719 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY
CHAPTER I.
THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE IN LUCAS COUNTY.-REFORM ASSOCIATIONS.
LUCAS County was not far behind its neighbors in steps looking to the promotion of sobriety and abstinence from the use of alcoholic drinks. The aim here is not to attempt anything like detailed record of what has been done in that connection-which would be impracticable-but only to present something of the earlier action in that respect.
The first record of this sort now at hand, is that of a public meeting held at Waterville, May 1, 1837, with Dr. Paris Pray as Chairman, and A. P. Jones as Secretary. Resolutions were adopted, declaring " the most sure and effectual means for preventing drunkenness in the country, to be by imposing a heavy duty on the importation of all foreign spirits, and a like duty on the manufacture of domestic spirits."
Mr. Jones, in presenting the resolutions, said:
Such policy would "would place beyond the reach of most men all ardent spirits, as a beverage. Should any one crave his glass to such degree that he would sacrifice his property for it, there was a greater probability of his running the length of his life be fore his constitution would be irreparably destroyed, than if the article could be obtained for one-tenth the same money. By the imposition of a heavy tax, ardent spirits would be placed beyond the reach of men in ordinary circumstances, and if rich men could procure them, who would envy them their privilege? While the article is among us, and cheap, depend upon it, its effects will be discernible-drunkenness will prevail. Abolish the means-abolish the crime and save the country. Therefore, let the watch word be. `United and uncompromising opposition to intoxicating drinks, till they are expelled from the land.' "
On motion of Henry Reed, Sr., a Committee to consist of A. P. Jones, H. J. Curtis and Mr. Tucker, were appointed to draft memorials to the Legislature and to Congress, on the subject of these resolutions.
On the 22d of August, 1837, a large meeting of contractors on the Wabash and Erie Canal was held, of which Hiram Steele, of Maumee, was Chairman, and Tim. Griffith, Secretary. On motion of Mr. Sackett, it was resolved " to pay $16 for each 26 days of work performed by laborers from September 1st to October 31st and no more-rainy weather and loss of time at the risk of laborers, with board." Mr. Griffith submitted a preamble and resolution in regard to the use of intoxicating liquors by laborers, which were unanimously adopted. They were as follows
WHEREAS, In the opinion of this meeting, the use of ardent spirits is inconsistent with the constitution of man ; that it is alike injurious to the system and the mental faculties ; and that in furnishing such as a beverage to those in our employ, we not only commit a breach on our knowledge of right and wrong, but a manifest recklessness of all its evil tendencies; and
WHEREAS, It is established beyond human controversy, by the testimony of the most profound chemists and physicians of this enlightened age, that alcohol used as a beverage by persons in health, is never useful, but always hurtful; and believing as we do, that our prosperity and success as contractors, as in the interest of the public at large, depends materially upon the principles adopted by this meeting for our future government ; therefore,
Resolved, That we will not furnish ardent spirits to laborers in our employ on the Wabash and Erie Canal; and will use all honorable means to prevent their use as a beverage in any and every shape, unless recommended by Physicians for medicinal purposes.
The Maumee Express of June 16, 1838, said it was understood, that at a previous payment on the line of the Canal, the State Commissioner extended substantial favors to such contractors as forbid the use of intoxicating liquors on their jobs, which action that paper strongly endorsed.
The earliest record of a Temperance meeting in Toledo, consists of a, call issued for such to be held at the School-House in Lower Town, January 14, 1838, to which the ladies were particularly invited, when John Berdan (then the Mayor) was called to the Chair, and Warren Jenkins acted as Secretary. The object of the meeting was declared to be to organize the Toledo City Temperance Society " on the teetotal plan," with a pledge agreeing not to use or traffic in intoxicating liquors. The officers of the Society were : President, Rev. Isaac Flagler; Heman Walbridge and Warren Jenkins, Vice Presidents; Edson Allen, Secretary ; John Berdan, Treasurer; with Frederick Lasher, John Pontius, Chester Walbridge and Joseph Chambers as Managers. The only officer of that Society now living, is its Secretary, Edson Allen, Esq., of Toledo.
