Neal Dow was born, here in Portland, on this day back in 1804. The so-called Father of Prohibition led a pretty fascinating life, albeit one that many a beer drinker find hard to comprehend.
He was the son of Quakers and his father had a tanning business. Early in his life he became a volunteer fireman “to gain exemption from militia duty because of the reputation of militia musters to be drunken bashes. He gained local notice when he persuaded his company to forego the customary liquor at their annual celebration.” This marked the beginning of a life dedicated to the temperance movement.
In 1827 he became the founding member of the Maine Temperance Society. His popularity grew steadily and in April of 1851 he became the 9th mayor of Portland. One month later he submitted a bill that would impose prohibition. What is really insane is that it was actually signed by then governor, John Hubbard. Thus the “Maine Law” was enacted.
He was the son of Quakers and his father had a tanning business. Early in his life he became a volunteer fireman “to gain exemption from militia duty because of the reputation of militia musters to be drunken bashes. He gained local notice when he persuaded his company to forego the customary liquor at their annual celebration.” This marked the beginning of a life dedicated to the temperance movement.
In 1827 he became the founding member of the Maine Temperance Society. His popularity grew steadily and in April of 1851 he became the 9th mayor of Portland. One month later he submitted a bill that would impose prohibition. What is really insane is that it was actually signed by then governor, John Hubbard. Thus the “Maine Law” was enacted.
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The law, which prohibited the sale of all alcoholic beverages except for "medicinal, mechanical or manufacturing purposes," quickly spread. By 1855, twelve states had joined Maine in total prohibition. Opposition to the law (who would oppose such a thing!) turned violent in 1855 during an incident known as the "Maine Law riot".
In 1854 he ran for re-election and lost but won again in 1855. This election was marred by scandal (see Maine Law Riot above) and by 1856, he was replaced in office and the Maine Law had been repealed, which I am sure made plenty of people very happy.
Interestingly, Dow was made a Colonel of the 13th Maine Infantry during the Civil War in which he would be captured and held prisoner by the Confederate army for 8 months. He was released in exchange for Robert E. Lee’s son. That’s some trivia for you!
In 1880, Dow ran for President under the Prohibition platform. He came in 4th place with a little over 10,000 votes. That just proves that people will vote for just about anyone!
Neal Dow died, in the city of his birth, in 1897. He was 94 years old! I guess there is something to be said for clean living. His former home stands at 714 Congress St. and is the current home of the Maine Women’s Christian Temperence Union.
He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Portland.
In 1854 he ran for re-election and lost but won again in 1855. This election was marred by scandal (see Maine Law Riot above) and by 1856, he was replaced in office and the Maine Law had been repealed, which I am sure made plenty of people very happy.
Interestingly, Dow was made a Colonel of the 13th Maine Infantry during the Civil War in which he would be captured and held prisoner by the Confederate army for 8 months. He was released in exchange for Robert E. Lee’s son. That’s some trivia for you!
In 1880, Dow ran for President under the Prohibition platform. He came in 4th place with a little over 10,000 votes. That just proves that people will vote for just about anyone!
Neal Dow died, in the city of his birth, in 1897. He was 94 years old! I guess there is something to be said for clean living. His former home stands at 714 Congress St. and is the current home of the Maine Women’s Christian Temperence Union.
He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Portland.
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