The Portland daily press., 1883-05-09
w. G. T. U.
Conducted by Members Of the Portland uniOn.1
"For God, and Home, and Natipe Land"

OUR coFFEE HOUSES AND FRIENDLY INNS.
One OF the means by which our organiza-
tion seeks the suppression OF intemperance is
the opening OF coffee houses and friendly inns
In few instances these have attained assured
success One in Washington, d. c.. the Tenn
pie Cafe; three inns In Ohio; one in Toledo,
and two In Cleveland, have been in existence
seven years, and are financially profitable.
Three coffee houses in Westchester County,
New York, and one IN Yonkers are self-sus-
taiMng Two coffee houses have been opened
In Boston within the year. which bid fair to
become permanent institutions. England af-
fords us the best example OF the success OF
such institutions when philanthropy and basi
ness go hand in hand. Early in our coffee
house work ON Temple street, in 1876, we felt
the need of friendly inn in our city. The
old dwelling on Fore street, known as the
every Day House. from frequent change of
occupants, was secured, repaired, and with
generous help from its owner and other citizens
was opened New Years, 1878. Cur annual re-
port for that year showed thas light months
trial OF the inn justified the undertaking and
it's continuance.
In tho two succeeding years II has grown Tar
beyond our first antlcipatons, and had shaped
itself to the needs OF many classes. During
the year 1880, the inn became q lodging house
only; meals being obtained At restaurants near
by, which have grown out of our coffee house
system. On this basis 1t has been conducted
TO the present time. The monthly religious
and business meetings are held here, and
Sunday evening service, sustained by the diff
ferent churches. Through 1882 TO the present
time Thursday evening meeting has drawn
together at the inn large number OF young
people, even young children Music is a
cheerful feature OF these meetings. They usu-
ally take the form OF temperance class. A
few weeks after their commencement older
boys aud men, including sailors, came 10, and
continue to come. listening attentiyely to the
instruction, and many, both old and young,
resolving to abstain hsnoeforth. from all intox-
icating liquors. These meetings are some
times addressed by those who have in past
years found the inn q refuge, and bear grateful
testimony 70 the influence through which they
are leading better lives, Such is the record Of
the inn for the Ave years of its existence.
The lessons pressed homo at every turn are
the easy descent after the first step to the
doom OF the drunkard, the difficulties of the
return, and that such return though difficult is
not impossible. Only those who have helped
In such return, up tho weary rugged ascent,
to an approach to the heavenly freedom OF
healthy appetite, will read between the lines
OF our record, and understand how rich is the
compensation for all tho discouragements
which have attended our ventures.
Between three and four hundred different
men were accommodated at tho Inn last year
1t is hoped our citizens viii remember where
lodgings may be obtained for any wayfarsr
who inquiries. A note given to such, addressed
to the Friendly Inn, Fora street, viii receive
prompt attention.