Street Lighting Concern in 1896
The year 1896 was a busy one for the city fathers of Palestine, reports from publications of that year recorded.Street lighting was a major issue, for officials of the Post Office Department, after studying the local situation, had informed the city commissioners that Palestine couldn't have free mail delivery until it lighted its streets. The town otherwise was qualified. The council complained that "probably no town in Texas had as few street lights as Palestine. The people have contented themselves with trudging home in the inky darkness and through the muddy streets."
Later that year the lighting problem apparently was licked, for, as was reported at the time:
"The street committee have placed a number of electric lights along the public highways throughout Palestine, which are a great source of comfort to pedestrians, and fulfill the requirements of the United States government regarding the establishment of free delivery. Palestine is an anxious applicant for a carrier system. Palestine has a proven population of 10,000. It only remains now for Uncle Sam to do his part."
The council faced up to other matters of civic importance, including passing an ordinance prohibiting vehicles being left on streets when not in actual use. Another ordinance called for the numbering of houses and the naming of streets.
The council approved a tax rate of 90 cents per $100 valuation. The water rate was $12 per year for each hydrant, and electricity bills were made out on the basis of $12 a year per 10-candle power bulb in use.
No final action was reported on the suggestion of City Alderman Maloney that a new city hall be built, with the first floor to be used as a new post office. He also believeed the city should eventually own its local water and light plants, which were privately owned at the time.
The city fathers showed their concern for traffic safety by prohibiting hitching posts, advertisements and other obstacles on the sidewalks.
The city government had reason to pass such laws in 1896, for the town was in a period of building and development.