The saloon property formerly owned by the late Thomas J. Sweeney at the corner of North Main and Hill streets, which adjoins the Methodist church property on the north, was purchased of Mrs. John E. Dwyer, by William H. Allen for $8,500. The purchase was Mae for the Methodist Church, members of which contributed toward the purchase price. It is understood the property will now be transferred to C.M. Fort, who will turn it over to his son, Sidney V. Fort.
The cobblestone house, in which the late Job Viall formerly resided, and the fine apartments over the saloon will be rented for residence purposes, and the saloon will be remodeled into a store. A new plate glass front will be built and the interior fitted up for merchandise. Possession will be given July 1. Mr. Dwyer has already begun to remove his goods, and soon the sale of liquor on that corner will cease forever.
Twenty-five years ago that saloon was the leading and most popular drink-shop in town. Across the street, Patrick McCall conducted a rival saloon almost equally popular. On the other side of the creek where Harvey R. Collins is now located, Bryan Sweeney conducted another saloon.
Those three drink shops sold nearly all the liquor sold in town at that time. The closing of the "Jack Dwyer" saloon July 1, will clear that creek corner of its last saloon and mercantile business will replace the liquor business and raise the value of all property in that neighborhood. Richard Palmer blog.