Archaeological methods can contribute to the understanding of current human issues, including the use and abuse of alcohol in American society. Popular stereotypes concerning drinking have influenced scholarly descriptions and interpretations. There is, for instance, widespread and questionable acceptance by researchers that ethnic identification often correlates strongly with rates of alcohol consumption. Through refuse analysis, this study suggests that no such correlation exists, at least as far as household alcohol use is concerned. Instead, it is found that the degree of social heterogeneity within households, causing stress among individuals, is positively associated with consumption rates. Ethnicity might be related more closely to expressed attitudes about drinking, though results are inconclusive. The archaeological investigation of late 19th century drinking habits is possible, and might contribute to historical studies in a way similar to how this study contributes to sociological and psychological approaches.