Happy 161st Birthday, Valley Falls

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VALLEY FALLS!
Dec. 25, 1854 — 2015, 161 years!

The following items and episodes are drived from a reprint in a 1938 Valley Falls Vindicator of history of Grasshopper Falls, written about 1884.

The historian stated,
"The history of the town begins in 1854 in February when Henry Zen (Senn) located at the falls on the Grasshopper River. He had a team of oxen, built a cabin, and even put up a haystack!"

Henry had planned to live indefinitely in this area; however, in the fall he was visited by a white man claiming to be an agent for the Indians who ordered him to leave the country. He moved east and joined a man named Mooney who lived on a creek that still bears his name.

The next settlement was established as of December 1854 when James Frazier, Robert Riddle, H.B. Jolley and A.J. Whitney turned west from Hickory Point from their trek on the military road seeking the falls on the Grasshopper River. On December 23, they discovered the falls, on December 24 moved the campsite near their falls, and started driving stakes for the town, claiming stakes December 25, 1854.

While driving stakes, locating boundries, and building a cabin, the searching party ran low on provisions, no ammunition for killing game, and no fishing gear for catching fish. Leaving Kiddle and Frazier to finish building and to guard their claims, Jolley and Whitney left for Weston, Mo., for fresh supplies. A trip supposed to take two days lasted 11. Much hunger and discomfort resulting at the campsite.

In the spring of 1855, the town was surveyed and named Grasshopper Falls. A company was organized to build a saw and grist mill. The members were James Frazier, Robert Riddle, A.J. Whitney, and Isaac Cody. Cody, father of noted buffalo hunter "Buffalo Bill Cody," was never a resident, but was elected to the legislature from Jefferson County.

Logs were cut and hauled and work began on the mill. The falls of the river were on hard limestone rock and on this the dam was built.

Although 1855 proved very active, the Jolley brothers became discouraged and and returned to Iowa.

A.J. Whitney was appointed postmaster for Grasshopper Falls, December 21, 1855. He remained a short time. He sold his claim to James H. Day for $16 and left the country. When here, he added much to the life of the new town. He is described as a jolly, whole-souled fellow, kind-hearted, and fond of his whiskey.

At the early day, there were a number of Indian camps near. Whitney always kept a demijohn (large narrow neck bottle, usually enclosed in wickerwork) of whiskey but would never let the Indians have any. One night the Indians stole it. At first, Whitney did not know what to do, but as he felt like having a drink before breakfast, he started out and stole a pony from this Indian chief, which he refused to give up until he got his demijohn back. After a while, the chief returned it, although about half of the whiskey was gone. Whitney then gave up the pony, took a drink, and went to breakfast.

In 1855, the town continued to grow. First some women, as Mrs. H.B. Jolley and the Stephen Dunn family. Mr. D.A. Blacksmith and Mrs., the second white woman. A series of "firsts," then as life flows.

The historian's 1884 view of Grasshopper/ Valley Falls:
"Valley Falls is a thriving and attractive town of about 1,300 population. It is pleasantly located on the gently sloping hillsides on the river bank of the Delaware River at the junction of the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe and the Kansas Central railroads. The residence portion of the city is beautifully ornamented by fruit, shade, and evergreen trees. The residence lots are large and the houses neat and attractive. The business houses are large and well built. In the business section, on both sides of the street are large and handsome brick blocks. It is the metropolis of the county. Far exceeding any other within 175 limits in population and amount of business done.

1875 - Atchison bridge celebration, businesses doing well, "evil whiskey," vegetables and Christmas

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

A sundry of events 140 years ago, (1875) at the former Grasshopper Falls, now officially Valley Falls, according to Kansas New Era editor George A. Huron, Sept. 11, 1875:

"Nearly 400 citizens of Jefferson County attended the Great Bridge celebration at Atchison Thursday via A.T.&T. and S.F.R.R. Rock Creek and Meriden sent each about 40, Valley Falls 125, and Nortonville 115 persons.

"The woolen mills at the Falls are doing a good business. The proprietors, when asked for an advertisement, stated they could not supply the present demands.

"The Octagon Hotel is one of the greatest curiosities of architectural integrity. It is five stories high (50 feet) and contains 35 rooms so arranged that the least possible trouble is taken to reach any of them from office or parlor."

Sept. 18, 1875:
"Miss Puella Dornblazer is the Valley Falls correspondent for the Oskaloosa Independent. A good thing for that paper.

"Three young ladies have opened a barber shop in Valley Falls. Mell Legler knows where it is.

"R.H. Crosby starts for Chicago this week with two car loads of fat cattle. He will bring back a rousing big stock of goods for the fall and winter trade at 'Crosby & Kendall."

Sept. 25, 1875:
"For an illustration of the evil effects of whiskey in a printing office, compare this week's New Era with last. The editor went away — the printers got on a drunk and stayed there. A new set could not be procured until Thursday noon, and this is why we give you the New Era on the half shell this week (only two pages). With a corps of sober printers, we hope for no such failures in the future."

Oct. 16, 1875:
"Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe R.R. from Kansas City and Atchison via Valley Falls, Lawrence, Topeka, Carbondale, Osage City, Emporia, Florence, Peabody, Newton to Wichita, Hutchinson, Dodge City, Granada and West Las Anmas."

Nov. 6, 1875:
"Wheat, corn, potatoes, turnips, pumpkins, squash, and rag currency taken on subscription for the New Era. What the people want is a legal tender paper dollar, which is worth just 100 cents in gold, or a medium of exchange, which will not be depreciated by an usurious premium on gold."

Nov. 13, 1875:
"Turnips, only 10 cents per bushel, yet some scallawag stole several bushels, root and branch from our garden.

Smith Bunkder, who has been almost totally blind dor three years, has been under treatment by Dr. E. Northrup for a few weeks, and has so far recovered his sight as to be able to read common newspaper print with ease. Dr. Northrup is having wonderful success in treating diseases of the eyes."

Dec. 4, 1875:
"With Christmas trees at the Methodist Church and Cowan's Hall on Christmas Eve, Gibson's Minstrels at Crosby's Hall Saturday evening, public installation at Masonic Hall Monday evening, Christmas Jubilee at Congregational Church Sunday evening, and a ball or two, there should be no lack of amusement this week."

Day of mourning for President Garfield, 1881

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

Tolling bells convey the tidings of the death of the murdered United States President.

