Grasshopper Falls in January and February 1874

—Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president.

The 1874 weekly issues of the Kansas New Era (predecessor of the Vindicator) provides historical insight for life and times of the town nearly 20 years following the staking claim for Grasshopper Falls by explorers Frazier, Riddle, Whitney, and Jolley.

The January and February editions featured the following items in journalism language of the era:

Nine cars were loaded with ice for Leavenworth last Saturday. Dudgeon has sold all his coal and is now filling his coal sheds with ice. The big rain storm last week frightened our ice dealers and they thought the ice market was over. Sawter and Mitchell had a large force of men and teams at work and filled their house while the rain was pouring torrents.

There are three hotels in the city, the Cataract, Broadway, and Burrell. They are all well kept and we understand doing well.

There are four milliner and dressmaking establishments in the place, Mrs. Hays, Mrs. McCartney, Mrs. Bounds and Mrs. Martin, all of whom seem to be doing well.

There are two printing offices, the Grasshopper and the New Era, both getting along as we understand from the publishers. Mr. Ground Hog did not more than see his shadow on last Tuesday.

The subject of changing the town’s name is again agitated. Dr. Northrup suggests “Kansas Falls” and old “Fifty Fiver” suggests “Cedar Falls” or “Falls City.” We should not object to either as they are short and appropriate. Someone suggests the place retain its present name because of its distinctiveness. We favor the change on account of the names suggested being short, while Grasshopper Falls stretches nearly across a sheet of note paper.

The method of closing saloons recently inaugurated in Ohio is fast spreading all over the country. They are about to try it in Leavenworth and we presume Grasshopper Falls will be next.

The way it is done is as follows:

The Christian ladies of the town form themselves into praying bands and hold prayer meetings in the barroom, if allowed to do so, and if not, on the sidewalk outside. One band relieves another and the meeting is kept up until the saloon keeper is converted or his business ruined.

F.A. Dudgeon was circulating a petition last week, the object of which was to have the name of the place changed to Kansas Falls. Somebody in this place received a consignment of sauer kraut last week, and lovers of fermented cabbage were nearly frantic with delight over the reappearance of their nearly forgotten delicacy. One person procured a large pailful, posted himself on the sidewalk on Broadway, and in the fullness of his heart offered a handful of the racid succulent to every passerby.

Businesses in 1929, part 2

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

Part II

The stroll down Broadway in 1929 listing shops and merchants serving the community, their location and address from street number 216 through 404 continues from last week:
405: Wettig Hotel, barber shop, Joe Hill, prop.; Russel Merlin, barber, and Rylan Jackson, shiner.
406: 1-story frame, vacant
407: Valley Falls Confectionery, Leonard A. Waite, prop.
408: VF shoe shop, Franklin McKenna, prop.
409: Hatfield Penslar Store, L.A. Hatfield, prop.
409: Star Grocery, C.V. Coalson, prop.
410: 1-story brick, vacant
411: Pat’s Cafe, A.P. Davies, prop.
412-416: Summerfelt Hardware, E. Summerfelt Jr., Prop.
413: Leland and Leland (J.B. & R.M.) tailors and cleaners.
415: Valley Falls Jewelry Store, Mrs. O.F. Falls, prop.
417: Shaffer’s Cigar Store, F.C. Shaffer, prop.
418: McDaniels Pool Hall and Lunch Room, W.A. McDaniels, prop.
419: Lott’s Variety Store
420: Good Eats Market, Roy H. Reichart, prop.
420: H.H. Davies, Dentist (2-story building)
 421: D.B. Grocery, Mrs. Inez Boyer, prop. (Chamber of Commerce meeting first and third Friday at 421 Broadway)
422: Post office, O.F. Falls, postmaster.
423: Kenyon Dry Goods, W.H. Kenton, prop.
425: Dr. F.P. Mann, physician.
500: Marland Oil Refining Co. Service Station, R.E. Cook, station agent
501-503: Thompson Clothing Co., W.I. Thompson, prop.
505: 1-story brick, vacant
507: Kirshbraum Cream Station, John Stafford, agent
508-510: Armstong, J.F., Oil Station. J.F. Armstrong, prop.
511: Conerus Shoe Shop, A.H. Conerus, prop.
512-516: Blake’s Garage, Frank Blake, prop.
513: Newman’s Blacksmith Shop, V.P. Newman, prop.

Stores and shops stayed open late to accommodate customers.

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 3. Hosts will be Maxine Hefty and Betty Jane Wilson. Admission is free.