Father Mathew

Rev. Theobold Mathew was a reformer from Cork, Ireland, known for his society, founded in 1875, called Father Mathew Total Abstinence Society. Made up almost exclusively of Irish, this movement was to encourage males to abjure alcohol. He encouraged wholesome social activities, including picnics, dances and sporting events. A statue was erected in his honor. In 1916, the statue was moved from Central St. to its present location on Hawthorne Boulevard.