The temperance movement had a long history in Philomath dating back to the formation of a local society in 1867 that upon its establishment enrolled 76 people.
What is the temperance movement? It began in the early 1800s to limit the drinking of alcohol and thousands of groups were organized across the United States. As the movement evolved and became more politically active in the decades that followed, the production and sale of alcohol was outlawed in 1919 with the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Prohibition was repealed in 1933 with the 21st Amendment and organized temperance movements declined.
The following item appeared 150 years ago in the Weekly Corvallis Gazette — a sampling of the temperance movement’s strength in the Philomath vicinity:
“We have been furnished the MS of a very excellent temperance address, delivered recently at Philomath College, by Prof. Sellwood,” an article in the March 1, 1873, edition reads. “Its great length, however, prevents us from giving it in full, and have not time to condense. If all parts of the county were as wide awake and active on the temperance question as the Philomath people, we should soon have no saloons in Benton County; and our taxes would be materially decreased.”
150 years ago
1873
Anonymous writer: “Philomath Student” is informed that we do not publish anonymous productions. We would suggest to “student” that he had better master the primer, at least learn to spell “if” with one “f” before he essays to become a newspaper correspondent — and then, perhaps, he will not be ashamed to sign his real name. (Published March 1, 1873, in the Weekly Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1898
Long walk: Mrs. Rebecca Seeley, who is 61 years old, last Sunday walked from her home near the Alsea store, in Benton county, to Philomath, a distance of 25 miles. The roads were muddy and sticky, and in one place she mired down almost to the tops of her rubber boots. She expects to return home on foot. (Published March 4, 1898, in the Daily Eugene Guard).
Assessorship nomination: N.E. Newton, of Philomath precinct, has been very favorably mentioned in connection with the assessorship nomination on the republican ticket, and if the party wishes him to make the race, he would probably accept the nomination. (Published March 4, 1898, in the Corvallis Gazette).
100 years ago
1923
Three wrecks: Dr. R. Fisher, Philomath physician who has just recently returned from a trip to Missouri and a visit to relatives and friends in that state, was in three railroad accidents enroute. In one accident the tender was derailed. In another the engine went off the track and in the third the entire train, with the exception of the engine and the rear coach, left the rails. No one was injured in any of the accidents, a fact that Dr. Fisher considers rather remarkable. (Published March 3, 1923, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
75 years ago
1948
County jail: Three Philomath men were being held in the county jail here today, charged with creating a disturbance while in a state of intoxication. The three were arrested at the Podunk dance in Philomath. They were Herbert Pugh, Charles L. Hayes and Robert E. Pugh. Sheriff C.N. Lilly also announced the arrest of Harold L. Allen, Halsey, on a charge of pilfering automobiles. Allen, on parole from the Summit postoffice robbery last year, was turned over to federal parole officers in Portland. (Published March 1, 1948, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
50 years ago
1973
Teen candidates: On the third try, the House Rules Committee got a crowd out Thursday night to testify on a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow 18-year-olds to run for the legislature. Support for the measure (HJR14) was overwhelming. Rep. Robert Marx, D-Philomath, told the committee that whatever the candidate’s age the campaign process and election “weeds out people who couldn’t adequately serve in the legislature.” Rep. Martin Wolfer, D-Salem, disagreed, saying he is “quite convinced that with the right promotion you could elect a gorilla to this legislature.” (Published March 2, 1973, in the Salem Capital Journal).