As early as April 23, 1838, the Toledo City Council passed an ordinance to prohibit the selling or giving away of any ardent spirits to be drank at any of the places named therein, and to prohibit disorderly assemblages and riots. Among its provisions was one declaring it "unlawful for any storekeeper, trader or grocer to sell or give away any ardent spirits to be drank in a shop, store, grocery, outside yard or garden owned or occupied by the person selling or giving away the same, except
720 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
by inn-keepers duly licensed by the Court of Common Pleas." It was also made unlawful for any person " to sell or give away any ardent spirits or other intoxicating drinks to a child, apprentice or servant, without the consent of his or her parent, guardian, master or mistress, or to an Indian." The ordinance was signed, "John Berdan, Mayor; Austin A. Hill, Clerk."
At the March term of the Court of Common Pleas, it was announced that the Grand Jury had brought in between 60 and 70 indictments against persons who had broken the law, by trespass on public lands, selling liquors without license, gambling, etc. The Court established the rule to fine persons guilty of selling ardent spirits without license, $35, with recommendation, that persons so fined keep an account current, and inform the Court how much profit they can make by paying the above fine four times a year, and in case it turns out to be a lucrative business, the Court has itin contemplation to increase the amount required by tavern-keepers for a license.
A Temperance Society of Children and Youth, was organized in Toledo, in April, 1844, with Rev. S. L. Yourtee, Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as President; and Charles Dodge, yet of Toledo, as Secretary.
February 13, 1846, the following call appeared in the Blade, to wit:
Believing there exists a necessity for the organization of a Temperance Society in this place, on the true Temperance principles, the undersigned would respectfully invite the friends of the cause to attend a meeting to be held for that purpose at the Court Room, Lower Town, on the evening of the 14th instant, at 6:30 o'clock. An address may be expected from H. L. Hosmer, Esq. Signed by A. Ralston, Jr., S. Linsley, Samuel B. Scott, O. H. Knapp, James Myers, C. W. Hill. Wm. Baker, Calvin Smith, Chas. E. Perigo, Chas. A. Crane, Jessup W. Scott, Thomas Daniels, Frank J. Scott, J. B. Bliven, Wm. H. Scott, C. F. Abbott, Edson Allen, B. W. Rouse, Andrew Shurtz, M. L. Collins, L. S. Lownsbury, Matthew Brown, Jr., Wm. H. Newton, Salter Cleveland, Thos. H. Hough, L. G. Loomis, M. H. Tilden, John P. Freeman, Daniel O. Morton, D. C. Hollister, John Fitch, R. C. Stowe, Henry Bennett.
At the May term of Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, 1846, remonstrances against the granting of licenses to retail ardent spirits, from 325 citizens of Toledo, and from over 200 of other portions of the County were presented. The Grand Jurors of the County made a report to the Court on the subject, in which they stated that they were " fully persuaded that the retail of ardent spirits by the small measure, was the primary cause of much crime and misery, and ought to be prohibited."
"We are satisfied," said they, " that if the traffic of the liquors aforesaid was abolished in this County, crime would diminish, good morals would be promoted, and the expenses of criminal prosecutions materially lessened. Entertaining these views, we earnestly but respectfully pray, that your honorable Court will refrain from granting licenses to retail spirituous liquors to any person or persons whomsoever ; firmly believing, that a general rule of this kind would operate equally upon all, and work injury to no one ; and that good would result both to community and to the Tavern-keepers."
The report was signed by John U. Pease, James Myers, John Van Fleet, Samuel Biddle, Dennis Sage, Elijah Price, Geo. W. Webb, Robert A. Forsyth, Stephen Haughton, Solomon Collins, Thomas Gleason, Jarvis Gilbert, Adam Black, and Wheeler French, Grand Jurors. The remonstrances of citizens were presented to the Court by Chas. W. Hill, and favorable action invoked in a few remarks. The result was the refusal of the Court to grant any license for the sale of liquors within the County. In referring to the matter, the Editor of the Blade (Jessup W. Scott) said: "Every friend of Temperance, we think, will rejoice in this decision. It is such a stand in favor of good morals and in restraint of vice, as must do good, and such as might have been expected from this Court."
The Temperance organization known as Sons of Temperance began its operations in Ohio early in 1847, and during that year Divisions were instituted at Toledo and neighboring Towns. Christmas of that year was celebrated at Toledo by the Divisions of Toledo, Adrian, Monroe, Hillsdale and Tecumseh. A procession was formed at 10 A. M of the several Divisions from these Towns, which marched to First Congregational Church, on St. Clair Street, where the exercises were as followsPrayer by Rev. W. W. Winters ; music by the choir; presentation of Bible to Toledo Division by ladies of Toledo; address by D. O. Morton, Esq.; music by Band ; address by Rev. E. R. Jewett; prayer by Rev. Anson Smyth; and benediction. The procession then formed, and marched to L. T. Thayer's hotel, where a dinner had been provided.
