Some early settlers of Valley Falls

- by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

In February 1855, following the December 1854 discovery and founding of Grasshopper Falls, Mrs. Caroline Jolley, wife of H.B. Jolley, one of the founders, arrived. She was the first white woman in the township as well as the town.

On March 16, 1855, Stephen H. Dunn, a blacksmith, accompanied by his wife and children come to the township. Sarah Dunn was the second white woman in the new town and lived there with her husband until her death a few years later.

Since Mrs. Jolley remained only a short time, Mrs. Dunn may be said to be the first pioneer woman. In April 1855, a company was organized to build a saw and grist mill. The mill was erected by James Frazier, Robert Riddle, Isaac Cody, and A.J. Whitney.

J.M. Piazzek worked for these men and in 1860 he became interested in buying the mill and making it into a grist mill as well as a sawmill.

Isaac Cody was never a resident of Grasshopper (Valley) Falls; however, he was elected to the Legislature.

These brief historical facts of the founding of Valley Falls and history of the founders gleaned from the historical society files may be verified and expanded from the Kansas History quarterlies and countless books of authority housed at the Valley Falls Museum.

The museum is open Saturdays at 10 a.m. and other times with advance arrangements.

Founding of Valley Falls

— Researched by the late historian Arthur Strawn
"Ten foot falls!" yelled pioneer James Frazier. His three companions came running and in a minute Grasshopper Falls was discovered. Traditionally, the story is repeated in December as "A Happy Birthday Grasshopper Falls (Valley Falls)" greeting.
Christmas Day, 1854
THE VALLEY FALLS VINDICATOR, Dec. 26, 1963
On the morning of Saturday, December 23, 1854, four men — James Frazier, Robert Riddle, Andrew J. Whitney, and Hozea B. Jolly — set out on foot from their camp on the west side of the Grasshopper River (Delaware). After traveling north about three or four miles, they crossed the present site of Valley Falls, at the corner of Sycamore and Sarah streets. A short distance farther up, they crossed the Grasshopper River and wandered up to about the mouth of Coal Creek before they started their return trip. A short distance above the present town site, at the mouth of Cedar Creek, they found an Indian village and tried to make them understand that the object of their search was a waterfall for a mill site, but did not get any intelligible directions. Continuing their return trip, they reached the point where they had crossed the river. Here James Frazier wandered down a trail along the river hoping to find a fjord. While still in the hazel brush, he heard water running over the rocks, and yelled, "ten foot falls!" (really only about three feet high), at the top of his voice. The others came running and in a minute more, Grasshopper Falls (Valley Falls) was discovered. They returned to the high prairie and moved their camp up to this point on the 24th, and drove stakes for their claim on Monday, December 25th, Christmas Day, then commenced the erection of a cabin. Thus Christmas Day, which has so many meanings for everyone, has a very special meaning for the people of Valley Falls.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be closed Saturday, Dec. 24, and open Saturday, Dec. 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Delaware Township Hall: still serving the community after 70 years

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The Wednesday, Dec. 11, 1940, issue of the Valley Falls Vindicator carried a front page sketch of a building identified as Delaware Township Hall.

"Work on the township hall started Monday morning (December 9) when about 40 *WPA  workers reported for duty. Much progress has been made on clearing away the debris in preparation for the actual construction work."

Read the explanation beneath the sketch. Little report on progress of construction of the building can be found until the following note in the Feb. 

19, 1941, issue of the Vindicator.
 

"Disposition and cleaning of the bricks has been completed at the site of the new township hall."

The next item of interest appeared in the Oct. 8, 1941, Vindicator, Quote:

"WPA crews are working rapidly to get the basement of the new township hall ready for the dance to be held the three nights of the Carnival (Corn Carnival October 15, 16, 17.)

"It will be in readiness. Ken Worsley's 10-piece orchestra from Topeka will play."

The December 10, 2011, Valley Falls Hometown Christmas schedule includes a 4-H soup supper at the Delaware Township Hall; community choir carol singing at Delaware Township Hall; Hometown Christmas prize drawing at Delaware Township Hall, (upstairs); and kids can decorate ornaments for a main street Christmas tree at Delaware Township Hall. Proof positive that 71 years since the ground breaking announcement, the Delaware Township Hall chalks up with pride more than 3 1/2 decades of service for all ages as city center for entertainment and civic and community activities.

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open  at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. The museum will be closed Saturday, Dec. 24, and open Dec. 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

*Works Project Administration, a part of the New Deal to put unskilled men back to work part time who had suffered long-term unemployment.

Museum open for Hometown Christmas

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will observe extended hours, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, in observance of Valley Falls' Hometown Christmas celebration, Betty Jane Wilson, president, advises.

Photo albums with pictures of Valley Falls people, businesses, street scenes, etc. of yesteryear will be available for browsing and guided tours will be available.

The society is also sponsoring a contest of which visitors of all ages will be invited to guess the number of marbles in a jar on display.

The winning number will be awarded a prize during the drawings at the the Delaware Township Hall beginning at 6 p.m.

The museum will observe regular hours Saturday, Dec. 17, opening at 10 a.m. However, it will be closed Saturday, Dec. 24, and open Saturday, Dec. 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Impression of Nortonville, 1889

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The Oskaloosa Independent continued reporting on the growth of Jefferson County neighbors of Valley Falls with the following evaluation of Nortonville in the Sept. 14, 1889, issue of the newspaper:

"Nortonville is a beautiful little city on the north border of Jefferson County. They claim some 800 inhabitants. It presents the best appearance of any town in the county, except the county seat. It has as fine a buildings as are to be found in any of the small cities in the state, and is surrounded by the best farming country in eastern Kansas. They have but one R.R., the AT&SF, a good road and accommodating, and well patronized by the people.

"We notice several new buildings in course of erection, among them a business house by the Hon. A.J. Perry, dimensions, 40 x 70 brick. Mr. Perry is a live, wide-awake businessman and indispensable to this city.

"Janssen Bros. are new arrivals in the business circles of Nortonville and are making it hot for competitors in the hardware business. They sold quite a bill of hardware near Oskaloosa, and propose reaching out all over Jefferson and Atchison counties for trade. They are selling nails for 50 cents less on the keg than can be bought at any other store in the county. They propose carrying a big advertisement in the Independent to let people know what they have and how they sell it.

"We visited the canning factory and found Supt. Copley up to his eyes in business. Tomatoes are coming in now at the rate of 500 bushels per day and the Supt. will increase his force up to about 100 by the first of next of next week. At present outlook, this enterprise will distribute some $1,000 or $1,500 per week among the farmers and town people and is highly appreciated by all.

"The cheese factory is an older concern, but is one of the substantials of the town.

"We met Dr. D.T. Brown, who is one of the medical fraternity and has been located here for two years. The Dr. has a large practice and deserves success.

"We found the new postmaster busy dishing out the mail. Mr. Eckles, besides being postmaster, does an extensive business in the line of insurance.

"J.C. Stone, proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, understands the wants of his guests and takes pride in your comfort while a sojourner. When you come to Nortonville, give him a call.

"We went out among the farmers a day or so and find most farms abound with overloaded crops. Everything in abundance except fruit and money. So far as money is concerned, they propose to arrange that by some sort of legislation. They are banding themselves together in one common brotherhood called The Alliance. It is understood their fight is mainly against the banking system of the country and they propose to have things on a more humane basis and our observations predict that success will crown their efforts, if this organization don't (sic) allow itself to be killed by plunging into partisan politics and allowing certain elements in it to prostitute the order to their own selfish ends."

Source: Yesteryears, a publication of the Jefferson County Genealogical Society.

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open Saturday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m.

Impression of Winchester, 1889

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The growth and development of Jefferson County towns was reported from time to time by the Oskaloosa Independent. The Sept. 14, 1889, issue of the newspaper reviewed the status of Valley Falls' neighbors, Winchester and Nortonville.

"The little city of Winchester, 10 miles northeast of the county hub [Oskaloosa], is a flourishing town. Its people are chuck full of vim. The businessmen are awake to the needs of the trade, and through the indomitable perseverance of a few live men, Winchester is getting the wherewith.

"W.S. Weatherford and Son seem to outstrip all competitors in the race for trade. They carry an immense stock of goods, being by far the largest collection of general merchandise to be found in any store in Jefferson County.

