Manuscript Group 884, Guide to the Record Book of Caldwell Young People’s Temperance Society 1834-1836

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Descriptive Summary
Historical Note
Scope and Content Note
Restrictions
Access Points
Related Material
Administrative Information


Guide to the Record Book of Caldwell Young People’s Temperance Society 1834-1836
MG 884
The New Jersey Historical Society
52 Park Place
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Contact: NJHS Library
Phone: (973) 596-8500 x249
Email: library@jerseyhistory.org
URL: https://www.jerseyhistory.org
© 2004 All rights reserved.
The New Jersey Historical Society, Publisher
Inventory prepared by Bob Golon as part of the “Farm to City” project funded by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

Finding aid encoded by Danielle Kovacs. March 2004. Production of the EAD 2002 version of this finding aid was made possible by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Finding aid written in English.


Descriptive Summary

Creator: Caldwell Young People’s Temperance Society
Title: Caldwell Young People’s Temperance Society Record Book
Dates: 1834-1836
Abstract: Consists of the constitution of the Society and its membership lists, both male and female. Also included are notes from all meetings from 1834 through 1836.
Quantity: 1 volume
Collection Number: MG 884

Historical Note

By the early 19th century, consumption of alcohol was viewed in some quarters as a national problem, and an increased campaign against alcohol consumption began. In 1826, the National Temperance Society was born, followed six years later by the States Temperance Union. Out of this movement came the Caldwell Township Temperance Society, and its auxiliary, the Caldwell Young People’s Temperance Society, founded in 1834.

Article 5 of the Society’s constitution, written in 1834, states, “We whose names are hereunto annexed, believing that the use of ardent spirits as a drink is not only needless but hurtful to the social, civil, and religious interests of mankind; that it tends to form intemperate appetites and habits; and that while it is continued, the evils of intemperance can never be done away – do therefore agree that we will not use it, or traffic in it; that we will not provide it as an article of entertainment, or for persons in our employment, and that in all suitable ways, we will discountenance the use of it in the community, except for sacramental, mechanical and medicinal purposes.”

According to the Society’s bylaws, anyone under the age of 30 could be a member. Violators of the oath were duly chastised, then expelled. It was the duty of all members to report violators of the oath.

Return to the Table of Contents


Scope and Content Note

This collection consists of the constitution of the Society and its membership lists, both male and female. Also included are notes from all meetings from 1834 through 1836, including information pertaining to officer elections, constitutional modifications, and announcements. Society Presidents as noted in the minutes include: Samuel Crane, Rufus. L. Harrison, Caleb Baldwin, William Gould, John D. Crane, Asher Crane, and Amos C. Crane.

Return to the Table of Contents


Restrictions

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on this collection.

Photocopying of materials is limited and no materials may be photocopied without permission from library staff.

Use Restrictions

Researchers wishing to publish, reproduce, or reprint materials from this collection must obtain permission.

The New Jersey Historical Society complies with the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code), which governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions and protects unpublished materials as well as published materials.

Return to the Table of Contents


Access Points

The entries below represent persons, organizations, topics, forms, and occupations documented in this collection.
Subject Names:
Baldwin, Caleb.
Crane, Asher.
Crane, John D.
Crane, Samuel, fl. 1834.
Gould, Amos C.
Gould, William, fl. 1835.
Harrison, Rufus L.
Subject Organizations:
Caldwell Academy (N.J.)
Caldwell Young People’s Temperance Society (N.J.)
National Temperance Society.
States Temperance Union.
Subject Topics:
Temperance Societies, etc.
Temperance–United States.
Subject Places:
Caldwell (N.J.)
Document Types:
Membership lists.
Notes.

Return to the Table of Contents


Related Material

For materials related to the Temperance movement at the New Jersey Historical Society, see:

Manuscript Group 355, Bloomfield Township Temperance Society Record Book

Manuscript Group 380, Frelinghuysen Family Papers

Manuscript Group 442, James Henry Clark Papers

Return to the Table of Contents


Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

This collection should be cited as: Manuscript Group 884, Caldwell Young People’s Temperance Society Record Book, The New Jersey Historical Society.

Acquisition Information

Gift of Mrs. Ralph H. Mills, 1968.

Return to the Table of Contents


Print Friendly, PDF & Email