Shaded portions of the Map Indicate Dry Areas [Illinois Temperance Map]

Postwar pro-Temperance handbill of Illinois.

This straightforward map of Illinois highlights the prevalence of villages, townships, and municipalities that have exercised their ‘local option’ to restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages. Dry areas comprise a surprisingly large area of the state (almost all of Edgar County!), somewhat obscuring the loss in momentum suffered by the Temperance movement after the repeal of Prohibition. Text on the verso highlights the progress in ‘dry units’ since 1933.

Copyrighted by Rand McNally and created by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission of Chicago. Published by the Anti-Saloon League of Illinois in 1946. Much of the city’s North Shore suburban area remained dry at the time of printing.