Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of the County of Lincoln fonds

The first Canadian chapter of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was opened in Ontario in Picton, Prince Edward County, in 1874. The Union promoted abstinence from alcohol, believing that this would eliminate the problems that alcohol caused families and society. The Union also recognized that social reform required that women have the ability to influence government policy. The WCTU became one of the first women’s rights movements in Canada by supporting the enfranchisement of women. The group also endorsed social reforms to address problems such as poverty and child labour. A chapter of the WCTU for Lincoln and Welland Counties was established before 1900, becoming the WCTU of Lincoln County sometime after 1908. One of the major undertakings of the group was the purchase and operation of Alexandra Hall, a boarding house for women on Ontario St. in St. Catharines. Such accommodation was lacking at the time, and local WCTU members were concerned for the physical safety and moral well-being of young women who were new to the city. In 1911, a fundraising campaign was begun to purchase a property, followed by the purchase of Alexandra Hall the following year. The intent was to “provide a home for young women where they may enjoy the comforts and conveniences of home life which they would otherwise be without, and generally Christian and temperance work for women”. It was opened on June 18, 1912 and proved to be much in demand. More rooms were added in 1914, and the home eventually accommodated 32 residents. Over time, demand for this type of housing diminished and Alexandra Hall closed in 1977.Fonds contains material about the activities of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of the County of Lincoln. This includes material about the management of Alexandra Hall, a boarding house for young women in St. Catharines that the WCTU was involved in operating. Most of the material consists of minute books. Loose papers from the minute books were removed and filed separately. These materials include programmes, directories, correspondence, news clippings, an annual report, and handwritten notes