The Valley Falls New Era, Sept. 24, 1881, reported:
"Proclamation. Mayor's office, Sept. 23, 1881. Whereas Monday, Sept. 26, has been set for the funeral observance of our martyred President, James A. Garfield, I therefore request a general observance of the day by our people and that all places of business be closed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., also that public and private buildings be suitably draped in mourning."

"Our businessmen generally draped their building in crepe on the day following the President's death. The city flag was suspended over main street, draped in deep mourning, also the band flag from Kendall's Hall. In pursuance of Mayor Hick's proclamation, the business houses were all closed. Many private residences were also draped in black. At about half past one o'clock, a procession was formed on Broadway at the corner of Sycamore Street. At the head of the procession was a white horse led by a colored groom dressed in a black suit. The horse wore a saddle to which was attached a sword and on the opposite side a heavy carbine. Next came the Valley Falls Cornet band with muffled drum playing a funeral march, followed by speakers of the day riding in a carriage. Following on foot were benevolent societies of the city. 

"The procession proceded to Wilson Park for short addresses by the speaker with appropriate band and choir music. Following the memorial services, the procession returned to city center and sadly dispersed."

James A. Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881, and died Sept. 19, 1881.

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

Visit the museum on Grasshopper Falls Day!

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The grasshopper's annual claim to fame dominates the historical society museum window display this month. The wily playboy of the folklore insect world, berated by the industrious ants for his irresponsible capers and despised by farmers in the reality world for his voracious appetite and destructive invasions, enjoys celebrity status in the city's history.

The window display lauds the creature's "once-a-year day" (Grasshopper Falls Day) with a scattering of previous years' programs and brochures surrounded by signs of welcome, reminders of the city's effort to change the city's name, and a rare copy of the short-lived Sautrelle News. A weather-beaten, aged grasshopper replica claims center stage.

Cider and doughnuts will be available at the museum beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

Annual meeting is October 18th

Deb Goodrich will be the guest speaker at the annual dinner and meeting of the Valley Falls Historical Society to be held at The Barn Bed & Breakfast Inn at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18.

Deb is a storyteller. Whether through writing or on camera, she educates and inspires. She is the cohost of the weekly television show, Around Kansas, the Wednesday

feature of AgaminKansas, on YouTube. She will be host to a new TV series, Out West, debuting in 2016. 

Deb is writing "Our Charley: From Reservation to Washington," (film script and book) on the life of Kansas's Vice President Charles Curtis, son of the Kaw Nation. She is an instructor for Osher, Lifelong Learning, and is much in demand as a speaker.

In spring 2012, the History Press released her book, "The Civil War in Kansas: Ten Years of Turmoil," (foreward by Gen. Richard Myers, 15th Chair of the Joint Chiefs).

Goodrich and co-author Michelle Martin wrote "Kansas Forts and Bases: Sentinels of the Prairie," released in February 2013 (foreward by retired col. Jerry Morelock, editor in chief of Armchair General Magazine).

Her third book with History Press was released in November 2014. Kansas Music Hall ofFame President Allen Blasco wrote the foreward to "Kansas Music: Stories of a Rich Tradition."

Author Esther Luttrell based the lead character in her newest book, "Murder in Magenta" on Goodrich.

Goodrich has appeared on C-SPAN and in numerous documentaries including two new releases: "Gunslingers" on American Heroes Channel and "The Road to Valhalla" from Lone Chimney Films (Winner of the 2015 Wrangler Award). 

Further information will be forthcoming.

1878 rules for teachers

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

Yesteryears, a publication of the Jefferson County Historical Society and Jefferson County Genealogical Society's April 1994 issue, published the following rules for teachers, as published in the November 23, 1878, Oskaloosa Independent, our friend and neighbor:

"The following sixteen rules are excellent guides, and by a closer adherence to them will seldom be occasion for resorting to any severe mode of punishment."

Authorship of the rules unknown, but quoted as found except for a few alterations!

"1.) From your earliest connection with your pupils, inculcate the necessity of prompt and exact obedience. 2.) Unite firmness with gentleness and let your pupils understand that you mean exactly what you say. 3.) Never promise anything unless you are quite sure you can give what you promise. 4.) Never tell a pupil to do anything unless you are sure he knows how it is to be done; or show him how it is to be done. 5.) Always punish a pupil for willful disobedience; but never punish unduly or in anger; and in no case should a blow be given to the head. 6). Never let your pupils see they can make you lose your self-command. 7.) If the pupils are under the influence of an angry or petulent spirit, wait till they are calm, then reason with them on the impropriety of their conduct. 8.) Never yield to a pupil because he looks angry or threatens or resorts to tears. Deal mercifully and justly. 9.) A little present punishment is more effective than threatening of a greater punishment should the fault be renewed. 10.) Never allow pupils to do at one time what you have forbidden under like circumstances at another. 11.) Teach the young that the only way to appear good is to be good. 12.) Never allow tale bearing. 13.) If a pupil abuses your confidence, make him for a time feel the want of it. 14.) Never allude to former errors if real sorrow has been evinced for having committed them. 15.) Encourage, in every suitable way, a spirit of diligence, obedience, perseverance, kindness, forbearance, honesty, truthfulness, purity and courteousness. 16.) Never speak in a scolding or fretful manner. Use tones of gentleness. Some teachers defeat their objective by using harsh and boisterous tones."

The Valley Falls Historical Society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.

The Delaware Valley Fair, 1880s

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The story of a Valley Falls fair from the pages of a scrap book of newspaper articles dated 1938 compiled and saved by the late Sallie Blue, a Valley Falls teacher and librarian:

Former Fairs at Valley Falls—A Glimpse at the Record Book of 1880-84 when the Delaware Valley Fair Association was in its Glory.

We are indebted to Mrs. John Campbell, daughter of M. M. Maxwell—during his life one of the most enthusiastic boosters for county fairs, and in 1884 secretary of the Delaware Valley Fair Association, putting on fairs and races on what is now F. F. Hurst's wheatfield southeast of town—for the secretary's book containing the names of prize winners for the fairs of 1880-1884.

Checking over the list for '80 we note there were few exhibits of cattle—George Hensley and J. M. Huber, both of Meriden, being the biggest exhibitors; but when it came to horses and mules there must have been a demand for extra stable room. Horse breeders were present from Atchison, Leavenworth, Topeka, Oskaloosa, Winchester, Ozawkie, Pardee, Grove City (ever hear of a town of this name in Jefferson county—there was one then) besides the following from this place: Adam and J. H. Faulk, Dave German, I. C. Webster, J. J. Gardiner, Herm Newman, Ed. Farrar, Dick Simpson, Ed. Hutchins, Bob Marsh, Walter and Finley Ferguson, Wm. T. Booth, Chas. Hudspeth.

