Liberty Magazine from June 27, 1942 - Prohibition: Will It Happen Again?
Liberty Magazine — June 27, 1942
Featuring: “Prohibition – Will It Happen Again?” by Frederick L. Collins
Published by Macfadden Publications, Inc.
Historical Significance
This issue of Liberty Magazine, dated June 27, 1942, captures the cultural tensions of wartime America—where the fight for freedom abroad was mirrored by debates about moral control at home. The featured article, “Prohibition – Will It Happen Again?” by Frederick L. Collins, delivers a striking retrospective on the legacy of the Eighteenth Amendment and the enduring question of whether America might once again outlaw alcohol. Written barely nine years after the repeal of Prohibition, Collins warns against the revival of the same moral crusade that gave rise to bootleggers, corruption, and social upheaval.
The piece is accompanied by vivid period illustrations and photographs of Al Capone, Legs Diamond, and scenes from the speakeasy era—bringing to life a nation still haunted by its recent past. Published in the midst of World War II, the article also reflects the growing wartime awareness that personal freedoms—like the freedom to drink—were part of what Americans were fighting to defend.
Collector’s Significance
Liberty Magazine was one of the most widely read periodicals of its time, offering a snapshot of American thought, politics, and humor during the 1930s and 1940s. This particular issue holds special significance for collectors of temperance and recovery history, as it documents the first serious post-repeal discussion about a possible “Second Prohibition.” For students of recovery culture, it stands as a bridge between the collapse of the temperance movement and the emergence of Alcoholics Anonymous, founded just seven years earlier.
Item Details
This original June 27, 1942 issue features a striking patriotic cover image of an American Women’s Volunteer Service member, symbolizing wartime strength and optimism. The magazine includes a full five-page spread of the featured article with period photographs and illustrations. Additional wartime content, short stories, and classic advertising—including Pabst Blue Ribbon beer and Camel cigarettes—offer an authentic look at American life during WWII.
The magazine is in very good vintage condition with expected age toning to the pages and a few small tears and creases to the cover, as shown in photos. The interior remains clean and fully legible.
A fascinating artifact of American social history—combining wartime patriotism, freedom of choice, and the cultural memory of Prohibition.
