Parties and celebrations often began before the execution of a criminal in France, but sometimes, especially when the criminal was a murderer, the parties went into excess.
Below is an article from 1911 that tells us about the celebration before and after an accused murderer met his end. What is surprising is the mention of the hawkers. Postcards and other memorabilia that showed portraits of the murderer were sold to the crowd.
Scandalous Scenes at French Execution
The wine merchant, Favier, who murdered and robbed a debt collector, was executed at Lille.
He was fast asleep when the Governor of the prison entered his cell and told him that the hour of death had come. He showed no fear, but dressed calmly and talked with those around him.
After he had made his confession, heard mass, and received the Sacrament, he went to the scaffold, preceded by a priest. His last act was to kiss a little crucifix he held in his hand; then the knife of the guillotine descended in a flash, and severed his head from his body.
Merry Making
The execution was an occasion of merrymaking on a large scale. On the previous night the streets of Lille were throned with sightseers, and the hawkers drove an excellent trade in picture postcards of the murderer.
Treatment of Deibler
Deibler, the executioner, who arrived in the town, with his assistants, during the morning was recognized, cheered, and escorted wherever he went.
At half past eight it became necessary for the police to take action to keep back the enormous crowd that had assembled around the Palais de Justice.
Charged for Admission in Bars
Two bars commanding a view of the place charged 4s per head for admission, and even trebled the price of drinks. The windows commanding the scene of the execution were bought up by spectators directly when it was known that Favier would by executed.
Five to six pounds was realized by the holders of windows overlooking the guillotine.
The father and brother of the bank collector were present.
Source: The Evening Star. Wednesday, February 22, 1911.
