In partnership with the Maine Memory Network Maine Memory Network

Rum, Riot, and Reform

Maine and the History of American Drinking

Drinking Implements


Scamman Jug, 1689-1702
Germany, Westerwald District
Salt-glazed stoneware
Collections of Dyer Library / Saco Museum

This splendid example of Colonial ceramics bears the likeness of William III. It was abandoned by the Scamman family of Saco when they were captured by Indians in 1697. When the family returned home after almost a year, their home was intact and the jug of beer untouched.


"Our fathers, having discarded everything else, betook themselves for recreation to the cup." Reverand Sylvester Judd, A Discourse Touching the Causes and Remedies of Intemperance, preached in Augusta, 1845


Mug, 1780-1800
English
Pearlware with underglaze blue painted decoration
Courtesy of W.M. Schwind, Jr. Antiques


Goblet, 1690-1710
England
Blown glass
Courtesy of Arlene Palmer Schwind


Bottle, 1810-1835
Western Pennsylvania
Blown glass
Courtesy of Arlene Palmer Schwind


Drinking Mug, ca. 1775
Belonging to John Coburn (1725-1803), Boston
Silver
Courtesy of the The First Parish in Portland, Maine Unitarian Universalist

This mug was presented to Reverend Deane of First Parish Falmouth (now Portland) by 21 young men of the parish in 1775 at a time when most physicians still considered alcohol to be a medicine. Parsons, who often acted as medical doctors, saw it in the same light. Up to the early 1800s it was difficult to find a Parson who didn't drink, after 1830 it was hard to find one who did.


Rum Bottle, ca. 1800
England or United States
Blown glass
Collections of Portland Museum of Art, Maine; bequest of Margaret Jane Mussey Sweat

Discovered in the foundation of the museum's McLellan-Sweat House.


Decanter, 1785-1800
Ireland
Blown glass, engraved Rum
Courtesy of Arlene Palmer Schwind


Chinese export porcelain punch bowl
China, 1760-1770
Enamel-painted decoration
Courtesy of W.M. Schwind, Jr. Antiques