The Talking Wall mural
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Abe was a part of the 8th Judicial Circuit during the years 1842-1858 and traveled through Paris with Judge David Davis twice a year. One of the most famous stories about Lincoln's trip to Paris was of a time he was leaving the courthouse. He came across 3 boys playing marbles. He stopped and asked to join them. The boys had to idea at the time who he was. One of those boys was WC Slemmons.
Most people believe they know all there is to know about our famous 16th President, Abraham "Abe" Lincoln. You may know Lincoln was famously-known as a teetotal (did not drink alcohol). What you may not know is Abe Lincoln is the only president in history to hold a liquor license (see photo). He was also a co-owner of a tavern in Salem, IL. We believe he would be a big fan of Lot 50! |
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CARL "alfalfa" Switzer
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Carl was born on August 7, 1927 in Paris, IL. He and his brother Harold became local celebrities for their musical talent and performances. They both sang and could play many instruments. In 1934, the Switzer family traveled to California to visit family. While siteseeing, they went to Hal Roach Studios.
After the tour, they went into the Our Gang Cafe, the brothers put on an impromptu performance which impressed Hal Roach. He signed both brothers to be part of Our Gang. Carl was "Alfalfa" and Harold was "Slim and Deadpan". Carl went on to be a main character while his brother was relegated to the background. |
BRETT ELDREDGE
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Brett was born March 23, 1986 and grew up here in Paris. While in high school, Brett was very active in the high school drama program. He also performed at many local events. After graduation, Brett pursued his dreams and moved to Nashville, TN. In 2010, Brett had his first hit "Raymond" which was written to honor his grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer's. From there, he continued to gain attention from the country music community. In 2012, he had his first number 1 hit entitled "Don't Ya". Although Brett is no longer a resident of Paris, he does make impromptu visits to the community. You may spot him at Rural King, a local cafe, and hopefully Lot 50!
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E. Hamilton Lee
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E. Hamilton Lee "Ham" was the flyingest man in the world. He retired in 1949 after flying 4.4 MILLION air miles in 27,812 hours. This record still stands. He was born April 18, 1892 into a farming famliy in Paris. He became an instructor for the aviation wing of the Signal Corps from June 1917 to December 1918. In 1918, he did the 1st Air Mail Run for the United States Postal Service. He had no parachute and no radio. Workplace acccidents claimed 31 of the first 40 pilots who worked for the USPS. He helped organize the first pilot strike to make these flights safer. He retired in 1949 as the most senior United Airlines captain. He was NEVER a co-pilot. E. Hamilton Lee led a very long life. On October 13, 1994, he died at the age of 102.
PARIS LAKERS
Laker Stadium, at 137 West Steidl Road, is full of history. Paris was a home of the Paris Lakers which was a minor league baseball time from 1950-1959. They also became an original franchise in 1956 of the Midwest League - Class D. The Paris Lakers had a Major League Affiliation with the Chicago Cubs from 1955-1959. According to Wikipedia, there were 15 noteable MLB alumni who began as a Paris Laker. In 1956, The Paris Lakers won the first ever Midwest League championship by defeating the Dubuque Packer. The attendance record was also set during this year with 60,350 in attendance.
EDGAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE
In 1891, the Edgar County Courthouse construction began. This construction continued until 1893. The architect was Henry Elliot. He designed the courthouse in the Romanesque Revival Style. The courthouse features an exterior with 4 main sides and 4 entrances which are situated between each adjacent pair of sides. Each side includes 2 towers at each end and a central section with a tall globe. Shortly after the building was complete, a wedding cake style iron clock tower was build. The courthouse can be found at 115 W. Court Street which is just up the street from LOT 50. On June 4, 1981, the Edgar County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
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PARIS WATER TOWER
The Paris, Illinois Water Tower is located in a Sylvian Park which is small park south of our business district. The water tower can be found on the northeastern part of the park on the corner of Jasper Street and Route 1. At one time, this water tower was the source of water supply for the City of Paris. It had been used by the city for a water reservoir. The water tower can hold one-half million-gallons of water. The water tower preceding the present tower had a capacity of 100,000 gallons.
PARIS TIGER
Paris High School is located in Paris, IL. The school mascot is the tiger and its colors are orange and black. Paris High School celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2009. Six years later on May 29, 2015, Paris High School closed its doors in the 300 block of Main Street in preparation for the opening of the new high school located at 14040 E. 1200th Road.
ONCE A TIGER...ALWAYS A TIGER!
ONCE A TIGER...ALWAYS A TIGER!
