Sometimes we are so busy in our daily routines that we fail to notice what is right in front of us. First, let me introduce Rousay, my collie, (rhymes with Wowsee). We often walk around a local park where she is more interested in making friends with other dogs or chasing a ball and I am generally lost in my own thoughts about the day or what is on my to-do list. I can’t say how often we have passed by the pink and grey granite fountain (pictured above) and not paid it the least attention.
On our last walk around the park I stopped to read the inscription.
‘In commemoration of the advance of temperance under the auspices of the Aberdeen Temperance Society in the year 1882.
“Thou gavest them water for their thirst” NEH 9:20 ‘
At this point the historian in me took over. A bit of searching found that the monument was planned as part of the opening of Duthie Park, the land for which was gifted to the city of Aberdeen in 1881 by Miss Elizabeth Duthie of Ruthrieston in memory of her uncle and brother (Thank you, Miss Liz. ) The granite fountain was made by James Hunter at the King Street Granite Works and dedicated by the Aberdeen Temperance Society to provide drinking water as an alternative to alcohol. As well as the main decorative fountain there are three pink granite urns, one of which can be seen in the background of the photo above.
In the nineteenth century tea and coffee were still expensive luxuries and water not always drinkable meaning that many took beer or spirits instead. The Aberdeen Temperance Society was founded in 1830 as an anti- spirits pressure group and were followed by a more popular (at least in terms of membership) total abstinence society in 1838. The aim of both societies was to discourage the use of alcohol and encourage water drinking instead. To this end, drinking fountains were erected near public houses or in public spaces like Duthie Park.
Reformers encouraged individuals to make a public pledge of sobriety and while the Societies’ membership had a strong religious motivation the reasons for individuals taking the pledge were often economic or social. To maintain adherence to the pledge the Societies provided alternative drinking premises such as the Mariners’ Temperance Coffee House and Reading Rooms, presented scientific demonstrations on the dangers of alcohol consumption, and arranged participatory activities such as processions and excursions. They also appealed to the law for support, requesting that local magistrates limit the number of operating licences granted to public houses.
I suppose the aims of the Temperance Society were commendable and the membership saw their work as a means to alleviate social and economic ills exacerbated by alcohol consumption. However, I can’t get the image out of my head of interfering busybodies lecturing the less fortunate without effecting real social and economic change to benefit them. Still, it is a pretty monument and I shall make a point of being more observant and engaged in my surroundings in future!
I shall finish with a wee poem, author unknown, I found while researching the Temperance monument:
Temperance
Here’s to a temperance supper,
with water in glasses tall
and coffee and tea to end with
and me not there at all.
Oh, and as a final thought, the full biblical quote used on the foot of the fountain, from Nehemiah 9:20 reads;
‘You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them.
You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths,
and You gave them water for their thirst.’
Perhaps, just perhaps, the ‘good spirit’ was not to be prohibited at all…
Significantly Different 