1830. Its abuse led to violence, spousal and child abuse, loss of work, and sometimes, a night in jail. Drunkenness among children was not uncommon, either. Recognizing these problems, physicians and religious leaders joined with recovering alcoholics in creating a loosely organized, grass roots temperance movement. Groups like the Temperance Watchman of Durham, Maine, one of the first formed in1848, strove to set a moral example and achieve social control through the moderation of drinking.





The Napoleon of Temperance By mid-century, Portland's Neal Dow (1804-1897) changed the tactics of the battle against alcohol by adopting a legislative approach. Rather than changing people's attitudes, Dow's new reformers would change laws. Rather than preaching moderation, they branded all drinkers as rum dealers. Indeed, Dow left the moderates behind, including wine drinkerGovernor William King, who founded the first statewide temperance association. In 1851 Dow guided his Maine Law through the legislature and Maine became the first "dry" state. Neighboring states, including Massachusetts, took the law as a model and passed similar anti-liquor reforms. The nation's eastern-most state seemed to be living up to its motto, "Dirigo" (I lead) and, on paper at least, it stayed dry through National Prohibition. Celebrated as the Napoleon of Temperance, Dow promoted his approach nationally and internationally. In spite of endless adjustments, however, the Maine Law never succeeded in destroying the liquor traffic or public thirst. Dow's own reputation was severely threatened in 1855 when he ordered the militia to fire on civilians as they descended upon Portland's City Hall, looking for a stash