The Fruit of Alcohol and Temperance Lithographs, 1849

N. Currier, “Tree of Temperance” and “Tree of Intemperance,” 1849, via American Antiquarian Society.

N. Currier, “Tree of Temperance” and “Tree of Intemperance,” 1849, via American Antiquarian Society.

This pair of lithographs, created by Nathaniel Currier (later of Currier & Ives fame), contrasts the “fruits” of abstaining from alcohol to those of indulging in strong drink.  It leaves little to the imagination.  Intemperance is symbolized by a diseased tree, surrounded by drunks outside of a pawn shop and a woman and her children being thrown out of their home.  The lush foliage of temperance, on the other hand, is surrounded by prosperous church-going farm families.