An Old Story: A Temperance Tale in Verse
S.C. Hall’s An Old Story: A Temperance Tale in Verse (1875) is a poetic narrative promoting the values of temperance and warning against the dangers of alcohol. The poem tells the story of a once-prosperous man whose life and family are ruined by drinking. His descent into poverty, sorrow, and regret serves as a moral lesson, emphasizing how alcohol can destroy not only individuals but also their loved ones. Redemption comes too late, highlighting the tragic consequences of vice. Hall conveys a strong social message aligned with the 19th-century temperance movement’s reform ideals through rhythmic verse and vivid imagery.
Illustrations in Hall’s book share the common features of temperance books, such as dramatic contrasts, emotional scenes, redemption images, and didactic symbolism. Light and shadow highlight moments of moral tension, the contrast between the warm, wholesome home before alcohol, and the cold, impoverished environment after. Created by skilled illustrators of the period, the illustrations were crafted to evoke a strong emotional response and to enhance the moral tone and emotional impact of the temperance message.
"I sent my daughter to beg"
Illustration of a poor young girl with her head covered.
Watching and waiting
Illustration depicting a woman waiting on a balcony, hopelessly.
"Taught their children thus"
Illustration showing a group of children looking down at a drunk person laying in the street.
Title page of An old story
The first edition, published by Virtue, Spalding, and Co., includes 25 leaves of plates, with illustrations accompanying the text designed to visually reinforce the poem's themes of the destructive effects of alcohol and the virtues of Temperance.
Available online from HathiTrust and the Internet Archive.
"Alas! For desolated homes."
Illustration of a poor mother with children and a dog watching men drinking.
A girl self-drowned
Illustration of a young women on the shore after she committed suicide.
"A poor street stray"
Illustration of a poor boy sleeping on the church steps in winter by the footsteps in the snow.
"I must be a thief."
Illustration of a family of three in poverty. The child feels he has no choice but to become a thief.
"Pitied of happy children."
Illustration of of children feeling pity for the drunks in the bar.
"Pray God to bless the donor"
Illustration of horses, dogs, and birds drinking water from a well.