(Utopias - Theocracy) "ZION CITY is the HEADQUARTERS of the CHRISTIAN CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH of ZION" (Two original photographs plus one advertisement)

Zion City, Illinois: No Publisher, 1900. Photographic Image. Very Good. No Binding. Two original black and white photographs, circa 1900, each 5" x 7", the first depicting construction workers building the billboard at the edge of city limits and the second, a group of six dignitaries in front of the completed billboard. . The billboard goes on to read " and was ESTABLISHED for ZION PEOPLE ONLY { Inquiring Visitors always heartily Welcomed and Shown every Courtesy by all Officers and Members} TOBACCO, INTOXICATING LIQUORS, DOCTORS, DRUGS, DANCING, GAMBLING, UNCLEAN FOODS, and all other VICES STRICTLY PROHIBITED by the 1100 year LEASE ...." . The two photos in black and white undated and unattributed, but circa 1900, about Very Good, with creases and tears (see scans). Included is a later advertisement for the city, circa 1920s -1930s, 3" x 5 3/4", "Showing some of the INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES located in ZION CITY, ILLINOIS". Good, bottom right corner diagonal tear nearly separated. Faith healer John Alexander Zowie (1847-1907) founded Zion City in 1900, the City of Zion was incorporated July 15, 1901, and he was its leader until he was deposed in 1906 due to financial difficulties. He was succeeded by Wilbur Glenn Voliva, the head of the Christian Catholic Apostolic Church in Zion. Zion City was governed essentially as a theocracy until "independents" deposed Voliva in 1937. Early ZION City material is quite uncommon.. (Inventory #: 010338)