World League Against Alcoholism

The Anti-Saloon League of America saw conquering the alcohol problem as more than an American crusade. In 1916, at the convention of the Anti-Saloon League in Indianapolis, Ernest Cherrington presented an address to the convention titled "The World Movement Toward Prohibition of the Liquor Traffic."

After ratification of the 18th amendment was a certainty, Ernest Cherrington began to look abroad for new arenas in which to battle alcohol. He spearheaded two organizing conferences in Toronto, Canada, and Washington, D.C. in the spring and summer of 1919. The result was the World League Against Alcoholism.

The World League Against Alcoholism had cooperation from temperance organizations around the world.

It provided educational materials, posters and speakers to help promote the cause worldwide.

For example, The New Europe and Prohibition: A Post War Survey was published in 1923, detailing the state of the prohibition movement in Europe at the time, as well as The Liquor Evil in Sweden, a transcript of an address delivered in Stockholm in 1929.

Additionally, posters were produced and distributed for everywhere from France to Canada to New Zealand.

 

At one point, it served more than 50 countries on six continents. It had lost much momentum by 1933 when Prohibition was repealed in the U.S. The struggling Anti-Saloon League could not provide support and attitudes were changing.

About the League

Museum Hours

Monday-Saturday: 9am-6pm
Closed on Saturday: 1-2pm
Closed on Sunday

Westerville History MuseumWesterville History Museum

As the site of the Anti-Saloon League’s former headquarters, the Westerville History Museum works to preserve the history of the temperance movement, the passage of the 18th Amendment, and the Prohibition era.
As the site of the Anti-Saloon League’s former headquarters, the Westerville History Museum works to preserve the history of the temperance movement, the passage of the 18th Amendment, and the Prohibition era.

Current Exhibits

Experience Westerville's past through the themed exhibitions of artifacts on display. Walk-ins welcome during museum hours.

Schedule a History Experience

Teachers, schedule a history experience for your K-12 students. Options: historic Uptown walking tour, Hanby House, classroom presentations.

Ohio Is Home to Ancient Earthworks

Nov 14, 2024
Between 1,600 and 2,000 years ago, people now referred to as the Hopewell Culture built enormous earthworks in the land we call Ohio.

Bringing Home Anti-Saloon League Items with $13,827 Grant

Nov 14, 2024
After more than 50 years, it’s time to bring more than 600-linear-feet of materials back to the library and museum.

Jackie B.

Jackie has made a career of working with communities to tell their stories and preserve their history.

Jim S.

Jim loves digging into the archives of historic maps and news in the Westerville History Museum.

Katy K.

Katy loves bringing history to life, getting hands-on with artifacts, and helping people discover meaning and relevance in the past.

Kaitlin S.

Kaitlin is passionate about helping the Westerville Public Library remain strong for future generations.
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