- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president of the Valley Falls Historical Society
The community of Grasshopper Falls, now legally called Valley Falls, reflected steady growth in 1885 and 1886 — new business houses were being built, old buildings readily repaired or torn down dependent upon condition, and new residences appeared in steadily growing numbers.
1887 started off in the same growth vein, even boasting the dedication of a new Lutheran church and the State of Kansas accorded the women the privilege of voting. Even so, scores of citizens were not satisfied with their town's image and expressed their dissatisfaction with their public pleas, "Give us electric lights, give us water power, give us a coal shaft — anything and everything to show the world we've got some life about us."
The Valley Falls New Era, Feb. 24, 1887, reported:
"Pursuant to call, a large number of citizens of Valley Falls gathered at the city court room to consult with reference to the future welfare of the town and the contiguous territory. On motion, the following committees were appointed with instructions to report to the next meeting: Coal shaft, electric lights, railroads, real estate, and city hall. Each committee had no less than five and often more members of town leaders appointed to plant the seeds of growth."
March 3, 1887, The New Era reported:
"The Valley Falls real estate syndicate, organized with president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer as officers, headquartered at the Valley Falls Bank of Deposit. The purpose is for dealing in real estate and improving the business prospects of Valley Falls."
New Era, March 10:
"We, the (undersigned) ladies of Valley Falls, hereby organize an association to be known as the 'Women's Suffrage Club,' the object of which is to secure the election of city officers who will perform the duties of the office in strict accordance with the laws of Kansas." (— 22 ladies signed as members.)
A board of trade was organized with four officers and five board of directors. Although some action took place, on April 18, the New Era April 21 progress report stated:
"There was a special session of the city council Thursday afternoon at which a large amount of important business was transacted, including the announcement of the following committees: accounts, improvements, printing, revenue, licenses, and weights and measures. Each committee consisted of at least three members.
"Numerous street crossings and sidewalks were petitioned for and ordered built. A petition of Geo. McCammon and 101 others, asking for an election for the purpose of issuing bonds of the city to the amount of $15,000 for the construction of water works (was presented). The city attorney was instructed to look up all cases pending in courts and report same to council.
"N.G. Hayward was present and asked the council to grant Piazzek and Hayward the exclusive franchise for the operation of the electric light plant for the next 10 years, and on motion, the same was granted. C.F. Bliss and T.C. Lord were appointed a committee to investigate the waterworks question, including finding the cost of various apparatus and fixtures."
Continuing in April: "An ordinance authorized Piazzek and Hayward to maintain and operate an electric lights, motor power, and electric appliances plant in the city of Valley Falls."
And on April 28:
"The contract for the plant was closed with H.K. Webb, a representative of the Jenner Electric Co. of Indianapolis, Ind."
Next, the Topeka commonwealth comments favorably on Valley Falls's growth, followed by an entertainment failure.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20.
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