A good display of sheep were shown and among the owners were George Goodrich and son Harry.

In the swine department Park Murray apparently got most of the ribbons.

Apparently there was little attention paid to poultry in those days, but in '84 this division began to pick up and the name of Andrew Mitchell was at the top of the winners in his class.

In the display of farm and kitchen implements—a department the present fair should encourage—Doolittle Bros. & Judson had a display of hand made kitchen tinware, E. L. Weybright got a prize on a churn and farm wagon made by the "Delaware Manufacturing Co.," and V. P. Newman had an exhibit of harrows and plows made by the "Great Western Blacksmith Shop" —you may note Valley Falls was an industrial center in those days, why not now?

In the farm products department a difference was made in the classification of bottom and upland raised corn, but other than white and yellow there was no distinction—what would these men think now when Boone county White and Reids Yellow Dent are so carefully graded—to, say nothing of the "hybrids" but even so the following were good farmers in their day and believed in showing their neighbors how it was done; and such men deserve the sincere thanks and approbation of those who have profited by their early experiments and sacrifices, such men were M. M. Maxwell, Dave Smith, A. A. Murray, T. A. Hatfield, L. H. Gest, Ben Reppert, Geo. Reppert, Wm. Bechtel, John Corkadel, George Corkadel, George VanGaasbeek, Sam Washington, of Ozawkie; L. E. Stone, of Londale, (ever hear of this town in Jackson county ?).

In the fine arts department the ladies demonstrated their industry and ability in the line of knitting, worsted work on cardboard, crocheting, plain and fancy quilting, lacework, embroidery, wax-work, and painting in oil—a few of the contestants are still actively interested in the affairs of the present day. Among the names were Mrs. L. E. Stone, of Londale, Mrs. H. B. Schaeffer, of Oskaloosa, Mrs. John Carson and Mrs. Mary J. Graham, of Winchester, Mrs. L. H. Gest, Mrs. I. Friend, Mrs. M. S. Orr, Mrs. Albert Beland, Mrs. G. D. Ingersoll, Mrs. J. G. Waite, Mrs. D. Y. Gallison, Mrs. H. A. McCoy, Mrs. Allen Stockwell, Mrs. S. G. Walters, Mrs. Robt. Marsh, Mrs. E. A. Newman, Mrs. Albert Beland, Mrs. Dr. Hunt, Mrs. Mell Hefty, Mrs. J. H. Murray, Mrs. Henry Legler, Mrs. J. R. Mitchell, Mrs. A. A. Murray, Mrs. Mell Legler, and Misses Pauline Friend, Bertha Greutter, May Murray, Nellie A. Murray, L. E. Goodrich, Lula Goodrich, Blanch Beland, Lizzie Goodman, Etta Murray, Nellie Bishop, Willetta German, Mollie McDaniel, Nellie Grimes, Minnie Maxwell, Jessie Hughan, Ellen Summerfelt, Gertie Barnes, Mollie Gephart, Hattie Hayward, Lida Goodrich, Sadie Blair.

S.R. Shepherd, of Leavenworth, had on exhibition a Singer sewing machine, and D. M. Smith of Oskaloosa, was showing a Wilcox & White parlor organ (Suppose Charley Olden had come along and set a radio in operation?).

That there was some contest in beauty in those days is proven by four entries for the prettiest baby award—Mrs. Mary J. Graham of Winchester, was given first prize, but we'll lay even money that many in the crowd would have given the premium to either Mrs. E. Champion, Mrs. J. Bishop or Mrs. Sarah J. Tosh, who no doubt had just as lovely babies in the showing.

There were always a lot of special prizes offered in those days, all the way from butter, sorghum, honey, girls' dressmaking and baking ability, horseback riding, oil painting, to scrub horse races and footraces. Those who knew "Johnny" Dornblaser in his later years would never have picked him to win a 300-yard foot race against D. Bliss, of Oskaloosa, Joseph Inman, of Topeka, and Norte Gould in 1880, but that is what happened. In this department Miss Lida Goodrich won the prize offered for sponge cake in 1883; Mrs. Mell Legler won first on largest display of fancy work. Nola Webster won the horseback riding prize, with Minnie Piazzek a close second.

And of course they had horse racing. The names most prominent in these contests were George Wolf, of Topeka; G.W. Tanner and L.H. Sargeant, of Leavenworth; Jesse Crall, J.F. Doyle, W.H. Perkins and Thomas S. Towne, of Atchison; Burt Cirtwell, of Monrovia; Walt Johnson, of Menoken; A. Newell, of Oskaloosa, and of course J.J. Gardiner and I.C. Webster. As an extra inducement in the free-for-all trot, George Wolf offered a $25 prize for any horse beating the track record of 2:28, but George had no occasion to part with his money.

What a time they had in those days. Folks would come for miles, camp out and stay the entire three or four days, take in all the side shows, bet a little on the horse races, maybe try to pick the pea under the shell; have a good visit with old friends, and go home satisfied and resolved to make next year's exhibit bigger and better—everyone can have a better time at the fair today than then if each will come with the same mind. Why not try it out this year?

The Valley Falls museum is open at 10 a.m. Saturdays.

German picnic excursion to Grasshopper Falls, 1874

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

A German picnic excursion to Grasshopper Falls July 5, 1874, reported by the Kansas New Era.

"Last Sunday was rather a peculiar day for the people of the vicinity, or rather, the people witnessed something out of the usual routine of Sunday gatherings.

"As is well known, our German fellow citizens, as a rule, believe in enjoying themselves, and to accomplish the end, they form themselves into societies, create a fund to meet necessary outlays and during the summer months have frequent excursions to pleasant groves more or less remote from their homes and businesses.

"Such an excursion from Leavenworth visited the pleasant grove situated about a mile north of this city and on the ground belonging to Phillip Minger on July 5th.

"The excursion was the theme on every tongue from its announcement. Not one less than 100 of our citizens assembled at the depot Sunday morning to greet the coming of the excursionists.

"A train of six cars came in shortly after 11 a.m., freighted with near 400 of as intelligent and bright faces as one sees in a lifetime. The train halted long enough to allow our citizens to hang themselves on to already crowded cars best they could.

