Virginia Anti-Saloon League Collection, 1835-1937

Access and use

Location of collection:
Radford University
University Archives
McConnell Library
Radford University
P.O. Box 6881
801 East Main Street
Radford, VA 24142
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Bud Bennett
Phone: (540) 831-5694
Phone: (540) 831-5701

Summary

Extent:
2.5 linear feet (3 archival boxes)
Creator:
McConnell, John Preston
Abstract:
John Preston McConnell, first President of Radford University, was an avowed prohibitionist and served as President of the Virginia Anti-Saloon League from 1922-1930. After resigning his post as President of the Virginia Anti-Saloon League he continued as a member of its Executive Committee. McConnell served as a strong financial and moral supporter of the movement until his resignation from the office of President at Radford due to failing health. This collection contains correspondence between McConnell and various Prohibition leaders, politicians, civic and religious leaders, educators, and average citizens as well as newspaper articles, pamphlets, and other publications relating to Prohibition and the activities of the Virginia Anti-Saloon League.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Virginia Anti-Saloon League Collection contains numerous letters of correspondence between John Preston McConnell and Virginia Anti-Saloon League leaders, Prohibition leaders, civic and religious leaders, educators, and average citizens, all at local, state, and national levels. These letters reflect on McConnell's sentiments towards the prohibition of alcohol and help shape a better understanding of the activities of the Virginia Anti-Saloon League. These letters were written in the years during and following his role as president of the League and span from 1922-1937.

In addition to correspondence, the collection also contains a number of books, monographs, articles, and other publications printed by the Virginia Anti-Saloon League, the Woman's Christian Temperance Movement, and various other groups and individuals around the United States. The books and monographs span from 1835 to 1931 and discuss topics relating to alcohol consumption and the movement towards alcohol prohibition. The collection contains pamphlets, songs, and articles published by prohibitionists that document the temperance movement and encourage sobriety and the illegalization of alcohol. Additionally, the collection includes various other ephemera relating to the Virginia Anti-Saloon League, the Woman's Christian Temperance Movement, and Prohibition in general.

Biographical / historical:

John Preston McConnell, first president of Radford University, was a staunch supporter of the prohibition of alcohol. In addition to his tenure as president at Radford, he also served as president of the Virginia Anti-Saloon League, a group dedicated to the cause of Prohibition in Virginia, from 1922-1930. During his presidency McConnell corresponded with a number of Prohibition leaders and advocates; he also collected numerous books, articles, and other writings related to the cause of Prohibition. After resigning from the position of president, McConnell continued to be active in the League by donating moral and financial support, stopping only when his health no longer permitted him to continue.

Acquisition information:
Donated by the McConnell Family as part of the John Preston McConnell Official Papers
Arrangement:

Series 1: Correspondence, 1910-1937

Series 2: Printed Materials, 1835-1931

Physical description:
.