Minute Man Periodical Collection

Formed in 1918, the Association Against the Prohibition Amendment (AAPA) aimed to increase the “wet bloc” (voting block opposed to Prohibition) in Congress by working locally for the election of “wet” senators and representatives. The Minute Man was created in 1922 to communicate directly with members of the Association, providing updates on the negative effects of Prohibition across the United States. Most issues were published by the New Jersey Division of the Association, but some issues were published jointly by the New Jersey and Pennsylvania divisions. In 1924, the message “This magazine has no connection whatsoever with any liquor or other trade interests,” began appearing on the front page. According to an early issue of the magazine, its title compares those who were anti-Prohibition to the Minutemen of the Revolution, as both fought for the freedom of the individual.

Most of the board members of the Association were based in Newark, New Jersey. Captain William L. Fish (1865-1952), who donated one bound volume in this collection, was the editor of The Minute Man at 36 Park Place in Newark. He was also the secretary of the New Jersey Division of the Association Against the Prohibition Amendment. Fish was married in Newark and lived there during the early 20th century.