The Sons of Temperance (SoT), also known as The Order of the Sons of Temperance Friendly Society, were a Mutual Benefit or Friendly type of society which provided sickness insurance and death benefits for people on low and modest incomes. Originally established in New York City in 1842, the SoT rapidly expanded throughout other States across the USA and into parts of Canada. Their first British Chapter (branch) was established at Liverpool in 1849 and membership grew rapidly, till there were sufficient Chapters to be granted a charter on the 6th April 1855 and declared as the 'National Division of Great Britain & Ireland'. Members paid a joining fee and a modest weekly fee thereafter. Benefits included sickness insurance that covered for lost income when out of work due to injury or illness, as well as death benefits that included a lump sum to cover funeral and burial expenses. Such societies provided an important service and more so, before the days when there were any forms of social welfare provision.

In its historical and social context, the SoT were part of the Temperance Movement that grew in popularity across the USA from the mid-19th century and spread to Canada, Britain and the British Empire, exerting its influence will into the 20th century. Temperance and abstinence from the ‘abuses’ of alcohol were an obligatory condition of SoT membership and to which new members had to sign a pledge. The 19th century was also the time many Friendly and Mutual Benefit societies came into being as the Working Classes expanded and sought to provide financial protection for those on modest and lower incomes with sickness insurance and death benefits. Of course, most Mutual and Benefit societies were not tied to the Temperance Movement, but all of them in one way or another adopted the Freemasonry model for the use of their customs, regalia and membership awards that included medals, badges and certificates.

Towards the end of the 20th century the SoT had relaxed membership rules over alcohol abstinence, but membership continued to decline. By 2007, the SoT had around 8,000 and most of those quite elderly. Being no longer financially viable, winding down of the SoT was undertaken and by 2010 it had become amalgamated with the Compass Friendly Society of Odiham in Hampshire.

This medal’s ribbon is overprinted with the text: SONS OF TEMPERANCE 1855-1930.

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References:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sons_of_Temperance

www.exploringsouthwark.co.uk/sons-of-temperance-building/...

localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/htm/article/647.htm (About Friendly Societies in general and the Son of Temperance).

digital.slv.vic.gov.au/view/action/singleViewer.do?dvs=15... (Rule book of the SoT, revised edition December 1961).

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Enamels: 4 (dark blue, light blue, red & white).

Finish: Gilt.

Material: Brass & cloth ribbon.

Fixer: Pin.

Size (National Division bar): 1 9/16” wide (39mm).

Process: Die stamped. Ribbon overprinted.

Imprint: No maker’s name or mark.

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