Thursday, June 23, 2016

Happy 135th Birthday, Dorchester!


Today marks the 135th anniversary of Dorchester's incorporation as a village. Happy Birthday, Dorchester!

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As Dorchester's population grew to nearly 300 by the early 1880s, it became necessary to establish a formal system of government. 

On June 23, 1881, a petition was presented to and granted by the Saline County commissioners for the incorporation of the village.

The following residents were appointed by the commissioners as village trustees: D.G. Panter, John Oberlies, N.B. Alley, Thomas Jarrett and W.H. Pallett. 

C.F. Thomas, J.H. Clark and M.O. Alley were named village clerk, treasurer and marshal, respectively.

On July 6, 1881, the first meeting of the Dorchester Village Board was held.  At this meeting, the trustees designated that the first Monday of each month would be the regular meeting time for the board, which is still adhered to today, 135 years later.

Four other ordinances were approved at this first meeting of the Dorchester village board.  

They were:
  • Ordinance 1:  Regulating the sales of intoxicating liquors in the village;
  • Ordinance 2:  Imposing a license tax on dogs in the village;
  • Ordinance 3:  Levying a five mills to the dollar valuation taxes for the year 1881; and
  • Ordinance 4:  Providing for the grading and guttering of streets and alleys, as well as construction of wooden sidewalks.
These ordinances showed the concerns of a new community that was trying to improve conditions and encourage growth of our village.

Just a little history lesson on Dorchester's 135th birthday.

7 comments:

  1. Can we revisit that tax on dogs? Seems like every house now how at least two friggin' dogs.

    Let's charge $20 per dog for annual license, at least!

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  2. Happy birthday, my dear village. I love the big D!!

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  3. Incorporated on dad's birthday. He was 80 on the anniversary. I never knew that. Great info. Thanks.

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  4. I am old enough to remember two of the original trustees. Dr. Panter was our doc and Tom Jarret had the hardware store where I got my first fishing rod and shotgun..

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  5. I am old enough to remember two of the original trustees. Dr. Panter was our doc and Tom Jarret had the hardware store where I got my first fishing rod and shotgun..

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  6. Great history, Roger!

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