compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
The J.P. Batchelor home described in the Valley Falls New Era, Nov. 25, 1899, as "the handsomest and most modern in the county," (see Valley Falls Vindicator, Jan. 16, 2013) won praise from the Valley Falls New Era, Nov. 23, 1903, as two social events of the season took place at the beautiful home on separate occasions. Mrs. Batchelor entertained some 80 of her lady friends, assisted by Mrs. H.B. Morgan of Leavenworth and Miss Agnes Legler of Valley Falls.
According to the news item:
"The reception room and parlor were elegantly decorated with yellow chrysanthemums and the dining room with American Beauty roses. The house was illuminated with gas throughout, and from the chandeliers were suspended ribbons of ivy and ferns. Hall's orchestra from Topeka was stationed in the hall, where they discoused (sic) sweet strains of music through the reception. Miss Inez Batchelor (daughter) presided over the punch bowl. An elegant three-course lunch was served, after which the guests departed for their respective homes, wishing their hostess many such pleasant occasions."
At another time, the news source reported:
"Mr. J.P. Batchelor, one of our popular townsmen, sent invitations to his gentlemen friends inviting them to attend a black cat party at his residence.
"The guests were received by Mr. Batchelor, assisted by Mrs. Batchelor, Mrs. B.H. Morgan, and Miss Agnes Legler. After the arrival of the guests, Mr. Batchelor made a short address of welcome in which he stated that Dr. Frank Swallow would be master of ceremony.
"For the evening, the Dr. responded in a very pleasant manner complementing Mr. Batchelor on his beautiful home and surroundings and on his public spirit, referring to the construction of his new store buildings. He said, 'If we had more Batchelors, we would have a better town.' The guests were entertained in various ways.
"Mr. G.H. Breckline of Kansas City, was present with his bones and kept the guests in good humor with his instruments and his stories. He wears a medal for being the champion bone rattler of the world.
"Punch was served in the library, presided over by Miss Inez Batchelor (daughter). About 9:30 p.m., the guests were invited to the dining room where warm refreshments were served, after which a smoke was taken in the library.
"The cat guessing contest was an enjoyable feature of the evening. Each guest was furnished with a card and pencil. On the cards were printed conundrums, commencing with the word 'cat.' The party who succeeded in answering the greatest number of the conundrums correctly received an elegant prize. Twenty minutes were given the contestants and when time was called, the lists were corrected and it was found that F.C. Scott and C.C. Lord each had the same number of correct answers. They drew lots and Mr. Scott won the prize, which was a fine silk umbrella, with a bone handle and silver mountings. On the mounting was the following inscription 'For the wise cat, Nov. 11, 1903.'
"The party broke up about 11:30, wishing Mr. Batchelor many such pleasant 'black cat parties.' "
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9.
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