c.1947 Shadow of Tragedy 150,000 American Women Chronic Alcoholics WCTU

Date: c.1947
Artist: Unknown     
Size (in): 22” x 17” 
Size (cm): 56 x 43.2 
Condition: B+
Linen backed: No  

This vintage original poster promoting temprence and alcoholism awareness was issued by the Houston, Texas chapter of the Woman’s Christian Temprence Union in 1947.   This poster features a grim image of a few downtrodden women collapsed under the giant shadow of a bottle labeled Alcoholic Beverages with the title Shadow of Tragedy appearing above.  Another more sober looking woman looks on from a distance.  Text on the poster reads: 

F.B.I. Report for 1947 150,000 American Women Chronic Alcoholics – J. Edgar Hoover 

The lower left corner is printed “Park Place Union, Mrs. L.E. Gautreaux, Pres.” and the lower right corner is printed “Mrs. Ruth Homer Godbey, Pres. 8th District of Texas W.C.T.U. 301 E. 24th St., Phone UN-3376, Houston 8, Texas” 

This vintage original poster is free or tape of pinholes and shows moderate handling including some light bumping along the edges.  The poster shows some toning from age including a slightly darker patch of toning on the lower right corner.  Overall condition is very good for this rare vintage original.