Nellie McClung Advocates for Prohibition in Sault Ste. Marie

On October 6, 1915, notable Canadian author and activist Nellie McClung delivered a passionate speech at the Central Methodist Church in Sault Ste. Marie. McClung, known for her advocacy for women’s rights and social reform, called for the implementation of prohibition, arguing that the liquor industry does not operate on fair principles.

The event, chaired by local businessman J.E. Irvin, attracted a diverse audience, reflecting the community’s engagement with the pressing social issues of the time. McClung’s address highlighted the detrimental effects of alcohol on families and society, emphasizing the need for reform to protect the vulnerable.

In addition to McClung’s advocacy, the day marked several other significant events in Sault Ste. Marie’s history. On October 7, 1975, John Rhodes, the Member of Provincial Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, was appointed as the housing minister, underlining the city’s political developments. Furthermore, on the same date in 2000, actor Richard Farnsworth, renowned for his roles in “Anne of Green Gables” and “The Grey Fox,” passed away at the age of 80.

The Sault Ste. Marie and District Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also celebrated a heroic act on this date in 2000. A medal was awarded to Shep, a dog who saved five-year-old Lance Norfolk from a bear attack on a farm approximately 40 kilometers east of the city.

Reflecting on the past, the Sault Star recognized its young newspaper carriers on October 7, 1950. About 40 out of the newspaper’s 77 carriers, along with their parents, attended a gathering at the Algonquin Hotel. City editor John A. Curran praised the boys for their courteous and efficient service, dubbing them “the ambassadors of good will.”

During the same month in 1925, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) held a meeting to honor the contributions of the late Mrs. A. Bradford, Mrs. F.A. Miller, and Mrs. McKee, underscoring the ongoing commitment to social reform within the community.

As Sault Ste. Marie continues to evolve, the echoes of McClung’s impassioned plea for prohibition reveal the enduring struggle against social injustices and the quest for equality and fairness in Canadian society.