Dow, Neal

Neal Dow (Maine State Museum)

(1804-1897) was born in Portland on March 20, 1804. He was educated by his Quaker parents in the principles of temperance, industry, and thrift and attended the Friends Academy in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Instead of college, he entered his father’s tanning business and became a partner. He was successful in business and was called “one…

Alcohol

Beer Barrel

Maine was the home of prohibition. In 1846 Maine passed the first laws in the country outlawing the sale of alcoholic beverages except for “industrial and medicinal purposes.” In 1851, a stricter statute known as the “Maine Law” was passed and signed by the “Father of Prohibition,” Governor John Hubbard. It prohibited both the manufacture…