This original illustrated card dates to 1899 and was issued as part of the religious educational series “Bible Pictures for Our Little Ones,” published by the United Brethren Publishing House of Dayton, Ohio. The front features a vivid chromolithograph illustration titled “Woes of Intemperance,” copyrighted in 1899 by the Providence Lithograph Company, a major American lithographic firm known for high-quality color printing in the late 19th century. The scene depicts two well-dressed boys in a domestic interior, standing beside a sideboard laden with glassware and wine. One boy reaches toward a glass of wine, while the other gently restrains him, attempting to lead him away. The image is deliberately moralistic, visually reinforcing the biblical warning against alcohol consumption. Beneath the illustration appears the scripture citation Proverbs 23:29–35, followed by the admonition: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” The reverse contains a didactic lesson sheet, clearly dated Fourth Quarter—November 26, 1899, and intended for use in Sunday schools or home religious instruction. It explains the image in simple language, emphasizing temperance and obedience to scripture, and concludes with a series of question-and-answer prompts designed for children, reinforcing the moral lesson that pure water is the best drink. Items like this were meant to be both instructional and collectible, and they reflect the strong influence of the 19th-century temperance movement, which intertwined religious education with social reform. Survival rates are relatively low, as these cards were often handled by children and discarded after use. This card is in good antique condition for its age. There is light, even toning and minor edge and corner wear consistent with careful handling over more than a century. The colors remain strong and the text is fully legible on both sides (see scans).
This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $22 at auction.
Interested collectors may view the listing here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/336351471120
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 