Murray-Heer Motor Co. (Ford dealer) - 301 Broadway

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

From Ford agency and economy travel promoter in 1925, the Murray-Heer Motor Co. expanded their services. On Dec. 29, 1928, the company held an open house for the public to inspect their new facilities and to celebrate their new "home" at 301 Broadway. The Friday, Dec. 28, 1928, Valley Falls Vindicator publicized the event, including the company's history.

"The Ford agency in Valley Falls was established back in the early 'teens and on July 4th, 1917, the firm of the Harman Agency, Ford Dealers in Valley Falls, was composed of W.B. Mitchell, Geo. Harman and Elmer Lewis, and on that date the firm moved into the fine modern garage on Broadway, now occupied by the Lewis Motor Co. Herbert Murray entered the employ of the firm at that time and Harold Trimble, at this time head mechanic for the Murray-Heer firm, entered the employ of the firm on July 1st, 1919 — they both having been connected with the Ford agency since. Effective January 1st, 1919, Mr. Mitchell sold his interests to Herbert Murray, and this partnership remained in effect until September 1, 1923, when Fred Heer became associated with Mr. Murray and the firm was then known as the Murray-Heer Motor Co. From the time the firm moved into the Harman building in 1917 to the present they have continuously handled the following standard products: Ford Sales and Service, Standard Oil Co., gasoline and oils; and Firestone tires and tubes.

On July 4th, 1917, the stock was valued at $300, while today (1928) it amounts to $10,000. At that time there were four people engaged in the business; while today there are ten — Herbert Murray, Fred Heer, Louise Burris in the office; Eldon Gordon in charge of the parts and stock room; Harold Trimble, head mechanic; Dallas Haskins, in charge of sales; and Leslie Green, Wallace Fowble, Cy Hayes in the mechanical department; and Cecil Lewis, service man."

Headline: Murray-Heer will hold open house Saturday, Dec. 29. Public is invited to inspect the plant. Gifts for the auto drivers and favors for the ladies.
"Saturday, Dec. 29th, Murray-Heer will hold 'open house' to their patrons and friends and the new home will be 'dedicated.' The erection of this fine structure means much to the city of Valley Falls. With its completion Valley Falls now claims one of the best, most modern fireproof Master Service Stations and Ford Agencies in northeast Kansas. Plans were selected after the architect had inspected numerous other buildings of like nature in the larger cities — the most convenient and accessible features were selected from each. Labor saving machinery has been ordered and much has been installed, while some is being made to order. The building itself consists chiefly of steel and cement; with excellent lighting facilities — both day and artificial. The drive-in service station is the last word in convenience — three large visible pumps have been installed for dispensing the three brands of gasoline products of the Standard Oil Co., while air and water are obtainable at three points on the north and east fronts. A large American Blower system of heating with electric radiators known as the Ventura-fin system, has been installed by the Summerfelt agency. The large boiler, located in the basement is known as the Red Flash Boiler — an enameled product of the highest quality. Hot and cold water is obtainable throughout the building, as well as in the Ladies' and Men's rest rooms. In the basement will be found an up-to-date shower bath for the employees. The indirect lighting system in the display room is especially effective."

This location is now the home of Aahh Some Blossom LLC with Julie Brink and Jo Tichenor, proprietresses.

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. The special hours are being held for Grasshopper Falls Day. Free cider and doughnuts will be served from 9:30 to noon.

Shrine Church history 1925-1955

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The little Shrine Church, resident of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, has played a number of roles, each of historic significance. 

    

First recognized as the first Lutheran Church built west of the Missouri River on Kansas soil, the building served the congregation of the Rev. J.B. McAfee. Removed from its original foundation to make room for a family residence, the church served the African Methodist Episcopal congregation, as a public meeting place, a public schoolroom, and home to temporarily orphaned denominations of worshippers. All well-known facts to citizens of the Valley Falls community.

An outstanding role, organized by Mrs. E.E. (Lida) Ferguson and Mrs. R.C. Simpson, was that of Bible school for African-American folk of Valley Falls who were having no privileges of religious services. According to a Valley Falls Vindicator article July 1955, the school was organized in 1925 and time was set for 10 a.m. Sundays. 

The meeting place was in the Second M.E. Church, which was badly in need of repairs. Come winter the room was uncomfortably cold, so when the second winter came, the group moved to the Second Baptist Church building where all were comfortable until spring rains began. The roof was a veritable sieve, letting water pour through onto song books and study literature, ruining all supplies donated by other churches. It was decided a new beginning had to be made.

Of  the other buildings at their disposal, it was decided to repair the building that would cost the least in outlay of cash and work.

The Second Baptist Church had a paving mortgage of $300, besides a roof that would have to be replaced. The Second M.E. Building needed walls to be repaired and the foundation pointed up, but had no mortgage to be paid off; so was chosen as the building to be repaired.

An appeal was sent out to churches and friends for financial aid. Mrs. A.D. Kendall backed the Bible school organization morally and financially. Friends gave substantial assistance, including a piano and heating stove. The Lutheran Church of Chapman sent discarded pulpit furniture, consisting of three high-backed chairs and a pulpit. Others donated their work specialty — foundation repair etc. The Coal Creek Church donated hanging lamps, later replaced with electric fixtures.

During the 30-year period from 1925 to 1955 of the school's existence, the church again needed repairs and redecoration. Again friends of the church came to the rescue. Since members of the school represented several different church denominations, the school was named Colored Union Sunday School. Mrs. E.E. Ferguson, pianist, together with Mrs. R.C. Simpson guided the activities and studies of all the years.

On July 24, 1955, a dedication of the building and celebration of the 30th anniversary of the organization of the school was held. All churches of the community were invited to attend.

The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14.

September window displays remembers former town names, Sept. 11th attack

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum windows reflect images and dates of past history of Valley Falls and more recent national history.

The seasonal window features a mural painted by local artist Susan Phillips, of the Kansas Central Railroad Bridge, circa approximately 1865, with the Piazzek Mill in the background. Piazzek Mill photos are included in the scene.

With the approach of Grasshopper Falls Day, reminders of our town's trio of names and dates are illustrated.

A brief review of the town's nomenclature columns: Originally named Grasshopper Falls, with history of the town's beginning in 1854, located near the Falls on the Grasshopper River. The voracious grasshopper invasions of 1855, 1860, and 1861, ruining crops and threatening livelihoods so incensed the residents that they were fed up with the Grasshopper name. They asked the legislature to change the name of the river, township, and town to Sautrelle. October 1863, the names were changed to Sautrelle (French for grasshopper). The change was taunted by a sundry of reactions from citizens, editors, and outsiders who substituted "Sow Tail" for Sautrelle. The populace did not relish the nickname so the legislature restored the old name, "Grasshopper Falls" in 1864.

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

The Kansas Quarterly reported:
"By irony of fate, the grasshoppers came again in 1874, so meetings of residents with the legislature in 1875 resulted in passing a bill changing the name of the town to Valley Falls, Delaware River, and Delaware Township — Delaware for the Indians, former inhabitants.

The veterans' window features memories of a shocked nation and world. The vicious attack on U.S. cities — the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7.