Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
The Valley Falls New Era, July 1, 1884, announced that Dr. Frank Swallow, practicing physician and surgeon from Hahnsman Hospital, Chicago, had elected to locate in Valley Falls to practice his profession.
By September, he was enjoying practice from his location in Hillyer Place and in November, he and his mother rented a house on west Broadway. In addition to his practice, he became active in civic affairs, having been elected to an office of the AOUW, and by 1889, became Grand Medical Director of the organization. In 1891, he was elected mayor of Valley Falls, defeating popular citizen C.C. Lord. In the winter of 1900-1901, the state legislature passed a medical law requiring physicians to register and to exhibit their diplomas at the State Board of Health in Topeka.
A New Era news item reported:
"Doc has a diploma from a medical college, which he has possessed for the last 20 years. It is framed and hangs in his office in Valley Falls. As he says, 'I get to looking up at that old diploma hanging up there on the wall and say to myself, I will see that board of health in ________ before I take down that diploma and send it over to Topeka. I am willing to furnish the affidavits of two reputable physicians in my town stating that I have the diploma, but it will never come out of that frame.' "
The news item continues:
"Nearly everybody in the eastern part of Kansas knows Dr. Frank Swallow of Valley Falls. Judging from the color and texture of his hair and his swarthy countenance, one might suppose that he is a linear descendent of the original Powhattan.
"Doc is certainly original in his manner of speech and opinions. Once let him get his head set and he is as determined to have his way as a full blooded Texas bronco or a thoroughbred Scotchman.
"The members of the board of health have attempted to argue with Doc, but to no avail. He says he will spend thousands to fight the law if they insist on his exhibiting his diploma, but he will (relinquish) the sheepskin never. It is a matter of principle with him.
"At this time, it seems to be up to the board of health. If they refuse to issue the certificate, the fight is on. At the present time, the doctor seems to have the best of the situation. He tendered the fee required by the board, which they accepted and receipted for, thus virtually acknowledging the existence of the diploma."
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
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