Maine Memory Network

The Public Face of Christmas

Christmas, a Christian holiday observed by many Mainers, has a very public, seasonal face that makes it visible to those of all beliefs.

In Time and Eternity: Shakers in the Industrial Age

"In Time and Eternity: Maine Shakers in the Industrial Age 1872-1918" is a series of images that depict in detail the Shakers in Maine during a little explored time period of expansion and change.

Evergreens and a Jolly Old Elf

Santa Claus and evergreens have been common December additions to homes, schools, businesses, and other public places to America since the mid nineteenth century. They are two symbols of the Christian holiday of Christmas whose origins are unrelated to the religious meaning of the day.

Father John Bapst: Catholicism's Defender and Promoter

Father John Bapst, a Jesuit, knew little of America or Maine when he arrived in Old Town in 1853 from Switzerland. He built churches and defended Roman Catholics against Know-Nothing activists, who tarred and feathered the priest in Ellsworth in 1854.

Prohibition in Maine in the 1920s

Federal Prohibition took hold of America in 1920 with the passing of the Volstead Act that banned the sale and consumption of all alcohol in the US. However, Maine had the Temperance movement long before anyone was prohibited from taking part in one of America's most popular past times. Starting in 1851, the struggles between the "drys" and the "wets" of Maine lasted for 82 years, a period of time that was everything but dry and rife with nothing but illegal activity.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Reform and Repeal

"X Who Profits from Beer? Christian Civic League of Maine Collections of Maine Historical Society Coll."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Women Leaders and Temperance

"20, 1898." X National Womans Christian Temperance Union School Reports ca. 1910-1920 Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Temperance Membership

"The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was founded in Cleveland in December of 1874. Sons of Temperance certificate for John Gunnelsen…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1919 to 1934: The Nation Follows Maine Into Prohibition

"… forward by the Anti-Saloon League and the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the 18th amendment was submitted in 1917."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders

"… prominent prohibition organization, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (W.C.T.U.), was founded in 1874."

From French Canadians to Franco-Americans

French Canadians who emigrated to the Lewiston-Auburn area faced discrimination as children and adults -- such as living in "Little Canada" tenements and being ridiculed for speaking French -- but also adapted to their new lives and sustained many cultural traditions.

A Day for Remembering

Most societies have had rituals or times set aside to honor ancestors, those who have died and have paved the way for the living. Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, is the day Americans have set aside for such remembrances.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Overview & Introduction

"Overview & Introduction Cache of liquor, Portland, 1920Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media Maine played a central role in the United…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Why Study the History of Drinking?

"Why Study the History of Drinking? The history of drinking in Maine and America is rich and complex."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Politics and Enforcement

"Politics and Enforcement Back to: 1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders X Going Where it Will Do the Most Good The Maine…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Influential & Interesting Documents

"Influential & Interesting Documents Back to: 1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret X The Drunkard's Looking Glass, ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Taverns, People, and Scenes

"Taverns, People, and Scenes Back to: 1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret X Darby and Joan, ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - The Continuing Debate

"The Continuing Debate Exhibition promotional poster, 1998 X Excessive drinking, once New England's secret, is now a recognized public issue."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret

"1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret Tavern sign, Raymond, ca. 1850Maine Historical Society The Coming of Drink to New England (1620–1820)…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Business as Usual

"Business as Usual Back to: 1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders X Hayner Whiskey Advertisement The New England Magazine…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - A Call to Temperance

"A Call to Temperance Back to: 1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law X Prohibition vs. License Early 19th century Collections of Maine…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law

"1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law Temperance Watchman Club No. 1 banner, ca. 1848Maine Historical Society An Era of Reform By 1820…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Bootleggers vs. Police

"Bootleggers vs. Police Back to: 1919 to 1934: The Nation Follows Maine Into Prohibition X Rum Car Wrecked After Gun Fight with Officers…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Acknowledgements

"Acknowledgements Advertisement or premium for Anheuser Busch Brewing Co., ca. 1892 Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division…"