“Cold Water Army” Banner

by Camille Myers Breeze

The American Society for the Promotion of Temperance was organized in Boston in 1826 to fight against the bane of society, "Demon Rum." Within nine years, there were as many as one million members nationwide, known collectively as the "Cold Water Army." Temperance crusaders used all methods available at the time to recruit members, from pamphlets to public lectures to banners, or broadsides, such as this one.

Cold Water Army banner before conservation. Image courtesy of First Parish Church of Norwell, MA.

This banner is made of cotton plain weave. The words “Here it Goes!” are stenciled beneath a block-printed image of two figures emptying out a rum barrel and a jug. There is a deteriorated wool fringe hand stitched to the top and bottom hems. The sides are selvedged, suggesting that multiple banners could have been made in a row and then cut apart. 

Detail of Cold Water Army banner before conservation. Image courtesy of First Parish Church of Norwell, MA.

The banner arrived pressure mounted with glass against a brown paper board. Mold is clearly visible inside the frame. The banner has weathered countless episodes of moisture and possibly insects, however despite the stains and losses, the banner presents a strong graphic image with historical significance.

Cold Water Army banner during fumigation. Image courtesy of First Parish Church of Norwell, MA.

This banner is proudly owned and displayed by the First Parish of Norwell, MA. The Rev. Samuel May, a well known abolitionist, educational reformer, and preacher at the First Parish Church of Norwell between 1836 and 1942, also was a favorite uncle of Louise May Alcott. Rev. May’s Cold Water Army group fought to close down rum shops in Norwell, Massachusetts. It is believed that May and the children broke open the rum barrels and poured them out in front of his home, May Elms.

Reducing adhesive on reverse. Image courtesy of First Parish Church of Norwell, MA.

Conservation of the banner has begun with fumigation, surface cleaning, and reducing adhesive used to attach the banner into the old frame. It was then hand stitched to a padded, fabric-covered museum panel and pressure mounted with a UV-filtering acrylic box. 

The Cold Water Army banner after conservation.

On Sunday, November 2nd, 2014, First Parish of Norwell dedicated the Cold Water Army banner. A sermon was given as a pulpit drama with the minister emeritus Rev. Richard Fewkes portraying Samuel J. May. WE are delighted to have played a vital role in preserving this rare and historic textile.

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