July 30, 2013

1904 New Era: October issue declares 91-year-old's life 'soon to end'

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, President, Valley Falls Historical Society
(Conclusion 1904 saga)

Valley Falls New Era, July 15, 1904:
"Add to list of businesses and merchants — J.W. McDaniel, druggist, and J.H. McNutt, dealer in groceries."

Continued news items from Valley Falls New Era 1904:
July 23, "Church directory, Lutheran Church, Baptist Church, Christian Church, Methodist Church, and Congregational Church.
"There will be a meeting at city hall July 30 at 1 a.m. for the purpose of organizing a gun club. Everyone that is interested is requested to attend. (Note: 1 a.m. is correct).

"Lou Hauck, J.A. Zimmerman, W. Hall, G.W. Marks, J.P. Rasmussen, Elmer Lewis, and Bernie Arnold went to Yankton, South Dakota, Sunday night where they registered in the land drawing of the Rose Bud Reservation Lands, which will be thrown open for settlement soon. Of course, each of them expect to draw a quarter section. They arrived home Wednesday."

July 29, "The carnival committee has closed a contract for a balloon man for the carnival. He is a reliable man and will do good work if the weather will permit."

Aug. 5, "There has been much talk about H. N. Oakley carrying the mail on Route No. 3 and teaching school at the same time. He informs us that he will carry the mail and has given up the school proposition.
"A new cement sidewalk is being put down in front of Mitchell's Butcher Shop this week."

Sept. 9, "The indications are that Broadway will be lighted by electricity during the carnival. J.A. Zimmerman has taken hold of the old plant and is getting it in shape for the purpose."

Sept. 16, "The foundation for the Catholic cottage is almost completed.
"Marsh & Falls Cigar Factory is gaily decorated in front with several hundred cigar boxes, the contents of which have been sent up in smoke by patrons of this enterprising firm.
"(Carnival) The Street Fair a Success. — The third annual Street Fair and Carnival is the most successful one so far held both in attractions and in point of attendance."

Sept. 30, "Arrangements are being made for the operation of a good electric light plant here. J.A. Zimmerman and George Harman have leased the Piazzek Plant and will put in a first class steam outfit. While the boiler and engine will likely not be in place for several weeks, we understand a limited number of lights will be furnished in a week or so."

Oct. 7, "Mrs. Lou Hauck is the proud possessor of a fine two-seated surrey, which her husband made a present of."

Oct. 14, "Electric lights were turned on Saturday night for the first time under the new management. Messrs. Zimmerman and Harman are endeavoring to build up a system of light that will be satisfactory to the public. How they will succeed remains to be seen."

"Tuesday, Oct. 10, was Sophia Fleisher's 91st birthday and about a dozen ladies made their annual visit to cheer her on life's journey, that will soon be ended as she is failing fast."

Nov. 18, "The Catholic school opened Tuesday morning with 16 pupils enrolled. A neat, two-story residence has been erected near the church for the Sisters who are conducting the school, which is being held in the church at present."

Dec. 16, "F.V. Glenn returned from Kansas City Tuesday evening. He was down there several days assisting J.A. Zimmerman dismantle and load a boiler for the electric light plant."

A quick glance into the New Year, 1905:
Valley Falls New Era, Jan. 20, 1905, "An ordinance — Granted to J.A. Zimmerman and George Harman, both of Valley Falls, Kansas, their successors and assigns, composing the Z Light and Power Company, an electric light and power franchise in the City of Valley Falls, Kansas. Be ordained, etc."

The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.

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