A temperance fountain was a fountain that was set up, usually by a private benefactor, to encourage people not to drink beer by the provision of safe and free water. Beer was the main alternative to water, and generally safer. The temperance societies had no real alternative as tea and coffee were too expensive, so drinking fountains were very attractive.
Read more about Temperance Fountain: Cogswill Fountains, Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Temperance Fountains in The United Kingdom, Examples
Famous quotes containing the words temperance and/or fountain:
“Abstinence is as easy to me, as temperance would be difficult.”
—Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)
“Don’t say, don’t say there is no water
to solace the dryness at our hearts.
I have seen
the fountain springing out of the rock wall
and you drinking there.”
—Denise Levertov (b. 1923)