Marion Charges No License for Negro Tavern
Springfield, Ill., Oct. 5, 1951 – The Illinois Liquor Control Commission fired criticism today at the practice of the city of Marion which permits one Negro to operate a tavern without paying a license fee so Negroes would stay out of other taverns.
The Commission voiced its disapproval in an order directing the Marion Liquor Control Commission, Mayor William Shannon, to rescind the local license granted to John Willie Jones, a Negro.
The action followed a Sept. 26 hearing by the State Commission on the appeal of eight Marion residents who said the tavern was a nuisance and was operated without a valid license.
In its order, the Commission found that Jones’ tavern was in an area where one cannot be located without written consent of adjacent property owners, which was not obtained.
The Commissioner said Mayor Shannon at the hearing told of Marion’s practice concerning Negro taverns. The Mayor said it was believed no Negro could afford to pay the city’s $1,000 annual license fee.
Sam’s Notes:
John Willie Jones was a prominent African American citizen who was locally renowned for his BBQ abilities which he made available annually at the Williamson County Fair for decades. He was an active Marion civic leader and was the first Marion black man to become an active member of the Marion Lion’s Club. A park was named in his honor by the Marion Park District.
(Mt. Vernon Register-News, October 5, 1951)