Temperance Organization Vevay, 1873

Temperance became a major issue after the Civil War. This account of an organization in Vevay is one of the most detailed given of the actual formation.

Arthur's Illustrated Home Magazine, Edited by T.S. Arthur, Vol. XLI. T.S. Arthur & Son, Editor's Department, Philadelphia, 1873.

A NEW TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT.
WE take from a Vevay, Indiana, paper, the following account of a new temperance movement recently Inaugurated in that town, which has so for been remarkably successful

The most formidable organization upon a temperance basis in this pan of the country, is the ' Workingmen's Friendly Society,' headquarters at Vevay, with branches in other parts of the county. Its meetings are held weekly, open to the public, and its pledge simply it requires its members to abstain from the use of liquors for one year, the penalty for violation being the publication of the name in the papers.

The Vevay branch has a membership of over two hundred and fifty, all being men over twenty-one years of age. Ir was organized by drinking men, and hence it derives the name of 'Red Noses,' the title by which the society is generally known and recognized by the public. Repeated efforts have been made to allow females to unite with the society, but owing to the fact that many of the old drinkers have heretofore been ashamed to meet the women face to face, it has been deemed advisable not to enlarge the test of membership at present. "

Nearly every Sunday they hold a public meeting in the Court House, where they have vocal and instrumental music, and an address from public of amateur speakers. They have purchased an organ for their use on these occasions.

Heretofore, the music has been by volunteers; but this method having failed to secure music on one or two occasions, the society have adopted the novel plan of inviting the Sunday schools, and other organizations, to furnish music, alternating each week; each school, or other society, coming with their books, singers and organ placers, and leading the exercises of the day. Last Sunday the M.E. School officiated, next Sunday the Presbyterian School will lead, and so on until every school and other organization has been invited to go through with the musical exercises."

This plan succeeds admirably; there is just emulation enough to secure the bent results— the public becomes more and more interested, and the whole meeting proves a grand success. Long may it wave!