Athenaeum men having a toast photograph, ca. 1910

The Germans' enjoyment of beer and wine brought them into conflict with other groups in American society. German-Americans actively opposed the prohibition movement in the 19th century, and their strong support of the Democratic Party in the years before the Civil War was primarily due to the party's opposition to the ban on alcoholic beverages. In 1882, German-Americans like John Frenzel and Herman Lieber formed the Anti-Prohibition League to oppose an effort to place a prohibition amendment in the Indiana constitution.

Access Aids:

Athenaeum Turners Records, Ruth Lilly Special Collections and Archives, University Library, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.