Temperance Certificate

Date1845

Engraver James Geddes

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumInk on laid paper

DimensionsOverall: 10 1/4 × 8in. (26 × 20.3cm)

Credit LineGift of Margaret B. Carey in memory of Charles D. Carey.

Object number1996.1100.1

DescriptionThe certificate reads, "This certifies THAT Robert D. Carey/ is a Member of the Milton/ Temperance Society; Being pledged not to drink any Intoxicating Liquor as a beverage, and also to use all possible influence to induce friends and associates to do the same./ Eli Hall. President./ Houston Hall. Secretary./ Geddes, printer. September 18th 1845."Label TextThis temperance certificate was issued to Robert D. Carey for his membership in the Milton (Delaware) Temperance Society on September 18, 1845. As a member of Milton's Temperance Society, Carey pledged not to drink any "Intoxicating Liqour" and to influence his friends and associates to also abstain from alcohol. These temperance societies sought to supplant taverns as centers of social connection. Representatives from local societies in Delaware met annually for the state convention. The certificate includes the Teetotal Coat of Arms, which depicts the values of the Temperance Movement and writes that its members will "be thou faithful unto death." Robert Davis Carey (1839-1907) was six years old at the time of "signing" this certificate, as Robert's father, Robert Hood Carey (1811-1891) opposed alcohol, and the Temperance Movement recruited children to protect them against temptation for alcohol. Many children were recruited into the "Cold Water Army" and encouraged to abstain from alcohol, as some reformers believed that sweet confections would lead children on the path toward alcoholism. Robert Davis Carey went on to own and run a successful wallpaper manufacturing business in Philadelphia with his brother, Theodore C. Carey.ProvenanceProbably 1845-1907, Robert Davis Carey (1839-1907) (Milton, DE); ?-1996, descended through the family to Charles D. Carey and Margaret B. Carey (Charlottesville, VA and Lewes, DE); 1996-present, given to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).