"Upon arrival at the grove, they were welcomed by at least 100 already assembled there from surrounding Grasshopper Falls. The grove was well seated and a large stand had been erected for the use of the bands, which they immediately occupied and opened the enjoyment of the day with music rarely heard in rural districts.

"It would have been a very extraordinary thing among the Germans to have a picnic without the adjunct of lager beer, but it seemed, from the time the first keg was tapped, there sprung up a rivalry between the Germans and those manor born as to who should invest the most beer, yet truth compels us to say that with four or five exceptions, no one made swill-tubs of themselves.

"After dinner a large part of the assemblage headed by the band repaired to Mr. Minger's residence to pay their respects to Mr. and Mrs. Minger for their hospitality to the society."

From the Leavenworth Commercial:
"The excursion to Grasshopper Falls on Sunday of seven carloads of our best citizens, under the auspices of the Maener Gesand Verein, was a pleasant affair. The train was under charge of Sam Black and everything was orderly and enjoyable. We are glad to learn that this progressive and liberal society made some money out of the trip."

The Valley Falls museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25.

May 1875 news highlights, including changing the city name to Valley Falls

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

Highlights of the local news reported by the May 1875 Valley Falls New Era, included spelling matches, grasshopper invasions, name changes and AT & SF Railroad activity.

May 1 "The spelling match epidemic struck Valley Falls last Friday evening. Dr. Wilson is good at pronouncing and the way he leaps from monosyllables of two letters to French phrases is startling to the best spellers in America.

"The Hon. R.H. Crosby went down on the first round at the spelling bee last Friday. He never sang 'Hazel Dell' or he would not have tripped on so small a thing as 'Hazel.'

"There will be a spelling school at the Baptist Church next Friday evening. A Webster's New Counting House and Family Dictionary will be given to the best speller and a Higuly Illustrated Primer to the poorest. A.V. Jewett will pronounce the words. He has already selected 'monysontetoirtriggelypherlyphizeigokraut' and a few other light words for the spellers. Admission for the events is 25 cents for couples and 10 cents for children."

May 8, "Brix went to the spelling match last night. About an hour after he'd gone home and to bed, his wife poked him in the ribs and said, 'Brix, wake up! There's a burglar in the house!' Brix sat upright in bed burglar — b-u-r-g-l-a-r, burglar,' he spelled, rolled over and went back to sleep.

"The sidewalk around Block 21 to the depot is finished and now one can walk to the depot and cars dry-shod.

"Hillyer's Hall has been furnished with seats for an audience of 125 and is just such a room as our city has long needed. Posts have been provided for the room below that makes the floor secure and our citizens can now have gatherings without placing the authorities of the city churches in the embarrassing position of refusing to open the church for an entertainment because of those who think churches should be used for religious instruction only."

May 15, "Today the act of changing the name of our city to Valley Falls takes place and hereafter, all legal papers in which this place in an important point, must date from Valley Falls; township instruments from Delaware Township.

"The dome of the eight-gabled Octagon Hotel is the first object which greets the eye of the traveler approaching Valley Falls. The building is situated on the eastern brow of the hill descending gently to the depot. The site was chosen, the edifice designed, built, and is still owned and now kept by Dr. L. Northrup, an old 'fifty-fiver' of the town.

"R.H. Crosby of Valley Falls recently sold 100 head of cattle in Chicago for $8,225, which is pretty good for a grasshopper year and a winter of destitution."

May 22, "778, 451, 97, 651, 863, 132, 901 grasshoppers are what ailed our lettuce bed and early garden.

"Fifteen trains came in to Valley Falls Thursday and as many went out. The A.T. and S.F. is a driving business and they are in better order than any road in the west.

"There was a special passenger train that stopped for two days at the Depot. Two days since it carried on it persons representing $3,000,000. "The governor of Missouri has appointed a day of fasting and prayer in view of the grasshopper ravages. If there is a state in the union that needs the prayers of the righteous, that state is Missouri."

Hickory Point battle historical marker

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"Hickory Point marker unveiling June 22" reported the June 20, 1941, edition of The Winchester Star, the weekly news publication of our neighbor city.

"To commemorate the only military engagement in Jefferson County of the Kansas slave-or-free state struggle, a suitable marker has been erected by the state Highway Commission near the site of the Battle of Hickory Point fought in September 1856.

"This marker will be unveiled, with ceremonies, next Sunday afternoon, June 22, at three o'clock. Hon. John A Dawson, chief justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, will make the inspirational address of the occasion.

"Mr. John Sherwood, who has resided many years on the actual site of the battle, will unveil the marker and repeat reminiscences he has heard of the affair.

"The Rev. Clyde King, Winchester minister, will pronounce the invocation.

"A trio of Valley Falls young ladies — the Misses Rita Goodwin, Mary Jane Blake, and Pauline Shermer — will sing patriotic numbers. The Oskaloosa uniformed school band will open the program with a concert.

"Kansas State Highway Patrol will have charge of traffic and parking.

"Location of the marker is four miles west of Winchester and a third of a mile north of Dunavant corner on US-59.

"Credit belongs to Gov. Payne Ratners' administration for initiating and executing the enterprise of marking this and half a hundred other historic sites in Kansas. The Highway Commission was given authority to negotiate for sites and funds to build the markers; the state Historical Society has cooperated by verifying historical data.

"The committee for the Hickory Point ceremonies is composed of Jas. A. Swoyer, chairman, and John W. Roberts, Oskaloosa, Richard A. Swallow and Bert Booth, Valley Falls, and John Sherwood, Hickory Point.

The Valley Falls museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18.

1909 events, professional listing and Masonic Lodge 50th anniversary

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

Daily news, special events, history, professionals, and incidentals reported by the 1909 Valley Falls Farmers Vindicator:

Jan. 22, "There will be an oyster supper at Gragg's Chapel Tuesday evening, Jan. 26. Everybody invited. Ethel Ferrell.
"Miss Anna Falls has accepted a position as chief operator with the Nortonville Telephone Co. at a good salary."

Feb. 5, "I have opened a photo studio in the first building south of Kendall State Bank and would appreciate a share of your patronage. G. A. Fowble.
"Marks & Marks, G.W. Marks, D.D.S. and J.M. Marks, M.D. Office upstairs in Legler Bldg.

