Eliza Thompson
Encyclopedia
A lecture by Diocletian Lewis
in 1873 inspired Eliza Thompson (Eliza Jane Trimble Thompson; 1816-1905) to begin leading groups of women into saloons
where they sang hymns prayed for the closure of the establishments. These direct, non-violent “Visitation Bands” were successful and quickly spread first across the state of Ohio and then to a total of 22 other states from New York to California.
"Mother Thompson" and others claimed often dramatic conversions by saloon keepers. In other cases, the retailers simply gave up after being picked for weeks by the Visitation Bands.
Within several years the movement subsided. However, it was successful in stimulating the temperance movement
, which had declined with the outbreak of the Civil War (1861-1865). The Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) traces it origins to the Women’s Crusade against alcohol.
Diocletian Lewis
Dioclesian Lewis , commonly known as Dr. Dio Lewis, was a prominent temperance leader and physical culture advocate who practiced homeopathy and was the inventor of the beanbag.-Early life:...
in 1873 inspired Eliza Thompson (Eliza Jane Trimble Thompson; 1816-1905) to begin leading groups of women into saloons
Bar (establishment)
A bar is a business establishment that serves alcoholic drinks — beer, wine, liquor, and cocktails — for consumption on the premises.Bars provide stools or chairs that are placed at tables or counters for their patrons. Some bars have entertainment on a stage, such as a live band, comedians, go-go...
where they sang hymns prayed for the closure of the establishments. These direct, non-violent “Visitation Bands” were successful and quickly spread first across the state of Ohio and then to a total of 22 other states from New York to California.
"Mother Thompson" and others claimed often dramatic conversions by saloon keepers. In other cases, the retailers simply gave up after being picked for weeks by the Visitation Bands.
Within several years the movement subsided. However, it was successful in stimulating the temperance movement
Temperance movement
A temperance movement is a social movement urging reduced use of alcoholic beverages. Temperance movements may criticize excessive alcohol use, promote complete abstinence , or pressure the government to enact anti-alcohol legislation or complete prohibition of alcohol.-Temperance movement by...
, which had declined with the outbreak of the Civil War (1861-1865). The Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) traces it origins to the Women’s Crusade against alcohol.