"They draw trade from almost every part of the county. Monday, Sept. 2, their cash sales 'foot up' the neat little sum of $125. Go and see . . . They have a $20,000 stock to select from. There are other firms in the same line of trade, but they were too busy to give us any pointers.

"Miss Sue Forsythe is the leading milliner and dressmaker of Winchester. We noticed two or three pieces and can recommend her work as being tasty and very neat. Ladies, when you are in need of a new hat or want a new dress made, find Miss Forsythe's place.

"Mr. Harry Lillie keeps a first class restaurant where you can get all kinds of confectionery, ice cream and soda, cigars and tobacco. Boys, when you want to treat your girl to ice cream and candy, go and spend your money at this place. you will find the proprietor a first-class young man.

"Mr. L.G. Howard, Winchester's barber and hair dresser, is so well and favorably known that it seems useless for us to try to add anything more to his reputation by anything the Independent might say. This much, however, is due Mr. H. as a barber, there is none better in the county."

Next: the editor's impression of Nortonville. (The source: Yesteryears, a publication of the Jefferson County Historical Society)

Windows reflect fall festivities

by Betty Jane Wilson, Society President

Hail and farewell to the Hallowe'en window scene at the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum. Shiny fabric, black cats with bright glaring eyes, a spider web accompanied by a string of miniature jack- o'lanterns with twinkling lights overseen by a wise old owl and tottering offspring served as harbingers of the trick-or-treat season.

November days ushered in the new theme of autumn days with emphasis on nature's bounties. Small displays of pumpkins, apples, ornamental gourds, stacks of autumn foliage enhanced by a window-length background farm scene mural reflecting harvest fields, surrounded by a timberline of colored trees. A simple "Give Thanks" sign reminds us of the approach of the nation's Thanksgiving holiday.

Veterans of all wars, yesteryear and today, are honored November 11, Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day. Military service flags, American flags, and miniature eagle symbols line the veterans' window, designed to remember and support our veterans.

The historical society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12.

More impressions of Grasshopper Falls, east to Mooney Creek, 1855-56

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president

The Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth, K.T. (Kansas Territory) Friday, June 8, 1855, continued the newspaper's series on Kansas towns with the following commentary:
"On Saturday, having the offer of Mr. Whitey (presumably A.J. Whitney, one of the town founders) to take a ride with him in his carriage, to Grasshopper Falls, we accepted, and must say, we were delighted with the trip.

"We passed over as pretty a country as the eye ever rested upon. The prairies are rolling and dry, soil rich and interspersed with beautiful groves of timber all along the many large and small streams. The Stranger and the Grasshopper are the largest streams we saw with an abundance of good timber on each of them.

"The Stranger Creek is about is about ten miles out and Grasshopper is about 18 or 20 miles still farther west (from Leavenworth). About four or five miles west on Stranger Creek, we crossed what is known as Money (Mooney) Creek. The prairie on each side of it is of unsurpassed beauty — high, dry, rolling, and rich. There is a small bottom on this stream with a great body of excellent timber.

"Crooked Creek is the name of another stream four or five miles west of Money (Mooney) Creek and its name truly indicates what we found the stream to be. In the distance of about two miles, traveling a due west direction, we had to cross it four times . . . The bottoms of this creek are rather subject to overflow, but upon them is a large growth of fine timber capable of supporting many valuable farms upon the adjoining rich prairie lands. . .

"­Soon, very soon, those rich prairies over which we passed, will be dotted with large cultivated fields of hemp, wheat, corn, and the various products of this climate. . . This country is undoubtedly one of the best stock grazing sections to be found in the world . . . It cannot be excelled anywhere. The rich pastures of this prairie will feed and fatten stock in any quantity two thirds of the year. We soon reached Grasshopper Falls and stopped for the night where we had good accommodations.

"Taking a stroll over the town site, we admired its beauty and gently undulating surface. The town site is on the east side of Grasshopper at the Falls. The surface has a gradual and regular ascent for three quarters of a mile. From the eastern limits of the town, you have a view of the timber beyond Osawkee and Hickory Point, eight and ten miles distant and over the Grasshopper in an opposite direction for many miles, of fine bodies of timber on the tributaries of that stream.

"There are two or three streams that empty their waters a short distance above. The view alluded to is grand and magnificent. The town site is high, dry, and lays beautiful to the morning sun. It includes about sixty acres of valuable timber, which will add much value to shares. The Falls of Grasshopper affords one of the best mill sites in the west. There is a perpendicular fall of over six feet with rapids immediately below. A large grist mill is now being erected and we are assured it will be in operation during the summer.

Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth City, K.T., January 19, 1856:
"Grasshopper Falls — There is built and in operation one of the best mills in the territory."

On the 18th of February, 1856, a drawing of lots among shareholders took place marking the town's growth from town site to town to city.

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5.

Impressions of Grasshopper Falls and Osawkee, 1855

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president, Valley Falls Historical Society

Reflecting on Valley Falls history, highlighting the names of the four pioneers, James Frazier, Robert Riddle, Andrew J. Whitney, and Hozea B. Jolly, a sundry of historic notes from neighboring town news sources and the Grasshopper edited by J.A. Cody provide insight into our town's infancy, with some mention of our neighbors.

The Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth, Jan. 19, 1855: "Grasshopper Falls is the name of a new town recently located on the beautiful stream called Grasshopper, at the Falls — It will be surveyed in a short time and lots sold. It is a beautiful site for a town, abundantly supplied with water, with fine water power and good timber, excellent soil with many other advantages. The adjacent country is susceptible of a dense population, that must make the town a county seat. Besides it is on the nearest and most direct route from here (Ft. Leavenworth) to Ft. Riley."

The Weekly Herald, Jan. 26, 1855: "Whitney and Jolly, Attorney and Counsellors at Law, General Land Agents and Dealers in Real Estate, Grasshopper Falls, E.T.W. and J., have permanently located themselves at Grasshopper Falls, the vicinity of the best timbered and watered portion of Kansas.

"They will assist settlers in securing claims, either timber or rich prairie. Settlers will find it for their interest to apply to them as they have given the adjacent country a thorough exploration and have become familiar with all its advantages."

The Kansas Weekly Herald, March 13, 1855: "Grasshopper Falls — This town recently located at the Falls on that beautiful stream known as the Grasshopper, is about 20 miles from the Missouri River. There is a splendid mill site at the place and a large mill now being erected. The timbers for the dam and mill have been ready for a week or two. A store with a general assortment would be a splendid business at this thriving town."

The Kansas Weekly Herald, March 30, 1855: "Trip to Osawkee — Osawkee is on the Grasshopper Creek, one of the prettiest streams in the territory, just at the point where the military road crosses from Ft. Leavenworth via Ft. Riley, to New Mexico, Salt Lake, California, and Oregon. It is located on a high bottom, which is sufficiently undulating to make it dry and healthy. The surrounding scenery is magnificent and attractive. Everything about the place seems as if nature has fixed it for a large and flourishing town. All it needs is the hand of industry to make it what nature assigned it to be. Osawkee is between thirty and thirty-five miles from Ft. Leavenworth, and is the only place on the road after passing Stranger Creek at which a town can be built."

Next — Trip to Grasshopper Falls June 6, 1855.

The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29.

Report from 2011 annual meeting

Wilson re-elected president of VFHS

There were 36 members and guests attending the 44th annual meeting and dinner of the Valley Falls Historical Society Oct. 16, held at The Barn Bed and Breakfast Inn, Valley Falls.

The following officers and directors were elected to serve the society for 2011-2012: Betty Jane Wilson, president; Rosalind Jackson, vice president; Lesa Brosa, secretary; and Gary Coleman, treasurer. For directors: Joan Reichart, Anita Stutesman, and James Durand. For historian: Frank Shrimplin.

Gary Coleman presented Maxine Hefty with a flowering plant and special thanks from the society officers and directors in appreciation for many years service as secretary for the organization.

Sara Jane Richter, dean of liberal arts and professor of English at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell, Okla., presented a program and discussion on buffalo hunters and their impact on history.

Sara Jane is one of 150 speakers from the Kansas Humanities Council Bureau commemorating the Kansas sesquicentennial.

The historial society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22.

History of the Santa Fe Depot

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"Days of the old depot numbered" read the headlines of the July 20, 1917, Farmers' Vindicator of Valley Falls followed by "What was once the pride of the whole country discarded to make room for the new."

