In the first volume of the diary, written between 1845 and the early years of 1846, Hopper sent discharged convicts, particularly those struggling with intemperance, to the Croton Lunch, a restaurant located at the corner of Division and Bowery St. in New York owned by James Stockwell. Stockwell struggled with intemperance himself, but managed to shake ‘off the shackles which appetite had bound around the brightest faculties of his being, and he stood forth once more a man clothed in his right mind.” In essence, Stockwell overcame his intemperance and gave back by helping others struggling with the grips of alcohol. An ad published in 1845 in the Temperance Journal the Independent Order of Rechabite reads

James Stockwell begs respectfully to inform his temperance friends and the public, that he continues to occupy the commodious and pleasant basement under Croton Hall, corner of the Bowery and Division street, which is fitted in a superior manner for an EATING SALOON AND READING ROOM. Where all kinds of eatables will be served up in the neatest style, and on the most reasonable terms. OYSTERS, PIES &c., &c., CONSTANTLY ON HAND.

 

In the initial years, the Croton Lunch served as restaurant designed for eating and socializing. In addition, the Croton Lunch also advocated for temperance by supporting local temperance events and organizations as is evident in an ad published in the New York Sun in August 1842 where the Croton Lunch is listed as a location where individuals could purchase tickets to the benefit concert being held at the Grand Temperance Union Hall. In essence, in the early years of its existence, the Croton Lunch served as a social setting that supported those struggling with intemperance.

            In a January 1846 publication of The Crystal Fount, it is noted that the Croton Lunch required more financial support. The editor implored the public to support the restaurant, which was “a place so well known that it hardly needs a notice.” The article noted that it would be tragic for such a popular restaurant with important temperance objectives to be closed due to financial struggles. However, only a month later, an ad was published in the New York Sun regarding rooms for rent in the basement of the Croton Lunch. The ad reads:

The Four Large Basement Rooms, known as the Croton Lunch,” on the corner of the Bowery and Division St., to let for a Refectory, or any other suitable occupation. Enquire at 52 East Broadway.

Despite apparent financial difficulties, by April 1846, Stockwell had moved the restaurant, or eating establishment, to National Hall on Canal St. The new establishment, with a Reading Room containing City and Temperance Papers, was founded on strict temperance principles. In addition to serving as an eating quarter, the newly opened establishment on Canal St. contained lodging, where individuals struggling with intemperance, including several of the discharged convicts under Hopper’s direction, stayed and refrained from alcohol.

Hopper continued to send discharged convicts to the Croton Lunch in the latter years of 1846 and 1847, including David Devoe, Robert Brumagum, and  William Russell. Often, Hopper paid Edward A. Ware for lodging for discharged convicts. An advertisement in the NY Tribune on January 11, 1847, demonstrates that the Croton Lunch remained an important temperance institution well into 1847, as Edward A. Ware was selling tickets for the 3^rd Anniversary of Harrison Union, No. 2 Independent Daughters of Temperance. In all, the Croton Lunch began as an eating establishment in the 1840s and developed into a well known temperance organization supporting many of Hopper’s intemperate discharged convicts.