Riding Through History with Frances Willard in Celebration of America's 250th Anniversary

The first National WCTU Convention was held in Cleveland, Ohio, November 18-20, 1874.

The First Plan of Work was adopted.

"14. We urge our unions everywhere to signalize the coming hundredth birthday of America by erecting in every village and town and city, fountains of water, inscribed with such mottos as shall show what sort of drink the women of America believe in, and as shall be a sermon in their persuasiveness to our fathers, brothers and sons."

“Come, dear friends, join me and my faithful companions, my bicycle Gladys and my brave little dog Saint Courageous, as we set off from Rest Cottage in Evanston, Illinois. Together, we will visit the water fountains that our WCTU sisters placed across America to refresh thirsty travelers, man and beast alike. 

The fountains were erected for the 100th Anniversary of the U.S. (1876), and now we honor them during the 250th Anniversary (2026)."

Visit http://franceswillardmuseum.org, then click on Frances Willard's Virtual Bike Ride to enjoy the ride.