The news article continued:
"The work of building the new and modern Santa Fe Depot at Valley Falls started the first of the month and is now on in earnest. Swanson Bros. of Topeka have the contract to build the $21,000 structure and ornament of our city from foundation to finish.

With the building of the new railroad station comes the story of the building and passing of the old depot after an existence of more than 45 years. Beginning in Topeka in the summer of 1868, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe was completed to Emporia in April 1870. Later in 1871, after a bond vote and securing the right of way, the construction of the Santa Fe from Atchison to Topeka was begun and in the spring of 1872 the 50 miles of road was completed.

It was a proud day for the people of Valley Falls (then Grasshopper Falls) with its new depot and a regular schedule of freight and passenger service. It was on the map as a railroad town. With the arrival of the railroad, Grasshopper Falls took on new life, built better and drew trade from a large territory.

Prior to that time, the business center was on north Sycamore Street and the route to and from the railroad was along Louisa Street, a block north of Broadway."

Later on the business center was relocated along east Broadway and became the main thoroughfare. The news of the planned new depot prompted the following from the same news item, "We hail with joy the coming of the new depot, the next thing to a union station, right in the busy end of our prosperous town, refreshed by pure sand springs water, lighted by electricity, and kept healthful by sanitary sewers. . . the building of the new station at the foot of that wide street will be the way there too for many generations, perhaps."

Then, sadly, generations later, from the pen of the late Edith Harden of the Valley Falls Historical Society, Nov. 6, 1980: "The old Santa Fe Depot, sentinel of the past and shorn of virtually everything except its storehouse of memories, is gone—destroyed by fire Saturday (Halloween). Don Watkins of the State Fire Department, after examining the ruins of the building, said, 'There was human involvement in the fire.'

"The red brick depot, once the pride of the community, had been abandoned since the Corps of Engineers acquired the property and the Santa Fe moved their freight office to the new location. Vandalism, flood water, and neglect had taken their toll and the cost of restoring the building was considered prohibitive by city officers.

"The old depot was considered the finest small town rail station in Kansas, built in 1917. It was the hub of activity as passengers arrived and departed in that era now long gone. There is a certain sadness and nostalgia as old timers talk of the burned building. The old depot has won a place in local railroad lore, along with the steam engine whistle, the telegraph key, the old water tower, and the old Boston fern in the waiting room."

Offsprings of the old Boston fern (circa 1915) now resides at the Valley Falls Historical Society museum.

The museum will be open Saturday at 10 a.m.

Annual Meeting

 

 

New School Building 1900

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, Valley Falls Historical Society President

"Of nothing is a city more justifiably proud than of exceptionally good school facilities," stated an article from the Valley Falls Historical Society's history files titled "The City's Pride 1900 — Our School and Handsome New Building."

Continuing the article:
"October 5th, 1898, the old stone building was discovered on fire and in spite of all that could be done, the upper rooms were destroyed and the whole building so damaged, it was decided to build a new structure . . . although the basement and lower rooms were temporarily fixed up and with the addition of the city hall, school was continued.

"The patrons of the school promptly voted bonds and at once let the contract for the new building."

Monday morning, Sept. 17, 1900, school was scheduled to open in the new building, with the following description:

"Our new school building is one of the most modern and in every way admirable school houses in the state for a town of this size. It is a beautifully designed structure of brick on a stone foundation. The dimensions are about 90x90 feet. There are three entrances, one especially for the primary department. Mead's improved system of heating and ventilation extends throughout the building. It is a hot air system and the ventilation is effective without draughts. The lighting is very thorough and based on scientific principles. All floors are hard wood.

"There are ten rooms and as many wardrobes opening into each school room. Each room shares with one other a teachers' study making five of these in the building.  The assembly room and library may readily be thrown into one room making a spacious hall. The house is furnished with single seats and desks. Wall slates (blackboards) are liberally supplied."

The approximate cost of  the building and furnishings, $20,000.

The following teachers were hired for the opening year:  Prof. W.D. Ross, Miss Myers, Miss Murray, Miss Kamm, Miss Gephart, Miss Stephen, Miss Townsend, and Miss Harman. All female teachers, except Miss Harman and Miss Stephan, were Valley Falls High School graduates.

Valley Falls area one-room schools

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, President, Valley Falls Historical Society.

"Many lives were molded for future years in one-room school buildings," wrote the late Dale Irwin of Valley Falls, in his history of Pacific School. Other writers have written that, although territorial settlers were living in the poorest of cabins on the open prairies, bleak and barren in winter, they were willing to vote themselves a tax to support a school.

In the early days the terms of school in Jefferson County might vary in length and season according to the weather. Some were held in settlers' cabins until school houses could be built. As soon as they were built, they became neighborhood centers and were used for Sunday school and preaching services, singing schools, literary and political meetings and community social gatherings.

One of the school districts organized in Territorial Days was Peters Creek District No. 21. Noah Harman, an early Grasshopper Falls settler, hauled logs with an ox team to the sawmill and the lumber back to the grounds, donated the site for the school house, paid half the bill for building, and taught the first term of school.

In his History of Pacific School, Irwin notes that, Jefferson County Superintendents' records show District No. 5 (Brush Creek) organized in 1864. Probably so named since it was located a short distance from a creek known as Brush Creek, located approximately 3 miles east of Grasshopper Falls. Unlike most rural histories, although incomplete, records start from entries in the official records of the Methodist Church of Grasshopper Falls, Kansas, by J.A. Simpson, pastor.

The entry dated April 8, 1870, states that at the Kansas Conference of the Methodist Church at Topeka, J.A. Simpson was appointed minister of the Methodist Church and in this circuit were three appointments, Grasshopper, Brush Creek, and Center School (District No. 1). Membership at Grasshopper Falls, 62, Brush Creek, 32, and Center, 20, two Sunday schools, one at Grasshopper Falls and the other at Brush Creek. Preaching was held every two weeks on the Sabbath at Brush Creek. Irwin conducted an interview with Martha Griffin ( Mrs. Geo. McCoy), born March 10, 1873, who provided the following information:

"The first school was of frame construction and was surrounded by trees. It was on land known as the Bates' farm, later owned by Charles Heller."
Ed. Note: The other sources state "Southwest corner of the Cooling farm."

Continuing with Mrs. McCoy's memories:
"I attended my first year at Brush Creek, 1879-80. The teacher was Fannie Bausley. The second school was built in 1881 and the name Pacific suggested by my Uncle Al A. Griffin, meant peaceful or tranquil and, as I remember, appropriately named on most occasions."

The school closed in 1942 and the teacher's list from 1916 to 1942 included Josephine Sampson, Pearl White, Elsie White, Grace Shughart, Clara Young, Vera Early (Mrs. Lloyd Hatfield), Mabel Page, Mabel Sampson, Hazel Barnard McClenny, Rachel Carter, Blanche Reppert, Meta Johannes, and Evelyn Agee.

Longest years taught, Hazel Barnard McClenny, 1930 to 1935, and Evelyn Agee, 1938 to 1942.
Information sources: Dale Irwin's History of Pacific and First Schools in Valley Falls by Lida K. Ferguson (Mrs. Earl E. Ferguson).
The society's museum will be open Saturday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. Admission is free.

Window display features school photos

— by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"School Days, School Days . . ." etc. The seasonal window scene at the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum is designed to pique the memories or whet the waves of nostalgia of these "Golden Rule Days" for former scholars or teachers of country schools.

A host of enlarged photos of one-room schools of local areas pin-pointed in their respective areas on a Jefferson County map fill the window. Slates, ink well, lunch pail, and the inevitable school hand bell complete the memorabilia display with an ABC banner for emphasis.

The Veterans' window, featuring a colorful eagle image accompanied by military service flags against an American flag background, serves as a constant reminder to remember and support our servicemen and women world-wide.

The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Admission is free.

Crosby's 1874 resignation from the Temperance League

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, Historical Society President

"I hereby tender my resignation as a member of the executive committee and also desire my name stricken from the roll of the society" was the resignation read to the Grasshopper Falls Temperance League by the Hon. Rufus H. Crosby April 13, 1874, following the election of M. P. Hillyer, of the league's conservative party as mayor of Grasshopper Falls.

Published in its entirety by the April 16, 1874, New Era, excerpts from Mr. Crosby's resolution follow: "Fearing to trust myself to express to you orally my reasons for this course of action, lest I might be aggravated into intemperance of speech, in the quiet of my home, I have, as briefly as thoroughness would permit, written out the result of my cool and sober reflection.

"1st. There is an 'irrepressible conflict' now going on in this organization.

"2nd. It is the evident design of the leaders of the conservative wing to dilute and render immaculate the temperance basis in order to make it acceptable to all respectable rum drinkers and rum sellers. . . I hold that rum and anti-rum cannot run together on the same ticket. Rum and water will mix but oil and water never; so with rum and anti-rum. . .

"My idea of justice and right would hold the well dressed and fine conditioned keeper of a fashionable corner drug store, who sold liquor as a beverage, to certainly as strict account as his less comely and refined but more honest neighbor, the saloon keeper. None more than I have been made to feel the shameful fact that the powerful enginery of the most influential church in this place is at the back of the wretched compromise policy.

"A leading divine, and the pastor of said church, has dwelt long and loud on love and charity, and made his boast that he has not an enemy in the whole world. Now I have to confess I have not a particle of charity for a rum-seller...It is all exhausted in the demands made upon my heart and my purse by its victims.

"With these tart criticisms on the conservative wing of the society, I still have the charity to believe its leaders have the best of motives and the most benevolent designs; but believing as I do that the effect of their policy, had it full sway, would be to make this league farce, and play into the hands of the enemy, I have deemed it best to retire and give those eminent liberals a chance to cheat the rum power, if possible, into submission.

"I desire no better epitaph when the good fight comes to an end with me 'always through life this man was bitterly hated by the rum power' in bidding you all an affectionate good-bye, and God speed, pardon me for offering as your future motto 'To thine own self prove true, and it doth follow as the day the night, thou cans't not then prove false to any man.' "

The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. Admission is free.

Temperance League division alters 1874 vote

— Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, Valley Falls Historical Society President.

"A certain lady in this vicinity has for the past three weeks been putting herself in fighting order, ready for a warfare on the saloons of this place, and her husband has at the same time been using his best efforts to reduce the amount of liquor that his wife expects to destroy when the proper time arrives," reported the Kansas New Era, April 9, 1874, followed by the following news items.

"The temperance question still agitates our citizens. Last Friday evening the Temperance League met at the Congregational Church to perfect arrangements for the election. The session was a stormy one, and the debates sharp and acrimonious. The general sentiment of the league seemed to be in favor of putting a Temperance ticket in the field. The speakers on the radical side were R.H. Crosby, the Rev. McHenry, H.K. McCartney, Wm. Crosby, and Dr. Northrup; while the Rev. Levi B. Wilson represented the Conservative element. Finally a total abstinence pledge was adopted as the platform of the league.

"Subsequently, M.P. Hillyer refused to accept the nomination for mayor on the Temperance ticket, and the meeting adjourned without further action.

"A majority of the Temperance men believed themselves sold out by their leaders, and on Saturday afternoon they nominated the same ticket proposed by the committee of the League, substituting Mr. C.C. Lord for mayor in place of M.P. Hillyer and putting Mr. E.B. Strickland on the council in place of C.C. Lord.

"The Conservative Party nominated the old city officers headed by M.P. Hillyer for mayor. The Anti-Temperance and Saloon interest nominated a ticket headed by Henry Coy for mayor and composed of three of the Conservative councilmen with Mr. Nolker and Mr. Newman. On the council there was no fight, for this old board ws certain to be re-elected as three of the candidates were on both the Saloon and Conservative tickets and the other two were on the Temperance and Conservative tickets.

"The main struggle was for mayor, and for this office, the vote was a very close one. Out of 153 votes cast, M.P. Hillyer received 54, C.C. Lord 50, and Henry Coy 49.

"The result shows that had the Temperance Party been unified, they would have been invincible at the polls, but by diversion among themselves and concessions to the opposing element, they frittered away their strength and have accomplished nothing.

"After the vote was counted and the result known, the Band Boys made their appearance in front of the Valley Bank and played several soul-stirring airs; after which M.P. Hillyer, mayor-elect and the present incumbent, made his appearance on the bank steps and in a few words, well spoken, thanked the citizens for the honor and said he always would, as he always had, do all he could for the best interests of the city in general.

"The following sentiment was offered by K.H. Crosby at a meeting of the Temperance League: 'Just in — Hillyer . . . Like Abraham of old was ready to sacrifice his own son for the cause he loved so well, may we in all our future battles with the Rum Power, be amply justified in calling him The Father of the Faithful.' "

The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13. Admission is free.

Grasshopper Falls to Valley Falls

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, President of the Valley Falls Historical Society

"Our neighbors of Grasshopper Falls desire to have the name of their village changed," reported the Oskaloosa Independent Feb. 7, 1863, and continued: "We do not wonder they wish to get clear of the present long and clumsy name, but substitutes proposed do not better the matter very much. They are both too long. We do not perceive the necessity of retaining the name of Falls; but if it must be kept, then say 'Falls River' and 'Falls City.' If we had the naming to do, some short word would be selected, plain, pleasant, and musical and one that would not be tiresome to write on a post office address."

Originally named Grasshopper Falls with the history of the town beginning in 1854 located at the falls of the Grasshopper River with invasions in 1855, 1860, and 1861 of the voracious insect, residents were fed up with the name Grasshopper and asked the Legislature to change the name of the river, township, and city to Sautrelle.

Adoption of the new name evoked various and sundry reactions from both citizens and outsiders. According to the Kansas Historical Quarterly, 1863, Sol Miller, editor and publisher of the White Cloud, Kan., "Kansas Chief" substituted "Sowtail" for Sautrelle when speaking of the town, river or township. The populace did not relish their community's ridiculous nickname, so the legislature restored the old name in 1864.

"The subject of changing the name of our town is again being agitated," reported the Kansas New Era Feb. 12, 1874.

Kansas Falls, Cedar Falls, and Falls City were names being suggested. The editor offered no objection to these names since they were "short and appropriate."

"Some suggest the town retain its present name on account of its distinctiveness," continued the editor.

"If that is all there is about it, we say by all means retain the old name. For most assuredly it is distinct for all practical purposes. No one need have any fears of the name 'Grasshopper Falls' becoming confounded with any other name. We favor the change because the little insect, grasshopper, is a mean mischievous fellow and impresses strangers with the idea that this country is infested with the rascals. Also, we favor the change on account of the names suggested are short while Grasshopper Falls stretches nearly across a sheet of note paper."

From the Kansas Historical Quarterly: "By irony of fate, the worst visitation of Grasshoppers came during the Summer of 1874, so meetings of residents with the Legislature of 1875, a bill was passed changing the name of the town to Valley Falls."

The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6. Admission is free.

Thurman Walker's body laid to rest in Rose Hill Cemetery

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, Society President

Thurman Walker, Valley Falls farm boy whose 1908 murder in Colorado was recently detailed in this column, was the youngest child of Jesse and Hannah Bunker Walker. He was born Sept. 2, 1888, and died Aug. 19, 1908, murdered by a companion, Cleveland Nunn.

Siblings of young Walker were elder brother Edwin L., who assisted Colorado deputies in the investigation of Thurman's murder; sister, Lena, brothers Jesse Franklin (Frank) and John H., who lived less than a week after birth, and sister, Mary Catherine (Kate).

His father, Jesse, a successful farmer and stockman, died in 1905, and mother, Hannah, died in 1914. Both parents are buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Valley Falls.

Edwin L. Walker accompanied his brother's remains from Colorado for funeral services and burial in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Information sources: Farmers' Vindicator 1908 and Walker family history, 1800 to 1968 by Eunice Marie (Walker) Foot.

The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 30. Admission is free.

Murder of Thurman Walker, part 2

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

To Recap: Thurman Walker of Valley Falls had disappeared somewhere in Colorado. A decomposed body was found Sept. 12, 1908, in the Arkansas River bed near Nepesta, Pueblo County, Colo.

The coroner and deputy coroner determined there were no clues to identify the body so, careful measurements were made and preserved. The remains were interred where they were found and a small gravestone marked the burial place.

Deputy sheriffs and officers went to work on the case and Sheriff Potter of LaJunta took over the investigation. When he found the saddle used by Walker in a LaJunta secondhand store, Thurman's brother, Edwin, was called from his Kansas home to aid in the investigation.

Part II
"He (Edwin) identified the saddle as positively his brother's. Nunn, Walker's companion, became an immediate suspect, but he maintained that he left Walker sometime after they left Mantanola and Walker was headed for Texas. He was released from suspicion and he returned to work in the beet fields.