" 'To My Patrons. After 20 years in Valley Falls, I have found it to our mutual advantage to keep abreast of the times and have established a small but complete hospital in connection to my office . . . for surgical and emergency cases. This does not mean that I will neglect my general practice but make it more effective. I shall continue to look after my country calls. I have no partners and shall conduct my business in the future as I have in the past, myself. The hospital will be ready for patients about March 1909 and will be open to all reputable doctors and their patients when there is room.' M.F. Marks

"Dr. Al D. Lowry, physician and surgeon. G.H. Bobson, physician and surgeon, office in the Dr. Marks corner property.

"Dr. B.H. Braden, dentist, office over Corner Drug Store.

"Dr. L.R. Walker, veterinary, surgeon, horse dentistry a specialty. Office at Gardiner's livery barn.

"W.H. Hilderbrand, barber shop next to Marsh & Falls Cigar Factory.

"T. K. Aitken, D.D.S., Aitken Bldg., upstairs."

Feb. 12, "W.F. Swearingen, the optician of Topeka, has decided to make regular weekly visits to Valley Falls commencing Saturday, Feb. 20, and make his headquarters at Hauck's Department Store."

May 21, "For a picnic or fishing trip, take a case of pop along. The Valley Falls Bottling Works will furnish it fresh."

June 11, "F.M. Clarke, a veterinary surgeon, has concluded to locate here and will be found at Clarke's Cafe."

July 30, "Three cars are off the tracks and about 50 sheep are dead as a result of a wreck on the Union Pacific just east of Oak Hill Mill Wednesday morning. About 100 sheep got away and were rounded up by Chas. McAfee. No lives were lost."

Oct. 8, "Alice Gardiner, the photographer of Valley Falls, again won honors in the Photographers' Association of Kansas City Sept. 28, 29, and 30, being awarded another first prize for the best night photos of children."

Oct. 22, "Mason's Celebrate 50th Anniversary. Fifty years ago on the 18th of this month the Most Grand Lodge of the Territory of Kansas issued a charter to Valley Falls Lodge No. 21, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and those responding to invitations sent to representatives from sister lodges in this county and at Denison assembled at the opera house Monday evening to commemorate that event . . . Dr. J.T.B. Gephart was introduced and told some of the early history of the lodge, including the story of a public installation held in '66 when a brass band was brought from Lawrence by stage and a $125 supper was served. The installation was held in the old Congregational Church and, while services were in progress, a 'norther' came up and, from a warm drizzly afternoon, the mercury dropped until, it is said, that those at the church went home on frozen ground and ice.

"A dance was held in the evening at the Octagon Hotel, but as no provision had been made for such wintry weather, only 39 tickets were sold at a price of $4 each."

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20.

April/May/Memorial weekend museum visitors

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

April and May visitors to the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum, including the Memorial Day holiday weekend, were:

Craig Woods, Tucson, Ariz.; Scott Ferrell, Castro Valley, Calif.; Phil Haas, Arvada, Colo.; Kris Olwell, Shasburg, Colo.; Carol and John Steffen, Low Point, Ill.; Joanne Ferrell Lewellen, Excelsior, Minn.; Joe and Margaret Frakes, Mt. Dora of the Lake, Fla.; Sullivans (party of five), Weston, Mo.; Larita Castro McLian, Lincoln, Neb.; Dennis Ferrell, Stillwater, Okla.; Gary Ferrell, Tulsa, Okla.; Brad and Tennia Brown, Austin, Texas; Gracie Pratt Clement, Galveston-Houston, Texas; Sue Welborn, Chandler, Texas;

Jerry Walters, Bonner Springs; Carol Irwin Ostaeth, Burlingame; Fred Freeland, Eudora; Elizabeth Ferrell Banks, Kansas City; Krisi Meid, Lansing; Bradia Kelley Johnson and Pat Yehle, Lawrence; Erin and Rylen Frecks, Lawrence; Erin Sack, Leavenworth; Ken and Melinda Heuertz, Manhattan; Nancy Noble and friend, Mayetta; Joshua and Samuel Broxterman, Meriden; Jim and Debbie Ferrell and grand-daughters, and Allison Ferrel Banks, all Mission Hills;

Jeremy Melvin, Onaga; Woods (party of five), Osage City; Dick and Kathy Sheldon, Ottawa; Gwen Towle (Marlene Reichart), Overland Park; Mathias Moore, Michelle Moore, Mackenzie Greene, Angalina Hall, A.J. Hall, and Abby Herferbeim, all of Ozawkie; Becky Duncan, Linda Blackburn, Barbara Blocher, Bob and Nancy Rollins, Shirley Allen, Larry and Pat McClenny Nix, and Lois Beames, all of Topeka;

Bryanna Willhoite, Rose Miller, Keith Jackson, Grace Conser, Ann Conser, Lauren Conser, Wesley Conser, Lyndia Uhner, Rick and Tamie Ferrell, Kay Gibbens, Megan Ryan, Roxie Barton, Pat Herring, Karen Botkin, Mary Herring, and Linda Baum, all Valley Falls.

The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13.

First Memorial Day in Valley Falls, 1884

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"One of the most auspicious events in the history of Valley Falls" reported R.E. Vanmeter, editor of the Valley Falls New Era June 5, 1884. The annual reminder of his story of that first Memorial Day, then known as Decoration Day, in Valley Falls follows:

"Last Friday a most beautiful day in Valley Falls, and one calculates to inspire the loftiest patriotism in the breasts of those who participated in the solemn but eminently fitting and beautiful ceremony of honoring the soldier and dead in a manner which has come to be an almost universal custom.

"Especially interesting was this event here because it is the first time in the history of the town that Decoration Day has been observed, which is accounted for by the fact that but two heroes of the last war are buried here.

"Early in the morning people began to gather into town from all parts of the surrounding country and by 1 o'clock, the hour set for meeting of the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) headquarters, the town was alive with people, and as many as could crowd in, gathered into the G.A.R. hall, where special services took place, among which was the presentation of a handsome United States flag, presented to the post by the ladies of the city, many of whom are mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters of members of the Stafford Post.

"The presentation on behalf of the ladies was made by the writer and A.A. Griffin, the post commander, responded in a very stirring patriotic speech. Those congregated in the hall formed a procession and marched down to Broadway where the following order of the parade was arranged:

"City officers; Sunday schools; Capt. Lewis Stafford, Post No. 225, G.A.R.; Crescent Lodge No. 86; International Order of Odd Fellows; ACME Lodge No. 42; IOUW; Valley Lodge No. 67; KOFR; other societies, citizens on foot, carriages, and other conveyances.

