- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, President of the Valley Falls Historical Society
Although in the midst of 1887 progress, improved facilities, electric lights system completed, water works plans approved, etc., some despair was evident with the destruction of the new Lutheran Church and citizens wondered if the Board of Trade, newly organized, would survive; however, in November the new Northwestern Depot was declared a beauty and the Valley Falls New Era for Dec. 29, 1887, reported:
"The first regular services in the new Lutheran Church were held last Sabbath morning."
A brief look into pages of 1888 history reveals departure of New Era Editor R.E. Van Meter and the introduction of new editor Lon E. Robinson. The New Era, Feb. 9, 1888, published a list of Delaware Township officers, city officials, school directory, and board of education for 1888, and a church directory, including the Congregational, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, United Presbyterian, and Christian churches, and the following societies: A.F. and A.M., Valley Falls Lodge No. 21; I.O.O.F., Valley Falls Lodge No. 86; G.A.R; A.O.U.W. — Acme Lodge No. 42; Select Knights — Lodge No. 48; Turnverien Society; and G.A.R. Circle No. 7."
The highlight of the Feb. 9 issue and conclusion of reports on progress of 1887 ambitions was:
"Work on the water works' well for the city is progressing finely. They are down in the ground at this writing about 16 feet, and will strike quicksand tomorrow. An engine will be on the ground in a few days to pump the water out.
"The well is 16 feet in diameter; it is located at the north end of Maple Street, north of Clark Street, and within 300 feet of the river. The windmill will be built over the well and water will be pumped by the mill directly into the mains at the nearest points, and through the mains into the reservoir.
"The elevator reservoir or tank on Lord's Hill will be built on a stone tower 35 feet high. The tank will be 20 feet high. The work must all be completed — mains and pipes all laid, and in operation by the last of July."
The water tower still stands on a hill on the 900 block of Frazier Street.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3.
July 30, 2013
1887: Progress in Valley Falls; Lutheran church destroyed by lightning
- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson Historical Society President
Citizens of Valley Falls determined to prove they have a progressive town— the New Era, April 1887, quoted the Topeka CommonWealth: "This city (Valley Falls) is becoming a railroad city. They have the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, the Kansas Central of the Union Pacific and the Right-of-Way of the Kansas City, Wyandotte and Northwestern Railway for this city from the southeast."
The New Era, May 26, complained, "The circus last Saturday was the biggest fraud that has ever visited Valley Falls in many a day. Hardly a thing that the bills called for was on exhibition."
New Era, July 14, "The water works committee awarded to the U.S. Wind Engine and Pump Co. the contract for furnishing plans for a system of water works. It was decided by the committee to dig a well 15 feet in circumference on Catherine Street between Elm and Oak to erect a windmill in connection therewith and to erect a reservoir on Lord's Hill.
"The electric light system is about complete and the light was turned on Tuesday night. Only about 35 lights were in operation as that is all the burners there were attached."
July 28, "An ordinance granted the Kansas City, Wyandotte and Northwestern Railroad Company the right to construct, maintain, and operate its railroad over along and across certain streets and alleys in the city of
Valley Falls."
August 4- "The Electric Light Co. has about as many lights as its dynamo will supply. Everybody wants electric lights."
August 11–Disaster– A heavy rain and wind storm. "Thunder and lightning were almost incessant. One bolt of lightning striking the new Lutheran Church which burned like tinder and was in ashes in an hour. The lightning struck the tower which almost immediately burst into flames. The building was uninsured and entails a loss of about $5,000. It is the intention to rebuild the church at once provided the necessary funds can be raised."
August 25- Despair? "Shall all our blooms die in the bud? It locked session October 18, and opened bids for the construction of a system of water-works for the city of Valley Falls. The contract was awarded to the United States Windmill Co. of Batavia, Ill. at a cost of $14,778.
Bricklaying on the Lutheran church is progressing rapidly.
Nov. 3– The new Northwestern Depot is a beauty.
Nov. 10- "The spire of the new Lutheran Church rises to about the same altitude as did that of the beautiful structure that burned last summer and the edifice is nearing completion."