"Sheriff Potter was not content, and with Edwin Walker's assistance the decomposed body found in the Arkansas River was identified as that of Thurman Walker, aged 19 years, a farmer boy from Valley Falls, Kansas.

"Cleveland Nunn, the 20-year-old beet worker, was arrested a second time and taken to LaJunta where he continued to maintain his innocence. A severe sweating (third degree) broke down his story and he confessed he shot Walker; however, he said it was during a fight and he shot in self defense. The 'sweating' continued and he admitted the entire affair in a sworn statement to the district attorney.

"The tragedy occurred the same night the two left for the north. They made camp near the bridge over the Arkansas River and it was there the cleverly laid and planned plot was consummated."

Extracts from Cleveland Nunn's sworn statement were:
" 'We went to bed on the ground. I pretended to be asleep, but watched Walker close his eyes and start to snore. I got my gun from the holster and, holding it with both hands, pressed the pistol against his forehead. He moved and I nearly lost heart, but he was still asleep and I shot him through the top of his head. He was too heavy to carry to the river so I tied a rope around his neck and dragged him.' "

"Shot in the head while he slept, an experienced lad from Eastern Kansas was murdered for money, it was thought, he had on his person. All the perpetrator of the crime secured for the terrifying moments that preceded the crime, the torments which have pursued him for three months and will follow him for the rest of his life was a cheap watch and a saddle.

"He was charged with murder in the first degree and lodged in the Pueblo County jail awaiting trial."
Source: The Farmer's Vindicator, Friday, Nov. 13, 1908.

The historical society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 23. Admission is free.

1908 disappearance of Thurman Walker, foul play feared

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, Valley Falls Historical Society President
"Thurman Walker not heard from since Aug. 17" headlined the Farmer's Vindicator Friday, Oct. 30, 1908. The Harmon Publishing Co. (Valley Falls).
Part I
"Thurman Walker, son of Mrs. Jessie Walker, left here in the spring and went to Bisbee, Ariz., to work in a copper mill, but afterwards returned to Colorado, near Rocky Ford. Last August, he and another young man started off together, the other young man telling his stepfather he and Thurman were going on a fishing trip. But, Thurman told relatives with whom he was stopping and wrote home to folks here, that he was going with this young man to Wyoming, and told from what town he would write the next week. But, nothing has been heard from him since. This was Aug. 17.
"In a few weeks after leaving, the other young man returned to Rocky Ford with Thurman's saddle, bridle, and every day clothes and told that Thurman's horse had got sick and he had stopped an an irrigating plant to work. But, inquiry at this place shows he has never been there. After being faced with this denial, the young man has told several stories about the matter including how he came to be in possession of so much of Thurman's property.
"It is sincerely hoped that this is a false alarm and that Thurman is alive and well, but the fact that he has written home every week since he has been away, up to the time of leaving Rocky Ford on the 17th of August and no word being received from him since, makes the stories of his companion very suspicious.
"Walker, who had been writing to his mother regularly, was not heard from, and inquiries were established by his family, but, to no avail. The mother finally became frantic and large sums of money were expended in following up on clues that might lead to his whereabouts. "According to the brother of the missing boy, his mother finally had a vision. She saw him lying dead on the prairie and, so strong was her belief in the dreams, that the efforts of the family were directed toward securing the identity of all unclaimed bodies that had been found in the vicinity where he was known to have been. It was the vision and the subsequent inquiries that finally led to his identification.
"According to information local officers secured, both young fellows were employed on the Beatty Ranch near Manzonia, Colo. Walker is said to have made several statements to the effect that he didn't have to work and it is known that the family is in excellent circumstances and he would have inherited a small fortune on his 21st birthday.
"It was thought about the ranch that he carried some money on his person and that contributed to his disappearance. Nunn (his companion) is said to have told Walker of a ranch he owned near Cheyenne, Wyo., and promises of a large salary 'riding fences' induced the young Kansan to undertake the trip to Cheyenne."
In Part II
A decomposed body is found in the bed of an Arkansas River near Nepesta, Colo. Edwin L. Walker, brother of Thurman, joins sheriff's investigation.
The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 16.

July window display honors military

The July window scenes at the Valley Falls Historical Society's Museum feature jumbo photo enlargements of Valley Falls street scenes reminiscent of the 1911 July 4th celebration with designated locales of the parade, races, contests, and the ever-popular merry-go-round featured in an article in the June 27 Vindicator.

A backdrop of red, white, and blue bunting, fronted by military service and American flags continues the patriotic theme in the museum's veterans' window hailing the nation's Independence Day celebration and honoring American servicemen and women world wide.

The museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 2. Admission is free.

1896 murder of Mike Duffy by E.P.H. Hayden

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president

"Valley Falls Again Furnishes the Sensation of the Week" headlined an unidentified Oskaloosa publication dated Feb. 14, 1896, which claimed the following item appeared under the head of 'Valley Falls Items — A full account of the cold-blooded murder of Mike Duffy by EPH Hayden.' ":

"About nine o'clock Saturday night, EPH Hayden and Mike Duffy became involved in a drunken row over the pugilistic question of which 'was the best man.' After a few passes, they clinched, wrestled, and fell from the sidewalk into the gutter, Hayden on top pounding Duffy in the face and breast, asking him if he would say 'Enough!' Duffy made no reply and those gathered around began to fear an awful tragedy and tried to get EPH off his helpless foe. He slashed out at those who interfered, finally got up and ran to his home a few blocks away.

"Witnesses ran for the city marshal and for physicians. Dr. Marks hastened to the dying man and was soon joined by Dr. Gephart. The doctors found Duffy breathless and pulseless after having the body removed to a room at the Hillyer House. Dr. VanMeer arrived by this time. Death ensued in less than half an hour.

"The report of the killing spread rapidly so Marshal Fletcher and a large party of citizens went to Hayden's home to capture him, but he was not to be captured then.

"Armed with a musket and a revolver, he met the crowd and defied them to take him. The posse was approaching the Hayden house from different directions and Hayden knew he had the advantage in the darkness, since the posse could not always distinguish him from one of their own members. Hayden fired at the crowd, several shots were exchanged and cries of 'I've been shot!' rang out from the crowd. Hayden dodged around and was seen no more. That ended the battle for the night. The marshal needed more ammunition and the wounded needed attention.

"After his escape from town Sunday night, Hayden went to Joe Senn's home and asked Joe if he had killed the man (Duffy), and if so, what to do. Senn advised him to give himself up and to vacate his premises.

"Hayden said he would not be taken alive. When word spread that Hayden had been on the Senn premises, the posse hastened to capture him, but he had fled and was not seen again until Tuesday."

The Tuesday escapade will be related in detail in a future issue.

The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 11. Admission is free.

2011 Memorial Day visitors

Visitors to the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum during the three day Memorial Day holiday were: J. K. Miller, Brazil, Ind.; Richard and Gayle Klose, Laurel, Mont.; Mike, John and Christina Frommer, Lee's Summit, Mo.; Pat Ecord, Cassaday; Linda Blackburn, Hutchinson; Johnnie and Darene Heinen, Berryton; Dee Botkin Hillrish, Emporia; Gwen Marlene Reichart Towle, Opie; Barbara Blanche, Shirley Arthur Allen, Dora and Ron Brown, Lois Reichart Beames, all Topeka; and Mary Herring, Valley Falls.

Museum hosts for the holiday weekend included Anna Irwin, Maxine Hefty, Rosalind Jackson, Dodie Bolz and Betty Jane Wilson.

The society museum will be open Saturday, June 4, at 10 a.m. Admission is free.

Betty Jane Wilson
Society President

Extended Memorial Day hours at the museum

In conjunction with the Valley Falls Alumni events, the museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 28; and on Sunday, May 29, immediately following the high school reunion dinner at the Delaware Township Hall; and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, May 30.

First Decoration/Memorial Day in Valley Falls - 1884

— Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president.

"Last Friday was a beautiful day in Valley Falls," reported Editor R.E. Van Meter, in the June 5, 1884, issue of the Valley Falls New Era —

Continuing: "One calculated to inspire the loftiest patriotism in the breast of those who participated in the solemn ceremony honoring soldier dead in a manner that has come to be an universal custom. Especially interesting was this event here because it is the first time in the history of this town that Decoration Day has been observed!

