Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Thumbing through the files of the Valley Falls Historical Society reveals a sundry of items through early years, including daily events, seasonal activities, tragedies, and celebrations.
According to local news items, The Kansas New Era, May 7, 1874:
"Our streets are daily lined with the white-sheeted wagons of the immigrants seeking a home in Kansas.
"The first installment of ice was delivered last week among our businessmen gratuitously by Sam Sawyer of the firm of Sawyer and Mitchell. These gentlemen have a large amount of ice for summer's use, and they will expect and should receive a large share of the patronage of the city."
The Valley Falls New Era, June 10, 1886:
"They have about 100,000 bricks in the kiln at Patrick's Brickyard. They will 'touch it off' as soon as they get 50,000 more in. They now give promise of being a very excellent quality of brick.
"There is said to be gambling and beer drinking going on somewhere in the upper part of the building on the northeast corner of Broadway and Maple streets. It is expected that the marshal will ferret the 'hole' out and plug it."
The Valley Falls New Era, Dec. 13, 1890:
"Drowned. Last Wednesday evening about 5:30 o'clock, the terrible news was on everyone's lips that three little boys had broken through the ice on the Delaware River at the foot of Oak Street and were drowned. Little Fred and Leslie Case and their little stepbrother, Floyd Archer, were the victims of the sad accident.
"Their ages, respectively, were 16, 11, and 8 years. After school they had wandered down to the river and ventured to slide on the ice. Fred and Floyd went through the ice but 11-year-old Leslie tried to hold on to the edge of the ice until help had arrived, but slid into the cold water and drowned with the other two before help could be extended to him."
The Valley Falls New Era, July 2, 1892:
"The steamer 'Delaware' will carry passengers to and from the company's grounds on the Fourth of July, and thus give all a chance to enjoy a day free from all the bustle and heat in the city. Amusements of all descriptions. Round trip 25 cents."
New Era, July 9, 1892:
"The Fourth of July was as pleasant a day here as ever Italy enjoyed and though there was no general celebration, a tip top time was realized by our people in picnicking in the various handsome groves adjacent to the city. About 450 people availed themselves of a steamboat ride up the Delaware to a picnic ground prepared by the 'Delaware Navigating Co.' "
The Valley Falls Historical Society will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1.
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