Sparta in Elgin County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Quilt Block: Drunkard’s Path

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 27, 2024

1. Quilt Block: Drunkard’s Path Marker

Inscription. In the late 1800s, excessive drinking had become a major concern in the village of Sparta and a Temperance Society was formed with leadership from the Baptist minister, Rev. J.J. Baker, the Methodist minister, Rev. W.H. Graham and Dr. G.A. Shannon. They were instrumental in having the tavern license lifted from the Ontario House, the only bar in Sparta that did not close voluntarily. On the last night the tavern was open huge quantities of alcohol were consumed and a drunken mob resolved to put a torch to the home of Rev. Baker but changed their minds and disbursed when met on the front steps by Dr. Shannon with a loaded shotgun. This quilt pattern was used by the Temperance Movement to encourage sobriety. The block is one of the quilt patterns found on the Southwestern Ontario Barn Quilt Trail.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 42° 42.141′ N, 81° 4.828′ W. Marker is in Sparta, Ontario, in Elgin County. It is at the intersection of Sparta Line and Smith Street, on the left when traveling west on Sparta

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Line. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1846 Sparta Line, Sparta ON N0L N0L, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hiram Burley Smith Early Home and Store (a few steps from this marker); Ye Olde Forge & Anvil (within shouting distance of this marker); Eli Mann Cairn (within shouting distance of this marker); The Abbey (within shouting distance of this marker); Israel Doan House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sparta Settlement (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Temperance House (about 120 meters away); The Sparta House (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sparta.

Also see . . . The Temperance Movement in Canada (The Canadian Encyclopedia).

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 27, 2024

2. Quilt Block: Drunkard’s Path Marker

The Canadian Encyclopedia website entry:

The temperance movement was an international social and political campaign of the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was based on the belief that drinking was responsible for many of society’s ills. It called for moderation or total abstinence from alcohol. This led to the legal prohibition of alcohol in many parts of Canada. The Canada Temperance Act (Scott Act) of 1878 gave local governments the “local option” to ban the sale of alcohol.

(Submitted on November 6, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

The former Baptist Parsonage, home of the Rev. J.J. Baker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 27, 2024

3. The former Baptist Parsonage, home of the Rev. J.J. Baker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 6, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.