Rare Black & White Prohibition Posters 1874-1922: A photo essay

by Liz Publika

Title: Woman's Holy War. Grand Charge on the Enemy's Works

By: Currier & Ives

Published: 1874

Summary: The "Holy War" was the nineteenth-century crusade for temperance and prohibition, whose advocates were predominantly clergymen and women. Here a young woman in armor on a black horse leads a group of similarly garbed women on foot and on horseback. With large battle-axes they shatter barrels of beer, whiskey, gin, rum, and "Wine & Liquors." The leg of a fleeing man is just visible at lower right. In the background are two banners: "In the Name of God and Humanity" and "Temperance League."

Title: He Can't Put It Out

By: Sam Fickel

Published: 1917

Summary: Well-dressed man (Liquor Interests) trying to de-fuse huge firecracker (Public Indignation).

Title: Alcohol, The Great Enemy

By: Unknown

Published: 1917

Summary: Skeleton holding banner labeled disease and seated on back of housefly.

Title: The Overshadowing Curse, The Legalized Saloon

By: Phil Porter

Published: 1917

Summary: Anti-Saloon League of America poster showing menacing hand over little girl.

Title: The New Morality

By: William Allen Rogers (1854-1931)

Published: 1919

Summary: Play. Exit demon rum. Enter drug habit.

Title: Bless You My Child

By: Oliver Herford (1863-1935)

Published: 1922

Summary: Cartoon showing Uncle Sam holding up ball "prohibition" attached to chain, which is attached to demure young woman on "the Island of Yap."

Note* All images of Prohibition Posters and their descriptions are courtesyof the Prints and Photographs Division at the Library of Congress