Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), Oberlin Chapter Records

Collection

Identifier: RG 31-006-004

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The records consist of minutes of meetings (14 vols.), treasurer’s books (3 vols.), printed programs, membership lists, newspaper obituaries and other clippings, correspondence, financial records, and some printed matter of state or national origin.

Dates

Creation: 1874-1976, undated
Other: Date acquired: 03/10/1975

Creator

Woman's Christian Temperance Union (Oberlin, Ohio) (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted

Administrative History

The Oberlin Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) began in 1874 as the Ladies’ Temperance League. Its purpose was to allow the women of Oberlin to work in all practicable and expedient ways to end intemperance in the village and to “secure the banishment of intoxicating drinks from our land.” On May 9, 1882, in order to be in conformity with state and national organizations, the name was changed to the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of Oberlin with its object, as stated in a new constitution, “to arouse the women of the vicinity to engage in promoting the cause of temperance in every proper manner.”

The records document the organization from its creation to its demise. It was, especially in its early years but also at other times, an organization significant in the affairs of Oberlin. Here there have always been young people to be persuaded to sign and/or observe a pledge of abstinence. Direct action against saloons and druggists who sold alcohol as done in early years gave way to more conventional means of persuasion in the 20^th century.

Note written by William E. Bigglestone.

Extent

1.60 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Method of Acquisition

The bulk of these records was received in 1975 from the Oberlin College Library and in 1980 from records formerly in the custody of Mrs. Esther Bliss Taylor.