Temperance Hall

The idea of a "Temperance Hall" or a set of "Temperance Rooms" is related to the so-called "Temperance Movement"[1] so particularly prominent during the 19th and early 20th centuries and refers more specifically to the meeting place used by 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.

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, King William's Town

1886 A meeting was held there by the Phoenix Society on Thursday, .

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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