However, just as alcoholism is considered today, the leading example of addiction, so it was in the past. In fact, the prevalence of drunkeness became so alarming to thoughtful young men in Canton in the early 19^th century that they formed the Young Men’s Temperance Union in 1837. Their attempts to cure the spread of alcoholism with discussions, lectures and even prosecution of traders or hotel keepers who were breaking the 15-gallon rum sales law, were probably as dedicated as the Canton Drug Committee’s efforts to combat modern drug evils.

In those days there were abundant opportunities for young and old to partake of spirituous beverages. The sideboards of the local farmers and merchants were well stocked with decanters of rum, brandy and gin and it would have been considered an insult if guests were not offered a drink. Very seldom was the offer refused.

Children, from babyhood, were soothed by minute doses of alcoholic mixtures and gin was considered a ladies’ drink. Major events such as birth, marriage and death were duly observed by a copious flow of "spirits", and community happenings that would be accompanied today by coffee or soft drinks were celebrated by serving alcohol.

Such was the case in the raising of the old meeting house in 1747, and the raising of the schoolhouse in 1809. In that era even the visitation of schools was an excuse for furnishing liquor to guests.

The clergymen were invited to drink at each pastoral call and were sometimes overcome by so much kindness. It is reported that on one occasion a clergyman and his wife from a neighboring town, left without their baby after enjoying the hospitality of a Canton home. No doubt, if the bay had reminded them of his presence by crying, he would have been quieted with a little rum with sugar, or a teaspoonful of brandy slightly diluted with water!

Little was known of the true nature of alcoholism. Wine, beer, and cordials were considered harmless and in many cases useful. It was thought that rum, brandy and gin were responsible for a drunkards downfall and even the founders of the Young Men’s Temperance Union did not realize that alcoholic addiction could come from drinking the milder beverages. Their efforts were aimed at the abuses in the rum traffic.

As the temperance movement in New England intensified in the 1840’s, apparently its leaders in Canton had a measure of success, for a Canton writer of that period composed a temperance song beginning with the line, "Fallen is thy throne, O Alcohol!"

The realistic ending of his song shows than any crusade takes unremitting effort. If we substituted the words "drug abuse" for "alcohol", the last lines would be very much up to date:

"Come, Canton’s sons and daughters,

Let Love your efforts crown,

Till Alcohol, in all quarters,

Is banished from your town."