July 28, 1852, Jane M. Gordinier, Clarissa Shaw, Jane Southard, Sarah G. Southard and Ann Corlett, highly respectable ladies of Toledo, addressed to the City Council a memorial, setting forth in forcible language the evils of unrestrained traffic in intoxicating liquors, and asking for such legislation as should so far as practicable check such evil.
In evident response to this appeal, Mayor Egbert B. Brown issued his proclamation, giving notice that "all groceries or liquor stands where ardent spirits were sold, were required to be closed on the Sabbath ;" that neglect of such notice would be followed by "the rigors of the law;" and that the City Marshal and citizens were requested to report every known violation of the law. Mayor Brown had just been elected by the Council vice Daniel McBain, resigned.
At a session of the City Council, August 11, 1852, Alderman M. R. Waite introduced "an
THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE. - 721
ordinance requiring all places in which liquors were sold, to be closed on Sunday," which, upon suspension of the rules, was unanimously passed.
From the organization of the State, in 1802, until 1851, the policy of licensing dealers in intoxicating liquors was pursued in Ohio. The result of popular agitation of the subject of Temperance from 1842 until the adoption of the new constitution of 1851, was to secure in that law, a provision prohibiting licenses for such traffic, and devolving upon the Legislature the duty of such legislation as should prevent the evils of the same. In 1852-53, the question of adopting the stringent law of Maine, then recently enacted, was actively discussed in Ohio, and strongly urged by a large portion of the people, and especially by the many Temperance organizations throughout the State. As an evident compromise on the question, the Legislature enacted a law very stringent in its terms, which, wherever enforced, operated substantially to prevent the retail traffic in liquors, except Beer and native Wines. But it was soon found that, as in the case of other laws affecting private interests, this one, for its enforcement, must rely upon popular sentiment in each locality, inasmuch as through such sustaining force only could earnest action by the Courts, executive officials and Juries be secured. With the execution of the law thus remanded for the action of the people, it became substantially a question of popular sentiment, more than of legal status; and steps were soon taken throughout the State, for providing the needed support to the new order of things. Public meetings were held and steps taken to that end named, in which the leading citizens of all classes very generally co-operated.
Toledo was not an exception in that connection. Hence, in May, 1854, publication was made of a manifesto strongly endorsing the new law, urging upon all citizens implicit obedience to its provisions, and pledging the cooperation of the signers of the paper for the faithful enforcement of the law in Toledo. That manifesto was as follows
Whereas, Serious events have arisen and continue to prevail, from unrestricted sale and abuse of intoxicating liquors in this City ; and
Whereas, The Legislature of this State at its late session, passed an act to " provide against " such evils, which is now in force and binding upon all persons ; and
Whereas, Also, it is supposed that (owing to the long and unrebuked continuance of these evils) it will be difficult to procure a prompt and thorough enforcement of said law in this City, without some special and decided expression of public approval thereof ;
Now, therefore, we, the undersigned, citizens of Toledo, believing that a strict and uncompromising execution thereof, will enhance the best interests of all the people, promote private happiness, secure public good order, and save the wretched from increased wretchedness ; do hereby respectfully and earnestly exhort our fellow-citizens, by a firm and constant expression of opinion, to discountenance the violation thereof, and, by the use of all lawful means, to prevent for the future, the misery and disgrace we have suffered in the past.
And, with this expression of our desires-avowing our firm determination to uphold the supremacy of the law-we do hereby declare and pledge, to those officers of the City upon whom the enforcement thereof more especially devolves, our constant readiness to sustain and aid them therein in all lawful ways, and by all necessary means.
John Fitch, S. Hobart,
H. D. Mason, J. J. Laman,
Thos. M. Cooley, M. R. Waite,
Ezra Bliss, B. W. Rouse,
O. B. Smith, J. W. Scott,
J. M. Ashley, T. F. Lewis,
S. F. Forbes, Edward Haskell,
C. H. Coy, J. M. Comstock,
L. N. Voigt, Maro Wheeler,
Chas. O'Hara, John M. May,
James M. Whitney, Hez. L. Hosmer,
W. R. Wilson, Joseph Tolman,
J. S. Hull, W. G. Powers,
I. N. Hathaway, James Tolman,
James H. Maples, E. T. Mortimer,
Lewis C. Hunt, W. E. Parmelee,
Azariah Eddy, Alex. Reed,
Fred. Bissell, Alonzo Kingsbury,
D. H. Nye, John Sinclair,
C. A. King, F. J. King,
Samuel R. Reed, Samuel B. Scott,
P. F. Berdan, C. A. Harvey,
Carlos Colton, Eleazer Damond,
S. A. Raymond, A. Judson,
Matthew Brown, Geo. W. Scott,
A. B. Brownlee, Simeon Fitch, Jr.
A. J. Field, A. H. Colton,
Joseph R. Williams, A. D. Pelton,
Salmon H. Keeler, Egbert B. Brown,
Decius Wadsworth, Thos. H. Hough,
Jacob T. Caples, Tim. O'Connell,
James Laree, J. B. Smith,
Andrew Young, J. P. McCutcheon,
John Brownlee, W. S. Johnson,
J. P. Scott, W. H. Mallory,
W. S. Berdan.
Soon thereafter, Rev. H. B. Walbridge, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, in an address through the City press, strongly urged obedience to, and enforcement of the same law. It was addressed " To all Citizens engaged in selling intoxicating drinks in Toledo, in violation of law."
So far as known, the effects of these appeals were helpful to the objects sought ; but were largely temporary in their influence, and gradually the law came to be more and more violated with increasing impunity, until, ere long, it became practically a " dead letter," without apparent regard for its provisions, or attempt at its enforcement, as it continued to be, until, in connection with what was known as the " Scott Law " (an act for levying specific taxes upon the liquor traffic, and in 1884, by the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional), the law of 1554 was repealed, and the liquor traffic left practically without restraint, save the ability of dealers to pay the price of' their traffic fixed by the State.
A convention of delegates from the friends
722 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
of Temperance in Fulton and Lucas Counties, was held at Swanton, September 15, 1853, of which John U. Pease, of Sylvania, was President; and Chas. E. Perigo, of Toledo, was Secretary. The committee on resolutions consisted of James M. Ashley, Dr. Oscar White and John G. Klinck, of Lucas; and Joel R. Church and Jonathan Wood, of Fulton, whose report was adopted. It declared the Maine law (then recently enacted), to be the " only hope and safety of the State and the Nation," and that its passage by the Ohio Legislature was " demanded alike by the moral and legal obligations which, as citizens, we owe to each other, and by the first and highest of all human law-that of self-preservation." It was declared that experience " had shown that all laws to regulate or license the evil, had been unwise and impolitic, and had been disregarded and evaded." It was resolved not to vote for candidates for the Legislature not favorable to the enactment of the Maine law. The convention nominated Sanford L. Collins, of Lucas, for Representative.
At a meeting of delegates from the several Lodges of Good Templars in Lucas County held at Toledo, May 10, 1870, a County Lodge was organized by W. S. Peterson, G. W. C. of Ohio, with the following officers:
W. C., D. A. Pease, Toledo ; W. V., Miss A. M. Cogswell, Maumee; W. R. S., G. S. Tambling, Jr., Toledo; W. F. S., C. W. Shoemaker, Waterville; W. T., A. B. West, Sylvania; W. M., J. E. Avery, Toledo ; W. I. G., Jennie Turner, Sylvania ; W. O. G., W. W. Earl, Toledo ; R. H. S., Miss Libbie Hillis ; L. H. S., Mrs. O. W. Lamport; A. S., Miss Rose Newcomb.
A Colored Division of the Sons of Temperance was instituted at Toledo, March 7, 1871, with the following officers :
W. P., Rev. B. W. Arnett ; W. A., Theresa A. Moore ; R. S., W. H. G. Smith; A. R. S., Mary C. Lee ; F. S., Robert Massenburg ; Treasurer. James M. Bell ; Chaplain, Garland H. White; C., S. H. Price ; A. C., Annetta Merritt; L. S., Mariah Harvey ; O. S., Joseph Moore ; P. W. P., L. F. Dowloy ; Deputy, John Young. The Division was known as Golden Rule, No. 130, and had 93 members.
