Alcohol, Temperance & Prohibition

The digitized items in the Alcohol, Temperance and Prohibition Collection are from the Alcoholism and Addiction Studies Collection, as well as from various collections in the Brown University Library — broadsides, sheet music, pamphlets and government publications. The items have been collected at Brown for over three centuries for researchers and scholars at Brown and worldwide interested in American history, including the history of alcoholism, how the media was used for spreading ideas and information, and in how the arts presented various movements. The purpose of this digital collection is to give researchers and interested individuals a glimpse into the rich and diverse resources at Brown's library. All of the digital items are in the public domain. The digitized pamphlets were published by various groups leading up to prohibition, during the prohibition era, and ending with the 21st amendment in 1933, which repealed the 18th amendment from 1919 prohibiting the manufacturing, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors.
This collection is part of Brown University Library, hosted by Brown University.

Items in this collection

Our apology for this obtrusion is to be found in the purpose which prompts it: In the judgment of a large and respect...

Our apology for this obtrusion is to be found in the purpose which prompts it: In the judgment of a large and respectable portion of this community

Brown University

Committee of two from each city ward calls for convention of delegates to form a "Liberal Prox" for coming election, apparently to protect liquor traffic from restrictions. Committee of two from each city ward calls for convention of delegates to form a "Liberal Prox" for coming election, apparently to protect liquor traffic from restrictions. Printed area: 19.0 x 16.1 cm. Circular letter headed: Providence, Mar. 12th, 1839, addressed: Sir; with printed signatures of Samuel Young and eleven other men with vertically bracketed term: Committee.

Original hymn

Original hymn

Brown University

For the second centennial anniversary of the settlement of Boston -- Sept. 17, 1830

Order of exercises, Thursday eve., July 27th, at City Hall

Order of exercises, Thursday eve., July 27th, at City Hall

Brown University

Within border of type ornament sections. Original dimensions not known. Program lists prayer and address and includes text of two songs. In lower margin below border: Wells Print, 26 State-St. Suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence.

Order of exercises for a temperance meeting: at the Marlborough Chapel, on Sabbath evening, December 6, 1840

Order of exercises for a temperance meeting: at the Marlborough Chapel, on Sabbath evening, December 6, 1840

Brown University

Broadsheet printed in one and two columns divided by double line within border of type ornaments on recto and in one and two columns divided by single line, without border, on verso. Caption title on verso: Nothing sectarian or political in the temperance cause. Excerpted texts printed on verso, giving opinions of statesmen and clergymen including those of Edward Everett, Daniel Webster, William E. Channing, Henry Ware, Jr., Francis Wayland, etc. Below border of type ornaments within border on recto: Printed by Kidder & Wright, 32 Congress Street.

Only a beggar

Only a beggar

Brown University

By Mrs. J.E. McConaughy At head of title cut of woman opening door to ragged little girl. Caption title In upper right corner of page [1]: No. 3. Suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence.