Temperance, Michigan

Temperance, Michigan

Temperance is an unincorporated community in Bedford Township, Monroe County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes. The population was 7,757 at the 2000 census. The Temperance ZIP code, 48182, serves most of Bedford Township outside of the Lambertville area, as well as portions of western Erie Township, southern Ida Township, and northeast Whiteford Township. Temperance was established as Bedford Center in 1859. On December 8, 1884 a post office was established at Bedford Center and was named Temperance with Lewis Ansted as the first Postmaster. The name "Temperance" was suggested by the wife of one of the founding land owners, who was a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. A petition was circulated and the name Bedford Center was changed to Temperance. During the early years of Temperance, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages was prohibited (see Temperance Towns).