"The following was the line of march to the cemetery: From corner of Broadway and Sycamore west to Elm Street; thence south to Mary; west to Frazier Avenue; south to cemetery where there on foot in the procession were drawn up in line on either side of a large beautiful floral cross, at the top of which and facing west, was a large card bearing the following inscription:

"In memory of Capt. Lewis Stafford, Lt. T.F. Jolly, Joseph Catt, Henry G. Griffin, Wm. Grigsby, Jonathan Myers, Calvin Turner, Joseph Hilty, Ernest Benedix.

"All of which had honor to enlist from this neighborhood, but only two of which now rest in the city of the dead here. Following prayer, ceremonies, tributes, floral grave decorations by posts and sabbath schools, ceremonies were concluded and crowd dispersed, terminating one of the most auspicious events in the history of Valley Falls."

The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30.

Historical fern "siblings" on display; Memorial Day schedule

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The story is not new nor is the lofty fern now celebrating its 100th year. The longtime Valley Falls Santa Fe Depot celebrity resides at the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum, 310 Broadway Street, enjoying desirable temperatures, sunshine, regular food, and water.

Briefly, the history. When a Santa Fe employee was a teenager working in a grocery store in Valley Falls, he bought the fern for his mother at a dime store in Kansas City in 1914 or 1915.

His mother gave the fern to a Red Cross benefit sale during World War I in 1918. Mrs. Bert Scott, wife of Santa Fe drayman, bought the large potted fern and took it to her home. When the fern outgrew its space in her home, she gave it to J.P. Haggard, Valley Falls Santa Fe agent, who put it in the new Santa Fe Depot, placed it on a stand about five feet high, where it grew into a beautiful specimen whose long fronds almost touched the floor.

The fern was often classified as a "landmark" of Valley Falls. When people passed through the town by train and met others who had been passengers, the question was always asked "Is the fern still there?" Johnny Carson once mentioned the awesome plant on his TV show.

In 1969, a new depot was to be put in service. There was no room in the new building for the giant fern. After resting on the same stand for 50 years, the stand gave way and the huge plant fell to the floor. Just before a move to a new location, historian Arthur Strawn, Mrs. Geever Allen, and the Kendall State Bank housed the plant until eventually the huge fern found a home in the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum.

In the spring of 2007, the plant was taken to a local nursery where it was divided into approximately 20 starts and potted for nurturing and sold to those wanting a piece of the "landmark."

A limited number of "siblings" of assorted sizes from the celebrated centurion will be on display at the historical society's museum, effective, Saturday, May 23, and throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend. (Advertisement in the Valley Falls Vindicator).

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 23; Sunday, May 24, immediately following the reunion dinner; and Monday, May 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

1879 headlines and Old Settlers poem

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

A variety of items gleaned from the Jefferson County Historical Society newsletter, Editor John Bower, taken from Kansas Historical Society news sources:

OVER THE STATE columns in the Emporia news, Feb. 7 and 14, 1879, included,
"Oskaloosa Has Marvin College." "The Union Depot at Atchison will cost $100,000."
"Kansas had 19 completed railroads, 2,302 miles of rail and they are worth $15,525,033."
"John Bull, a farmer of Washington County had 450 bushels of corn stolen from his corn crib."
"A vein of coal has been struck ten miles north of Topeka. Four men are taking out 200 bushels a day."
"Four miners in Scranton, Osage County, got into a row in which one Dobson got his skull fractured and will probably die. His assailants were fined $2."
"Louis Jackson of Leavenworth was sent to jail for 200 days for carrying concealed weapons."
"Died within a few days, the Troy Bulletin and Fredonia Tribune."
"A woman in male attire has been operating in cattle business in Kingman County."

A poetic tribute to early days from the proceedings of an Old Settlers Reunion recorded in the Manhattan Nationalist, Feb. 28, 1879. One of the speakers, a Mrs. Jacquith, presented a poem "composed in haste for the occasion."
"When Settlers Old Were New"
With loving hearts though faulty rhyme,
We meet to boast the good ole time,
We do not laud the present time.
The good old times — to speak their praise,
When settlers old were new,
Roll backward time, thy years a score,
As we recount these memories o'er.
E're 'times were hard' 'ere' greenbacks came,
When railroad bonds we did not blame,
Repudiation but a name — our Capitol was a traveling one
It changed with every season's sun.
A townsite on each farm did lie,
Each held his town lots very high,
and had fortune 'in his eye.'
When settlers old were new,
We shot the buffalo on the trail,
We killed the chicken and the quail,
Of games laws with their fines severe,
To bleed our purse we had no fear.
We dined on 'possum, coon and deer.
When Kansas state was new.
We rode behind the amblin' ox,
We rattled safely o'er the rocks,
We worshipped God in cabins small, between the chinks in mud daubed walls.
We watched the stars and saw them fall,
When Kansas state was new."

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9.

How Oskaloosa became the county seat

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"Raiders Seized the County Records" headlined the Nov. 28, 1963, Valley Falls Vindicator reporting a story from the Ozawkie Coyote News dated Feb. 1, 1940.

"At one time, Ozawkie was the Jefferson County seat, but lost that right as the result of an election in 1858. Early in 1858, the Legislature passed a bill allowing Jefferson County to vote for a relocation of the county seat. The election was held a short time afterward and though there is no public record of the results, A.G. Patrick has preserved the figures. There were five places voted for and the election results as follows: Oskaloosa, 177 votes, Grasshopper Falls, 173 votes, Ozawkie, 94 votes, Hickory Point, 50 votes, and Fairchild, 50 votes.

"Early in 1859 the Legislature passed a law requiring that the point selected as the county seat should have a majority of votes over all others and should a choice not then be made, another election should be held 30 days after, between the two places receiving the largest number of votes at the first election. The election of 1858 resulted in no majority so another election was held soon after between Grasshopper Falls and Oskaloosa. Oskaloosa received the majority of all votes cast, therefore was named the county seat.

"However, legal rights at that time often had to be carried out by force of arms. Walter N. Allen, first county attorney from Ozawkie, and Rube Meyers, working under the instructions of Allen, were responsible for the stealing of the records from the little log cabin, which stood on the public square two blocks west of the schoolhouse and was being used temporarily as the courthouse. One night Rube Meyers came to Ozawkie loaded with books and records in his government wagon drawn by four yoke of oxen and drove back to Oskaloosa. Since that time, Oskaloosa has been the county seat."

