Methodists versus Soldiers during Prohibition

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As I was reading articles from the New York times about Baltimore during Prohibition, I came across many with the subject of Methodists who were pro-Prohibition. The above image is an ad from The New York Times on November 7, 1926. Judging from the ad, one could expect some anti-Methodist attitudes. Although the Methodists seemed to be staunchly against liquor, I came across articles with statements from priests and other figures from different churches who were actually against Prohibition, which seems contradictory to what is expected. They claimed that they were against alcohol to excess, but the complete elimination of it could be just as dangerous.

Another article I found interesting was of a raid at a Methodist church where some soldiers were having dinner prepared for them by the women's auxillaries. Upon making dinner for the veterans, they found illegal alcoholic substances and they called the prohibition agents. The agents came and seized the place and had the veterans arrested. One of the men arrested made a statement saying "One of these Christian women... told me when the raid was made that I ought to be ashamed of myself, an ex-soldier, for allowing such conditions at the Home. I told her that she certainly had a nice way of showing her appreciation of the boys who fought for her in France by calling the prohibition agents."

It is fascinating to think of the timing of Prohibition- in between wars, before the Depression. If there was ever a time to drink, it was probably the twenties. The soldiers especially had reason to drink and were even moved to march for "Wets." On June 3, 1919, there was a parade of 25,000 people including "Soldiers and women in automobiles." Their banners displayed "Our legislators drink wet, talk wet, and vote dry." 100,000 people lined their route and watched in the 94 degree heat. All bars were closed during the afternoon in response to a request from the Anti-Saloon League. Labor union men from New York came down to see the demonstration and said they would plan a similar demonstration in New York. i came across no pictures from the event, but I think it is worth doing a little more digging to find some.

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"Display Ad 85 - No Title" New York Times, 7 November 1926, pg.BR36. Database on-line. Available from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1831-2006)

"RAID FOLLOWS WOMEN'S TIP" New York Times, 11 November 1923, pg. S6. Database on-line. Available from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1831-2006)

"25,000 PARADE FOR "WETS." New York Times, 3 June 1919, pg.28. Database on-line. Available from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1831-2006)