unusual features of its by-laws was the obligation of members to take turns caring for any member who fell ill, and the minutes of meetings indicate that this was carried out faithfully, and that even members' medicine bills were paid by the society.

The temperance society soon built its own hall, but fire destroyed it in August 1908. An attempt to build anew was first attempted with voluntary help by the members and a year later with the help of the newly founded Workers' Society. The project was never completed, with the interest of the 10 to 20 members who faithfully attended meetings gradually weakening and finally dying out altogether. The last attempt to keep the society alive was in the form of a Speakers' Club under its sponsorship, in which every member was supposed to take his turn at providing an evening's program.

A few years later, in December 1914, a meeting was held establishing a new temperance society, the New Plowman. Eleven persons attended this meeting: William Bankord, A. Hyry, J. Kärkelä, L. A. Lohe, W. Mausiainen, 0. Nevala, J. Raatikka, W. Raatikka, August Siltala, J. T. Siltala, Arthur Wierima and N. J. Wierima The aim of the society_ was stated to be the achieve

ment of unconditional abstinence among men and women, demanding their voicing their vow to this effect in the presence of the other members of the society. It was decided to hold dances to raise money for the society, and several young people joined the society immediately after the first dance. However, since the society's busines s meetings failed to at

tract a quorum of 8 members, the society was disbanded in January 1916: it was decided to sell the society's club building and to divide the proceeds between the two Finnish Lutheran congregations in the community.

Sebeka Finnish Historical Society executive commit.
tee. Seated, left to right: Ed Aho, M. L. Wirkkala,
Hilma Siirila, secretary. Standing: Viola Hietala,
treasurer, Florine Nevala, membership secretary,
Wm. Paurus and Frank Tolppi.

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