Frame Size (H x L): 18” x 36.5”
Pennant Size (H x L): 8” x 24.75” with 2” ties

Offered is an antique pennant with a “NEBRASKA DRY 1916” overprint.  It is made of felt and includes a blue field with white lettering.   

In the early 20^th century, amid an intense national debate over the role of alcohol in society, many states began to consider prohibition measures.  This "NEBRASKA DRY 1916" pennant offers a window into the fervor of the prohibition movement and its impact on the state of Nebraska.

The late 19^th and early 20^th centuries in America saw the rapid growth of the temperance movement, which advocated for the reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption.  This movement was rooted in concerns about public morality, the social ills associated with drunkenness, and the influence of saloons in politics and community life.  Organizations like the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and the Anti-Saloon League played central roles in pushing for prohibition at both the state and national levels.

By the time the pennant was created, Nebraska was no stranger to the debates surrounding alcohol.  The state's engagement with prohibition began much earlier than 1916, with localized movements and laws restricting or banning the sale of alcohol.  However, it was in 1916 that Nebraska's relationship with alcohol reached a significant turning point.  That year, the state passed a prohibition amendment to its constitution.  The subsequent law went into effect in 1917, making Nebraska one of the many states to embrace prohibition before the nationwide ban in 1920.

The "Nebraska Dry 1916" pennant would have been a potent symbol during this period.  Its bold proclamation of "dry" signified Nebraska's stance against the sale and consumption of alcohol.  Given its celebratory tone, the pennant was likely used to rally support during the campaign leading up to the vote or to commemorate the passage of the prohibition amendment.

This pennant, as a historical artifact, carries layers of meaning.  On a basic level, it represents Nebraska's decision to go "dry" and the state's role in the broader national movement towards prohibition.  The pennant serves as a testament to the intense social and political activism of the era, where grassroots movements could galvanize public opinion and effect legislative change.

However, beyond the immediate historical context, the pennant also embodies the broader cultural tensions of the early 20th century.  The fight over prohibition was not just about alcohol; it was intertwined with debates over public morality, the role of women in public life (given their significant role in the temperance movement), and the struggle between rural and urban values in a rapidly changing America.

The pennant is a snapshot of a transformative era in Nebraska and American history.  Through objects like this, we are reminded of the power of collective movements and the ways in which society's values evolve over time.

Conservation Process: The pennant was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the pennant, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The pennant is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The pennant is in a modern black and silver frame.

Condition Report: There is some staining, most notably over the white vertical strip and over the lettering.  Overall, the pennant is age appropriate and attractive.    

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors
Date of Origin: 1916