Happenings: early 1884

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

January 1884 welcomed a New Year and a new editor for the Valley Falls New Era, predecessor of the Valley Falls Vindicator.

Salutatory from R.E. Van Meter, editor and prop.:
“In assuming control of the New Era, we feel that we take upon us no little responsibility, as to mold public opinion, in great measure, is the province of the press, and to carry out that mission to the edification of all interests effected thereby, is a task which cannot be lightly regarded, even by the most competent. As touching the whiskey question, The New Era, whatever may have been its position heretofore, will be boldly and fearlessly in favor of the enforcement of the prohibition law, just the same as any other law. Politically, it has, we believe been essentially a Republican paper and such it will continue to be under its new management.”

Writer’s Note: The historian gleaning the notes of the past from the newspapers noted:
“Every article by this editor is necessarily condensed by me as he tends to make an essay of all articles.”

In addition to the traditional birth, death, marriages, and social events news coverage, the new editor cited examples of city improvement, church activities, and progress, less than favorable incidents and the fate of the drinking establishments.

Jan. 3, 1884: “Street Commissioner Young had a force of men at work blasting out rock and grading down the hill this side of Peter’s Creek. The rock taken out will be used in macadamizing Broadway from Bliss’s Store to the depot.

Jan. 17, 1884: “There are still a few whiskey joints in Valley Falls. It would be well for them to go soon, for they eventually will.”

Feb. 14, 1884: The colored Baptists had a very successful festival Thursday evening at Old Turner Hall on Sycamore Street. Their church is in very prosperous condition.”

Jan. 3, 1884: “Boos To a Church” The Valley Falls liberals are dismayed at the rapidity with which the Methodists of that town have restored their church. It was destroyed by a cyclone last summer and some of the so-called liberals predicted it would not be restored, as they pretended to see in its demolition an indication that God wanted no Methodist Churches in town.”

From the Atchison Champion follow up: Jan. 17, 1884, New Era: Friends of the Methodists will be pleased to learn that the new church is to be dedicated the 27th . . . Services of the Baptist and Congregational Churches will be dispensed with on that day in order that all who desire may join the Methodists.

Feb. 7, 1884: Booze in the Alley. Three roughs from the country were in town Saturday night and made beasts of themselves. By some means they got hold of a keg of whiskey, took it into the alley . . . where they pounded in the head and dished out the contents by the dipperful to all who were inclined to drink. It didn’t take long for old topers to get their hides soaked full, and many who are not in the habit of getting on real “benders” became quite boozy and the situation was one of the most ridiculous to contemplate.”

“Results of the Prohibition Law at a later time.”

Lesa Brose, Joan Reichart, and Anita Stutesman will be historical society museum hosts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. Admission is free.