A Convention of delegates from the Women's Temperance Leagues of the Congressional District, was held at Toledo, October 27 and 28, 1874. The temporary officers were Mrs. P. S. Donelson, President; and Miss C. Kingham, of Port Clinton, and Mrs. W. H. Alexander, of Toledo, as Secretaries. The permanent officers were as follows: President, Mrs. Donelson; Vice President, Mrs. Alfred Wilkin, Toledo; Secretary, Miss C. Kingham, Port Clinton; Treasurer, Miss L. Lyons, Wauseon; Advisory Committee, Mrs. H. W. Smith, Mrs. D. K. Hollenbeck, Mrs. Barber and Mrs, P. S. Slevin. The reports from the several local Leagues, were all of about the same tenor-that when the Crusade began, much enthusiasm was manifested, which steadily waned, the Leagues as steadily decreasing in membership and activity; while the zeal and determination of those who remained were yet strong. Especial stress was placed upon that as Woman's special work, and as removed from politics. The Convention was addressed by Rev. C. D. Morris, of Toledo; and Rev. Dr. Byers, of Columbus. Resolutions were adopted opposing all plans for licensing the sale of liquors; in favor of whatever laws would restrict such traffic; recommending the establishment of Friendly Inns and other places of entertainment and social resort separate from the liquor traffic; opposing the social use of wines and other intoxicating liquors; and declaring full trust in God's favor, as the only assurance for the success of the cause.
WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
A notable movement in support of total abstinence from the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, occurred in Toledo during the Winter of 1873-4. It was carried forward mainly by resident friends of the cause, comprising those of both sexes. Large numbers of pledges were obtained, and active work maintained through several months. A large number of women were actively engaged in the movement, and for the purpose of more effective organization, a meeting of these was held March 18, 1874, when the a Women's Temperance League of Toledo " was organized, with a constitution and pledge. The pledge was as follows :
We, citizens of Toledo, desirous of aiding in the cause of Temperance, and believing fully in the willingness and power of Almighty God to answer prayer, do solemnly promise, by His help, not to make, buy, sell, use, furnish or cause to be furnished to others, as a beverage, any intoxicating liquor, distilled, malt or vinous. Neither will we lease our property for such purposes, by agent or otherwise; and we will do all in our power to banish the use of intoxicating liquors in our land, and to advance the cause of Temperance.
Officers were chosen as follows:
President-Mrs. George E. Pomeroy; Vice Presidents-Mesdames P. S. Donelson, D. N. Trowbridge, S. M. Snydam. L. A. Campbell, A. M. Corey, Ralph Tarbox. J. C. Lee, Luther Whitney. Charles Cochran, D. F. De Wolf, A. D. , Jones.
Subsequently, this organization was changed in some particulars, and taking the name of the "Women's Christian Temperance Union of Toledo," continued the work. In November, 1877, during the progress of public meetings under the direction of Mr. Murphy, of Pennsylvania, a meeting of ladies of Toledo was held (December 1st), for the purpose of establishing a Temperance Restaurant in the City, the result of which was the formal opening of what was known as a "Friendly Inn,"
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December 11th, at the Northeast corner of Madison and St. Clair Streets, in a building formerly the residence of Daniel O. Morton, but more recently known as the " St. Elmo," a place for the sale of liquors. On that occasion refreshments, contributed by ladies of the City, were served by Mesdames E. Bateman, E. M. Hawley, C. H. Buck, Orlin Phelps, J. W. Hiett, James H. Hamilton, J. T. Greer, Alfred Wilkin, Laura J. Mattocks, Rev. Dr. Jones and - Southland. The plan adopted contemplated material dependence on donations for the table of the Inn.
The establishment commenced business the following day at the place named, with the following bill of fare: Beef Soup, 2 cents; Bean Soup, 2 cents; Vegetable Soup, 2 cents; Baked Beans and Pork, per plate, 3 cents; Coffee, per cup, 3 cents; Tea, per cup, 2 cents; Potatoes, each, 1 cent; Bread and Butter, per slice, 1 cent; Beef, per slice, 2 cents; Crackers, 2 cents. The Inn was successful from the start, and so much so, that within 60 days the receipts were found sufficient to meet current expenses, and ere long to leave a balance on hand. The Inn was removed to 365 St. Clair Place, near Cherry Street, whence it was taken to 53 Summit Street, where it was continued until 1887, in operation as a popular resort for large numbers of customers from different classes of citizens, and with many casual visitors from the country and neighboring Towns. The controlling consideration in the establishment of the Inn, was to furnish an eating place which should be entirely disconnected from sale of intoxicating liquors-a desideratum then not to be found in Toledo. The result was not only to furnish one such place but to open the way for some half-dozen others of the same kind, all which seem to be successful. For a long time the table of the Inn was served largely by members of the Union, while all its operations were under the management of the officers of that organization. Beside this establishment, the Union carried forward different branches of Religious and Temperance work, including regular Sunday visits to prisoners in the County Jail.
