“Anti-Saloon” Vote in Paris, Illinois (ca 1910)

Found this photo at Abigail's Antiques in Corydon, Indiana. I was first struck by the over-the-top Romanesque Revival of what appeared to be a county courthouse. After studying the photograph for awhile I noticed the banner stretched across the sidewalk leading to the main entrance of the building. I didn't have my reading glasses with me, but Katie was able to make out the words on the sign.

Shall This Town Contin(ue) To Be Anti Saloon Territory?

Keep Out The Saloons

Protect Our Homes

Vote Yes Protect Paris From Crime

The photo was not dated nor did it carry any description. I was intrigued. Where is this courthouse and when was the photo taken? 

I bought the picture for $10, paying by old fashioned check because Abigail's does not allow debit card purchases for less than $25 (Sheesh!), and put on my History Detective hat (you know the one).

First clue: Paris. The sign reads "Protect Paris..."

But which Paris? I knew of Paris, Kentucky, and Paris, Texas. Which one? Turns out there are towns named Paris in at least 16 states. Who knew?

A quick Google search found the courthouse is in Paris, Illinois, built in 1891. Architect Henry Elliott is responsible for this example of Richardsonian Romanesque revival.

As interesting as the building itself, though, is the political banner, which provides the second clue. This photo was taken when the town was preparing to vote on an Anti-Saloon referendum.

Turns out the Illinois legislature passed a local option liquor law in May 1907 allowing towns to vote every two years on whether they wanted to be wet or dry. By deduction I believe Paris, Illinois, went dry for the first time in April 1908. The next opportunity to vote would have been April 1910.

Based on the wording of the courthouse banner, Paris was already dry when the photo was taken. So the earliest date for the picture should be sometime during the run up to the April 5, 1910, vote.

Of course, the picture could have been taken in 1912 or later.

By the way, the Lady Justice statue topping the clock tower is made of stamped sheet zinc and painted white. Just this year the county was given a grant to restore the statue and its base. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Later pictures of the courthouse can be found here, here, and here.