door This is The Dutch Association for the Abolition of Alcoholic Beverages (“The Blue Button”)
“De Volksvriend” was the weekly magazine of the Dutch Association for the Abolition of Strong Liquor, founded in 1842 with the aim of combating the use of spirits. The magazine, which was published between 1846 and 1899, served as a platform to spread the message of moderation and total abstinence. In 1899, “De Volksvriend” merged with “Sluit Schiedam: organ for the suppression of alcohol,” which had been published since 1893.
The association itself, initially focused on limiting the consumption of distilled spirits, later evolved into a total abstinence movement and changed its name to the Dutch Association for the Abolition of Alcoholic Beverages. The organisation became known as the “Blue Button” due to the symbol worn by its members on their lapels.
Dr. Willem Egeling, one of the founders of the association, played a crucial role as president and was also the editor of “De Volksvriend” until his death. Egeling was born on 13th August 1791 in Hemmen and died on 12th January 1858 in Renkum. After studying medicine at the University of Leiden, he practised as a doctor in Uithoorn and later in Haarlem, where he worked until 1853. In 1842, Egeling, together with pastor T.C.R. Huydecoper and landowner J. Stuart, founded the Dutch Association for the Abolition of Strong Liquor. The association received royal approval in 1844 and aimed to abolish the use of strong liquor in the Netherlands. Egeling served as the first president and was a passionate advocate for the fight against alcohol, publishing many articles in the monthly magazine “De Volksvriend”. He also published works on alcohol prohibition and social issues, such as “Means to curb the abuse of strong liquor” (1842) and “Advice for prevention against cholera” (1832).
The association initially focused on the use of strong spirits, but later shifted its focus to total abstinence from alcohol. Members of the association wore a blue button on their clothing, which led to the nickname “the Blue Button”. The association was initially Protestant-Christian in character, but by the end of the 19th century, it adopted a more social democratic tone. It published, among other things, the “Almanac of the Dutch Association for the Abolition of Strong Liquor” and the monthly magazine “De Volksvriend” to spread its message.
The term “to be of the blue button” is still used today to describe someone who is a teetotaller or opposes drinking alcohol. In the second half of the 19th century, several temperance movements emerged, particularly among workers, to combat alcohol abuse. These movements often used a blue button as a symbol of their fight against alcohol.
“De Volksvriend” itself was an important platform for the temperance movement in the Netherlands. The magazine was originally established as a weekly publication and contained articles about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption, both on an individual and societal level. It also shared successful examples of campaigns against alcohol abuse from other countries. In 1899, “De Volksvriend” merged with “Sluit Schiedam”, another magazine focused on alcohol prohibition, and continued under the name “De Strijd”, which remained in existence until 1970.
The issue of November 13, 1890, was sent to France. The imprinted wrapper is tied with five stamps of half a cent. Sent from ‘sGravenhage, 12 November 1890.
The Blue button has had a lasting impact on raising awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. Although the association did not succeed in fully abolishing alcohol, it played a crucial role in the fight against alcohol abuse and the promotion of total abstinence in the Netherlands.
