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various groups leading up to prohibition, during the prohibition era, and ending with the 21st amendment in 1933, which repealed the 18th amendment from 1919 prohibiting the manufacturing, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors.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

Is prohibition a failure

Is prohibition a failure

Brown University

From the address delivered at the Anti-Saloon League Convention, Washington, January, 1924.

Independent Order of Good Templars

Independent Order of Good Templars

Brown University

Broadsheet printed on heavy paper in two columns divided by single line within double-linw border with ornaments at corners. Text of 19 temperance songs grouped as opening odes, initiatory odes, closing odes and installation odes. Suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence and because the order had this name from 1852 to 1903.

In tune with the age

In tune with the age

Brown University

by George R. Stuart. "Delivered first at Orchestra Hall, Chicago, Illinois."

Important state paper: "Extension."

Important state paper: "Extension."

Brown University

Poetry and prose. To be sung to the tune: Jordan is a hard road to travel. Printed in two columns divided by a single line within border of type ornaments. Printed area: 27.1 x 20.2 cm. Humorous poem in twelve four-line stanzas. Date from general appearance of type and border. At head of text: Being a piece of the State Liquor Agency, which was blown by the late disastrous explosion into the State House, and from thence transferred to the Suffolk Jail .... Respectfully dedicated to the Massachusetts House of Representatives... First line: 'Tis conceded by all--and of course must be true.

Illustration of the Rumseller's just doom and final exit

Illustration of the Rumseller's just doom and final exit

Brown University

Prints Latin quote with English translation, engraving and poem; all damning sellers of alcoholic beverages. Prints Latin quote with English translation, engraving and poem; all damning sellers of alcoholic beverages. Caption title. Text printed in black in one and two columns. Between text engraving of rumseller decending into hell, captioned: Engraved by a celebrated London artist. Possible range of dates suggested by internal evidence, e.g. subject matter and clothing.