FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-023

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (February 11, 2026) – This issue of Fun with Maps celebrates the founding of a society formed to battle the ills of alcohol.

Alcohol

The American Temperance Society (ATS) was formed 200 years ago, on February 13, 1826 in Boston.

Within 5 years there were over 2000 local chapters in the US with 170,000 members.

Interestingly, initially distilled beverages were on the list of alcohol to abstain from, and not Beer and Wine.  Those two were later added to the pledge members promised when joining ATS.

Over the years ATS started to advocate mandatory prohibition of alcohol, not just voluntary avoidance.  We all know how that turned out.  The 18th Amendment ratified in 1920 prohibited the manufacturing, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages in the US, but not the possession or consumption.  It was repealed 13 years later.

This ornate map of Boston is by Tallis from 1851. 

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.