"Early in the morning, people began to gather in town from all parts of the surrounding country and by 1 o'clock as many as could crowd in gathered in the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) Hall where special services took place, including the presentation of a United States flag to the local Lewis Stafford G.A.R. Post No. 225 by ladies of the city, many of whom were mothers, wives, sisters, or daughters of many of the post members.

"After some preliminary military maneuvers, those congregated in hall marched down Broadway to Sycamore where the parade was to begin with the following route to the cemetery: from the corner of Broadway and Sycamore, west to Elm Street, south to Mary, west to Frazier Avenue, south to the cemetery to a large floral cross at the top of which was a large card bearing the following inscription, 'In memory of Capt. Lewis Stafford, Lt. T.F. Jolly, Joseph Catt, Henry O. Griffin, Wm. Grigsby, Jonathan Myers, Calvin Turner, Joseph Hilty, Ernest Benedix,' all of whom had the honor to enlist from this neighborhood — only two rest in the cemetery here.

"This is the order of exercises: Prayer by Chaplain W.C. Rose; singing of a patriotic air by a choir composed of seven or eight of our best singers; address by (the) Rev. A.M. Petty; a long poem recited by Miss Kate Goodrich; H.C. Spurlock, adjutant, paid tribute to the noble dead; then followed the ceremony of floral decoration participated in by the G.A.R. Post and the sabbath schools.

"At the conclusion of the ceremony, the assembly dispersed, The G.A.R. returned to their hall where a short session was held and Capt. Schaeffer thanked the ladies for their generous gift, thus terminating one of the most auspicious events in the history of Valley Falls — The first Decoration/Memorial Day!"

The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29, immediately following the high school reunion dinner at the Delaware Township Hall, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, May 30.

Mrs. Rebecca Smith in 1888: Methodist Church; names business houses

- compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"Well, Mr. Editor, I promised to write another letter for the New Era (May 1888) if you wanted me to" continued Mrs. Rebecca Smith, visiting from Missouri, relating her experiences during a visit to Valley Falls.

"Sunday I went to the Methodist Church, but I didn't feel at home for they had the congregation divided into two classes. All those that had the best clothes and fine hats went into a little room behind the parson. I had on my best black cashmere, but my hat is not new and it hasn't long streamers behind, so I hardly knew which room I belonged in, but I stayed with the biggest crowd. Then when the hymn was read, they all sung in both rooms, and all tried to sing the loudest, but the best dressed crowd had an organ and some other thing to play on and they succeeded in making the biggest noise, and when they sat down they looked over into the other room with a victorious smile that I didn't admire, and when the preacher was prayin' one good old man in our crowd said 'Amen' purty loud, then the purty girls in the other room put their fans up to their faces and looked awful tickled.

"By the way, I guess I forgot to tell you I was visiting my nephew and his family, and a right pert family he has, wife as smart as a whip crack. Nephew took the children and me out riding yesterday and I tell you, Mr. Editor, you should feel proud of your city. We rode first to 'Piety Hill' and we had a fine view of the city from the west, then we went up Frazier Avenue to the tower or 'Lord's Hill' and the tower is a good piece of workmanship, an imposing structure.

"We then drove toward Rose Hill Cemetery, a beautiful drive past some fine residences, then turning east one block, we returned by Oak Street, one of Valley Falls' finest streets, then down Broadway, up Maple, down Walnut. We rode on seventeen of the principal streets of the city and enjoyed gazing at the good substantial business houses - dry goods houses such as Kendall's, Deuseth's, Strickland's, Evans and Kemper's; grocery stores such as Lord's, Legler's, Evans, Law's and Dornblazer's; hardware stores as Doolittle's, Beland's, Smith's, Paden and Eberts; reliable banks, excellent hotels, railroad advantages; a large and handsome post office, fine school building, many beautiful churches and responsible newspapers, the New Era and Register.

"I tell you, Mr. Editor, I think if I was a few years younger, I should move to Valley Falls, for it certainly is a beautiful place to live."

The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21. Admission is free.

More from 1888: Mrs. Rebecca Smith and "the racket" at the Congregational Church

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

Mrs. Rebecca Smith, "visiting from Missouri, where my daughter lives," continues writing letters relating her Valley Falls experiences to the editor of the May 1888 New Era because it "would tickle her mightily to have her ma writin' for papers."

Sunday church services were among her reporting experiences. She wrote, "The time I went to the Congregational Church I was much pleased for it is a cozy, and daughter would says 'stylish' church, but when the choir got up to sing, I was beat.

"First the girl at the organ began to play a little tune, then another girl pitched in and sung and sung, and the rest of the choir just stood like sticks and wouldn't sing a word. I guess they had a little spat and that girl was bound to have her sing out.

"Then the man struck in and sung so mad, way down in his stomach. Then another voice tried to get in. All the time the first singer trying to keep ahead of all the rest, and they all sung different hymns, and I thought like enough, the preacher would feel hurt because they did not sing what he announced.

"Well, they never stopped the racket until they all got out of breath, but the girl at the organ could hold out the longest. Then that spiteful little girl started up again, and they had the same fuss all over; but finally I guess they thought they were carrying the thing a little too far in church and they all sat down clean out of breath, but the man opened the window and the girls all used their fans with all the strength they had left.

"Then the preacher gave us a good sermon, and I think it had a good effect on the choir, for when he gave out the next hymn they all sang and they all separated feeling better."

The museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 7. Admission is free. 

1888 "Whittier lunch" in Valley Falls

- compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"Well, I like Kansas right well. Of course, some things are not just to my way of thinking, but that is nothing," — words from a lady named Rebecca Smith and written to A.W. Robinson, editor of the Valley Falls New Era, May 1888.

Mrs. Smith explained, "Mr. Editor, I am an old woman a' visiting in Valley Falls. I have been here about three weeks. My home is in Missouri, and my daughter lives there, and she takes the New Era. See, I thought if I wrote a letter for your paper she would see it and it would tickle her mightily to have her Ma writin' for papers. I go around a good deal and I mean to as long as I stay. 

"Last week I had an invite to a woman's suffrage club; they was to have a Whittier lunch. I never heard of that before, but I didn't want to show my ignorance too much, so I never inquired anything about it, but I made up my mind I'd go and find out and maybe I'd get some new ideas to to tell our mite society when I go home. 

"Well, I went  and the women were all sitting around the room dressed up in their best bib and tucker and everyone had on a yellow ribbon. I expect that is the style. One woman they called Mrs. President began to talk about Whittier, a man that  makes rhymes, you know, and she told where he was born and how old he is and a whole pack of stuff. I guess she is purty well acquainted with him; then she called on all the rest of the women and some read about him and some told scraps of history and some recited his poetry.

"I tell you they did give that old man a big send off and I made bold to ask a slip of a girl near me what they talked about Mr. Whittier so much for and she said, 'O, he is a great equal suffrage man!' and then some more pretty girls brought in the nicest supper and the tea was just splendid. I tell you, nothing lifts an old lady like a good strong cup of tea, and Mr. Editor, that was a Whittier lunch. I have learned that much."

Rebecca will continue to write letters to the editor relating her experiences in Valley Falls.

The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 30. Admission is free. 

Items from the 1889 New Era, part 4

A sundry of news items from the Valley Falls New Era from January to November 1889, Part IV.
- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president of the Valley Falls Historical Society.

November 28 —

Last week we visited Orchard Hill Farm and wrote up the famous horses, Everemond, Joe Larkin, Prairie Wilkes, and Wedgemond. They were the glory of Jefferson County and Kansas was justly proud of them. Now it becomes our duty to chronicle the fact that all four of these valuable animals are dead; burned up. Through, we might say, criminal thoughtlessness of an employee on the farm. A lighted lantern was left in the stall where Wedgemond was taking his breakfast Sunday morning, and while no one was in the barn, the horse, presumably, knocked the lantern over.

The Webster family was eating breakfast when the fire was observed. Heroic efforts were made to secure the horses, but nothing could be saved. The north and south doors of the barn were left open and the wind was from the north, so a draft was made and the whole inside of the barn was burning before the fire was observed.

Copy from the Topeka Capital:
In the stable were, beyond any question, the finest collection of trotting bred horses including Everemond, 2:24 1/4 ; Prairie Wilkes, 2:39 (a 3-year-old); Edgemond, 2:41 (4-year-old); and Joe Larkin, a famous stallion. All were destroyed in spite of all efforts to save them. The breeding of the horses was exceptionally fine. Everemond had proved himself one of the fastest and gamest race horses ever in Kansas, and hardly one month since his yearling son, Patsy Curtis, made a record 2:52, the fasted time for a yearling between the Mississippi River and California.

