Tuesday, November 16, 2021

THE GOOD OLD DAYS? ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT?

                         

Jefferson Street, Concordia, Kentucky 

@1910

In my research involved around my new project at Saint Theresa Church in my hometown of Rhodelia, I have come across several interesting tidbits of history. This one is from the river town of Concordia a few miles from Saint Theresa Church. It is from a legal paper involved in the opening of a tavern in Concordia in 1867 by some of our deceased parishioners. I doubt if the stated requirements could be met in today's world. 

TAVERN KEEPER'S BOND

The Commonwealth of Kentucky

issued to 

JOSEPH CODY 

Concordia, Kentucky


I wonder what "to tipple" or "to drink more than is necessary" meant back then? "Tipple" is not a word we use anymore unless the expression "he was a bit tipsy" comes from it.  It sounds like an Irish word to me! I'll have to ask my friend, Fergal, in Ireland. I wonder what "scandalous or disorderly behaviour" involved in a small river town in Kentucky back in the late 1800s? Could it possibly include prostitution, gambling and gun fights? Surely, God forbid, not in one of our small towns! 

From the looks of the town, "to drink more than is necessary" might have been absolutely "necessary!" 

Concordia (no longer a river port) might be smaller today, but it certainly looks a whole lot better than it did back then and is surely a lot quieter! Over a hundred and fifty years ago, it may have been a rowdy little town. Today, it is a peaceful little town with nice people and no taverns! 

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