New Era, December 8, "The Valley Falls Coal Prospecting and Mining Co. met pursuant to call at City Hall and after discussing the matter thoroughly, decided to disband and pay back all money paid in and recommended that steps be taken to induce the Township Board to call an election for the purpose of voting bands in the sum of $5,000 for the purpose of prospecting for coal. "
December 22– New church dedicated. "The new Lutheran Church was dedicated last Sunday. Rev. J.M. Crumer of Kansas City, who preached the dedicatory sermon when the first house was consecrated, performed that office on this occasion. Only $83 remained to be collected to place the church clear of debt, and that amount was soon raised."
New Era, Thursday, December 29, 1887, "The first regular services in the new Lutheran Church were held last Sabbath morning."
Next- A brief look at the town's anals of history in the new year of 1888 may reveal if progress continued.
The Society Museum will be open 10 a.m. Saturday, July 27.
Citizens of Valley Falls determined to prove they have a progressive town— the New Era, April 1887, quoted the Topeka CommonWealth: "This city (Valley Falls) is becoming a railroad city. They have the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, the Kansas Central of the Union Pacific and the Right-of-Way of the Kansas City, Wyandotte and Northwestern Railway for this city from the southeast."
The New Era, May 26, complained, "The circus last Saturday was the biggest fraud that has ever visited Valley Falls in many a day. Hardly a thing that the bills called for was on exhibition."
New Era, July 14, "The water works committee awarded to the U.S. Wind Engine and Pump Co. the contract for furnishing plans for a system of water works. It was decided by the committee to dig a well 15 feet in circumference on Catherine Street between Elm and Oak to erect a windmill in connection therewith and to erect a reservoir on Lord's Hill.
"The electric light system is about complete and the light was turned on Tuesday night. Only about 35 lights were in operation as that is all the burners there were attached."
July 28, "An ordinance granted the Kansas City, Wyandotte and Northwestern Railroad Company the right to construct, maintain, and operate its railroad over along and across certain streets and alleys in the city of
Valley Falls."
August 4- "The Electric Light Co. has about as many lights as its dynamo will supply. Everybody wants electric lights."
August 11–Disaster– A heavy rain and wind storm. "Thunder and lightning were almost incessant. One bolt of lightning striking the new Lutheran Church which burned like tinder and was in ashes in an hour. The lightning struck the tower which almost immediately burst into flames. The building was uninsured and entails a loss of about $5,000. It is the intention to rebuild the church at once provided the necessary funds can be raised."
August 25- Despair? "Shall all our blooms die in the bud? It locked session October 18, and opened bids for the construction of a system of water-works for the city of Valley Falls. The contract was awarded to the United States Windmill Co. of Batavia, Ill. at a cost of $14,778.
Bricklaying on the Lutheran church is progressing rapidly.
Nov. 3– The new Northwestern Depot is a beauty.
Nov. 10- "The spire of the new Lutheran Church rises to about the same altitude as did that of the beautiful structure that burned last summer and the edifice is nearing completion."
New Era, December 8, "The Valley Falls Coal Prospecting and Mining Co. met pursuant to call at City Hall and after discussing the matter thoroughly, decided to disband and pay back all money paid in and recommended that steps be taken to induce the Township Board to call an election for the purpose of voting bands in the sum of $5,000 for the purpose of prospecting for coal. "
December 22– New church dedicated. "The new Lutheran Church was dedicated last Sunday. Rev. J.M. Crumer of Kansas City, who preached the dedicatory sermon when the first house was consecrated, performed that office on this occasion. Only $83 remained to be collected to place the church clear of debt, and that amount was soon raised."
New Era, Thursday, December 29, 1887, "The first regular services in the new Lutheran Church were held last Sabbath morning."
Next- A brief look at the town's anals of history in the new year of 1888 may reveal if progress continued.
The Society Museum will be open 10 a.m. Saturday, July 27.
Citizens want "the world to know we have some life about us"
- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president of the Valley Falls Historical Society
The community of Grasshopper Falls, now legally called Valley Falls, reflected steady growth in 1885 and 1886 — new business houses were being built, old buildings readily repaired or torn down dependent upon condition, and new residences appeared in steadily growing numbers.
