Title: Woman's Christian Temperance Union (Milton, Wis.) Records
Inclusive Dates: 1889-1960

Creator:

• Woman's Christian Temperance Union (Milton, Wis.)

Call Number: Whitewater Mss AU

Quantity: 0.4 c.f. (1 archives box)

Repository:

Housed at the University Archives & Area Research Center, Harold Andersen Library, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Library, Archives, and Museum Collections

Archival Locations:

COLLECTION MAY BE STORED OFF-SITE: see catalog entry to request materials and for additional information.

UW-Whitewater Library / Whitewater Area Research Ctr. (Map)

Abstract:

Records of the Milton, Wisconsin, chapter of the WCTU, consisting of minute books of monthly meetings, 1949-1959; a treasurer's account and cash book, 1889-1922; and two cash books, 1922-1960, documenting the organization's anti-alcohol campaigns and work with the other local chapters in Rock County.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-whit00au

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The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Milton (sometimes called the Patricia Millar Chapter) was affiliated with the Wisconsin and national WCTU. Other chapters in Rock County included the Rock County WCTU and local chapters in Beloit, Clinton, Edgerton, Evansville, Harmony, Janesville, and Lima. An important stimulus to the Rock County WCTU chapters was the legacy of Frances Willard, one of the founders of the national WCTU and its president from 1879 until her death in 1898. In 1846, Miss Willard moved to a farm south of Janesville with her family. In 1853, her father, Josiah Willard, and neighbors built a schoolhouse for their children near Janesville. The Rock County WCTU purchased the schoolhouse in 1921 so that it might be preserved and “serve as an inspiration to all to live as exemplary Christian citizens.” After purchasing the property surrounding the schoolhouse and making necessary repairs, the building was dedicated on September 28, 1921. The schoolhouse was reconverted and used temporarily by the Rock Valley school district during the early 1950's.

The date of establishment of the Milton WCTU is unknown. The records cover the period when the organization's principal activities included group discussions of alcohol and narcotics-related issues and Bible study at monthly meetings, education and propaganda programs in schools and in cooperation with civic groups, campaigns against liquor advertisements, and combined programs with other Rock County WCTU chapters. The monthly meetings were held in members' homes.

The records are comprised of two minute books, containing minutes of the monthly meetings, membership rolls or lists, and some attendance records; a treasurer's account and cash book, 1889-1922; and two other later cash books. The treasurer's and cash books also list members' names, dues paid, donations and expenses, and other expenses. The treasurer's accounts are yearly summaries of the Chapter's finances and activities.

Box   1 Folder   1-2	Minute Books, 1949-1959
Box   1 Folder   3	Treasurer's Account and Cash Book, 1889-1922
Box   1 Folder   4-5	Cash Books, 1922-1960