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About The temperance star. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1874-1874
Charleston, W. Va. (1874-1874)

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Title:
The temperance star. [volume] : (Charleston, W. Va.) 1874-1874
Alternative Titles:
  • Temperance star and home magazine
Place of publication:
Charleston, W. Va.
Geographic coverage:
  • Charleston, Kanawha, West Virginia  |  View more titles from this: City County, State
Publisher:
Crouch Bros.
Dates of publication:
1874-1874
Description:
  • Began in 1874; ceased in 1874.
Frequency:
Biweekly
Language:
  • English
Subjects:
  • Charleston (W. Va.)--Newspapers.
  • West Virginia--Charleston.--fast--(OCoLC)fst01213401
Notes:
  • "Prohibition our country' hope: Total abstinence our only safeguard."
  • Archived issues are available in digital format from the Library of Congress Chronicling America online collection.
  • Description based on: Vol. 1, no. 7 (Nov. 30, 1874).
  • Editors: S.G. Crouch & J.B. Crouch.
LCCN:
sn 85059867
OCLC:
12926214
ISSN:
2640-4869
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The temperance star. [volume] November 30, 1874 , Image 1

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The Temperance Star

Founded in 1874, West Virginia's Charleston Temperance Star dedicated itself to the eradication of alcohol in American society; as its masthead claimed, "Prohibition Our Country's Hope; Total Abstinence Our Only Safeguard." The eight-page newspaper was the product of the S.G. and J.B. Crouch, a pair of Charleston area brothers, who ultimately produced seven issues of the bi-weekly paper.

The Star was not a typical newspaper offering stories and news on local and national events of the day. Rather, it was driven by a single-issue- prohibition. With the exception of advertisements, every article, short story, and poem revolved around the dangers of alcohol, its corrosive impact on families and communities, the necessity of strong morals in men and women to resist alcohol's temptations, and the politics and passions of the wider temperance movement.

The newspaper maintained strong ties to the International Order of Good Templars, a fraternal organization open to men and women devoted to temperance. The International Order of Good Templars at one point boasted nearly 5,000 members in West Virginia, and the Star published the organization's minutes and state and national directories. Unsurprisingly, the Crouch brothers sought to grow the ranks of the temperance movement in the state, dramatically declaring that the "greatest need of the temperance reform to-day is men who will readily sacrifice everything, even life itself, if need be, for the cause."

The Temperance Star's short run came to an end in November 1874, when the Crouch brothers were forced to suspend the Star's publication due to lack of funds. Despite this setback, they opined that "a fearless, outspoken Temperance paper is indispensable to the Cause in this State" and took solace that they had "made a vigorous and honest effort" on behalf of the temperance movement. Although the brothers hoped to resume publication in 1875, the Temperance Star was never again printed. S.B. Crouch continued a career in newspapers, however, later serving as an editor for the Charleston Gazette.

Provided by: West Virginia University