Good Templars movement strong in early Boise, swept through Idaho before it was a state

A convention to form a grand lodge of the Good Templars organization in Idaho Territory was held in Boise City’s Masonic Hall on Feb. 18, 1868. The Independent Order of Good Templars believed in total abstinence from liquor. The organization was formed near Utica, N.Y., in 1832. In March 1869, the Idaho Statesman noted, ”The Good Templars in this city are agitating the question of building a hall for their use.”

In June 1869, the organization held a festival at Hart’s Exchange at which it was agreed to build a large hall for meetings of the order. The building was completed and ready for use on April 13, 1870, at which time dedication ceremonies were held, led by Jonas W. Brown, a reformed alcoholic who was now himself a reformer.

It was a time when there was a lively temperance movement throughout the country, and talented public speakers visited Idaho towns. Mrs. Carrie F. Young spoke in Silver City in May 1876, and then received an invitation to speak in Boise City. She accepted.

Green Meadows Lodge, Independent Order of Good Templars, was formed in a farming neighborhood 5 miles west of Boise. It had 43 members in August, 1872, and was still growing. In 1873 it had “about 173 members.”

“They like to recruit old soldiers, but will take moderate drinkers, or those who don’t drink at all, as fast as they come along. With 500 recruits they expect to take the town.”

In September 1874, “Rev. A.C. McDougal, the celebrated temperance lecturer arrived here Saturday. He preached an excellent sermon Saturday night at Templar Hall.”

In October 1887, the Idaho Statesman observed: “We do not believe that there is more than one half of the intoxicating liquor drunk in this town than there was two and a half years ago. Notwithstanding the town has increased very much in population and other business there are two saloons less.” A week later: “At the public meeting of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union the ladies all shirk the duty of presiding and call in some of the ministry. At the meeting of Thursday evening last, Mrs. Barton, president of the W.C.T.U. resolved to try. The result gave unexpected pleasure. She has a voice well adapted to the platform; her brief address was direct and effective and she managed the duty in hand with grace and dignity.”

Later that month: “Miss Mary T. Lathrop lectured at the Methodist church on Thursday and last evening. The subject was temperance. The lectures were well attended. Of her ability as a public speaker, all our people who have heard her have formed a favorable opinion, at least so far as we have heard. She lectures again tonight at the same place.”

Boise Barracks, the city’s military post, also had a lodge of Good Templars. They had “a royal time on Thanksgiving night. After getting through with their regular business they had some fine literary exercises, then came dancing. About 11 p.m. they repaired in double file to the spacious dining hall and partook of a luxurious supper, after which they counter-marched to the lodge room and danced again to the wee hours. Their guests from the city were shown the most respectful attention.”