This is one in a set of medals sold by General Ashbel Wells Riley (A. W. R.) [1795-1888] of Rochester, New York to help support his travels as a lecturer for the temperance movement in the 1840s. The legend and device on the obverse are from “The Old Oaken Bucket” a poem written in 1817 by Samuel Woodworth which rhapsodizes about the cool, pure water from the well on the farm he grew up on. This cool, pure water became a symbol in the temperance movement contrasted to the evils of intoxicating beverages.
Location United States
Period Federal republic (1776-date)
Type Commemorative medals › Society medal
Years 1840-1850
Composition Gold plated brass
Weight 4.87 g
Diameter 25 mm
Thickness 1.43 mm
Shape Round
Technique Milled