When I was at Knox, one of the great myths that was thrown around was that Galesburg was supposed to be a dry town, and that that fact was written into every land sale that was made. I didn’t believe it then, but imagine my surprise when I found this little gem.
It is an 1861 Deed of Trust, selling 1 parcel of land to Joseph Wood for the whopping sum of $300 which is $7669 in today’s dollars adjusted for inflation.
But, notice the third paragraph of the deed of trust. There it is. At least in 1861, almost 30 years after the founding of Knox, the no alcohol clause was still in the deeds.
Also notice the use of the 2nd Knox College Seal in the document. This was an official Knox College document, and the seal was affixed so well that in 2014 it is still visible and clear.