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 2.

Miraculously, only one dead horse

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

From the Valley Falls Historical Society's scrapbook of news clippings, minus the news source and date. Accompanying items suggest the Valley Falls New Era, 1904. Four runaways in one week rate the awesome column.

"Thursday morning, Mitchell's delivery team got scared by a loose horse and started to run from in front of the shop at the same time T.R. Paxton and daughter, Mary, were driving up the street in a buggy. The Mitchell team ran into the buggy,  notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Paxton tried to get out of their way and almost succeeded; the team catching only the hind wheel of the buggy, but this threw both oocupants of the buggy out. The Mitchell team ran on up the street, but the Paxton horse was turned around and as soon as it broke loose from Tom, who still held the lines, ran in front of the Mitchell's, fell down but got up and with the broken buggy still dragging, raced down the sidewalk to Dr. Northrup's corner and struck the park railing, breaking a leg and turning almost a complete somersault. The leg being broken beyond recovery, the horse was killed.

"In the chase down the sidewalk, the buggy knocked a  couple of posts out from the awning in front of the Schuler Furniture Store and completely demolished a fine specially ordered dresser that had just been unloaded. Mr. Paxton had two ribs fractured besides being badly bruised. His daughter had one finger badly sprained though how either of them escaped death in the mixup is a little short of miraculous to those who saw the accident."

Next,

"While driving to church Sunday morning, the pony they were driving got frightened just this side of the Piazzek Bridge, became unmanagable, overturned the buggy, and threw Mrs. Geo. Summerfelt and daughter, Ruth, to the ground with terrific force. The horse broke loose from the buggy with the shafts and ran on up town. At Sam Allen's residence he had his horse and buggy hitched in front getting ready to go driving when the runaway came along and ran between the horse and hitching post, stripping the bridle from Allen's horse and so frightening it that instead of one runaway there were two. The Allen horse with buggy attached ran up town till the buggy came in collision with a telephone pole, but  the horse went on without doing a great deal of damage to the buggy.

"Mrs. Summerfelt and daughter were taken to the home of Frank Kibby, where after examination by Dr. Marks, it was found that Ruth had both arms broken and was badly lacerated about the face and Mrs. Summerfelt, though badly bruised, had sustained no serious injury. Awesome!"

The Valley Falls Historical Society will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25. 

The fate of Wolf Town

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president, Valley Falls Historical Society

"A pioneer trading post located in a proposed dam area, doomed to a watery grave."

The Valley Falls Vindicator Nov. 28, 1963, reported the approaching fate of an early 1800s community of our neighbor Ozawkie, resulting from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers soon to be constructed Perry Dam and Reservoir. A once small community, Wolf Town, was built on land owned by L.L. Wolf, hence known by "old timers" as "Wolf Town," and consisted of an old trading post store and provider of other necessities of those days, about a half a dozen homes, a school, and a cemetery.

The school building was no longer standing at the time the 1963 news item was written; however, the cemetery was still in existence with some gravestones dated 1868. The two sites were known as Olive Branch School and Olive Branch Cemetery.

Wolf Town was a wagon and stage stop on the Overland Trail from Topeka to Atchison and points between. The property at that time was owned by Mr. Aram Lindsay, Topeka, Kan., but to be "bought by the government and destroyed due to the new Perry Dam and Reservoir to be under construction within the next year. It was estimated that Wolf Town would be covered by 40 feet of water.

The same 1963 Valley Falls Vindicator issue reported, "The Olive Branch Cemetery, located west of Wolf Town in Jefferson County is the only cemetery in Jefferson County which will be relocated by the purchase of the Army Corps of Engineers in construction of Perry Reservoir."

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18.

Letter from Florida, 1916

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"I am very disappointed in this land. It's just a piece of white sand and little under construction,"  penned D. S. Cory in a letter from Florida Dec. 23, 1916. 

Cory, writing from Stuart, Fla., continued:
"It is very warm here for this time of year. Had three cool spells since we came. The coolest was about 39 above. There is not one acre out of 100,000 that is improved. It lays level, grows palmetto brush, sour mash, and scattering pines — mostly small like a telephone pole.

"Eames took us out to see his land. We were alike in our opinion of it. He asks $90 per acre for it where better land can be bought close in and on the river for $20. This land has got to be drained, limed, and fertilized before it will raise anything. They have but few stock here for they have nothing to keep it on. The native grass in worthless. This town has four cows and they haven't been here long. Very few chickens are seen. Everything to feed stock has to be shipped here from some place north. There are some fair farming spots in the central and western parts. This is rather new country on the eastern spot.

"The railroad was built 16 years ago. It runs from Jacksonville to Key West. There is not a grade in the 500 miles of road. It is the only direct road to Cuba. They run whole trains on a large boat that will hold 80 cars and ferry them over to Cuba. I see whole train loads of people pass here going to Cuba. They have from 30 to 40 cars each. There is more business on this road in one day than there is in Valley Falls in six.

"This town is building fast by rich men from the north. They make this town their winter home. In the spring they go back north. They are the ones who built this East Coast Country. 

"Fishing is the only industry here. I see new faces every day. They (fish) are caught by thousand pounds every day and shipped north. I went down to the fish house when they came in with 8,000 pounds. They go out in the ocean and catch mackeral. There are some large fish in the river, having been caught weighing 400 pounds. I saw two men this morning have three in their boat that weighed 200 pounds. 

"I have been fishing with some men from northern Ohio. The river is close to town, lined with palm trees, motor boats going and coming. This town is a beautiful place."

Source: Newspaper (name unknown) from Valley Falls High School scrapbook.

A Well-Dressed Horse Thief

"When we send a man to hell from Ozawkie, let's send him well dressed." — 'Doc' Ballard.


Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The Valley Falls Vindicator's Thursday, Nov. 28, 1963, issue was devoted primarily to the Ozawkie area at which time the Corps of Engineers was purchasing land areas preparatory to the building of the Perry Dam and Reservoir.

Many sites of historical interest were soon to be absorbed by the dam site and lost to the town's history except for stories reminisced and preserved in writing. One such story follows from The Ozawkie Coyote, Feb. 1, 1940:

"We want to play fair with you. If you want to go, you can run for it," said a group of Ozawkie citizens to a horse thief about 70 or 80 years ago.

