North Caddo residents have long been active in social and political issues, ranging from women's suffrage to organized labor,. Some were also active in the temperance movement, taking a stand in support of prohibition and supporting ratification of the 18th amendment to the United States Constitution that made illegal the production, transport and sale of alcohol.
The following song was an anthem for the temperance movement of the late 1800s/early 1900s.
George T. Evans (1874), Library of Congress
National Leader Speaks To Local Groups
This 1912 article announces a speaker from the national organization of the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), Mrs. Lila C. Moore, was speaking in area communities including Mooringsport, Oil City, and Vivian.
The Bossier Banner 11-Jan-1912, Page 3
Vivian Program
In December 1915, Vivian's WCTU chapter held a program in support of statewide prohibition. Notable in the event, 19 young women were presented, dressed in white robes, with a sash across their chests identifying a respective state having adopted prohibition. As each was called out in order of adoption, a crown was placed on her head by a little girl; no doubt to cheers. But alas, a girl representing "rum ridden" Louisiana, was "clad in deepest mourning," an apparent object of scorn.
New Orleans Times Picayune 20-Dec-1915, Page 20
1916 State Convention
Local women Mrs. A. C. Thomason of Vivian and Mrs. I. L. McIntyre of Oil City delivered prayers at a WCTU state convention held in Jennings, LA in October 1916.
The Rice Belt Journal (Welsh, LA) 13-Oct-1916, Page 3
Prohibition Petition
Note individual state prohibition described above occurred separate from later nationwide adoption. Below is a petition signed by area citizens and presented to the Louisiana state legislature urging that it ratify the 18th amendment. Louisiana was in fact the 14th state to adopt it, doing so on 03-Aug-1918. Though perhaps noble in intent, implementation led to an increase in organized crime and bootlegging until the act was repealed by passage of the 21st Amendment on 05-Dec-1933.
The following song was an anthem for the temperance movement of the late 1800s/early 1900s.
The Demon of Rum
is abroad in the land
His victims are falling
on every hand
The wise and the simple,
the brave and the fair
No station too high
for his vengeance to spare
O' women the sorrow
and pain is with you
And so be the joy
and the victory too
With this for your motto,
and succor divine
Lips that touch liquor
shall never touch mine
George T. Evans (1874), Library of Congress
National Leader Speaks To Local Groups
This 1912 article announces a speaker from the national organization of the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), Mrs. Lila C. Moore, was speaking in area communities including Mooringsport, Oil City, and Vivian.
The Bossier Banner 11-Jan-1912, Page 3
Vivian Program
In December 1915, Vivian's WCTU chapter held a program in support of statewide prohibition. Notable in the event, 19 young women were presented, dressed in white robes, with a sash across their chests identifying a respective state having adopted prohibition. As each was called out in order of adoption, a crown was placed on her head by a little girl; no doubt to cheers. But alas, a girl representing "rum ridden" Louisiana, was "clad in deepest mourning," an apparent object of scorn.
New Orleans Times Picayune 20-Dec-1915, Page 20
1916 State Convention
Local women Mrs. A. C. Thomason of Vivian and Mrs. I. L. McIntyre of Oil City delivered prayers at a WCTU state convention held in Jennings, LA in October 1916.
The Rice Belt Journal (Welsh, LA) 13-Oct-1916, Page 3
Prohibition Petition
Note individual state prohibition described above occurred separate from later nationwide adoption. Below is a petition signed by area citizens and presented to the Louisiana state legislature urging that it ratify the 18th amendment. Louisiana was in fact the 14th state to adopt it, doing so on 03-Aug-1918. Though perhaps noble in intent, implementation led to an increase in organized crime and bootlegging until the act was repealed by passage of the 21st Amendment on 05-Dec-1933.
The signers included Mrs. E. J. Bruner and Mrs. Walter (Ellie) George, leaders in the Vivian WCTU chapter. Below is information on other selected individuals with which there is some familiarity of occupation or town of residence . Should a reader recognize someone and have information to share, their input will be graciously accepted.
Lewis
Mrs. A. C. Huckleberry
T. O. Trees (Thomas Oliver)
Mrs. T. O.Trees (Mary Bell)
Oil City
Mrs. J. K. Butler (Hylma)
Athline Connell (school teacher)
I. L McIntyre
J. K. Norman (James K. of Norman Hotel)
Mrs. J. K. Norman (Ada)
Melvin T. Norman (son of J. K.)
Sanders Fowler (dentist)
Mrs. Sanders Fowler (Mary Colquitt)
William R. Pickle (father of Emmett, who was husband of OC teacher Bernice (Bates) Pickle)
Mrs. William R. Pickle (Juno)
Vivian
Mrs. C. H. Pardue (Essie, wife of Dr. Cleveland H. Pardue)
