Ida Cooke: 1852-1939
Posted May 26, 2020
“WISCONSIN BARS PACKED WITH PATRONS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER COURT STRIKES DOWN, “STAY-AT-HOME ORDERS!!”
Good heavens! The Drink Demon strikes again! I was witness in 1933 when the tavern doors swung open after 13 years of being closed during Prohibition. With the passage of the 21st Amendment, allowing the sale, production and consumption of alcohol, thirsty men and women rushed in to taverns to consume the vile beverage! Oh how it broke my heart!
As a staunch member of the WCTU…Woman’s Christian Temperance Union…I dedicated my life to helping “fallen men” and their families. Through reading rooms and church activities at Union Congregational church, I enlightened young people to the evils of “the drink.” As State Treasurer of WCTU for 29 years, I proudly kept accurate account of membership, dues, and fees incurred by the organization.
My, my…I believe it is a good thing I am “tucked away” at Woodlawn cemetery. I would not want to be witness to the possible devastation “the drink” or the virus may reek upon the innocents of the community because of opening the tavern doors.