By-Laws of the Town of Biddeford.
(Biddeford): N.p., ca. 1850-55. Item #299 Broadside, 14" x 8," double column, signed in type by three selectmen with attestation by town clerk at end. Folded in quarters with several tiny holes (no loss), a number of creases, minor stains, one short marginal tear, etc., but overall quite sound. Comprised of 19 Articles proscribing certain types of behavior, the unique broadside specifies fines or other punishments for lawbreakers. Most interesting is Article 4: "No boy or other person shall be allowed to play at the game of bat and ball in the public streets of the village. Any person offending against this article shall forfeit and pay fifty cents for each offence." In addition to the obvious (like public drunkenness) these include: riding horses at a gallop in town (or more than a walk on the covered bridge); "any boy, or other person" who hangs onto a sleigh or carriage; anyone "causing dogs or any other animals to fight" in the streets; "Any person wantonly exposing himself [sic] naked in sight of any dwelling house"; a person injuring an ornamental tree on any street; anyone mutilating or pulling down signs or public notices, or throwing dirt, or setting off firecrackers, or sliding down hills in the public streets, &c., &c. According to internet resources Biddeford, Maine passed a city charter and adopted a mayoral form of government in 1855. Not recorded in OCLC. (299)
Price: $800.00