Maine Memory Network

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 - Why Study the History of Drinking?

"… recognized from the earliest period, the use of alcoholic beverages has, at the same time, always found deep acceptance in our culture."

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

"More subtle forms of alcohol abuse in the community, however, were left largely unaddressed. For this reason, at least one 19th-century critic…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Overview & Introduction

"… and eventually the Nation's prohibition of alcohol. Read about the issues that framed the temperance debate and establish the framework for this…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Society Copes

"… students were not ready for their professed "alcoholic fast." Thermometer Courtesy of the Charles E."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - The Continuing Debate

"Organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, D.A.R.E., and the W.C.T.U. still work to resolve some of its problems."

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

"Current estimations show that per capita consumption of alcohol in America reached its peak in 1830."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Politics and Enforcement

"Cider as an Alcoholic Drink, WCTU pamphlet, ca. 1920 Collections of Frances Willard House Museum and WCTU ArchivesMaine Historical Society Union…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Business as Usual

"… 1851, it was illegal to drink, possess, or sell alcohol but manufacturing remained legal until a stricter law was added to the Maine Constitution…"

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

"During the 1870s, alcoholics including former Portland liquor-dealer Francis Murphy, Gardiner businessman J.K. Osgood, and Bangor physician Dr."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Drinking Implements

"… at a time when most physicians still considered alcohol to be a medicine. Parsons, who often acted as medical doctors, saw it in the same light."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Bootleggers vs. Police

"In Canada the War Measures Act (1916-1919) banned alcoholic beverages. After the war, Quebec became wet, with Ontario following in 1927."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Quenching the Thirst

"Vanilla, with an alcoholic content, was imbibed by the truly desperate. Bird's eye view of National Soldier's Home, Togus near Augusta…"

Sugar and Spice: Our Vintage Recipes

Sugar and Spice: Our Vintage Recipes showcases historic recipes, dating from the 18th century to the 1950s, like sweet treats, traditional favorites, promotional printings, medicinal concoctions, curious libations, and recipes that have fallen out of favor.

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

"This set was used to test the proof in alcoholic beverages. Each bead is etched with a number, when the bead sank, it indicated the level proof of…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Influential & Interesting Documents

"… this chart to illustrate the addictive nature of alcohol. GALLERIES: Drinking Implements | Taverns, People, and Scenes | Influential and…"

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

"… of the Revolutionary War who had become an alcoholic and fallen on hard times. His ravaged face could stand for generations of Mainers in similar…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Women Leaders and Temperance

"… themselves had pledged to abstain from drinking alcohol. X The Beautiful Life of Frances E. Willard Anna A."

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

"… the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages begun by Neal Dow was realized in 1919 and tested from 1920 to 1934."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - A Call to Temperance

"… this popular song tells of the death of an alcoholic's neglected daughter. The lyrics reflect a growing awareness of domestic violence and its link…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Temperance Membership

"… Temperance Membership Back to: 1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law "The results of our agitation will be the expulsion from all the…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Reform and Repeal

"Reform and Repeal Back to: 1919 to 1934: The Nation Follows Maine Into Prohibition X Franco-American Temperance Workers Westbrook, ca."

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 - Neal Dow

"Neal Dow Back to: 1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law X Colonel Neal Dow, ca. 1865 Published by John Russell Hand-colored lithograph…"