This silk ribbon badge was worn by a member of the Cold Water Army, a children’s temperance society founded in 1839. Massachusetts membership in the Cold Water Army reached over 40,000 during the 19th century. Beneath an image of a family drawing fresh water from a well, the ribbon includes words from the pledge young members signed that they would not drink alcohol in any form: “So here we pledge perpetual hate, To all that can intoxicate.” Per capita consumption of hard alcohol by Americans over the age of 15 soared to over 7 gallons by 1830. A growing temperance movement raised awareness of the tragic effects of alcoholism on individuals and their families. By the 1840s, many reformers called for complete abstinence from all alcohol, including the fermented (hard) cider and homemade beer drunk by both adults and children. They instead called on Americans to stick to cold water and avoid even stimulating beverages such as coffee and tea. The Cold Water Army, published in 1840, told young readers, “Large streams from little fountain flow; Great sots from moderate drinkers grow, So, children, if you never wish to be drunkards, never drink a little.”
Massachusetts Temperance Union. Cold Water Pledge insignia. ca. 1830. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/l05-076/. Accessed on April 26, 2025.
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