The Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) contains a large archive of Prohibition Party materials deposited there beginning in 1967, on the initiative of then Prohibition Party chairman Delmar D. Gibbons. A major portion of the older (pre-1920) documents was microfilmed in 1977, and copies of the film can be borrowed through your local library. Originals must be used in the reading room at the Bentley Historical Library.

Copying or directly quoting any of the items is strictly forbidden without the written consent both of the library and of the copyright owner. In most cases, the copyright owner is the Prohibition National Committee.

General information on the Bentley Historical Library can be accessed Here or can be obtained by mail from 1150 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

The Prohibition Party archive has been inventoried and cataloged (archival materials are grouped by date and/or subject, not recorded individually). A printed copy of the inventory is available by mail: the catalog is accessible through the university's computerized library catalog: "mirlyn.telnet.lib.umich.edu" and then command "set cat bent".

The Bentley Library is located on the North Campus of the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), at 1150 Beal Avenue. It is accessible by university (free) and by Ann Arbor bus and by Detroit airport limousine. If driving, get off US 23 at Geddes Avenue (exit 39) and go west through 4 or 5 traffic lights (depending on which exit ramp is used). At the next right after the VA hospital parking garage, turn north onto Beal Avenue. Bentley Library is the second building on the right. Parking in its lot is free to its researchers and guests.

The Bentley Library is generally open between 0830 and 1700 hours weekdays and, when classes are in session, from 0900 to 1230 on Saturdays. Some materials are stored in a remote annex and must be requested at least two days prior to the time needed.

Most of the temperance-related holdings of the library were acquired by donations or deposit through the efforts of library field representative Kenneth P. Scheffel. Scheffel received the Partisan Prohibition Historical Society's "Citation of Merit" in 1977 for his work in preserving Prohibition Party History.

Scheffel notes, in a recent letter: "The Prohibition Party was headquartered in Michigan for most of its history. Since many of its leaders, both early and later, resided in our state, it was a logical subject of our collecting as was the Anti-Saloon League, whose founder (Howard Hyde Russell) had ties to the State and the University of Michigan and other temperance leaders and organizations.

Most of our temperance-related holdings came during my 32 year tenure as field representative, in large measure because of my own family background in temperance. We are always interested in adding to our holdings, but because of space considerations, must emphasize the earlier years."

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