1887 started off in the same growth vein, even boasting the dedication of a new Lutheran church and the State of Kansas accorded the women the privilege of voting. Even so, scores of citizens were not satisfied with their town's image and expressed their dissatisfaction with their public pleas, "Give us electric lights, give us water power, give us a coal shaft — anything and everything to show the world we've got some life about us."
The Valley Falls New Era, Feb. 24, 1887, reported:
"Pursuant to call, a large number of citizens of Valley Falls gathered at the city court room to consult with reference to the future welfare of the town and the contiguous territory. On motion, the following committees were appointed with instructions to report to the next meeting: Coal shaft, electric lights, railroads, real estate, and city hall. Each committee had no less than five and often more members of town leaders appointed to plant the seeds of growth."
March 3, 1887, The New Era reported:
"The Valley Falls real estate syndicate, organized with president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer as officers, headquartered at the Valley Falls Bank of Deposit. The purpose is for dealing in real estate and improving the business prospects of Valley Falls."
New Era, March 10:
"We, the (undersigned) ladies of Valley Falls, hereby organize an association to be known as the 'Women's Suffrage Club,' the object of which is to secure the election of city officers who will perform the duties of the office in strict accordance with the laws of Kansas." (— 22 ladies signed as members.)
A board of trade was organized with four officers and five board of directors. Although some action took place, on April 18, the New Era April 21 progress report stated:
"There was a special session of the city council Thursday afternoon at which a large amount of important business was transacted, including the announcement of the following committees: accounts, improvements, printing, revenue, licenses, and weights and measures. Each committee consisted of at least three members.
"Numerous street crossings and sidewalks were petitioned for and ordered built. A petition of Geo. McCammon and 101 others, asking for an election for the purpose of issuing bonds of the city to the amount of $15,000 for the construction of water works (was presented). The city attorney was instructed to look up all cases pending in courts and report same to council.
"N.G. Hayward was present and asked the council to grant Piazzek and Hayward the exclusive franchise for the operation of the electric light plant for the next 10 years, and on motion, the same was granted. C.F. Bliss and T.C. Lord were appointed a committee to investigate the waterworks question, including finding the cost of various apparatus and fixtures."
Continuing in April: "An ordinance authorized Piazzek and Hayward to maintain and operate an electric lights, motor power, and electric appliances plant in the city of Valley Falls."
And on April 28:
"The contract for the plant was closed with H.K. Webb, a representative of the Jenner Electric Co. of Indianapolis, Ind."
Next, the Topeka commonwealth comments favorably on Valley Falls's growth, followed by an entertainment failure.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20.
The community of Grasshopper Falls, now legally called Valley Falls, reflected steady growth in 1885 and 1886 — new business houses were being built, old buildings readily repaired or torn down dependent upon condition, and new residences appeared in steadily growing numbers.
1887 started off in the same growth vein, even boasting the dedication of a new Lutheran church and the State of Kansas accorded the women the privilege of voting. Even so, scores of citizens were not satisfied with their town's image and expressed their dissatisfaction with their public pleas, "Give us electric lights, give us water power, give us a coal shaft — anything and everything to show the world we've got some life about us."
The Valley Falls New Era, Feb. 24, 1887, reported:
"Pursuant to call, a large number of citizens of Valley Falls gathered at the city court room to consult with reference to the future welfare of the town and the contiguous territory. On motion, the following committees were appointed with instructions to report to the next meeting: Coal shaft, electric lights, railroads, real estate, and city hall. Each committee had no less than five and often more members of town leaders appointed to plant the seeds of growth."
March 3, 1887, The New Era reported:
"The Valley Falls real estate syndicate, organized with president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer as officers, headquartered at the Valley Falls Bank of Deposit. The purpose is for dealing in real estate and improving the business prospects of Valley Falls."
New Era, March 10:
"We, the (undersigned) ladies of Valley Falls, hereby organize an association to be known as the 'Women's Suffrage Club,' the object of which is to secure the election of city officers who will perform the duties of the office in strict accordance with the laws of Kansas." (— 22 ladies signed as members.)
