Leslie Keeley was an early proponent of the disease theory of alcoholism. He began promoting the idea in the 1870s. History remembers Keeley 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 substance problems. I. Dr. Leslie …
Category: History
Roy Olmstead Biography: From Police Lieutenant to Major Bootlegger
Roy Olmstead was a major and highly successful bootlegger during National Prohibition (1920-1933). However, Olmstead 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. I. Officer Olmstead In 1916, Washington implemented state-wide alcohol prohibition. The next …
History of Alcohol and Drinking around the World: Wine, Beer and Spirits (Liquor)
Alcohol has provided a variety of functions for people throughout all history. From the earliest times to the present, alcohol has played an important role in religion. Historically, alcoholic beverages have served as sources of needed nutrients. They have been widely used for their medicinal, antiseptic, and analgesic properties. The role of such beverages as …
Alcohol Law Enforcement: Sometimes Inconsistent, Surprising, or Illegal.
Enforcement of Alcohol Law The enforcement of alcohol laws is very important. Unfortunately, alcohol law enforcement can be inconsistent, distressing, or even illegal. Here are a few examples. I. DUI Accusations Can Lead to Permanent Loss of Vehicle with No Compensation Drivers accused three times of driving under the influence of alcohol can have their …
Alcohol Blue Laws Prohibit Sunday Sale of Alcoholic Beverages
Blue Laws Alcohol blue laws prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sunday. A blue law is one restricting activities on Sunday. They were to enforce the Christian sabbath. Virginia enacted a blue law in 1617. It required church attendance and authorized the militia to force colonists to attend church services. Other early blue laws …
Alcohol Abuse: Who’s to Blame? Producers? Consumers?
Alcohol abuse: who’s to blame? The answer to the question of who’s to blame for alcohol abuse is important. That’s because it suggests how to reduce such abuse. Wayne Wheeler Prohibition leader Wayne Wheeler had an uncle who repeatedly got himself drunk at local saloons. Wheeler tellingly observed “I could never understand why the saloons …
Prohibition Era Dry Laws in New York State: Discover the Story
Prohibition era dry laws in New York State fluctuated frequently. Some were strongly supportive of Prohibition. Others were not. This is the story of dry laws in New York during National Prohibition. Alfred E. Smith Governor Alfred E. Smith of New York was a strong advocate of states’ rights and individual freedoms. He pressed the …
World’s Woman’s Christian Temperance Union: Prohibition for the World
The World’s Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WWCTU) began in 1883. The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) organized it. The intent was to coordinate the work of WCTU chapters (unions) around the world. The first convention of the World’s Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was in 1891. By then, WCTU unions existed in over 40 countries and …
Alcohol Moderation Organizations: Neither Abstinence nor Alcohol Abuse
Moderation vs. Temperance Many early temperance societies were actually alcohol moderation organizations. That’s because ‘temperance’ means moderation. And it meant moderation to them. Alcoholic Drink Equivalence The temperance movement began by encouraging drinkers to consume in moderation. It didn’t try to enforce abstinence from all alcohol. Instead, it only called for people to abstain from …
Alcohol History Dates: Is One Your Birthday? Anniversary?
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 …