debauchery"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law

"GALLERIES: A Call to Temperance | Temperance Membership | Neal Dow | Drinking: Elegance and Debauchery"

Prohibition in Maine in the 1920s

Federal Prohibition took hold of America in 1920 with the passing of the Volstead Act that banned the sale and consumption of all alcohol in the US. However, Maine had the Temperance movement long before anyone was prohibited from taking part in one of America's most popular past times. Starting in 1851, the struggles between the "drys" and the "wets" of Maine lasted for 82 years, a period of time that was everything but dry and rife with nothing but illegal activity.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - The Continuing Debate

"… positive change emerged from the ranks of the temperance movements—the dramatic and lasting drop in the amount of liquor Americans consumed."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Overview & Introduction

"Read about the issues that framed the temperance debate and establish the framework for this exhibit."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Neal Dow

"GALLERIES: A Call to Temperance | Temperance Membership | Neal Dow | Drinking: Elegance and Debauchery"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Politics and Enforcement

"… Historical Society Francis Murphy gave his first temperance lecture in Portland on April 3, 1870 and soon became a powerful voice."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1919 to 1934: The Nation Follows Maine Into Prohibition

"… the Anti-Saloon League and the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the 18th amendment was submitted in 1917."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders

"… and Democratic politicians, built a power base on temperance success. Mainers contributed to this national reform through numerous leaders…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Reform and Repeal

"1920 Collections of Maine Historical Society/Maine Today Media Coll. 1949; 2005.061.13657 These temperate citizens on a parade review stand in…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Why Study the History of Drinking?

"Maine led the nation in the temperance fight; a look at its history might help put current issues in some perspective."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Quenching the Thirst

"… spirits, Longfellow frowned on the more fanatic Temperance leaders. One of his last letters was to his wine merchant, thanking him for sending him…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Society Copes

"… culture from the state that led the nations temperance movements. X The Alcoholic Blues , 1919 Broadway Music Corporation Collections of…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Drinking: Elegance and Debauchery

"Libby Photography by J. David Bohl GALLERIES: A Call to Temperance | Temperance Membership | Neal Dow | Drinking: Elegance and Debauchery"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Influential & Interesting Documents

"… biography of George Washington, entered the temperance fray with this book, which became popular throughout the United States."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret

"… became the first major Maine forum to advocate temperate use of spirits. GALLERIES: Drinking Implements | Taverns, People, and Scenes |…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Business as Usual

"GALLERIES: Politics and Enforcement | Women Leaders and Temperance | Quenching the Thirst | Business as Usual"

Presidents and Campaigns

Several Mainers have run for president or vice president, a number of presidents, past presidents, and future presidents have had ties to the state or visited here, and, during campaign season, many presidential candidates and their family members have brought their campaigns to Maine.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Taverns, People, and Scenes

"Taverns, People, and Scenes Back to: 1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret X Darby and Joan, ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Bootleggers vs. Police

"Bootleggers vs. Police Back to: 1919 to 1934: The Nation Follows Maine Into Prohibition X Rum Car Wrecked After Gun Fight with Officers…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Acknowledgements

"Acknowledgements Advertisement or premium for Anheuser Busch Brewing Co., ca. 1892 Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Drinking Implements

"Drinking Implements Back to: 1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret X Scamman Jug, 1689-1702 Germany, Westerwald District Salt-glazed…"