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Paul Powell, a powerful political figure in southern Illinois, passed away and left behind $800,000 in cash in the infamous “Shoebox Scandal.” He was known for saying, “A bankrupt politician is even worse than a defeated one.”
For over 50 years, a trust established by Powell with $250,000 has sustained his legacy, for better or worse. However, the account that funded his birthplace as a museum will soon be depleted. The future of the home in Vienna, a small town of 1,300 located about 140 miles (230 kilometers) southeast of St. Louis, is uncertain, but it will likely be sold.
For many years, this has been the residence as per Powell’s desires, of the Johnson County Genealogical and Historical Society. The society has maintained the home to resemble the way it was during the tenure of the influential political figure, with various items displayed on the walls.
Gary Hacker, a member of the board, stated that the maintenance costs are approximately $5,000 per year. However, the society’s earnings for last year were only $4,300. Gary, who is 85 years old and had parents who were classmates of Powell, also mentioned that he used to mow Powell’s lawn when he was a teenager in the early 1950s.
Hacker mentioned that they will most likely list it for sale and the historical society will move to a different location.
During the mid-1900s, Southern Illinois was under the control of Powell. In order to boost the economy, Powell focused on expanding the prison system and bringing in more funds and attention to Southern Illinois University. He also encouraged activities such as county fairs and betting on horse racing, which not only benefitted the region but also personally benefited Powell through his ownership of racetrack stocks.
Although Powell eventually spent most of his time in Springfield and Chicago, when he was home, people looking for favors would visit his house. On Sundays, he would relax in the sunroom he built in the 1950s, watching three separate television networks that aired sports, according to Hacker.
According to Hacker, he was skilled in watching football, smoking cigars, and conducting political affairs through phone conversations or in-person meetings with visitors.
After being elected to a House seat in 1934, the Democrat went on to become the speaker in 1949, 1959, and 1961. Despite the Republicans having a one-seat majority, he still managed to win the position once. He made deals with the boss of Chicago, Mayor Richard J. Daley, in exchange for projects for both regions. These deals were often accompanied by another famous quote from Powell: “I can smell the meat a-cookin’!”
After being elected as secretary of state in 1964, Powell’s influence increased even more.
John Rendleman III, a lawyer from Carbondale, stated that when Paul Powell held power, people were aware of Johnson County’s location.
Rendleman’s father, a Powell friend and executor of his estate, uncovered one of the more outlandish political scandals in a state renowned for splashy corruption cases.
Following Powell’s unexpected passing at the age of 68 in October 1970, his father Rendleman discovered $750,000 in cash. The money was hidden in various places, including attache cases and a gift box from Marshall Field & Co., which were found in his suite at the St. Nicholas Hotel in Springfield. An additional $50,000 was located in his office at the Capitol, just five blocks away.
According to a federal investigation, Powell was found to have embezzled a significant portion of money by giving contracts to associates in exchange for kickbacks. In 1978, his estate was valued at $4.6 million, which would be equivalent to $21.8 million in today’s currency. He also held $1 million worth of stock in horse racing tracks, giving him control over the most beneficial racing dates.
The IRS demanded $1.7 million, while the state of Illinois requested $230,000. Media coverage of other government officials involved in horse racing resulted in former Governor Otto Kerner serving time in federal prison, despite also being a federal appeals judge at the time. As a result, future politicians were mandated to file yearly statements disclosing their financial interests.
According to Hacker, the amount of people who were once intrigued by the strange story surrounding the Powell household has decreased. In Vienna, there are not many individuals who still recall Powell.
According to Rendelman, memories typically endure for one generation.
According to Hacker, there is still approximately $80,000 left in the trust. After deducting legal fees and the value of the home, which was appraised at around $60,000, the account will be depleted. A date for finalizing the trust in court has not been set yet.
Attempts were made to reach the trustee at First Mid Bank & Trust in Mattoon via telephone and email for a statement.
Hacker stated that there is a chance the house will stay available. A potential purchaser has proposed converting the three-bedroom, 1,700 square foot (160 square meter) property into a bed-and-breakfast.
Source: independent.co.uk