HONEYBEES
The Paris Honeybee Festival is a fall festival that has been a part of our community for many years. It is always held the 4th weekend in September. This festival features many vendors around the square including many delicious food vendors. On Saturday of the festival, there is always a parade which begins at 11:00 a.m. It is sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club.
LOT 50 releases our HONEYBEE BROWN ALE each year during the Honeybee Festival weekend. This delicious ale is created using locally sourced honey from Circle H Honey.
LOT 50 releases our HONEYBEE BROWN ALE each year during the Honeybee Festival weekend. This delicious ale is created using locally sourced honey from Circle H Honey.
UFO Sighting
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According to a US Air Force Technical Information Sheet, Mr. Eugene Metcalf reported a sighting of an Unidentified Flying Object on March 9, 1955 at 5:50 p.m. near his home. He lived on Rural Route 1, 6 miles west of Paris. He stated he saw the flying object in bright daylight for a total of 2 minutes. The report also stated the UFO looked to swallow up a jet plane. It was reported as a Jet Plane Theft.
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Edward Shouse vs. Eugene Teague
The Indy News (Wednesday, December 20, 1933 Evening Edition) article titled Policeman Fatally Wounded Indiana Convict Is Captured At Paris, ILL. explained the events that unfolded on December 20th. Eugene Teague, a patrolman of the Indiana State Police, was shot and seriously wounded at Paris, IL where he and 19 other officers intercepted members of the combined group of escaped Indiana prisoners who were also said to be members of the notorious John Dillinger gang of outlaws. This mission was a combined effort of the Indiana State police, Edgar County, Illinois deputy sheriffs and the Paris police.
Edward Shouse (age 27) was one of nine escapees of the Michigan City, IN prision from September 27, 1933. Shouse had served 3 years of his 25 year sentence for roberry before his escape. The Indiana State police had been staking out the La France Hotel on Court Street where he was suspected of hiding out. Officer Teague and Shouse engaged in a gun battle outside of the hotel. Scores of pedestrians narrowly escaped death when Teague and Shouse engaged in a gun fight.
Following the gun fight, Teague was transported to Paris Hospital where he was examined by Dr. Homer D. Junkins who called his condition extremely critical. The bullet from the .45 caliber revolver entered at the base of his brain and passed out the roof of his mouth. Later he died in the hospital in Indianapolis early in the afternoon from his bullet wound.
Edward and his cohorts were held by Albert Stepp, a Paris policeman on a mission led by the chief of police, Addison Crable. Less than 2 hours after their capture, Edward Shouse and his 2 women companions were taken across the line to Indiana. The two women companions were Mrs. Frances Brehman (28) of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Ruth Spencer (24) of San Diego, CA. Arrangements were made to return Shouse to prison.
Soon after his arrest, Shouse became an informant to help police capture the Dilinger gang. He told the police about precautions the gang took to avoid capture. They would have nightly drills where every man takes the position assigned to him in the event of a surprise raid. They also slept in bullet-proof vests. They will also shoot it out to the last bullet. He also reported they have plenty of guns. Their goal was to amass $100,000 by robbery and to flee to South America.
Edward Shouse (age 27) was one of nine escapees of the Michigan City, IN prision from September 27, 1933. Shouse had served 3 years of his 25 year sentence for roberry before his escape. The Indiana State police had been staking out the La France Hotel on Court Street where he was suspected of hiding out. Officer Teague and Shouse engaged in a gun battle outside of the hotel. Scores of pedestrians narrowly escaped death when Teague and Shouse engaged in a gun fight.
Following the gun fight, Teague was transported to Paris Hospital where he was examined by Dr. Homer D. Junkins who called his condition extremely critical. The bullet from the .45 caliber revolver entered at the base of his brain and passed out the roof of his mouth. Later he died in the hospital in Indianapolis early in the afternoon from his bullet wound.
Edward and his cohorts were held by Albert Stepp, a Paris policeman on a mission led by the chief of police, Addison Crable. Less than 2 hours after their capture, Edward Shouse and his 2 women companions were taken across the line to Indiana. The two women companions were Mrs. Frances Brehman (28) of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Ruth Spencer (24) of San Diego, CA. Arrangements were made to return Shouse to prison.
Soon after his arrest, Shouse became an informant to help police capture the Dilinger gang. He told the police about precautions the gang took to avoid capture. They would have nightly drills where every man takes the position assigned to him in the event of a surprise raid. They also slept in bullet-proof vests. They will also shoot it out to the last bullet. He also reported they have plenty of guns. Their goal was to amass $100,000 by robbery and to flee to South America.
Added Artist Features
These Hidden items represent the artist's favorite Music groups.
Grateful Dead
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PHISH's Lovin' Cup
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Widespread Panic
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