Westerville in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Westerville
The Dry Capital of the World
Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 12, 2008
1. Westerville Marker
This building and grounds were the national headquarters of the Anti-Saloon League of America after September 14 1909. The American Issue Publishing Co. and the Temperance Education Foundation were also headquartered here. The work of these organizations brought about the adoption of the 18th amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.
During the years preceding adoption of that amendment, these organizations operated a large modern printing plant on premises located at the rear of this structure. Distribution of printed materials through the U.S. Mail was so voluminous that direct shipments by railway mail car were made and a Class A Post Office was established in the village of Westerville, then having a population of only 2500.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is September 14, 1789.
Location. 40° 7.385′ N, 82° 55.823′ W. Marker is in Westerville, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is at the intersection of South State Street (Ohio Route 3) and Plum Street, on the right when traveling north on South
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Scioto Valley and in the Columbus Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Agnes Meyer Driscoll (a few steps from this marker); Anti-Saloon League Offices (a few steps from this marker); Westerville Medical Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Stoner House (within shouting distance of this marker); Uptown Westerville Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Blendon Masonic Lodge 339 (within shouting distance of this marker); This Flag (within shouting distance of this marker); Westerville High School (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Westerville.
Regarding Westerville. The city of Westerville, Ohio, was dry for more than a century. The first legal alcoholic drink in the Uptown area was served in 2004, at the Old Bag of Nails pub. The Uptown area roughly corresponds to the boundaries of Westerville when Prohibition began in 1920.
Also see . . .
Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 12, 2008
2. Marker and Anti-Saloon League Building, Now the Museum
1. Anti-Saloon League Collection. Westerville Public Library website entry:
A leader of the League said of his organization, It has not come...simply to build a little local sentiment or to secure the passage of a few laws, or yet to vote the saloons from a few hundred towns. These are mere incidents in its progress. It has come to solve the liquor problem. Its motto was The saloon must go. The leadership had definite ideas of how this was to be accomplished. They used local churches as the vehicles to carry their message to the people and solicit the funds to run the attack on the nations saloons. (Submitted on July 12, 2008.)
2. Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Wikipedia entry
Because of many Americans dismay at the emergence of Prohibition, there was a considerable growth in organized crime in the United States in response to public demand for illegal alcohol. Considered a very unpopular law, the amendment was subsequently repealed by the Twenty-First Amendment on December 5, 1933. It remains the only constitutional amendment to be repealed in its entirety. (Submitted on July 12, 2008.)
3. Uptown Untapped celebrates Westerville's beer
Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 12, 2008
3. Anti-Saloon League Building Next to Public Library
4. A Prohibition Cartoon by Stewart
A saloon lobbyist is driving voters to the polls. "If it wasn't fer dese here guys in de wagon, and others like 'em, I'd lose me job." The sign held by one of the passengers reads "we are respectable Republican and Democratic voters."
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, July 25, 2017
5. Westerville Marker
window on north side of museum
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, July 2
6. Westerville Marker
north facade of Anti-Saloon Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,241 times since then and 45 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week July 13, 2008. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 12, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5, 6. submitted on July 25, 2017, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio.
