A friendly neighbourhood Friendly Society, 1911

Picture this. You’ve just broken your leg in nineteenth century Perth, making it impossible to work. Your boss isn’t exactly keen on footing the bill for your medical expenses, or covering your lost wages while you recover. Luckily, you have a little friendly support to rely on.

Friendly societies provided financial support before the advent of government welfare, protecting workers and their families from financial distress caused by illness, injury, or death. Members paid small, regular fortnightly contributions in exchange for benefits such as medical care, funeral cover, and sick pay. Beyond financial aid, they also fostered a sense of community through regular meetings, providing entertainment, and support particularly in emerging mining and rural areas.

Originally founded in New York in 1842, the WA Grand Division of the Sons of Temperance Friendly Society was established in Fremantle in 1878. Membership contributions were notably smaller than those of other friendly societies, as the Sons were also devoted to encouraging temperance habits among the working classes of the Western Australian colony.

Unlike many other societies, the Sons began admitting female members known as ‘Daughters of Temperance’ in 1892, making it possible that the addressee of this letter, Mrs Emily Nielson, was a member herself.

Despite their philanthropic activities, friendly societies faced their own controversies, especially in their resemblance to secret societies like Freemasonry. Many had their own regalia and sashes, their own discrete practises and traditions. To join the Sons of Temperance, for example, candidates had to be nominated and investigated by an existing ‘brother’ to determine whether they were worthy of membership.

In 1896, the Catholic Church actually prohibited its followers from joining the Sons of Temperance, concerned that such organisations were supplanting the role of the Church. 

Friendly societies eventually declined as government welfare legislation made employers increasingly responsible for offering sick leave and medical benefits to workers. As leisure opportunities expanded in the 20th century, the socialising benefits of regular meetings also became less important.