Death of A.G. Patrick 1903, LaFountain Building fire 1904, J. P. Batchelor builds the Inez Hotel in Kansas City 1907

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

A sundry of early 20th century news items from local publications included the following:

Valley Falls New Era, Feb. 14, 1903:
"Death of a Pioneer, A.G. Patrick." (A.G. Patrick has been mentioned frequently for his business versatility, adventurous spirit, reminiscences etc.) Albert G. Patrick, a pioneer of Jefferson County and one time editor of the New Era, died suddenly at his home in Oskaloosa, aged nearly 80 years. The cause of his death was paralysis. His sister, widow of the late Dr. Cooper, went to her brother's home, looked one moment at the body and fell to the floor paralyzed on one side and unconscious. She died at 11 o'clock Tuesday.

"Mr. Patrick had many adventures in the early days in Kansas and has been a valuable contributor to the history of these gloomy times. The funeral occurred here (V.F.) and was held under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge."

Valley Falls New Era, Feb. 12, 1904:
"Fire broke out in the LaFountain Building last Friday night, 412 Broadway, and was making rapid headway by the time the fire department reached the scene. It took some pretty hard work to save the building, which was considerably damaged. B.S. Chapman and family lived in the upper part of the house and lost a great deal of their household effects. The cause of the fire is a mystery."

Valley Falls New Era, Friday, Dec. 9, 1904, F.W. Arnold, Publisher:
"A Home for Unmarried Men. J. P. Batchelor of Valley Falls, Kans., will build an apartment house for unmarried men at the northeast corner of Ninth Street and Troost Avenue. The plans have been drawn by J. G. Braecklein, an architect at 15 West Ninth Street. The size of the building will be 150 x100 feet. It will be built of Carthage stone and Omaha pink bird's-eye brick. The cornices will be of terra cotta.

"The building will have three stories and a basement. The basement will contain a buffet, Turkish bath, barber shop, bowling alley, and kitchen and boiler room. The first floor will have large corridors similar to the Southern Hotel in St. Louis, billiard rooms, a library, and a dining room. The second and third stories will be arranged in two- and three-room suites, with private baths and wardrobes. The approximate cost will be $85,000. Work will begin in February. — Kansas City Star."

The Farmer's Vindicator, March 15, 1907:
"After a week's visit here, J.P. Batchelor returned to Kansas City Monday to look after the finishing of his new block, 'The Inez,' named for his daughter. The completion of this 'Home' for guests wanting the finest furnished suites, with all modern conveniences and accesssories, meal served in main dining room or in private, was delayed since January. The opening will be announced in a few weeks. 'The Inez' will be in a class by itself, there being nothing equal to it to appointment nor plan in the west."

The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 15.