St. Peter's Total Abstinence Society Badge — Peterboro, Ont. — Founded January 3, 1900.
An exceptional and complete piece of Peterborough history from St. Peter's Cathedral. At the time, this society was recorded as the largest total abstinence society in Canada, with over 1,000 members — active during the height of the temperance movement leading up to Prohibition in Ontario.
This original member's parade badge features:
• Deep purple silk ribbon with white lettering: ST. PETER'S TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY / PETERBORO, ONT. / FOUNDED JANUARY 3, 1900
• Two original celluloid pins intact — Top: Father Theobald Mathew, the Apostle of Temperance, in gilt frame — Bottom: St. Peter with keys, motto "LORD THOU KNOWEST THAT I LOVE THEE - CH. PETER XXI, 15"
• Original gold bullion fringe at bottom
• Retains original paper maker's label on back: "T. P. Tansey - Badges, Banners, Buttons - Montreal" — the premier Canadian fraternal badge maker of the era
Condition is very good for age. Silk retains strong purple color. Both celluloid badges are intact and legible with light age toning. Fringe is complete. Maker's label present.
Measures approx. 7.5" x 2" not including fringe and badges. Circa 1900-1910.
A rare find for collectors of Peterborough, Ontario prohibition and temperance history, Canadiana, and Catholic ephemera. Fresh to market from a local estate.