Pelham Historical Society members Geoff Bowden and Graham Segger will co-present on the closely related topics of Taverns and the Temperance Movement in early Pelham Township.

They will explore the evolution of taverns as an outgrowth of the developing road network in Niagara and their decline after the coming of the railroads and the ascendance of a fervent temperance movement.

The churches and women in Pelham were passionate crusaders for reform and initiated efforts to limit access to “intoxicating drink”. As in the present day, the legislation enacted did not necessarily mean the end of alcohol production and consumption, although at least in theory, Pelham was dry for close to 100 years from 1874 to 1970.