1878

Washington Herald - 1878:

A City Indeed! - Aren't We Big?

At a special election held on Saturday March 2, 1878, for the purpose of deciding whether Washington would elect or reject city organization under the General Laws of the State, the total number of votes polled were 231, and divided as follows:

For City Organization: 156
Against City Organization: 73
Majority for City: 83

For Minority Representation in City Council: 30
Against Minority Representation in City Council: 219
Majority against Minority Representation: 189

It now behooves or citizens to look around an select and elect our best businessmen for Mayor and Aldermen, at an election to be held on the second Tuesday in April.  We have gained one step forward, and if we are judicious we can soon prove to the old croakers that it will prove a great advantage to our town as well as to themselves." 

Washington's first Mayor elected was Peter Fifer.  Fifer made his home in Washington but was a significant Peoria businessman who was highly respected by all.

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