First view from Half Mound "magnificent and sublime"

"A view from twelve to eighteen miles can be had in every direction," commented a reporter for the Kansas New Era dated Aug. 25, 1877. 

The writer continued: "Last week we took our first view from the summit of the Half Mound on the east bank of the Delaware, six miles above Valley Falls. The Half Mound seems to be a detached portion of the dividing ridge, which separates the waters of Coal Creek from the north and stands immediately upon the river's bank. Long years ago, it was undoubtedly a complete mound, but the west half has been carried away by the winding Delaware, which flows at its base. 

"At the foot of the mound on the west side, stands the flouring mills belonging to Hillyer and Co. with accompanying graineries, ware houses, cribs, etc. with  M.D. James in charge. Half Mound makes no pretentions toward a village or town site at present, although there are four or five families living within a short distance of the mills. The Kansas Central (R.R.) has a switch within a quarter of a mile, but no regular station (depot). The train is generally stopped by waving a hat, and we saw one man bring the puffing engine to a sudden halt by waving a 'jug.' "

"Standing upon the elevation, one sees spread out before him like a huge checker board at least one third of Jefferson and a large portion of Jackson and Atchison counties. Valley Falls and Nortonville and Arrington are in full view. The winding streams with their fringes of timber, together with orchard groves and hedges, combine to make the view magnificent and sublime."

Information source: Yesteryears, compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, Valley Falls Historical Society President.

The historical society museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27. Historical Society calendars are available at the museum.

1927 Almanac advises parents on feeding youngin’s

— Betty Jane Wilson, historical society president 

"Old fashioned cornmeal mush is good food for a child's evening meal. Serve with syrup and butter or cream and sugar or milk and sugar," advised the Rexall Family Almanac of 1927. 

The popular United Drug Co. publication of weather forecasts, moon phases and countless gems of family advice continued with the following children's diet:

"Below the age of six or seven, the child should have little or no meat, a small amount of scraped beef, a bit of chicken or an occasional cup of broth are sufficient. In these early years, protein needed is furnished chiefly by eggs and milk. The fat in a child's diet is supplied by cream, butter, and vegetable oils. Natural brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat, egg yolk, apples, dates, and prunes are all rich in iron. Cocoa and dried figs supply magnesium."

The report continues listing the virtues of fruit and vegetables with the conclusion:
"It is estimated that the child from three to six years of age needs about one-half as much protein and fat as a grown person and only one-third as much carbohydrates."

"No Happy Meals?" our compiler Betty Jane Wilson asks.

The historical society museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20. Dodie Bolz and Dee Bayless will be hosts.

Autumn color, veterans honored in window display

by Betty Jane Wilson, historical society president

A serene country scene, enhanced by a smattering of nature's unique
and variegated bounties, affords credence to a mega "Give Thanks"
poster planted midst the harvest assortment. Pumpkins, sans carved
features, overflowing cornucopias stuffed with colorful treasures,
sunflowers galore towering over large and small pine cones nestled
among brilliant leaves fallen from parent trees, all under the silent
visage of a wise old owl, complete the November autumn scene of the
Valley Falls Historical Society Museum.

"Lest We Forget" . . . mini military service flags prominently
displayed against an American flag background with veterans support
slogans placed among the flags honor all veterans past and present on
Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Remember the price of freedom.

Frank and Edie Shrimplin will be museum hosts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 13.

1898 School Fire

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"The unexpected happened this time. Our magnificent public school
house a pile of ruins." From the Valley Falls Historical Society
files, the following report, dated Oct. 5, 1898:

"No one had the remotest thought that the school house, the seat of
learning and the pride of the city, was the next to be taken by the
fire.

"Just before ten o'clock, less than an hour after school had been
called, Mrs. E. Summerfelt first noticed smoke issuing from the roof
of the school house and she hastened to the school rooms to give the
alarm. Elbert Allen happened to be in the school yard and fled to the
fire bell and sounded the alarm. The very tones of the bell, the
sharp, strong clangs seemed to mean a fire sure enough . . .

"The fire company and everyone else responded promptly and soon there
were streams of people hurrying to the school house where it was
feared that hundreds of children would be in danger. Their fears were
soon relieved, the teachers and pupils were all out of the burning
building and were safe.

"The fire spread rapidly under and over the large roof and it was soon
evident it was doomed. First the water pressure was inadequate . . .
people entered rooms and threw out books, slates, desks, and anything
they could handle. The water pressure improved and after roofs fell
in, the fire was soon under control and by half past eleven, the
worst was over.

"The lower floors were not very badly damaged and ceilings were fair.
The stone walls remained intact and only one chimney fell down. The
school was built in 1866. The building was insured for $8,000, which
will not cover the loss.

"When school will be resumed, even in temporary rooms, or what will be
done about rebuilding, has not been determined. Whether the fire
originated from a defective flue or a spark on the dry roof will
perhaps never be known."

The historical society museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 6. Admission is free. The 2011 calendars are available.