The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is the oldest voluntary, non-sectarian women’s organization in continuous existence in the world. In addition, it was among the first groups to keep a lobbyist in Washington, D.C. to promote its agenda. The group’s name is the “Woman’s” rather than “Women’s” Christian Temperance Union. That’s because it’s the individual …
Many people have heard of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). But few have heard of the Non-partisan WCTU (NWCTU). The WCTU was formed in 1874. Within five years it had formed over 1,000 local units or “unions.” It continued to grow during National Prohibition (1920-1933). Its peak membership was 372,355 in 1931. Yet almost …
The World’s Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WWCTU) began in 1883. The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) formed it. The intent was to coordinate the work of WCTU chapters (unions) around the world. Overview I. Membership II. Structure III. The Pledge IV. Resources The first convention of the World’s Woman’s Christian Temperance …
Edith Smith Davis contributed greatly to the temperance movement. She was a dedicated and highly effective leader. Born on a farm near Janesville, Wisconsin, she attended Milton College and Lawrence University. At the latter, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She became superintendent of two departments of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). One …
Ida B. Wise was a strong advocate for Prohibitiont. She became Ida B. Wise Smith upon her marriage. Early Commitment to Prohibition As a young woman she joined the Iowa Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). She showed commitment and very good leadership. Therefore, she steadily advanced through the organization. For twenty years she was president …
Willard’s Early Life Frances Willard (Frances Elizabeth Caroline Willard), was born in 1839. She was sturdy, independent, and very strong-willed. Friends called her Frank. She graduated from college in 1859. Twelve years later became president of a women’s college herself. When it merged with Northwestern University, she became dean of women there. She resigned 1874 …
I. Ella A. Boole Ella Boole (Ella Alexander Boole) was born in 1858 into a prosperous family in Ohio. From the College of Wooster she received both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. During her college education she developed strong skills in public speaking. Married Temperance Activist She married a prominent Methodist minister, William Boole. …
Martha McClellan Brown was a highly effective organizational leader in advancing the temperance movement. Martha McClellan was born in 1838 in Baltimore. She was orphaned by age eight. Martha and her sister were raised by a neighbor. At age 18 she married the Rev. W. Kennedy Brown. Shortly after, she began college and graduated from …
