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The Willard Family Bible

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On February 25, 1856, at the insistence of Frances, the family signed a Temperance Pledge which Frances had cut out from the Youth’s Cabinet (the main juvenile paper of the day). She pasted it in the front of the family Bible. Today, this Bible is located in the family parlor of the Willard House.  

A pledge we make no wine to take,

Nor brandy red that turns the head,

Nor fiery rum that ruins home,

Nor brewers' beer, for that we fear,

And cider, too will never do.

To quench our thirst, we'll always bring

Cold water from the well or spring;

So here we pledge perpetual hate

To all that can intoxicate. 

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