Stella Rice Rue (1884-1964), late of Joplin, Mo., is recalled by numerous of her descendants (as is also documented by the poems and scrap-books which she left behind) as a vociferous proponent of "temperance" (meaning not moderation, but government-enforced abstinance from alcohol by all Americans.) Despite the red ribbon appearing below, there does not seem to be any truth to the family rumor that Stella ever possessed a hatchet once used by WCTU organizer Carrie Nation to break up speak-easies and smash bottles of demon rum, as well as more than a few glass windows. Or if she did, no one knows where it is.

Replies

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

As knowledge of the disease of alcoholism has expanded, awareness has increased that some people simply can not safely consume alcohol, while others may. But preaching a renewal of Prohibition, both from the pulpit and in her home, reflected a core attitude and belief for a number of good strong-willed women and men like Stella in 20th century America.

The original relic reproduced above is in the possession of her grandson, James A. Rue, of Laguna Beach, California, who provided this beautiful scan.

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Women's Christian Temperance Union (national organization)

Carrie Nation, poem by Willard Wattles

Carrie A. Nation, historical marker in Kiowa, Kansas

"For God, Home, and Native Land", women of the WCTU

WCTU and related organizations, anti-saloon leagues

Central Ohio Red Ribbon Campaign, Franklin Co. Prevention Inst.

Drug policy links, a case example in Sullivan County, NY

FAMILY WRITINGS

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From: PaulBScott@aol.com
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 22:23:57 EDT
Subject: Webpage
To: rue@catskill.net
X-Mailer: AOL for Macintosh sub 54

Greetings,

Your interesting webpage was pointed out by a friend in Pennsylvania. One point of clarification is in order. The definition of "temperance" has nothing to do with "government-enforced abstinance" but is rather, "abstinence from all that is harmful and moderation in that which is good." Prohibition was the government enforced measure which did not seek to enforce personal abstinence but dealt with the commerical manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages.

Under the heading "Temperance in middle America," Carrie (she preferred the spelling "Carry") Nation is said to have been a "WCTU organizer." There was some interaction between Carry and the WCTU but her methods were not those of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Carry Nation was a member of the WCTU for a few years but in my recent reading of "The White Ribbon in the Sunflower State," I do not find that she ever attained any leadership within the state organization, let alone the National. Her tombstone in Belton, MO aptly sums up her life, "She hath done what she could."

Your e-mail address makes me think you must be in New York State. If so, you might be interested in our 125th annual National Woman's Christian Temperance Union Convention to be held August 3 - 8 at the Marriot Inn, Amherst, NY. One of the fieldtrips in connection with the Convention will be to the Baptist Church in Fredonia from which the first temperance crusade issued, predating and inspiring the later crusades in Ohio and elsewhere. There will also be a WCTU Day at Chautauqua.
Kindest Regards,
Paul B. Scott
Public Relations Consultant
WCTU of Southern California

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Paul,

Thanks for your interesting note. May I have your permission to append it to my webpage as a response?

After receiving your comment, I re-read my text and note that it speaks of my great-grandmother's unique definition of "abstinence" as attested by her children, grandchildren, and literature which she left behind. However, I would be pleased to include your reply, and a link to any WCTU webpages which you might be able to point me to. I would be particularly interested to find anything on the web related to a Missouri chapter of the WCTU.

Yes, I live in Monticello, New York. You can see my family [here].

Warm regards,
Tom Rue

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From: PaulBScott@aol.com
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 1999 14:54:58 EDT
Subject: Re: Webpage
To: rue@catskill.net
X-Mailer: AOL for Macintosh sub 54

Tom,

It was very nice to find your response this morning. Thanks for writing. Yes, you have my permission to use what I wrote.

Regarding WCTU sites on the internet, I have found one from Australia but our National site is [here]. The one caring for this webpage is also working on our 125th anniversary history (it will be available in August at National Convention); consequently, the webpage has not been updated recently.

Unfortunately, we have no organization within Missouri to which I can presently direct you. We are active in many states but Missouri is not one of them.
Sincerely,
Paul B. Scott