Temperance Hall

The idea of a "Temperance Hall" or a set of "Temperance Rooms" is related to the so-called "Temperance Movement"[1] prominent during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The term refers more specifically to the meeting place used by the various temperance or abstinence societies, and related organizations over the years. Most towns in the second half of the century had some such facility. And very often these also served as performance venues for musical and theatrical events.

See also Temperance Movements in South Africa

Temperance Halls in South Africa

The Temperance Movements in South Africa led to the building or fitting up of a large number of venues devoted to issues of temperance, abstinence, emancipation, and so on. These were on occasion also used for performances, often related to their concerns.

Among them were:

The Temperance Hall, Long Street, Cape Town

In October of 1863 the Total Abstinence Society put on a play called Trial by Jury of Dr Abstinence here, and repeated it in the Music Hall on Church Square later the month.

The Temperance Hall, King William's Town

1886 Used as a meeting inter alia by the Phoenix Society.

Mrs Parry's Temperance Rooms, Simonstown

Used by the Independent Order of Good Templars as a meeting place.

Sources

Saul Solomon and Co, 1886. The General Directory and Guide Book to the Cape of Good Hope and Its Dependencies - as well as The Free State, Transvaal and Natal[2]

F.C.L. Bosman, 1980. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel II, 1856-1916. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik: pp.

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