Photo of John Irwin Clothiers, 108 E. Prairie St., Decatur, IL.

Photo of John Irwin Clothiers, 108 E. Prairie St., Decatur, IL.

Buildings
Photo File: Buildings
Clothiers
E. Prairie St.
Decatur, IL.

Photograph of the John Irwin Clothiers, 108 E. Prairie Street. An ice water tank located in front of the John Irwin clothing store at 108 East Prairie avenue, caused a major controversy in Decatur in the early 1880's, according to this old picture. There were some Decatur residents, perhaps competitors of Mr. Irwin, who declared the iced water tank a nuisance and through appeal to the city council, had it removed. On the other side of the fence, however, were supporters of Mr. Irwin, who declared that a drink of iced water on a sultry summer day was fitting and proper. These defenders of the ice water--1,500 strong--signed a master petition 40 feet long and caused the council to rescind its action and the water tank was saved. According to the message which appears on the back of the old picture, Mr. Irwin offered cool drinks of water and also a complete line of ready-made custom clothing for man, youths, boys and children, novelties in neckwear, trunks, and valises, and the "best $1 laundered shirt in the state." In his advertisement, Mr. Irwin also promised 'honest goods, honest price, and no misrepresentation permitted." According to the old city directories, John Irwin's clothing store was located at the East Prairie avenue address in the years 1883 to 1891. Library has city directories back to 1871. Mr. Irwin, who lived at 355 W. Decatur street, was apparently out of business in 1891,
according to the city directory. The children of John Irwin and his wife, Alta Barber Irwin, were Miss Aldyth Irwin, who died in 1937 in Los Angeles, and Mrs. Lillian Irwin Gingrich, who died Last August in Alhambr, California. Photo by Piper, Ran Mon. Aug 7, 1950.

Herald and Review

Photo File: Buildings

Herald and Review, Decatur, IL.
Decatur Public Library, Decatur, IL.

1891

Piper
Herald and Review

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English

photograph

BD103

Buildings, Clothier, E. Prairie St., Decatur, IL. Photo File: Buildings, Herald and Review.

photograph

2.5 x 3.5"