TEMPERANCE: Temperance is the fight against the “thraldom of the liquor traffic,” said Elizabeth Putnam Gordon, in the forward to a 1924 book about the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, which she founded.
By 1924, the organization was about more than just the evils of alcohol, although it was that movement that led to the 18th Amendment. The women also made strides in equality with the 19th Amendment, the women’s right to vote.
The group was interested in social reform issues, and personal moral reform.
In 1924, “The Inter-County Institute of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union will open (in Bradford) today with large delegations present from Cameron, Elk, Jefferson, Clearfield and McKean counties in attendance,” read a story in The Era.
“Interesting discussions on vital topics is one of the features of this afternoon’s session. Mrs. Gertrude Taggart of Emporium will lead the discussion on the ‘Weakness of Women in Politics.’
‘Woman’s Task’ is the subject of the discussion to be lead by Mrs. Genevieve Mahoney of Elk county.
“Conferences on various subjects will bring to a close the afternoon session. ‘Making Department Plans Practical’ by McKean county; a medal contest by Mrs. Lillian Gallup; scientific temperance instruction by Miss Sara Lewis; a mothers’ meeting by Mrs. Myra Gueter; fairs and exhibits by Mrs. Mildred Peeler and ‘Christian Citizenship’ by Mrs. Eva W. Sullivan are the subjects of the various conferences.”
“Announcement was made yesterday that Mrs. Maude B. Perkins, national general secretary of the young people’s branch who was to have been one of the principal speakers, will be unable to attend. In her place, Mrs. Ella H. Black will deliver a message. Mrs. Black is the W.C.T.U. treasurer and was formerly state superintendent of Americanization work, and by her experience along those lines, is considered exceptionally well qualified to speak on the subject which she will choose.”