In 1881, under the auspices of this Union, nine like organizations were formed within the County; while funds were provided for prosecuting the same work in other Counties ; for aiding the National Union, the State Union, Reformatory Prison work in the State, the work in the South and other kindred objects. Some years ago, the Union, co-operating with other friends of fallen humanity, took earnest action towards the establishment of a Retreat for Erring Women, contributing to such purpose the sum of $500. As a result of such action, a Retreat was opened, the privileges of which have been enjoyed by a goodly number of the class referred to.
The chief object of the Inn having become well supplied through other eating-places without intoxicating liquors, that establishment was closed in 1887. The general work of the Union, however, is still maintained, the officers for 1888 being as follows:
President-Mrs. Laura Fralick; Secretary-Mrs. W. H. Rich ; Treasurer-Mrs. Franklin Hubbard.
LUCAS COUNTY WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
During the Spring of 1881, was organized at Sylvania, the Lucas County Women's Christian Temperance Union. Mrs. Josephine Marlett, who was largely instrumental in organizing the several local Unions in the County, was made the President, with Mrs. Rev. S. L. Beiler, of Toledo, as Secretary and Treasurer. The chief object of the County organization, has been to disseminate and strengthen Temperance sentiment through lecturers and literature, with such special work as occasions may suggest. Thus this Union in 1883 was active in support of the proposed Second Amendment to the State Constitution, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors within the State; and subsequently for securing Scientific Temperance instruction in the Public Schools. In the promotion of these objects not less than $1,100 has been raised.
The present officers of the County Union are as follows:
President, Mrs. L. F. Eck ; Secretary, Mrs. Fannie Baird ; Treasurer, Mrs. Mary D. Chapman ; Vice Presidents, Mrs. Lucina Haskins, Mrs. Julia Lathrop, Mrs. Eleanor J. Scott, Mrs. A. Fairchild, Miss Norma Wynn. Mrs. S. A. Hooey, Mrs. E. A. Ward, Mrs. D. N. Trowbridge, Mrs. Lois Perrin, Mrs. Harriet Johnson.
YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
In April, 1887, was organized in Toledo, an association of young ladies, known as the Young Women's Christian Temperance Union. This was done under the auspices of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Its officers are as follows: President, Kate Hubbard : Recording Secretary, Linda Rickards; Treasurer, Daisy Knights; Corresponding Secretary, Bessie McGaw. The object of this Union is to promote a strong Temperance sentiment among the young people of Toledo. Its badge consists of a white ribbon. It has now 41 members.
One branch of the Union's work is the Flower Mission, by which large numbers of bouquets, bearing Scripture texts, were distributed at the different charitable institutions and given to the sick in families. In the Winter season, the needy are remembered in more substantial ways.
Another branch of the Union's work is the Juvenile Temperance Band, composed of a younger class, which so far is successful.
724 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
RETREAT MISSION.
In 1883, under the auspices of the Toledo Women's Christian Temperance Union, was organized the Retreat Mission. Its object is to offer temporary home to erring women and girls who may wish to reform and return to a virtuous life ; and also, so far as may be practicable, to secure homes and employment, whereby such may gain an honest living. The first location of the Retreat was on Broadway. The Women's Christian Temperance Union supplied means for rent and Matron's salary. Different Churches furnished a room each with necessary furniture, and many citizens contributed additional articles; table supplies being obtained by private solicitation. During the first year 21 inmates were cared for. In March, 1884, the City donated two and one-half acres of land, on which it is proposed this year (1888) to erect a suitable building for the Institution. In 1886 the Legislature provided that a portion of the Police and State fines be set apart for the support of the same. The present location is on Indiana Avenue, under charge of Mrs. Mulford, as Matron. The average number of inmates from the start has been 20 per year. The importance of the work has increased in the judgment of the friends of the enterprise. Many infants born in the Retreat or received there, have been eared for.