Prairie Wilkes had a 3-year-old record made at Emporia this fall of 2:39. Wedgemond had a 4-year-old record of 2:41. Joe Larkin, was a fine looking, large, and well-gaited roadster; no horse in Kansas took first place over him.

The entire loss to Webster & Son cannot be estimated, but $75,000 would not replace the destroyed property. There was no insurance. The loss is not confined to Webster & Son, but the State of Kansas is the same. The proprietors no doubt have the deepest sympathy of all Kansas breeders, and it is to be hoped this loss will not prevent them from being in the future as in the past, the foremost breeders in Kansas and the west.

Items from the 1889 New Era, part 3

A sundry of news items from the Valley Falls New Era from January to November 1889, Part III.

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president of the Valley Falls Historical Society.

September 5 —
The Delaware Bank is now doing business. M.P. Hillyer made the first deposit.

September 26 —
Mr. Gunn had about 2,000 tile in his kiln and had commenced firing when the walls gave away. The kiln is a complete wreck. The tiling is not damaged much. Mr. Gunn will at once commence the erection of another kiln. This time he will build it of hard brick.

October 10 —
The tile factory is a success. The first shipment was to Joel Pontius of Nortonville.

November 7 —
Gunn will burn one more kiln of tile. It is no trouble to sell them.

November 21 —
Last Tuesday, we (Editor A.W. Robinson) accepted a seat in Rev. A.I. Bradley's buggy and enjoyed a ride to Orchard Hill Farm, five miles west of the city. The day was pleasant, the roads good, the preacher's stepper lively, the pastor agreeable, and the ride delightful. Mr. Bradley is an admirer of a fine horse and drives one that he thinks can make a mile inside of three minutes. This farm, owned by I.C.Webster and Son, is composed of ten hundred and twenty acres and is beautifully located. We were met by Mr. Webster, Jr., who immediately proceeded to show us around. They now have on the place ninety-one head of horses and over seventy head of handsome cattle.
The first barn we visited is a fine structure, 40 x 70, and will shelter sixty head of horses. It is built in modern style, good water service, feed bins, and elevators. Every foot utilized. The basement has a solid stone floor not laid by Mr. Webster. It was always there.
Another barn is a dandy and here is where the famous horses, Everemond, Joe Larkin, Prairie Wilkes, Hoffman, and Wedgemond (racers and trotters) have handsome quarters. This barn is 36 x 40 and has all modern improvements.
Their residence is a large commodious building on the top of a hill, overlooking a broad expanse of country. After one gets there, he dislikes to go away.

November 28 —
Our heretofore usually quiet city got its war paint on last Monday and a melee occurred on Broadway. A man from Topeka, who gave his name as Billie Wilson, got off the 4:30 Santa Fe Train "drunk as an owl" and immediately attempted to besmirch our handsome town with a hideous whiskey red. When Marshal Young's attention was called to the drunken artist, he reached for him but failed, alone, to carry the fellow to the "bastille" and called for assistance. The fellow fought like a gladiator, but he was dumped in the hoodlum wagon and carried to the lock up.
While the officers were putting the prisoner in the wagon, one Sam Johnson knocked the marshall down and then the "free for all" commenced. It looked like war for a few minutes, but the offender Johnson was probably the most punished man.
We want to say right here that, it does not pay to interfere or obstruct an officer in his performance of his duty. The man Wilson appeared before "hizonner" the next morning, was assessed $15, and walked out of town. Other particpants in the melee were assessed to the tune of $52 and $41.50.

The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 2.

Items from the 1889 New Era, part 2

A sundry of news items from the Valley Falls New Era from January to November 1889.
Part II

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president of the Valley Falls Historical Society.

Feb. 21 —
The death of John Armour on the rail last Friday morning was one of the most horrifying accidents that has occurred in Valley Falls. Thursday night, Mr. Armour was in his happiest mood and attended the masquerade and enjoyed himself hugely. Early in the morning, he started to visit his father north of town and he was run over by the entire train. Every bone in his body was broken. The remains were brought to undertaker Schuler's; from there taken to the old graveyard for interment. Mr. Armour had been engaged in the butcher business in Kansas City.

March 7 —
The city has put in two large watering troughs for the accommodation of the public. One for the benefit of the farmers who enter town from the south and west near the city park, the other, which will benefit more those who come from north and east, is on Maple Street. They will always be full of water.
The roads are almost impossible for a week. Mud a foot deep. Scarlet fever is widespread. School delayed because of scarlet fever.

April 25 —
A couple of Horton girls were overheard recently quarreling about their beaux. "I don't care," said Amelia. "Your beau has a wooden leg and can't dance." "I don't care, either" said Kittie, "Your beau is nearsighted, and every time he goes to kiss you his big mouth goes off before it gets within a foot of your hash trap!"

May 2 —
The Hicks & Gephart office block is one of the finest in the city. Two doctors, a dentist, and a lawyer have fixed up in handsome style. If the dentist breaks your jaw, the doctors are handy and you can see an attorney by opening a door.

Aug. 8 —
The Delaware Bank will commence business in Valley Falls on the last of September with a capital stock of $50,000. Tuesday the stockholders held a meeting in the city, all present but three. Wednesday afternoon, directors and officers will be chosen. It will be a state bank.
The Valley Falls tiling factory commenced operations this week. Without any blowing of horns or big advertising. The work appears to be very good. The mud is taken from the flat ground east of the Santa Fe tracks. Five men are engaged in the factory. The drying shed will be filled this week; only one shed is completed. It holds about 25,000.

Aug. 15 —
A Northwestern freight train was badly wrecked last Tuesday just out of town on the curve in Kendall's pasture. Nine cars were derailed, three of which rolled down the embankment and into the river. One took a header out into the current and floated down the stream about half a mile.

Aug. 22 — 
The Northwestern RR Co. burned their half dozen wrecked cars to get the old iron. David Atchison, the ice man, shipped a car load of ice to Iola.

Sept. 5 —
The Delaware Bank is now doing business. M.P. Hillyer made the first deposit.

Sept. 26 —
Mr. Gunn had about 20,000 tile in his kiln and had commenced firing when the walls gave away. The kiln is a complete wreck, the tiling is not damaged much. Mr. Gunn will at once commence the erection of another kiln and will build it of hard brick.

Part III
Riot on Broadway, Orchard Hill Farm, and a Horrible Conflagration.

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. March 26.
    

Items from the 1889 New Era, part 1

A sundry of news items from the Valley Falls New Era from January to November 1889

Part I

- compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president.

Jan. 11 — The ice house at the creamery is filled with Walnut Creek ice.
The old Half Mound bridge was cut in two and two bridges were thus made for smaller streams. The bridge now across the river at Half Mound is one of the best the county.

Feb. 7 — Mr. Atchison's ice house spoken of last week is quite an imposing structure. About $100 a day is being extended here in the ice business.
Mr. Davis Atchison of Leavenworth will put about 3000 tons of ice at this place. He will commence at once the erection of an ice house near the elevator, 60x80, 24 feet high and dump the blocks of ice into it by means of a chute.

Feb. 14 — Mr. David Atchison, the Leavenworth ice man who is putting up 3000 tons of ice in our city, is every inch a gentleman. By invitation we boarded a N.W. engine (RR) in his employ and rode up to Cedar to witness the work there. The way they get the glistening blocks is business. Mr. Atchison has between sixty and sixty-five hands employed, and they are nearly all men and boys from our town. He could have brought his help with him probably cheaper, but preferred to give our laborers work. His large ice house here is a permanent thing an every winter the same business will be transacted. Mr. Atchison is thus leaving considerable money in our town.

Feb. 21 — A Blue Mound item: We took a stroll down to the ice house of Mr. Atchison and found a big thing in the shape of congealed water. The building being in size 60x84 feet and 24 feet high, three walls thick, making two air chambers, no saw dust being used. The building will hold 150 car loads of 20 tons each worth at least $10 per ton or the nice little sum of $30,000. Ten cars were used in hauling the ice from Cedar Creek to the building, five being loaded at the creek while five were being unloaded at the building. Six men were kept busy just placing the blocks after they came to them on two tracks in the building.

Part II: Rail wreck and tragedy and new enterprises.

