WCTU Convention01

Waupaca Record

October 10, 1907

Was Held In Portage Last Week – May Come Here Next Year

The Thirty-fourth Annual State Convention of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was Held in the city of Portage, Oct. 1-4, Mrs. Mary C. Upham presiding. Delegates were present from all sections of the state.

The president in her address said in part: “The tide of opposition to the liquor traffic is rising higher and higher every day. Those, who have investigated, say that three fourths of our American population are total abstainers.”

“The most prosperous year in the W.C.T.U. work Wisconsin has ever experienced,” said Mrs. Eliza W. Follett of Spencer. “Law enforcements and anti-license campaigns have been successful in many places thru aid rendered by the W.C.T.U. The result of the seed sowing, only the great Beyond can tell.”

The “Welcome” night session was very enthusiastic. Mayor Baker said: “I know in welcoming you to our city I shall not have to increase the police force.”

Wednesday afternoon the officers and delegates enjoyed a launch ride to Fort Winnebago, guests of the Portage Boat and Motor Co.

Thursday evening Miss Lillian Phelps of St. Catherine’s, Canada, gave an eloquent address. She said in par: “Yesterday might made right today right makes might to a greater degree than in any time past. We believe in the gospel of evolution and the reformer, the man of brain and morals, must ever be far in advance of the prize fighter. The strength of the saloon rests on the wreck of the home, for no man can, at the same time, support the home and the saloons. No one, man or woman, who is indifferent to this question, ever thinks that it may, sometime, invade his own home. This question will only be settled when Christians want it settled and when the people say “Go!”, it will go. Let us have faith and courage, for faith’s victories cannot be counted.”

The Business Men’s Association and the management of the Grand View extended to the W.C.T.U. state convention an invitation to hold next year’s convention in Waupaca.

The invitation was joyfully received by the Waupaca Union and we feel sure that the invitation will be accepted.

The Waupaca Union extend a vote of thanks to the Business Men and to the management of Grand View.