The first officers of the Retreat were:
President, Mrs. Anna Potter; Vice Presidents, Mrs. Mary M. McGaw and Mrs. Clara Bond; Secretary, Mrs. Mary Wilmington ; Treasurer, Mrs. Mary Howell. Board of Managers-Mesdames C. C. Doolittle, McGaw, Potter, George E. Pomeroy, Sr., Geo. Stebbins, Orlin Phelps, P. Campbell, M. E. Hiett, Atwill, Eck, Wagner, P. Buck, M. Howell, Frey, M. T. Davis, O. S. Bond, F. Chapman, Schaff, Bishop, Dr. Bigelow, McCabe, Dr. Chesebro, Kline, Tollerton, J. M. Wheeler, Charles Whitaker and William Wilmington, and Misses Emily Raymond and H. O. Hall.
The officers for 1888 are : President, Mrs. Anna Potter ; Vice Presidents, Mrs. E. Brigham and Mrs. Sarah Swigart ; Secretary, Mrs. Mary E. Hiett ; Treasurer. Mrs. E. Hamilton. Trustees, Mrs. Potter, Mrs. T. S. Merrell, Miss E. J. Raymond, Mrs. E. R. Atwill, Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Swigart, Mrs. O. D. Marsh, Mrs. Mary E. Hiett and Mrs. Brigham.
SUPPRESSION OF VICE.
In the Fall of 1880, was organized in Toledo a Society for the Suppression of Vice, designed largely as auxiliary to a like organization in New York. The officers of the Toledo Society were:
President, H. S. Walbridge; Vice President, Franklin Hubbard; Secretary, Frank J. Hoag; Treasurer, James Blass ; Directors, W. J. Cooke, A. E. Rood, Geo. Milmine, L. S. Baumgardner, Robert Cummings, C. H. Eddy, Theo. J. Brown, Charles Pratt, Clark Waggoner, C. W. Bond, Thos. Vanstone, N. M. Howard.
The membership of the Society was made up from the most intelligent and useful citizens of Toledo. A chief object of the organization was the suppression of indecent literature, then specially prevalent in various forms. During the first 15 months of the parent Society, its officers seized 50,000 obscene circulars, advertising vile pictures and books, of which 1,300 were addressed to young ladies in Toledo and other parts of Lucas County. Eight parties guilty in such connection were arrested, of whom seven pleaded guilty. One thousand obscene photographs were seized, and 75 photographic negatives for painting the same. Beside these 417 vile books had been seized and destroyed, while a class of men calling themselves " Doctors," were prosecuted for distributing literature calculated to promote immorality and crime. In other ways were steps taken for the exposure and punishment of vice in different forms.
In view of special prevalence of licentiousness then in Toledo, this Society in January, 1881, directed its attention to that form of vice; and to that end, took measures for more adequate enforcement of the law against prostitution. The result of such action was the development of facts fully justifying the general alarm from that form of evil. A few arrests were made and proof adduced; but a combination of influences which the Society was unable to overcome, proved sufficient to prevent conviction of the guilty, and the movement was necessarily given up. The result of such outcome was early suspension of action by the Society.
SUNDAY LAW AND ORDER LEAGUE.
On the 22d February, 1886, a meeting of clerical and lay representatives of some 20 different Churches of Toledo, was held, at which was organized a Sunday Law and Order League, having for its object a general effort to promote a proper observance of Sunday, under the laws of the State, and to be auxiliary to the International Sabbath Association. The officers were to be laymen. Officers were chosen as follows: President, S. R. Maclaren; Recording Secretary, M. C. Warn; Corresponding Secretary, John Farley; Treasurer, C. H. Whitaker.
The attention of the League was first directed to enforcement of the State and City laws for the closing of drinking places on Sunday, in which, with the co-operation of the press and citizens generally, it was largely, though not wholly, successful. Subsequently, attention was given to other and kindred matters, including gambling and the unlawful sale of liquors on the Tri-State Fair grounds, near the City. The results of the League's labors have been such as to encourage effort for the object of its creation.
The officers of the League for 1887, were James Blass, President; Recording Secretary, Wm. H. Bishop; Corresponding Secretary, Homer Hood ; Treasurer, C. H. Whitaker.