On and Off the Wagon

Fifty years ago the United States Constitution was amended for the 18th time, and suddenly a fellow had no place to go to get a decent drink. this is the story of how America came to outlaw liquor, and then to repeal that law. Ever since Henry Hudson brought some excellent Holland gin to feed the New World natives, our history has been one continuous struggle between teetotalers and men who consider life without liquor no life at all. The Indians loved Hudson's gin, but not all Americans approved of spirits, nor did they think too kindly of the saloons in which they were served. The temperance movement flourished in the 2nd half of the 19th century. From pulpit, parade ground, and political convention platform, the "drys" expounded the cause with sound and fury. Their efforts culminated in the passage of the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act. The era known as Prohibition began and created speakeasies, bathtub gin, and rum-running. the Volstead Act proved to be one of America's biggest blunders. ON AND OFF THE WAGON is one view of American history, one of the more colorful views. The temperance movement involved 100's of fascinating characters. Some of these are: Carry Nation, whose motto was "Smash, smash, for the love of Jesus, smash!"; Dioclesian Lewis, inventor of the beanbag; Frances Willard, WCTU president now in the Hall of Fame; Dion O'Banion, choirboy turned gangster; Billy Sunday, who told his audiences as the collection plate was passed, "This is a tabernacle, not a tabernickle!" Written with gusto and wry--but dry--humor, ON AND OFF THE WAGON is illustrated with classic photographs.