Political Ribbon from W.C.T.U.

[Providence, RI]: W.C.T.U., 1888. Political ribbon from W.C.T.U. State Convention in Providence, RI Sept. 18-19-20, 1888. White silk, fringed at either end, 2-1/4 x 7 inches, fringe slightly dusty else near fine. In 1876, at Frances Willard's instigation, the W.C.T.U. adopted "For God and Home and Nativ Land" as its slogan, a slogan meant to emphasize W.C.T.U.'s central purpose - the protection of the home. White ribbon, symbolizing the purity of the home, became part of the W.C.T.U. convention badges. NAW records that under Willard's leadership, "the annual convention became a stirring spectacle. Delegates from all over...gathered in a hall gay with banners, flags, flowers, and music." Certainly this ribbon suggests that state confentions rallied their members with similar means. By the year of this convention, the W.C.T.U. under Miss willard's presidency had become a force to be reckoned with in American politics. NAW III, pp. 613-619.