"Good for 5 cents" token - SOLVED

[metman]

I found a token that is about the size of a quarter last night. The token is lighter weight then a quarter and reads "Good for 5 cents in trade" on one side and "Wm. Doyle Elmore, ILL" on the other side. It must be somewhat old because the abbreviation for Illinois is ILL. and not IL. I'm not sure when they changed the abbreviations of states to a two digit letter. I tried to look token up this token online last night with no luck. Any thoughts?

[IronSpike]

Welcome to Tnet metman

I would guess early 1900's trade token.

Tokens are cool

[mankind]

These were a common token for old bars,saloons and billiard rooms back in the 20's. I have a few just like that one, Different name stamped on them of course.

[BernieL]

I checked the Rulau token book but couldn't find this token. Since Rulau only goes up to 1900, this must be later than that.

[metman]

Well, this helps. It is possibly then that is from the 20's as IronSpike and mankind suggest. BernnieL has ruled out anything prior to 1900. If anyone else has more information I would love to hear from you.
Thanks!

[trikikiwi]

No luck with my searching - other than your post on another site

I am puzzled by your comments on the ILL. because your token has ILL. not IL.

Mike

[metman]

trikikiwi - years ago the states had abbreviations with three or more letters. Illinois was Ill. California was Calif. and was used in addressing mail. It looks like in 1963 the abbreviations changed to a two letter distinction. Illinois was IL and California was changed to CA along with zip codes being added. This was done to speed up the mail service.

Therefore the token must have come after 1900, according to BernieL, and before 1963 when they changed the state abbreviations to a two letter system. Note there is no zip code on the coin either.

[Bramblefind]

Hi Maybe also try posting in the Token forum?

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/board,205.0.html

I have looked through the census records from 1880-1930 and haven't been able to find a match. I did find a William Doyle in Knox Co, Il - which I think is nearby - who had a large mercantile/furniture store but I don't think that is the same.

I'll keep looking though...

[Bramblefind]

I take it back - there is a possibility in the 1930 census. I previously didn't check him out in 1930 b/c his prior occupation always showed as "Mason" but in 1930 he shows as Proprietor of a Pool Hall-

1930 United States Federal Census
about William J Doyle
Name: William J Doyle
Home in 1930: Millbrook, Peoria, Illinois
View Map
Age: 67
Estimated birth year: abt 1863
Birthplace: Illinois
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's name: Emma M
Race: White

Name Age
William J Doyle 67
Emma M Doyle 48
Marie R Doyle 23

[metman]

Well I think we can put this one to bed with the help of a few members. I'm satisfied that the token is from the early 30's and came from W. Doyle the proprietor of a pool hall. His home in 1930 is the only question. Millbrook is just west of Chicago. Elmore, IL is just west of Peoria, IL. But the census record that Bramblefind found list his home in 1930 as Millbrook, Peoria, IL. Perhaps he owned two homes. The Peoria home would have put him in closer proximity to his business in Elmore. He may not have been in business too long. That may also account why I was unable to find images or other records of this token.

I would call this one solved! Thanks to all the great members on this board.