Women's Christian Temperance Union (Amsden, Ohio) records

The records of the Amsden Woman's Christian Temperance Union reflect the history of this active religious, temperance, and social organization, its members, and programs from 1907 to 1971.

The minutes, membership and financial records, correspondence, pamphlets, songbooks, and flyers reveal why and how the group organized and attempted to educate the public and disseminate their philosophy, particularly concerning the use of alcohol. While they also were interested in fair work standards, justice and world peace, the focus of their activities was to discourage, and even outlaw, the use of liquor. The records reflect their religious and family-oriented approach to achieve that goal. The collection reflects to a much lesser extent the group's political activity.

Students of women's history will find, in addition, that woman's suffrage was an early topic of this group. The minutes for April 14, 1909, note discussion of and a vote on the issue of "free suffrage."

Also included is genealogical information on the Caywood-Dye family, Mrs. Wyant's ancestors.