This mechanical display is related to the Prohibition efforts in Seattle and Washington State in the 1920s and later. Several versions of this mechanical figure was traveled around the country by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) to promote abstinence from alcohol, including after the repeal of Prohibition. Referred to as "Charlie" or "Dr. Wise," this particular display that was originally owned by the Washington Chapter of the WCTU was featured at many local venues, including the Puyallup Fair, even into the 1970s. The Washington chapter eventually gave the display to Dr. Roger Roffman of the University of Washington School of Social Work. He later donated it to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute whose mission is to serve "as a focal point for alcohol and drug abuse research at the University of Washington and in the Northwest region, benefiting the citizens of Washington State by expanding our knowledge and making information available to health and social service professionals, policy makers, as well as to the public."