Blue Laws are nothing new in Kentucky. Even in the 1830s merchants banded together to keep stores and shops closed on the Sabbath. The following Article of Agreement among merchants, mechanicks, grocery and tavern keepers was found among loose county clerk's papers in Livingston County. The following document was first published here on 31 Jan 2013.
"We the undersigned traders & Merchants of the town of Salem, Ky. for
the purpose of correcting some degree the pernicious practice of Opening Shops,
Stores, &c on Sunday, do obligate ourselves to close & keep closed our
doors on the Sabath, & in all cases refuse to trade with any who may come
to town on said day to loiter & drink. And do further agree unanimously to
present any Grocery, Store or Shop that persists in so unholy & unlawful
practice in Salem. June 7, 1836. The above obligation is not to prevent the
furnishing of medicin Shrouds &c Sent for by the sick or required for the
Dead. [signed] Greer & William, [?] Johnson, G. Robertson, [?] Richardson
& Greer, Jos. Watts, Bayliss & McCrosky, Joseph Watts & Co., H.M.
Woods, Given Williams & Given, R. & W.U. Hodge, Bass &
Williams."
Published again on 30 Jan 2022
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