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Ordinances of the 1890s In the 1890’s, O’Fallon was a dusty coal mining town dominated by the railroads and Richland (Tiedemann) Mills. But even then we were a progressive village which looked to the future and concerned itself with making O’Fallon a good place to live. It was, however, a different world. Here’s a sampling of some of the village ordinances in effect at the time which remind us just how different it was. Back then, you were required to securely hitch your horses to keep them from running away but not to trees, tree boxing, lamp posts, awning posts, business signs, fences, or gates. Concealed weapons were forbidden, and it was unlawful to discharge a gun unless in self-defense, to protect property, or to prevent the escape of a prisoner in police custody. Curfew for minors was 9:00 p.m. You couldn’t drive any loose head of cattle, horses, etc., through the streets faster than 4 mph. Bicycles were not to be ridden faster that 8 mph except at street crossings when the limit dropped to 5 mph—no mention about stopping. You couldn’t ride a bicycle, horse or anything else on the sidewalks, however. It was unlawful to keep more than 2 lbs. of explosive powder, except for coal miners, who could keep up to 1 keg of 25 lbs. for immediate use while engaged in mining. Larger amounts kept for sale or use by coal operators had to be kept in magazines 100 ft. from other buildings. Disturbing the “good order of society or the peace of others” on Sundays by operating a place of amusement, engaging in riotous conduct, making unusual noises, using vulgar or profane language, or indulging in disorderly or immoral conduct was forbidden.
In a hurry to get across the railroad tracks? The speed limit for trains going through O’Fallon was 6 mph.
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