written by E.J. Stewart, 1954 (compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president)
Part 1 of a series
This story was found among articles belonging to Roy Earl Lillie following his death in 1962. Mr. Lillie was a printer for the Valley Falls Vindicator and the story (Stewart's) was sent to him.
Following are excerpts from Mr. Stewart's story:
"Having been away from Valley Falls, where I was born and reared, for 50 years, many changes are apparent when I return for a visit. My parents were pioneers, settling in 1891."
Mr. Stewart recollects the many times he had heard of the Grasshopper Invasion and the town and river name changes, then continued:
"Whatever became of the town pump water supply? It was a large dug well at the end of North Maple and a small pump was operated by a very large windmill. No one could control the wind and at times the water got pretty low in the elevated tank up on the hill. Few people knew the well was connected directly with the river through a cast iron pipe. The pumps were supported on a platform down quite a ways in the well and whenever the river would get bank full or flood, the water would back up into the well and the pumps would become submerged.
"The old wooden sidewalks about town are no longer in evidence. The boards would come loose, break, and one end would fly up and trip one for a hard fall.
"On dark nights people carried kerosene lanterns.
"People slept either on fluffy feather beds or hard straw mattresses. Few there were who had springs.
"In winter, children allergic to colds would have to take nasty hive syrup and wear a rag of asafetide around their neck. What a terrible smell.
"Remember the old stone school house surrounded by a wooden fence that was painted white and red? To climb over was a great offense. Even if one were late and the peal of the bell that rang out twice in the morning, twice at noon, and again at recess.
"Lessons were prepared on slates, which would not be used today for they likely would not be considered sanitary. It was always a treat to go to the blackboard at recitation time; also a stay after school to dust the erasers.
"The school's water supply was an open dug well with the old oaken buckets that could not be used today. In the morning, at noon, and before recess the janitor would fill cedar and pressed paper buckets and set them on benches near several school entrances.Tin cups were provided to drink from. On a windy day, one would have to push the dust and leaves back with the cup and dip down quickly to get a drink. People didn't know about germs then and nobody ever got poisoned.
"Christmas cantatas and programs were sponsored by Sunday schools. Each child was sure to get a large orange and a bag of hard candy. It was really a thrill to hear sleigh bells in the distance and directly old Santa Claus would walk in, but that was an old-fashioned custom; however, we thought it was fun."
Next week: "Grocers did not sell meat and very little fresh fruit and vegetables. People raised their own."
The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 14.
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