Prohibition has been a power in Perry society since at least 1869, when the town was founded and the first church built, the First Baptist Church. At the same time, the devotion of some of the town’s residents to beer and spirituous liquors has been equally fervent.
These observations seem in order with the recent conversion of two of Perry’s longstanding watering holes — the Kickstand at 1211 Willis Ave. and the Otley Cat at 1223 Otley Ave. — to more pious purposes.
With reformation comes renewal, and Perry’s renewal can be seen in the new sidewalk under construction at the old Bally Hoo. Many a homeward-bound staggerer over the years would have been thankful for so smooth a way as is now being made, for the old sidewalk was “a stumblingblock to them that are weak.”
And also to them who were tipsy.
The much-improved facade at the old Chocolate Shop is also a welcome outward sign of inward regeneration. The new windows and brick work are true saving graces and no mere “whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”
These and other downtown improvements are signs of Perry’s commercial vitality and community pride. They qualify as good news, and ThePerryNews.com would toast — or not — these encouraging efforts. “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
