Franklin County has had her full share of suffering on account of intemperance. It can now be recorded that intemperance is on the decrease while temperance is on the increase. Only a few years ago nearly every village in the county had its tippling saloons; but in 1876 the "Star of Hope Lodge" of the I. O. G. T. was organized in Winchester by J. J. Hickman, Grand Worthy Chief Templar, with a membership of sixty-five which afterward increased to about 300. This lodge began the battle with intemperance and so prevailed upon the people as to induce them to petition the General Assembly to abolish the charter of Winchester. The charter being abolished the tippling houses had to immediately close up under the "four-mile law." This induced other towns to have their charters abolished and now there is not an incorporated town in the county and not a tippling saloon. But the colleges and schools are incorporated. It seems that under the laws of Tennessee incorporated towns mean saloons, intemperance, and degradation while incorporated colleges and schools mean temperance, education, and good morals. It is to be regretted however that such a town as Winchester has to sacrifice its municipal government in order to suppress the "traffic."


Source: History of Tennessee, Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1886

Thanks for Stopping by
Come Back Soon!!

BACK

Webspace for this site is generously provided by
    and