- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson Historical Society President
Citizens of Valley Falls determined to prove they have a progressive town— the New Era, April 1887, quoted the Topeka CommonWealth: "This city (Valley Falls) is becoming a railroad city. They have the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, the Kansas Central of the Union Pacific and the Right-of-Way of the Kansas City, Wyandotte and Northwestern Railway for this city from the southeast."
The New Era, May 26, complained, "The circus last Saturday was the biggest fraud that has ever visited Valley Falls in many a day. Hardly a thing that the bills called for was on exhibition."
New Era, July 14, "The water works committee awarded to the U.S. Wind Engine and Pump Co. the contract for furnishing plans for a system of water works. It was decided by the committee to dig a well 15 feet in circumference on Catherine Street between Elm and Oak to erect a windmill in connection therewith and to erect a reservoir on Lord's Hill.
"The electric light system is about complete and the light was turned on Tuesday night. Only about 35 lights were in operation as that is all the burners there were attached."
July 28, "An ordinance granted the Kansas City, Wyandotte and Northwestern Railroad Company the right to construct, maintain, and operate its railroad over along and across certain streets and alleys in the city of
Valley Falls."
August 4- "The Electric Light Co. has about as many lights as its dynamo will supply. Everybody wants electric lights."
August 11–Disaster– A heavy rain and wind storm. "Thunder and lightning were almost incessant. One bolt of lightning striking the new Lutheran Church which burned like tinder and was in ashes in an hour. The lightning struck the tower which almost immediately burst into flames. The building was uninsured and entails a loss of about $5,000. It is the intention to rebuild the church at once provided the necessary funds can be raised."
August 25- Despair? "Shall all our blooms die in the bud? It locked session October 18, and opened bids for the construction of a system of water-works for the city of Valley Falls. The contract was awarded to the United States Windmill Co. of Batavia, Ill. at a cost of $14,778.
Bricklaying on the Lutheran church is progressing rapidly.
Nov. 3– The new Northwestern Depot is a beauty.
Nov. 10- "The spire of the new Lutheran Church rises to about the same altitude as did that of the beautiful structure that burned last summer and the edifice is nearing completion."
New Era, December 8, "The Valley Falls Coal Prospecting and Mining Co. met pursuant to call at City Hall and after discussing the matter thoroughly, decided to disband and pay back all money paid in and recommended that steps be taken to induce the Township Board to call an election for the purpose of voting bands in the sum of $5,000 for the purpose of prospecting for coal. "
December 22– New church dedicated. "The new Lutheran Church was dedicated last Sunday. Rev. J.M. Crumer of Kansas City, who preached the dedicatory sermon when the first house was consecrated, performed that office on this occasion. Only $83 remained to be collected to place the church clear of debt, and that amount was soon raised."
New Era, Thursday, December 29, 1887, "The first regular services in the new Lutheran Church were held last Sabbath morning."
Next- A brief look at the town's anals of history in the new year of 1888 may reveal if progress continued.
The Society Museum will be open 10 a.m. Saturday, July 27.
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