Untitled Document

GARRISON'S INN.

The first public tavern in Monmouth was Oarrison's Inn. It was kept by James M. Garrison, who came here in 1833 from Xenia, Ohio, and erected the log building on the south side of "West Broadway, between A and B streets, occupied by William Cowan as a blacksmith shop until less than a half dozen years ago when it was torn down to make way for Dr. J. C. Kilgore's residence and office. The hotel was originally a story and a half high, but it had sunk till, when it was torn down in September, 1898, it was a low one story structure. The partitions and second floor had been taken out, the porch on the southeast had been in closed, and continued repairs had been necessary to keep it in shape for use. It was the oldest building in town, and the last log one remaining in Monmouth.

In its day, Garrison's Inn was Quite an institution. Its roof sheltered many of the earlier residents of the city, and many families mov ing into the county to found their home spent their first night or more within its walls.

In those days persons desiring to open a tav ern or public inn were required to procure licenses from the County Commissioners. Garrison received his license March 5, 1835, being required to pay the sum of $5 into the county treasury, and also to pay the cierk's fees; and to give bond in the sum of $200 that he would conduct the establishment in an orderly manner. The following rates of entertainment were specified for him by the commissioners:

Each meal of victuals ........................$. 25.

Lodging per night .......................06 1/4

(or if single bed be demanded) ........12 1/2

Keeping horse per night ............25

Single feed for horse ...................... .12 1/2

Each half pint of wine, rum, gin. or

brandy of any kind .................... .25

Less quantities in same proportion....

Each half pint of whisky ....................12 1/2

Each gill of whisky...................... 06 1/4

Historical Encyclopeida of Illinois

Illinois Ancestors

032107