The first Ordinances for the Village of South Jacksonville were published during the first year of organization, 1912.  This is a summary of some of the more interesting points made during the year...

"Relating to Village Officers"

The Village President, Trustee and Clerk shall receive $10 per annum.  The Village Treasurer shall receive no salary.  The Village Attorney shall receive, for each Village case prosecuted by him, the sum of $2.  The Village Constable shall receive a salary of one-half the fines and penalties collected per annum as the result of arrests made by him, and such fees as are, or may be, allowed under the laws of Illinois or by Village Ordinance.

"Animals Running at Large"

A pig, hog, bull, steer, cow, heifer, calf, goat, jackass, jennet, horse, or mare, found herded, picketed or running at large on any street, or other public property within the limits of the Village, was declared a nuisance.  The owner of each animal shall pay the sum of $1 a day for each animal and all expenses of sustenance while impounded.

Any person knowingly permitting a female dog to run at large while in heat could pay a fine of $10.

It was considered indecent and disorderly to let any stallion or jackass be let to mares within the limits of the Village as this was considered a nuisance.  (This did not apply when the animals were kept in a "closed" stable with blinds so as not to be seen by persons outside the stable.)  Such a conviction cost the owner $5 - $200 in fines.

"Public Health"

It was the duty of the Village Constable, upon complaint of any citizen, to examine privy or privy vaults.  If it was found to be offensive to the neighborhood, the owner had three days make a change.  Otherwise, the Village Constable could file suit against the offender and the owner could pay a fine not less than $5 nor more than $50.

"Public Morals and Decency"

If any person was found guilty of owning, maintaining, visiting, contributing to the support of, or having any connection to a "bawdy house", "disorderly house" or "house of ill fame", upon conviction would be fined not less than $25 nor exceeding $200.  In addition, the sum of $100 would be charged for every 24 hours the said "house" was continued after the first conviction.

On Sunday, no person within the limits of the Village can play billiards, ten-pins, or other games of amusement in any highway or public place.  On Sunday, no person could be open for business nor sell, or offer to sell, any goods or merchandise (except drugs and medicines), except in a case of extreme necessity.  Such an offense cost no less than $10 nor more than $100.

"Speed of Locomotives"

Any locomotive, engine, car or train, operating upon any railroad track shall not permit a speed exceeding 25 miles per hour within the inhabited part of the Village.

"Regulating the Sale of Liquor by Druggists"

It was considered unlawful for any druggist or apothecary within the corporate limits of the Village to sell or give away any vinous, spirituous, fermented, malt, or mixed liquors except for sacramental, medicinal, or mechanical purposes and then only on the written order of the pastor or some officer of the church or written prescription of a physician.  The fine for this offense was not less than $50 and not more than $200 for each offense.