On the wagon

[brianbge]

Where does the expression "on the wagon" come from?

[Ginbottle]

In the days of the Temperance movement, the orators would be preaching from a wagon & reformed alcoholics would be invited to step up on to the band wagon.

[Steve]

My father was a young lad in the 1920s and 30s and the Band of Hope would travel around Lancashire towns preaching the evils of alcohol. They would get a free plate of peas if they "signed the pledge" - another phrase that means abstaining from drink.

[bazzer]

The true meaning of 'On The Wagon' stems from London when prisoners were transported from prison on the back of a cart. It was the practice of the jailers and driver to stop at an alehouse on the way and, of course, they could not let the prisoners have a drink so when the landlord asked who was having a drink they would exclude the prisoners by explaining that they were on the wagon.

[kazza_cy]

I once saw a programme on TV which explained what "one for the road", "on the wagon" etc means.......Bazzer is almost correct.  It does come from when prisoners were transported from jail and were being taken to be hung.  The driver of the wagon would stop at a pub along the way and the prisoners were allowed one final drink.  However the driver couldn't have one because he was "on the wagon".  The phrase "one for the road" is also connected to this.  It's the last drink before their final journey (to be hung).  Also, P's & Q's comes from the same period.  It's wasn't mind your "please and thankyou's" as is sometimes used today.  Mind your P's & Q's meant "pints & quarts".  In other words, make sure you get your full measure!