Iowa
Old Press
Estherville Northern Vindicator
Estherville, Emmet co. Iowa
February 17, 1872
THE SPARTAN WOMEN OF ESTHERVILLE!
They Take Counsel with One Another, and Determine to Fight King
Alcohol
THEY GO, EN MASSE, AND DEMOLISH THE CONTENTS OF TWO SALOONS
Last night was one of the most, if not the most, eventful night
ever witnessed in Estherville. The two saloons in this place,
which have been in existence for some time, had become obnoxious
to some, and of that number, the women formed the greater, most
resolute and stronger portion. At any rate, the women of this
place, --25 mothers, daughters and wives coming from the most
worthy families--proceeded last night without warning and after
slight resistance offered at the first saloon, to make quick and
effective work in the demolition of casks, decanters, jars,
bottles, etc. and poured the liquid and spirituous contents into
the street. For the distance of over a block, the gutter was
swimming with whiskey, and the interior of the saloons presented
a scene of desolation and ruin that one seldom beholds in a
peaceable community.
The ladies, after completing their work as they had set out to do
quickly, returned to their homes and closed their self-appointed
labors of a vigilance committee. They still express a
determination to persevere in the temperance cause, and repeat
this performance whenever it becomes necessary. We hope that it
never may be necessary, but that the bad feelings engendered last
night among our citizens may be eradicated, and that our town may
maintain its true position in the future of a moral, temperance
and orderly community.
[transcribers note: In the next weeks edition of the paper was
an announcement that four people had discontinued their
subscriptions to the weekly newspaper because it had printed the
above story; transcribed by R.H., July 2008]