STERLING - ROCK FALLS 1875

It will be of interest to know that in 1875 Sterling had a population of 5,312 and Rock Falls a total of 1,047. There were already 12 churches and 3 schools located here at that time. The distillery to which Pastor Lussky refers was indeed at that time the largest in America, perhaps in the world. When it was operating at full capacity, it paid the government $7,600.00 per day in revenue on the alcohol distilled. Soon after the congregation was organized the distillery was destroyed by fire. Though rebuilding was undertaken, it was never restored to its former status and finally disappeared altogether. As a result, some people who had found employment there moved elsewhere.

By 1875 the Sterling Bible Society was over 20 years old. That February a Temperance Reform Club had been formed, which boasted of a membership in excess of 500. A Reading Room Association had just been formed, and two newspapers served the people. The manufacturers included three compounders of patent medicine, as well as 6 carriage manufacturers. Citizens had their choice of 7 physicians, 4 justices of the peace, 3 dentists, 3 barbers, 9 blacksmiths, 5 notaries public, 5 fire insurance companies, though only 1 life insurance company, and only 1 loan agent.