Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
A series of "Out of the Past" items gleaned from the yellowed pages of a Valley Falls historical scrap book reveal incidents of daily life, important events, and work-a-day requirements of businesses prominent in the first quarter of the 20th century in Valley Falls.
From the pages of the Valley Falls Vindicator, Oct. 2, 1917:
"The tiling for the roof of the new Santa Fe Depot has arrived and is being put in place as fast as the weather permits.
"Sheriff O'Brien is getting more up-to-date each day. He now has a typewriter in his office — an honest to goodness writing machine, which is being manipulated by Undersheriff Rice.
"The fire bell tower, in its new coat of red paint, was hoisted on its new location in the rear of the new fire station Saturday afternoon by Henry Farra and crew, assisted by a large crew of spectators. The second day after it was put in place at the new fire station, the fire bell called the department to the home of Walter Fleisher when a quick run was made from the new and handy fire station.
"The 'fire' call to 'central' was handled by Miss Kate Williams, for a new operator, and Walter Moxley, who was in his office, was called upon to ring the bell. G.B. Allen followed on a quick run to open the station door. The members of the fire company, from store and shop, rushed to the station where they met E.B. pulling out the hose carts and while you looked were off to the fire, but fortunately it was only a chimney fire."
Nov. 23, 1917:
"Everything is in readiness for the dedication of the new $125,000 Santa Fe Station next Monday. The program as arranged will begin promptly at 3 o'clock in the afternoon and will consist of music by the band and a few short speeches. The Ramblers Club will serve punch, cigars will be furnished by the Commercial Club."
Feb. 1, 1918:
"Perk Delk filled his ice house with fine ice from the river for his ice cream parlor next summer."
Jan. 18, 1918:
"Jacob Heer, proprietor of the Valley Falls Bottling Works, attended the State Convention of Bottlers at Lawrence the first of the week.
"The several horse and mule buyers, Hurst, Delk, Blake, Addy and others attended the Horse and Mule Auction at Topeka Saturday.
"Lou Hauck, Maud Bruton, and John Burkert of the Hauck Department Store, attended the Merchants Convention Tuesday and Wednesday."
Feb. 15, 1918:
"Born to Mr. and Mrs. Fount Hurst Monday night, Feb. 11, 1918, a son, Dr. J.M. Marks reports.
"E.A. Huber was out on the Central Branch territory this week taking orders for his popular brand of cigars.
"Mrs. Jas. Hatfield, of St. Joe, spent last Saturday at Valley Falls with Mrs. Chas. Norris and other friends and especially to see the new boy at Uncle Fount Hurst's.
"Ed Samon, the implement dealer, reports the sale of three 10-20 tractors, the best and latest out to Hockens Bros., Frank Wunder, and S.F. Cornell.
"M.I. Hurley, manager of the Kemper Stock Farm, shipped three cars of cattle to Kansas City Sunday night for Monday's market."
Oct. 24, 1919:
"At the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.D. Kendall, Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 15, 1919, the marriage of their daughter, Lida Marie, to Mr. Earl Earnest Ferguson took place. Mrs. Fred Legler, sister of the bride, sang 'Still As the Night' by Carl Bohm, after which the bridal couple, preceded by the officiating of clergyman, the Rev. C.E. Holcombe, of the Federated Church, but otherwise unattended, entered the parlor where in the presence of a small company composed of immediate relatives and a few intimate friends, the double-ring ceremony was read.
The Valley Falls Historical Society will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
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