On Tuesday June 6th, at the heritage Palermo schoolhouse, John McDonald, a noted historian, and author of Halton’s Heritage, provided a colorful overview of the temperance movement and prohibition’s impact in Halton County.
Halton became the first county in the province to pass prohibition by-laws creating events and conflict between officials and ordinary citizens during this tumultuous period of our history. Halton became known as “the banner county” since it was the first to enact strong temperance by-laws in the province. All “eyes and ears” were focused on the county to determine how successful such legislation might be. There was considerable strife, leading up to vandalism and threats as well as constant editorials in all the Halton papers taking a position either for or against the movement. Palermo at one time was one of the most active communities in the movement with the leadership of people like Dr. Anson Buck.
John also discussed how Ontario developed an alcohol management strategy which has resulted in today’s liquor regulations.
Please join us at the old Palermo Public Schoolhouse at 7:00 pm for a presentation of “The Temperance Movement”, in Halton County!