Temperance movement ephemera collection, approximately 1860-1930

The temperance movement of the mid-19th to early 20th century was closely allied with the woman suffrage movement. Although many women felt that their proper sphere was the home, others believed that women needed the right to vote so they could protect their homes and families from vice and corruption. Taking on the role of moral housekeeper, these women spoke out against slavery, prostitution, gambling, and most of all, alcohol.

The Women’s Christian Temperance Union came to Washington in 1883 and quickly grew — within a year, there were already 629 members in King County alone. The main purpose of the organization was to achieve prohibition by law which the women worked toward by singing hymns and praying in saloons, lobbying for temperance reform, and presenting anti-drinking programs in schools.

[excerpted from "A Ballot for the Ladies: Washington Women's Struggle for the Vote, 1850-1910" exhibit text]