1890 - A mail-order package of advertising materials for the Independent Order of Good Templars (I.O.G.T.), the most important and successful temperance organization of the 19th century

A number of the International Order of Good Templars' female members, including Elisabeth B. Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Frances Willard, became leaders in other temperance, suffrage, and abolitionist organizations.

Columbus, Ohio: M. C. Lilley & Co, 1890.

This advertising package consists of an illustrated advertising envelope, an illustrated handbill, and a 32-page illustrated catalog. The envelope is franked with a 1c blue Franklin stamp (Scott #219) which was placed in use in 1890; its cancellation is indistinct. All are in nice shape.

The International Order of Good Templars (I.O.G.T) was established in 1851 as a temperance organization pledged to total abstinence from alcohol. Like many fraternal organizations of its time, the I.O.G.T.'s structure was modeled on Freemasonry and used similar rituals and regalia. However, unlike almost all 19th century fraternal organizations, from its inception, the I.O.G.T. admitted men and women equally, and it also admitted members of any race. It grew quickly and by the turn of the century began to organize international lodges. Although many women joined the order, its leadership positions were predominately held by men. However, a number of female members, including Elisabeth B. Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Frances Willard, became leaders in other temperance, suffrage, and abolitionist organizations. The organization, now renamed Movendi International, is still active today and boasts a membership of more than 700,000 members in 56 nations. (For more information, see the Movendi International website.)

The advertising envelope promotes M. C. Lilley & Co. which claimed to be the leading purveyor of fraternal regalia in the late 19th century.

The handbill advertises ornate collars to be worn during lodge meetings by officers and members.

The 32-page catalog provides detailed illustrations and descriptions of the many different collars used by the I.O.G.T. as well as organizational banners, badges, pins, and juvenile regalia.

A scarce and comprehensive display of early temperance organizational regalia.