Woman's Christian Temperance Union Fountain

Rehoboth WCTU Fountain (Sussex County, Delaware)

Woman's Christian Temperance Union Fountain is a historic monument that symbolizes the efforts of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) in promoting temperance, the social movement against the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The WCTU was founded in 1874 and quickly became one of the most influential women's movements of the 19th century in the United States. The fountains were erected as part of the Union's efforts to offer people, especially men, an alternative to alcoholic drinks by providing free, clean drinking water in public places.

History

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was established with the primary goal of promoting abstinence from alcohol, which they believed was the root cause of many societal problems, including domestic violence and poverty. As part of their mission, the WCTU embarked on various social reform activities, one of which was the installation of public drinking fountains. These fountains were not only practical, providing fresh water, but also symbolic, representing purity and the virtues of a sober lifestyle.

Design and Symbolism

The design of the WCTU fountains varied from simple to elaborate structures, often featuring a basin from which humans could drink, sometimes with additional basins at lower levels for dogs and horses. The fountains were typically made of metal or stone and were frequently adorned with temperance symbols, such as the white ribbon, the WCTU's emblem of purity. Inscriptions or plaques advocating for temperance were also common features.

Locations

WCTU fountains were installed in a variety of locations across the United States and in some other countries, wherever the Union had a strong presence. These included town squares, public parks, and near churches or town halls. While many of these fountains have been lost or removed over time, some have been preserved or restored and are recognized as historical landmarks.

Legacy

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union Fountain stands as a testament to the WCTU's dedication to social reform and the temperance movement. These fountains are not only historical artifacts but also serve as reminders of the role that the WCTU played in advocating for public health and morality. Today, they are appreciated for their historical and cultural significance, as well as their contributions to the beautification of public spaces.

See Also

• Temperance movement
• Prohibition in the United States
• Social reformers
• Public health advocacy

This historical related article is a stub.