Trink, trink, Brüderlein trink! Steins will be raised and beer will flow as Musikfest returns this week for its 30th year.

A small fountain in the very heart of the festival acts as a reminder of an alternative way to quench your thirst, offering a beverage that's readily available and quite refreshing: water.

The Women's Christian Temperance Union was organized in 1874 by an association of devoted women who were concerned about the destructive power of alcohol and the problems it was causing society.

Seeking to create a pure and sober world, members chose to live a life of total abstinence from alcohol. They were inspired by Greek philosopher Xenophon who defined temperance as "Moderation in all things healthful; total abstinence from all things harmful."

Nevertheless, the Bethlehem Globe pointed out in 1918 that "the idea that the work of the Women's Christian Temperance Union is only to keep alive the flame for the abolition of liquor traffic is a misconception, as they are interested in many other lines of endeavor."

With the outbreak of WWI, the WCTU became very active in war relief. As of July 1918 they had sent four ambulances and fifteen field kitchens to France and expended $200,000 for comfort kits. Another goal was to adopt 1000 French orphans by years end.

The WCTU also made it a point to stand at the forefront of "civic betterment" in the communities in which they lived. This idea of civic betterment was often expressed in the form of public drinking fountains, which gave men the ability to get a drink of water without entering a saloon.

Seeing the great need for a drinking fountain to benefit the vast army of Bethlehem Steel workers who daily crossed the New Street or "Penny" Bridge, the Bethlehem Branch sought to erect a fountain near that point.

At the monthly meeting of the WCTU April 26, 1918, at the home of Mrs. Stella Rodenbach of 23 North High St., a communication from the city was read giving the women permission to erect the fountain.

By June 5 it was announced that a handsome granite drinking fountain had been ordered from S.S. Scheetz, a local stonecutter who resided on East North Street. Described as a "fine piece of workmanship," the fountain was Scheetz's original design.

Twin bubblers of highly polished nickel were donated by Water Superintendent Arthur Campbell. These bubblers added greatly to the appearance of the fountain.

Funds for the fountain were raised by means of public subscriptions as well as an ice cream festival held at Tank Park.

On Sept. 14, 1918, the Bethlehem Branch of the WCTU formally presented the drinking fountain to the city with a number of exercises befitting the occasion.

A short parade commenced at 7:15 in the evening and attracted a great deal of attention.

The procession formed in front of the Municipal Hall on East Broad Street and moved promptly down Broad, to Main, to Church. Finally the parade made its way down New Street to the fountain's location at the northern end of the New Street Bridge, immediately in front of the St. Edmund's Inn.

Attired in the white of their organization, members of the WCTU and a group of children marched enthusiastically with American flags and banners in hand. They were accompanied by a number of speakers and a platoon of police in charge of Captain Halteman.

Unlike most parades, this one moved without any music. Due to a misunderstanding the Bethlehem Steel Band, which was to have led the parade, went directly to the fountain and played for the crowd which had gathered there.

The ceremony at the fountain opened with the singing of "America," followed by a fervent prayer offered by the Rev. H.P. Miller of Grace Lutheran Church.

The main speaker was Thomas A.H. Hay, secretary of the Easton Chamber of Commerce. After a selection from the band, the fountain was formally turned over to the city by Mrs. Edgar H. Lichty, president of the Bethlehem Branch of the WCTU.

Accepting the fountain on behalf of the city was Acting Mayor A.C. Graham, since Mayor Johnston was out of town.

As the unveiling took place, round after round of applause was offered by the audience as cool, sparkling water trickled from the twin bubblers in a steady stream.

No doubt this gift revitalized countless parched lips throughout its long existence. The fountain stood near the New Street Bridge up until the time of the City Center project, when it was moved and eventually disappeared.

However, the WCTU donated a second fountain to the city in 1920. This one sits on the corner of Main and Broad, where it was relocated as part of the Main Street Improvement Project of the 1970s.

So as you stroll down Main Street, remember the WCTU. Put down the beer and tip back a glass of pure, refreshing water.

Please share your comments by writing or emailing me at bethlehemhistory@gmail.com.