by Laurel | February 27th, 2014
27 February 1927
National Blank Book Ad, 1927
John F. Sullivan Decides to Go to Jail Rather Than Pay $11 Fine
Holyoke, Feb 26 — John F. Sullivan, generally known as “Snakey,” drove a sharp bargain and proved himself both thrifty and a saver of time this morning when he had the 74th sentence for drunkenness imposed on him in the district court. The usual fine is $15 and Sullivan let the probation officer know his entire wealth amounted to just $11.
The information reached the judge and the fine was fixed at that amount — giving the man a discount of $4 in order that he could pay and go free.
However a sudden change came when the court officer went for the money. Sullivan refused to pay, saying he elected to go to jail and work out the fine. An $11 fine will take 22 days while the usual fine takes 30 days. “I will need the money later and am satisfied at having saved myself eight days time,” he told the officer as he went to the cell awaiting the wagon for York Street.
Two other drunks had their cases disposed of — one was fined $15 and the other given a month sentence, which was suspended. John Schenouche was given a month for vagrancy.
Roy Walker’s School of Dancing,
Holyoke, Mass., 1927
Roy Bros. Sanitary Plumbing, 1927
Adapted from The Springfield Republican, 1927 Holyoke City Directory.
