Archive Record
Metadata
Catalog Number |
ORG 1943.01 |
Title |
Women's Christian Temperance Union |
Collection |
Organizations |
Object Name |
Records |
Date |
1876-1935 |
Scope & Content |
This collection includes records of the Women's Christian Temperance Union from its founding through 1935. There are 11 volumes of minutes, 3 volumes of treasurer's reports, and one devoted to membership (with some programs tipped in). They were gifted by the WCTU to the Winchester Historical Society through Annie M. B. Sanborn, treasurer, in November of 1943. |
Admin/Biographical History |
The Winchester WCTU was organized by Mrs. Anna F. Beiler of Quincy on May 26, 1876. At its first meeting, the first board was elected, including President Mrs. Mary A. Sharon and Vice-Presidents Mrs. Stone, Miranda (Mrs. Franklin W.) Perry, and Emma (Mrs. Edward) Huse. The first treasurer was Mrs. Dea. Abbott, and the first secretary was Miss Louise Dupee. A constitution was adopted on June 2. Two presidents with remarkable longevity were Mrs. Almira Rowe, 19 years, and Mrs. Grace M. Hamilton, 25 years (1906-1931). The membership fluctuated, reaching a high between 150 and 200 members. The group carried on an active propaganda for total abstinence in the town and prohibition in the nation. After the adoption of the 18th amendment, the women held a victory dinner in the vestry of the Congregational Church attended by more than 250 women. The Union worked with school children, even after Prohibition went into effect, to teach them to live a healthier life by abjuring liquor and tobacco. |
Copyrights |
Permission to publish material from this collection is subject to approval by the Town of Winchester. |
Finding Aids |
A finding aid with detailed information about the contents of the collection is available. Contact the Archives for a copy. |
Subjects |
Temperance Women Prohibition |
Search Terms |
Women's Christian Temperance Union |
People |
Abbott, Caroline Beiler, Anna F. Dupee, Louise Hamilton, Grace M. Huse, Emma Perry, Miranda Rowe, Almira Sanborn, Annie M. B. Sharon, Mary Ann |
Containers |
Minutes May 1876 - May 1877 (with constitution, bylaws, and membership list) Minutes May 1877 - May 1879 Minutes May 1879 - May 1883 Minutes May 1883 - May 1885 Minutes May 1885 - May 1889 Minutes May 1889 - June 1893 Minutes June 1893 - Dec. 1902 Minutes Jan. 1903 - Jan. 1910 Minutes Jan. 1910 - Jan. 1914 Minutes Jan. 1914 - Dec. 1916 Minutes Jan. 1917 - 1928 Treasurer's Book May 1877 - Jun 1887 Treasurer's Book 1887 - 1909 Treasurer's Book 1911 - 1931 Membership List and Programs 1931 - May 1935 |