From The Connecticut River Valley in Southern Vermont and New Hampshire: Historical Sketches by Lyman S. Hayes, Tuttle Co., Marble City Press, Rutland, VT., 1929, page 228:
BARN RAISING WITH (AND WITHOUT) RUM–A NOTABLE INCIDENT IN ATHENS
Until comparatively recently there has been for many years a large and well-executed sign in a prominent position on the front of a barn in the town of Athens, about ten miles from Bellows Falls, reading, "Anti-Rum and Tobacco." The original owner of the farm, Thomas Wyman, came there early in the last century when the locality was a wilderness. He cleared the land and resided there many years. The barn sign was a reminder of the fact that it was the first barn in this locality for many miles around that was "raised" without the assistance of the traditional supply of rum, always expected to be served on such occasions. Mr. Wyman was always one of the most ardent advocates of temperance to be found, and his influence in this respect was greatly felt. When this barn had been framed, and the bents were ready to be raised, he determined to break the previously universal practice of furnishing liquors, a supposed necessity upon such occasions. Plenty of good food had been provided and the neighbors had gathered from miles around, but when the time came they refused to lift the frame without the rum. The owner would not sacrifice his principles, and the raising was postponed after much talk uncomplimentary to the host. A few days later more than a sufficient number of temperance men, who honored the integrity of Mr. Wyman, were on hand to assist, and the barn went up. He placed the attractive and unique sign on his barn, and for several decades it was a reminder to the passerssby of a strong minded and good man, whose example had an important effect toward temperance in all this locality.