A board of trade was organized with four officers and five board of directors. Although some action took place, on April 18, the New Era April 21 progress report stated:
"There was a special session of the city council Thursday afternoon at which a large amount of important business was transacted, including the announcement of the following committees: accounts, improvements, printing, revenue, licenses, and weights and measures. Each committee consisted of at least three members.
"Numerous street crossings and sidewalks were petitioned for and ordered built. A petition of Geo. McCammon and 101 others, asking for an election for the purpose of issuing bonds of the city to the amount of $15,000 for the construction of water works (was presented). The city attorney was instructed to look up all cases pending in courts and report same to council.
"N.G. Hayward was present and asked the council to grant Piazzek and Hayward the exclusive franchise for the operation of the electric light plant for the next 10 years, and on motion, the same was granted. C.F. Bliss and T.C. Lord were appointed a committee to investigate the waterworks question, including finding the cost of various apparatus and fixtures."
Continuing in April: "An ordinance authorized Piazzek and Hayward to maintain and operate an electric lights, motor power, and electric appliances plant in the city of Valley Falls."
And on April 28:
"The contract for the plant was closed with H.K. Webb, a representative of the Jenner Electric Co. of Indianapolis, Ind."
Next, the Topeka commonwealth comments favorably on Valley Falls's growth, followed by an entertainment failure.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20.
1904 New Era: October issue declares 91-year-old's life 'soon to end'
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, President, Valley Falls Historical Society
(Conclusion 1904 saga)
Valley Falls New Era, July 15, 1904:
"Add to list of businesses and merchants — J.W. McDaniel, druggist, and J.H. McNutt, dealer in groceries."
Continued news items from Valley Falls New Era 1904:
July 23, "Church directory, Lutheran Church, Baptist Church, Christian Church, Methodist Church, and Congregational Church.
"There will be a meeting at city hall July 30 at 1 a.m. for the purpose of organizing a gun club. Everyone that is interested is requested to attend. (Note: 1 a.m. is correct).
"Lou Hauck, J.A. Zimmerman, W. Hall, G.W. Marks, J.P. Rasmussen, Elmer Lewis, and Bernie Arnold went to Yankton, South Dakota, Sunday night where they registered in the land drawing of the Rose Bud Reservation Lands, which will be thrown open for settlement soon. Of course, each of them expect to draw a quarter section. They arrived home Wednesday."
July 29, "The carnival committee has closed a contract for a balloon man for the carnival. He is a reliable man and will do good work if the weather will permit."
Aug. 5, "There has been much talk about H. N. Oakley carrying the mail on Route No. 3 and teaching school at the same time. He informs us that he will carry the mail and has given up the school proposition.
"A new cement sidewalk is being put down in front of Mitchell's Butcher Shop this week."
Sept. 9, "The indications are that Broadway will be lighted by electricity during the carnival. J.A. Zimmerman has taken hold of the old plant and is getting it in shape for the purpose."
Sept. 16, "The foundation for the Catholic cottage is almost completed.
"Marsh & Falls Cigar Factory is gaily decorated in front with several hundred cigar boxes, the contents of which have been sent up in smoke by patrons of this enterprising firm.
"(Carnival) The Street Fair a Success. — The third annual Street Fair and Carnival is the most successful one so far held both in attractions and in point of attendance."
Sept. 30, "Arrangements are being made for the operation of a good electric light plant here. J.A. Zimmerman and George Harman have leased the Piazzek Plant and will put in a first class steam outfit. While the boiler and engine will likely not be in place for several weeks, we understand a limited number of lights will be furnished in a week or so."
Oct. 7, "Mrs. Lou Hauck is the proud possessor of a fine two-seated surrey, which her husband made a present of."
Oct. 14, "Electric lights were turned on Saturday night for the first time under the new management. Messrs. Zimmerman and Harman are endeavoring to build up a system of light that will be satisfactory to the public. How they will succeed remains to be seen."
"Tuesday, Oct. 10, was Sophia Fleisher's 91st birthday and about a dozen ladies made their annual visit to cheer her on life's journey, that will soon be ended as she is failing fast."
