Category: Biography

Wine Fraud Isn’t New. France has long been the center of wine fraud. And within France, the Bordeaux region has been the center of dishonesty. Historically, French vintners often sold Algerian wine as French wine at much higher prices. Sometimes the wine came from Morocco or Tunisia. After the early 20th century, Spanish wine often […]

I. Wilbur F. Crafts. Self-styled “Christian lobbyist” Wilbur F. Crafts formed the International Reform Bureau in 1895. He led it for 28 years until his death in 1922. Best known as a prohibition leader, Crafts also opposed movies and promoted their heavy censorship by government. The motion picture industry feared his Reform Bureau. It responded […]

Percy Andreae was a major leader against alcohol prohibition in the U.S. Andreae was born on October 31, 1858 in London, England. After moving to the U.S., he became allied with brewers in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1908, state candidates supported by the Ohio Anti-Saloon League (ASL) had great victories. As a result, Andreae organized a […]

Anyone can be alcoholic. It’s not just the skid row wino. There are many very famous alcoholics. This list isn’t limited to famous alcoholics. It includes the infamous, rich, powerful, and influential. (By the way, be sure to check out Famous People Arrested for Drunk Driving.) It’s important to recognize the signs if we or a […]

Want to discover famous people arrested for drunk driving? You’ve come to the right place. But remember that being arrested does not mean guilty. Nevertheless, virtually all of the people on the list have admitted their offense or have been convicted. A few have not. And a few are awaiting judgment. The list has not […]

Dr. Leslie Keeley. An early proponent of the disease theory of alcoholism was Dr. Leslie Keeley. He promoted the idea in the late 1800s. Keeley is now remembered for two things. First was his assertion that “alcoholism is a disease and I can cure it.” Second was his alleged “gold cure” for alcoholism and other […]

Roy Olmstead was a major and highly successful bootlegger during National Prohibition (1920-1933). Yet he began his career in a most unusual way. Olmstead joined the Seattle, Washington, Police Department in 1907. He quickly rose through the ranks and become sergeant in 1910. In 1916, Washington implemented state-wide alcohol prohibition. The next year Olmstead rose […]

Dr. Stanton Peele I. Interview Dr. Stanton Peele’s ideas have had a profound effect on the field of alcohol and drug abuse. They also have major implications for reducing substance abuse. His ideas challenge many fervently held beliefs. And they threaten the status quo. Not surprisingly, Stanton Peele’s ideas often engender hostility. Dr. Stanton Peele […]

Alcohol history dates are listed for events related to drinking in the U.S. The date of your birthday or anniversary isn’t listed? No problem. Resources for identifying other alcohol history dates are at the end of the list. Enjoy! Alcohol History Dates January in Alcohol History Jan. 1, 1801. The U.S. Federal duty on distilled […]

Excessive drinking can contribute to social problems. These include the disruption of public order, violence, and sexual crimes. Can  local alcohol licensing policies reduce alcohol-related crimes? The Study Researchers studied the impact of local licensing restrictions on the spatial and/or temporal availability of alcohol in England. They categorized each local area according to its licensing […]