Frances E. Willard (1839-1898)
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Woman's Christian Temperance Union

Frances E. Willard (1839-1898), also, Woman's Christian Temperance Union. . , Frances E. Willard (1839-1898). Frances Willard, a long-time resident of Evanston, was one of the most prominent social reformers of the 19th century and a generating influence in America's long history of social justice and activism. Although best known as the president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), she was a leading activist in many important 19th century reform movements including women's suffrage, women's economic and religious rights, education reform, labor reform, and prison reform. Many things that we commonly take for granted, like women's marriage, property and citizenship rights, had their origins in these movements. Under her leadership, the WCTU increasingly saw its role as an organization advocating for broad social and political change. Willard called this wide program of reform her "Do Everything" policy. She was also the first Dean of the Woman's College of Northwestern University and President of Alpha Phi Fraternity. The Willard family built this home in 1865 , a National Historic Landmark, it is also part of the WCTU Local Historic District , , Woman's Christian Temperance Union Historic District. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was founded in Cleveland, Ohio in November 1874. It grew out of the Woman's Crusade of the winter of 1873-1874. After listening to a lecture by Dr. Dio Lewis, groups in Fredonia, New York, and Hillsboro, and Washington Court House, Ohio, were moved to engage in nonviolent protests against the dangers of alcohol. Normally quiet homemakers dropped to their knees in prayer at local saloons and demanded that the sale of liquor be stopped. In six months the women had demonstrated in 911 communities, and for the first time understood the power of what could be accomplished by standing together. At the founding meeting in Cleveland, the newly formed WCTU elected Annie Turner Wittenmyer president; Frances E. Willard, corresponding secretary; Mary Johnson, recording secretary; and Mary Ingham, treasurer. Today, the WCTU is the oldest voluntary, non-sectarian woman's organization in continuous existence in the world. The WCTU was a founding member of the National Council for Women (1888) , Frances Willard was its first president , and the International Council of Women (1893). The WCTU was also a charter member of the United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations (1945).