Thousands filled the sidewalks of downtown and West Scranton to witness a parade organized by the Catholic Total Abstinence Union on Oct. 9, 1915.
In addition to marching bands, horses, automobiles and demonstrations from people of the Catholic faith from Scranton and surrounding areas, thousands of men from around the region who were proud of their sobriety participated in the parade.
Members of the Father Whitty Group of North Scranton marched in the Catholic Total Abstience Parade that took place in Scranton on Oct. 9, 1915. Times-Tribune Archives
Participants in the Catholic Total Abstience Parade that took place in Scranton on Oct. 9, 1915. Top image were members of the Ladies’ Auxillary of St. Paul’s Pioneer Corps, bottom image is of Father McManus’ Cadets of Green Ridge. Times-Tribune Archives
The parade began at Wyoming Avenue, then turned onto Spruce Street and up to Jefferson Avenue. From Jefferson, the marchers continued onto Lackawanna Avenue, walked all the way to North Main Avenue and continued on to St. Ann’s Monastery.
Members of St. Rose’s Cadets of Carbondale were awarded a prize for being the largest cadet society to participate in the Catholic Total Abstience Parade that took place in Scranton on Oct. 9, 1915. Times-Tribune Archives
Members of the YMTAB of Dunmore participated in the Catholic Total Abstience Parade that took place in Scranton on Oct. 9, 1915. Times-Tribune Archives
Catholic Total Abstinence Union roots in Scranton date back to October 1886 when the movement’s founder, the Rev. Theobald Mathew, conducted a parade and picnic to help support the parish of the Cathedral of St. Peter.
Members of the St. James’ Society of James held the honor position in the Catholic Total Abstience Parade that took place in Scranton on Oct. 9, 1915. Times-Tribune Archives
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast