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8 Friday, March 22, 2024brooklintowncrier.com Before the Legion was the Legion (1883-1925) By Jennifer Hudgins There was a time when residents of Whitby Township voted to prohibit liquor sales in local hotels. This included what was once known as McQuay House till 1910 when Brooklin resident Norman Colwill bought the building at 56 Baldwin, renaming it the The Temperance House. Originally constructed as a hotel in 1883 by local businessman Benjamin McQuay, the venue had gained a reputation as a local watering hole with nary "a dry moment.' A promotion in "The Brooklin Times" highlighted its amenities. "The McQuay House...Every attention will be paid to ensure the comfort of guests. A wellstocked larder, best wines, liquors and cigars." Vote for prohibition Yet despite the change in ownership, the hotel continued to maintain its well-stocked provisions. That changed with the prohibition vote. Brooklin residents gathered for meetings to deliberate on the question of temperance: whether to advocate for the prohibition of alcohol sales or to allow hotels to continue selling alcoholic beverages. The majority of residents rallied behind the cause leading to the establishment of the Brooklin Council No. 102 of the Royal Templars of Temperance, a Society that advocated abstinence from alcohol. The Society made 56 Baldwin its headquarters and all Temperance business was conducted from there. Many residents were drawn to the Society because of its provision of financial aid to families in case a member faced illness or passed away. The assistance included $5 per week during an illness and approximately $500 to $2,000 in the event of death, contingent upon members sticking to their oaths and maintaining total abstinence from all forms of alcohol. Local lectures Prospective members had to undergo medical examinations as part of the enrolment process. Beyond its financial support, the Brooklin Council organized lectures that focused on the adverse effects of alcohol consumption. Centered on advocating for moderation, abstinence, or the complete prohibition of alcohol, the Society contended that even moderate consumption contributed to the challenges faced by families including unemployment, poverty, gambling and violence against women and children. Templar historical records at the Whitby Archives depict late 19th-century Brooklin as a community deeply invested in the welfare of the Village's the less fortunate citizens. Prominent members such as Brooklin businessmen Holliday, Spencer, Moore, Kerr, and Ketchum actively participated in the executive council of the Society while many other Brooklin families also rallied behind the cause. Divisions While the Temperance Society movement aimed to address social issues associated with alcohol consumption, the Brooklin Society encountered challenges such as resistance, bootlegging and difficulties in enforcement. These issues created divisions within the Village, sometimes pitting families against each other. Over time, it became evident that support for the Society was dwindling. In 1925, after disbanding, Norman Colwill sold the building to John Graham, who subsequently managed it as a hotel, complete with a bar, marking an end to Brooklin's dry era. Brooklin residents can expect to receive their 2024 War Amps key tags in the mail starting this week. Each key tag has a confidentially coded number. If you lose your keys, the finder can call the toll-free number on the back of the tag or place them in any mailbox, and The War Amps will return them to you by courier, free of charge. The War Amps receives no government grants. With the public's support of the Key Tag Service, the Association is making a difference in the lives of amputees, including children, by providing financial assistance for the cost of artificial limbs, peer support and information on all aspects of living with amputation. Those who do not receive their key tags in the mail can order them at waramps.ca or call toll-free 1 800 250-3030. War Amps Key Tags En Route