Firm As An Oak

poorly scanned temperance certificate

1 July, 1843


Just to show this wino thing doesn't run in the family...
I came across this Temperance Certificate while helping my grandmother move. It's a nifty little piece of nostalgia, that shows the temperance movement was alive and well in Litchfield County in the mid 1800's. One of my ancestors, Cyrus Catlin, apparently believed enough in the movement to pledge, "not to drink any INTOXICATING LIQUOR (sic) as a beverage, and also to use all possible influence to induce friends and associates to do the same".
The coat of arms is pretty neat, reading, Sobriety, Firm As An Oak, and Domestic Comfort across banners held by an appropriately dressed lad and lady. Children sit atop the lower banner which reads, Be thou faithful unto death. Sounds like a great tattoo for a Straight Edge kid.
Sorry about the poor scanning.