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groups leading up to prohibition, during the prohibition era, and ending with the 21st amendment in 1933, which repealed the 18th amendment from 1919 prohibiting the manufacturing, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors.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

Two newspaper clippings

Two newspaper clippings

Brown University

Two newspaper clippings pasted onto a page torn from an annual report containing vital statistics.

Twenty seventh anniversary of the Massachusetts Temperance Society: at the Odeon, Sunday evening, June 2, 1839

Twenty seventh anniversary of the Massachusetts Temperance Society: at the Odeon, Sunday evening, June 2, 1839

Brown University

Broadsheet printed in two columns divided by single line; recto within border of type ornament sections, verso without border. On recto order of exercises including text of two hymns. On verso, headed: Nothing sectarian or political in the temperance cause, quotations attacking the use of ardent spirits from statesmen and clergymen including Madison, Jackson, J.Q. Adams, Webster, Channing and Wayland.

Traffic safety and alcohol

Traffic safety and alcohol

Brown University

Circular discussing the effect of alcohol on brain function and the "dangers the use of alcohol" by railroad engineers, vehicle drivers, etc. poses for the various branches of transportation Circular discussing the effect of alcohol on brain function and the "dangers the use of alcohol" by railroad engineers, vehicle drivers, etc. poses for the various branches of transportation Printed in black on white. At end of text on page 4 below rule: Department of Scientific Temperance Instruction ... National W.C.T.U. Publishing House. Evanston, Ill. 9122. Possible range of date suggested by internal evidence and acquisition of other W.C.T.U. publications from this period.

Total prohibition, the remedy

Total prohibition, the remedy

Brown University

Publication of speech by J.E.D. Shipp, given before the Sumter County Prohibition Club, August 2, 1902, Americus, Georgia. First page torn from rest of document.

Toper's return from the bar: and Prisoner for life

Toper's return from the bar: and Prisoner for life

Brown University

Text printed in two columns divided by double lines containing advertising with type ornaments (four-petaled flowers) at each end. Line of advertising between columns: Sold, wholesale and retail, by L. Deming, No. 62, Hanover Street, 2d door from Friend Street, Boston. Deming used this address from 1832 to 1836.

To you

To you

Brown University

Includes photographs. Printed in blue.

To the officers and members of the Temperance Societies: and to the friends of the temperance cause generally

To the officers and members of the Temperance Societies: and to the friends of the temperance cause generally

Brown University

Invitation to temperance lectures by John B. Gough and to state temperance convention in Providence June 6, 1845 Invitation to temperance lectures by John B. Gough and to state temperance convention in Providence June 6, 1845 Pages [1]-[2] and [4] blank. Printed on blue paper. Type-signed by A.B. Arnold and nine other members of the Committee of Arrangements. At end of text: Providence, May 25th, 1845.

To the freeholders of the Town of Scituate

To the freeholders of the Town of Scituate

Brown University

Lists eight numbered reasons to refuse to grant licenses to sell liquor and urges vote against licenses Lists eight numbered reasons to refuse to grant licenses to sell liquor and urges vote against licenses At end of text: Scituate, March 13th, 1839.

To retailers

To retailers

Brown University

by Charles Jewett, M.D. of Rhode-Island. Printed in two columns. Suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence; Jewett published other temperance works in the 1840s.