Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Who was here 80 years ago...........
Saturday night live (the terminology, not the television show) suggests former years at Valley Falls (memories for some) reminiscent tales related by elders to younger generations for others.
Saturday night, the end of the week’s occupation, when farmers, laborers, and citizens “went to town” for shopping, bartering, gossiping, hair cuts, entertainment and genuine fellowship.
According to the township directory for 1929, Valley Falls Broadway Street was occupied by a host of stores, shops and merchants serving the community.
Those services and locations included these Broadway addresses:
216-218 Lambert Lumber Co.
300 E.E. McComas, Produce
301-303 Murray-Heer Ford dealer
302 Shuler’s Furniture
304 Shuler Floral
305 Davis Sisters Millinery and Bert Booth Real Estate & Insurance
306-308 Hauck’s Department Store
307 Broadway Cafe, “Dad” Thompson, Prop.
309 E.R. Hosler, Chiropractor
310 Gillispie Hardware and Sam Strawn, Atty., Ins. & Real Estate, 2nd floor (310 is now the historical society’s museum).
311 Norris and Lewis Barber Shop
312 First National Bank
313 Hudson & Burkert Auto Repair and Chrysler Agency
314 Mitchell’s Meat Market
315 Scott’s Billiard Parlor
316 North Side Barbershop, E.V. Goodwin and Ham Green, barbers
317 Huber’s Cigar Store & Factory
318 City Bakery, A.N. (Nick) Gahm, Prop.
319-321 Knier & Knowles Harness Makers
320 City Cafe, Mr. and Mrs. Walter McDaniel, prop.
322 Wettig Clothing Store
323 Kendall State Bank
324 Corner Drug Store, Gilbert W. Morell, prop.; Author Braden, dentist
400 Citizens State Bank
401 Wettig Hotel
402 Wilson poultry and Dr. W.A. Roberts, Chiropractor (2 stories)
403 Kansas Power & Light Co.
404 Otwell’s Jewelry & Radio Store, Harry Otwell, prop.
(To be continued)
The Valley Falls museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 27. Admission is free. Guided tours available.
March 23, 2010
March 17, 2010
Balloons - tragic, comedic, newsworthy
— Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, Valley Falls Historical Society president
Men and boys and their balloon escapades, regardless of century or outcome, tragic, adventurous, utilitarian, or comedic, have proved newsworthy.
“Eighty Days Around the World,” the incredible tragic dirigible, the priceless weather balloon, and even the account of the hapless youngster exploited by an allegedly publicity seeking father claiming his son was aboard an unmanned balloon, won their share of headlines.
Not all balloon events gained notoriety. The Valley Falls New Era, Aug. 31, 1905, carried a rave review of a recent “Glorious Carnival — The Best Ever — The Attractions of a Higher Order”— then added matter of factly that just as the balloon man was about to make his ascension, a boy about 14 years of age tried to jump across the attached balloon ropes. The boy’s feet became entangled in the ropes, already loosened for ascension and he was dragged into the air. The alert balloonist quickly cut the ropes freeing the boy and the balloons averting a tragic balloon accident.
Devoid of publicity and fanfare, an heroic, nameless carnival performer and a lucky, nameless teenager, and the incident are imbedded in the annals of Valley Falls balloon history.
The Valley Falls Historical Society museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 20, Admission is free.
Men and boys and their balloon escapades, regardless of century or outcome, tragic, adventurous, utilitarian, or comedic, have proved newsworthy.
“Eighty Days Around the World,” the incredible tragic dirigible, the priceless weather balloon, and even the account of the hapless youngster exploited by an allegedly publicity seeking father claiming his son was aboard an unmanned balloon, won their share of headlines.
Not all balloon events gained notoriety. The Valley Falls New Era, Aug. 31, 1905, carried a rave review of a recent “Glorious Carnival — The Best Ever — The Attractions of a Higher Order”— then added matter of factly that just as the balloon man was about to make his ascension, a boy about 14 years of age tried to jump across the attached balloon ropes. The boy’s feet became entangled in the ropes, already loosened for ascension and he was dragged into the air. The alert balloonist quickly cut the ropes freeing the boy and the balloons averting a tragic balloon accident.
Devoid of publicity and fanfare, an heroic, nameless carnival performer and a lucky, nameless teenager, and the incident are imbedded in the annals of Valley Falls balloon history.
The Valley Falls Historical Society museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 20, Admission is free.
March 10, 2010
In 1907 "a great snow storm" visits the area
compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, historical society president
History, a compilation of events graced with repetitions, similarities and parallels plays few favorites; However, weather maintains high priority throughout the annals. The March 22, 1907, Farmer’s Vindicator chose to feature that same March week in 1876 when “a great snow storm visited this country” (our vicinity. The drifting, blinding, furious kind. The whole state was snow bound. The railroads were blocked for a week. With snow plows and hand shovels, the tracks were opened for trains for one day when another big snow fall suspended traffic for several days more.” (sound familiar?)
"People traveled from house to house over stake and rider fences and tree tops hidden in deep drifts. It was a trying time." In contrast, the temperature for that specific time, 1907, had risen to 80 degrees. Apparently, the spring-like degrees did not last, the May 10, 1907, newspaper reported “It snowed in May! It came for breakfast last Friday morning, May 3. The oldest, local inhabitant never saw the like in May with so much snow and temperatures 23 degrees above zero at Blue Mound weather station.
“The May freeze continued through May 17 with ice an eighth of an inch thick. Considering weather’s repetitive history, the poetics may dream with trepidations “When winter comes, spring can not be far behind.”
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 6. Admission is free.
History, a compilation of events graced with repetitions, similarities and parallels plays few favorites; However, weather maintains high priority throughout the annals. The March 22, 1907, Farmer’s Vindicator chose to feature that same March week in 1876 when “a great snow storm visited this country” (our vicinity. The drifting, blinding, furious kind. The whole state was snow bound. The railroads were blocked for a week. With snow plows and hand shovels, the tracks were opened for trains for one day when another big snow fall suspended traffic for several days more.” (sound familiar?)
"People traveled from house to house over stake and rider fences and tree tops hidden in deep drifts. It was a trying time." In contrast, the temperature for that specific time, 1907, had risen to 80 degrees. Apparently, the spring-like degrees did not last, the May 10, 1907, newspaper reported “It snowed in May! It came for breakfast last Friday morning, May 3. The oldest, local inhabitant never saw the like in May with so much snow and temperatures 23 degrees above zero at Blue Mound weather station.
“The May freeze continued through May 17 with ice an eighth of an inch thick. Considering weather’s repetitive history, the poetics may dream with trepidations “When winter comes, spring can not be far behind.”
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 6. Admission is free.
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