The Valley Falls Historical Society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19.

New window display ready for St. Patrick's Day

— by Betty Jane Wilson, historical society president.

A bright green banner with a brilliant orange background declaring "Erin Go Bragh," "Top of the Morning," and "Happy St. Patrick's Day," sets the scene for honoring the Irish (and the "wanna-be-Irish") on their traditional holiday, March 17, in the Valley Falls Historical Society's Museum window.

Replicas of pots of gold, derbies, toy leprechauns, and scatterings of mock shamrocks, mingled with tiny Irish flags, serve as traditional representatives of "The Aulde Sod," including the Northern Ireland (orange), a part of the United Kindom, and The Republic of Ireland (green), the remainder of the Emerald Isle.

The Veterans' window honors the  men and women of the military on their day with multi-colored flowers.

The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12.

Tragedy takes life of John Fisher

— Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"A treacherous trigger — John Fisher accidentally shot by his best friend" headlined the New Era (Vindicator predecessor) May 24, 1906. The story continued:

"A shocking tragedy happened on Cedar last Sunday, May 20, 1906. Johnny Fisher had about finished building a nice house on the Hoxie farm he had purchased a few months ago, and intended to move into this week.

"That Sunday morning he had shown the new house to his aged mother. In the afternoon, he and his neighbor, Otto Van Gaasbeek, were on the premises when James Green, an engineer at Waddel's Sawmill nearby, came along and joined them being on his way to Otto's to show him a new hammerless gun with safety lock.

"Fisher proposed they try it and see who could put the most shot in a tossed block or board. Otto tossed the block and Fisher made a first shot putting more than 20 shot in the wooden 'bird.' Then Otto essayed to try his marksmanship on a similar target, which Johnny went to toss up. With gun in hand Otto awaited Johnny to cast the 'bird' when, from oversight or lapse of caution, the trigger was pulled and the gun prematurely discharged just as Johnny was stooping to pickup the target at close range — the awful deed was done!

"He (Otto) had depended on the safety lock, which Johnny had failed to reset, or did not realize that the other barrel was loaded since he was used to regular target shooting rules of only loading one barrel at a time for safety.

"The sudden change from joy to sadness palled on Otto, from the impression to the realization of the killing of his boyhood friend, a sense of horror overcame him and his mind became almost unbalanced over the heartrending, horrible homicide.

"A coroner was notified and a jury and witnesses to the scene was summoned early Monday morning. Following a hearing of the testimony of the case, a verdict was returned of death by accidental discharge of a new hammerless gun in the hands of Otto Van Gaasbeek.

"John Fisher was 44 years of age. He was survived by his wife and two daughters, ages 14 and 15, and his mother, two sisters, and one brother. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery."

The historical society museum will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5.

McCammon-Goodrich wedding gifts, 1882

— Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

Mrs. Charles Bliss, when recounting early days living in Grasshopper Falls (Valley Falls), listed G.W. McCammon as a frequent visitor to her home prior to his meeting and eventual marriage to Miss LeLe Goodrich. Apparently, the custom at that time was to list the wedding presents presented to the bride and groom and their donors.

The Valley Falls New Era, November 25, 1882, listed the following gifts (the donors names have been omitted except those from the parents of the newlyweds) :

"Groom to bride, fine ladies' purse, contents $100 in gold, and jewelry case containing bracelets with lock and key, and a gold-headed diamond pin; bride's parents, gold watch and chain; groom's parents, a large Morocco bound Bible, and two, large oil paintings.

Other gifts from friends, included: lace handkerchief and silver ice pitcher, bronze French clock, hanging lamp, pair of vases, pair of silver napkin rings, silver soap dish, double silver pickle castor, dressing case, silver sugar bowl, students' lamp, work box and matrimony thermometers, silver syrup pitcher, silver pickle castor, glass pitcher and half dozen goblets, glass cake stand, fine parlor lamp, card case, carving knife, fork and steel (for sharpening),

"Silver thimble and case, fine French tablespread, counterpane, fine towels, water flask and glass, chamber set, tidies and mats for arm chair, fine rocking chair, Jean Ingels on Poetical Works, Colorado mineral specimens, fine silver jewel case, several gifts of five dollars, case of perfumery, silver card receiver, gold scarf pin, case of perfumery, work box, colored glass vase, large scrap book, glass ink stand, sterling silver pin, Mour's Poetical Works,

"Dictionary of Poetical Quotations, The House and Haunts of Our Elder Poets, English lake scenery, Taylor's Songs of Yesterday, Lowell's Poems, The Josephine Gallery, Bible Gallery, illustrated album, autograph album, two beautiful bouquets, counterpane, oil painting on plush plaque, plush picture frames, and a fine, silk handkerchief."

Note: The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26.

Damaging flood and ice, 1881

- by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"We don't refer to Noah's Flood, but we mean the recent 'Old High' the Delaware has been on," reported G.D. Ingersoll, editor of the Feb. 12, 1881, Valley Falls New Era.

He continued, "The usually quiet and unostentatious stream has been on a regular 'old bender' and has attracted considerable attention. She began to raise last Friday evening and kept swelling her dimensions till Tuesday when she was at her highest. Water was two feet deep on Piazzek's mill floor and within three feet of the highest raise the oldest settler can remember.

"All Sunday night men were busily engaged carrying flour and grain out of the mill and luckily enough, the miller lost no grain. The ice had now broken up and great blocks as large as a house were rushing down the mighty current towards the Kansas River.

"Much anxiety was now manifested concerning the safety of the bridges and mills on account of the floating ice. Monday morning a large cake struck the northwest corner of the Piazzek Mill and broke one of the large corner posts. A large gorge had formed below the mill, and the way to clear it was a conundrum.

"Mr. Hayward, the miller, solved it by putting eight charges of powder into half gallon jugs with well varnished fuses attached to them. The 'little brown jugs' were then sunk under ice, the fuse lighted, and the work was accomplished.

"Tuesday evening a mass of ice struck the trestle under the east end of the Kansas Central (RR) bridge and tore it away. The water is now falling and the mill men are repairing the mill."

The February weather scenario was not ended. in the Feb. 19, 1881, issue of the New Era, the editor reported, "The storm has been immense. A whole week we've been cut off from the rest of the world. Snow blockades all around. A whole week without mail. No wonder everyone has the blues. The biggest snow storm the oldest inhabitant remembers. Drifts as large as a house in front of every man's door. Terrible in the extreme, but the Rubicon is crossed."

The museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19.

School children explore the past at the museum

- by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The Valley Falls Historical Society played host to local students from grades two through six celebrating Kansas Day, Friday, Jan. 28.

The students and teachers assembled at the museum at 30 minute intervals from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The teachers presented their students with a list of historical items to locate throughout the museum. Following the search, the visitors were invited to tour the museum and to see the collections, artifacts and antiques on display throughout the two-story building. Museum hosts were on hand to guide and answer questions.

The special interests of the groups were as varied as the ages and genders of the visitors. The sheepskin throw rug drew the attention of a few who chose to stretch out prone on the throw to experience the soft spun hair.

The baby stroller of recent vintage was recognized by more advanced groups while glittery party shoes, jewelry and a graduation dress were declared awesome. Some more conservative young women shunned the extravagance of the graduation attire.

Top honors for adult and youth admirers was won by the ever popular stereoscope. Lines formed by those waiting for a look-see of the hand-held "scope" to view the 3-D image of the post card type pictures displayed.

Close rivals in popularity were the country school desks and bench-like seats of graduated sizes for use by the student's physical size requirements. Ink wells, stick pens, slates, and first-year readers shared the rivalry.

Another crowd pleaser was the collection of Valley Falls high school senior graduation class composites. Young descendents surrounded the photo displays seeking school day pictures of parents, relatives or friends.

A miniature, partially functional typewriter from the bank, numerous cameras, toys, wagons and a scooter commanded viewing time from those whose interest focused on that historical era.

An antique album with thick pages of unidentified ancestral photos whetted the curiosity of a couple of youngsters. They were so intrigued they devoted their visiting time to carefully turning pages, commenting and frequently giggling about the wearing apparel and hair styles.

A small lad startled his peers by exclaiming "Isn't it fantastic?" when observing the huge display of intricate sailor's knots. His companion examined the larger knots of tightly bound cords with tiny exploring fingers.

Finale: A youthful departing guest announced "Wish I owned this place!"

The Valley Falls Historical Society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12.