Nov. 18, "The Catholic school opened Tuesday morning with 16 pupils enrolled. A neat, two-story residence has been erected near the church for the Sisters who are conducting the school, which is being held in the church at present."
Dec. 16, "F.V. Glenn returned from Kansas City Tuesday evening. He was down there several days assisting J.A. Zimmerman dismantle and load a boiler for the electric light plant."
A quick glance into the New Year, 1905:
Valley Falls New Era, Jan. 20, 1905, "An ordinance — Granted to J.A. Zimmerman and George Harman, both of Valley Falls, Kansas, their successors and assigns, composing the Z Light and Power Company, an electric light and power franchise in the City of Valley Falls, Kansas. Be ordained, etc."
The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
(Conclusion 1904 saga)
Valley Falls New Era, July 15, 1904:
"Add to list of businesses and merchants — J.W. McDaniel, druggist, and J.H. McNutt, dealer in groceries."
Continued news items from Valley Falls New Era 1904:
July 23, "Church directory, Lutheran Church, Baptist Church, Christian Church, Methodist Church, and Congregational Church.
"There will be a meeting at city hall July 30 at 1 a.m. for the purpose of organizing a gun club. Everyone that is interested is requested to attend. (Note: 1 a.m. is correct).
"Lou Hauck, J.A. Zimmerman, W. Hall, G.W. Marks, J.P. Rasmussen, Elmer Lewis, and Bernie Arnold went to Yankton, South Dakota, Sunday night where they registered in the land drawing of the Rose Bud Reservation Lands, which will be thrown open for settlement soon. Of course, each of them expect to draw a quarter section. They arrived home Wednesday."
July 29, "The carnival committee has closed a contract for a balloon man for the carnival. He is a reliable man and will do good work if the weather will permit."
Aug. 5, "There has been much talk about H. N. Oakley carrying the mail on Route No. 3 and teaching school at the same time. He informs us that he will carry the mail and has given up the school proposition.
"A new cement sidewalk is being put down in front of Mitchell's Butcher Shop this week."
Sept. 9, "The indications are that Broadway will be lighted by electricity during the carnival. J.A. Zimmerman has taken hold of the old plant and is getting it in shape for the purpose."
Sept. 16, "The foundation for the Catholic cottage is almost completed.
"Marsh & Falls Cigar Factory is gaily decorated in front with several hundred cigar boxes, the contents of which have been sent up in smoke by patrons of this enterprising firm.
"(Carnival) The Street Fair a Success. — The third annual Street Fair and Carnival is the most successful one so far held both in attractions and in point of attendance."
Sept. 30, "Arrangements are being made for the operation of a good electric light plant here. J.A. Zimmerman and George Harman have leased the Piazzek Plant and will put in a first class steam outfit. While the boiler and engine will likely not be in place for several weeks, we understand a limited number of lights will be furnished in a week or so."
Oct. 7, "Mrs. Lou Hauck is the proud possessor of a fine two-seated surrey, which her husband made a present of."
Oct. 14, "Electric lights were turned on Saturday night for the first time under the new management. Messrs. Zimmerman and Harman are endeavoring to build up a system of light that will be satisfactory to the public. How they will succeed remains to be seen."
"Tuesday, Oct. 10, was Sophia Fleisher's 91st birthday and about a dozen ladies made their annual visit to cheer her on life's journey, that will soon be ended as she is failing fast."
Nov. 18, "The Catholic school opened Tuesday morning with 16 pupils enrolled. A neat, two-story residence has been erected near the church for the Sisters who are conducting the school, which is being held in the church at present."
Dec. 16, "F.V. Glenn returned from Kansas City Tuesday evening. He was down there several days assisting J.A. Zimmerman dismantle and load a boiler for the electric light plant."
A quick glance into the New Year, 1905:
Valley Falls New Era, Jan. 20, 1905, "An ordinance — Granted to J.A. Zimmerman and George Harman, both of Valley Falls, Kansas, their successors and assigns, composing the Z Light and Power Company, an electric light and power franchise in the City of Valley Falls, Kansas. Be ordained, etc."
The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
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