I just happened to read a reference to men’s temperance societies here in Frederick, Md. It is from a Master’s Thesis by Diane Shaw Wasch entitled “City Building in Frederick, Maryland, 1810-1860” deposited in our reference library. I found the reference humorous so I marked the page (just in case you might think I sit around memorizing this kind of stuff).  Here it is:

 

“The temperance movement affected the development of the fire companies and their houses. Fire companies merged with temperate, mutual aid societies, such as the Sons of Temperance and Odd Fellows, and many members pledged sobriety. The success of the societies, however was spotty. In 1839, the Independents [Independent Hose Company] were obliged to appoint a hall-keeper to ‘keep the engine-house in proper condition and to enforce order therein, ejecting drunken and disorderly persons.’”

 

I have also seen a lithograph from this same period entitled Sons of Temperance, it was probably a Currier but I don’t remember for sure.

 

 

I am looking for collections or information pertaining to the Sons of Temperance, especially in nineteenth century United States.  We have an 1840s painted silk banner from a local chapter.  The men’s temperance movement in Pennsylvania and particularly Chester County was strong in that period. 

 

Thanks in advance for any leads.

 

Ellen Endslow

 

___________________________

 

Ellen E. Endslow

Director of Collections/Curator

Chester County Historical Society

225 N. High Street

West Chester, PA  19380

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