"Would he run or would he stay? With six shooters pointed straight at him, this Ozawkie horse thief chose to stay. The name of the man being given a chance is unknown. He had stolen a horse from Jim Nesbit. He claimed to be a deserter from the southern Army and hung around town imbibing freely at the saloons.

"The horse thief was put in the storehouse and a group of citizens met to discuss what to do with him. They said 'any man 'at would steal a good man's horse needs hanging, but first we'll show him some real hospitality.'

"That evening a big dinner was held at Jim Nesbits's, a dinner to which the whole country came and the horse thief was the guest of honor.

"After the dinner the men walked to Ozawkie and had a drinking bout. The horse thief drank more than anybody and the speeches he made were masterpieces of wit.

"Finally, 'Doc' Ballard, the master of ceremonies, said to him, 'Now we've all had a good time. We're going to send you to your friends.' They led him to a grove and hanged him to a tree.

" 'Doc' Ballard picked up his hat and stuck in on his head. 'When we send a man to hell from Ozawkie, let's send him well dressed,' he said.

"That is the end of number one. It is reported his skull was used for 20 years by various teachers in the Ozawkie town school to demonstrate lessons in physiology."

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28.

Frenchman thought to be first European in NE Kansas

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

A discussion of pioneer trails, focused on Kansas and specifically Jefferson County, prompts the inquiry "When did Europeans first come to Kansas?"

The Jefferson County Historical Society Newsletter Editor, John Bowser, Issue 1, Volume 14, reveals the following information in a news article devoted to old trails in Jefferson County.

Apparently when the first European appeared is unknown. Although Francisco De Coronado reached Central Kansas in 1541, it is doubtful that he reached Eastern Kansas, including the area now known as Jefferson County. According to records, probably the first white man to set foot in that area was Etienne Veniard de Bourgmont, a young French army officer who spent several years with the Missouri Indians from 1712 to 1717. He explored the Missouri River near the site of Yankton, S.D., and in an account of the people along it, wrote "Upstream is a smaller river, which flows into the Missouri, called 'Riviere d' Encanze' (Kansas) and a nation (Indians) of the same name, ally and friend of the French. Their trade is in fur."

He was enthusiastic about the land's beauty and marveled at the variety and abundance of animals. At that time, the Kansa Indians had a village on the west bank of the Missouri River near the present town of Doniphan in southeast Doniphan County. In 1724, more than 50 years before the American Revolution, Bourgmont led a party to the Kansa and Padouca tribes. His purpose was to make peace between the Indians and promote the fur trade.

Bourgmont's party came first to the Kansa village on the Missouri. From there, accompanied by a large throng of Indians headed west to hunt buffalo, they went southwest to the Kansas River (near present Rossville). This route would cross the northwest corner of Jefferson County, probably upstream from Valley Falls. Severe illness forced Bourgmont to return to Missouri to recuperate. He came back in the year to complete the mission.

Peace was made with the Padoucas, probably somewhere in present Saline or Ellis counties.

The late Milton Reichart, Valley Falls Historical Society member, contributed an article on Bourgmont's route to Central Kansas in the Summer Issue (1979) of "Kansas History," quarterly journal of the Kansas State Historical Society.

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21.

Lion or Lamb?

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

March, the month when harbingers of spring are sought by those weary of winter snow, sleet, and ice and there are those who retort "There's always March."

To challenge weather predictions, research of the Valley Falls Historical Society archives produced a sundry of predictions, shortage of necessities for those eager for spring planting and daily existence, leading to the end of winter doldrums.

An 1861 Ayers American Almanac containing the usual moon's phases, horoscopes, home remedies, etc. listed weather predictions for two geographical areas only, including Kansas with Washington, Maryland, Kentucky, Virginia, Missouri, and California. Simple predictions interspersed with historic dates, current political events, all of which enjoyed priority over weather.

March 1861 predictions:
"1, quite pleasant, followed by cloudy, rain, or snow."

In a few days, "Blustery and high winds, bad roads, bad colds" and finally for the remaining three days "warmer and very pleasant."

A brief glance at the Old Farmer's 2015 Almanac, which includes Kansas in the Heartland Region including Des Moines, Omaha, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Topeka with the following predictions for March 1-8, "Rain to snow, then sunny and cold; 9-16, snow, then sunny, cold; 17-23, rain and snow showers, chilly, 24-31, snow, then sunny, turning warm."

Nineteenth and 21st century predictions provide evidence of little change in the "dreaded" March weather activity. Nineteenth century publicatons of a compilation of "a century past" items from the Valley Falls New Era newspapers reveal daily living conditions, anticipations, shortage of food necessities for 1874 Grasshopper Falls citizens.

March 5, 1874 —
"The Grasshopper River has been on a rampage the past two or three days. Because of the scarcity of vegetables, the people have spades and hoes in readiness for early gardening if Jack Frost gets out of the way pretty soon.

"It is claimed the ground hog saw his shadow on the 2nd of February, hence has been hold up since, but we are glad his six weeks is almost over.

"Covered wagons have already passed through our town on their way westward. Potatoes are beginning to be whispered among some our farmers that have been holding back expecting to sell from two to three dollars per bushel. We think they will take less this spring."

March 26, 1874 —
"Sawyer and Mitchell are drying a large amount of buffalo meat for summer use. It would be impossible for us to describe just how a potato tastes, still we have some faint recollection of how they tasted some months ago."

A sneak-peek into April 2, 1874 —
"Last Friday morning at five o'clock, not a cloud was to be seen. The stars shone with their usual brilliancy, but, by half past five, the sky was overspread with heavy clouds and snow was coming down at a fearful rate. At half past seven, it ceased snowing and we measured the depth to be four inches. Perhaps a holdover from the errant month of March's reputation, 'There's always March . . . . . . .' "

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

Oskaloosa's "Petticoat Government"

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president, Valley Falls Historial Society

From the files of the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum, a souvenir booklet in honor of the Jefferson County Centennial, 1855 to 1955, held at our neighbor town and county seat, Oskaloosa, Aug. 14, 17, 18, 19, and 20, 1955.

Among the treasure of photos and stories of the towns and cities of Jefferson County is a story, the "Petticoat Government in Oskaloosa," a frequently repeated fact, familiar to some generations and new to younger groups.

The following is quoted from the booklet —
"PETTICOAT GOVERNMENT
The election of a woman mayor and five councilwomen by the city of Oskaloosa in April of 1888 was news both in the United States and in foreign countries. Eastern newspapers made considerable note of it. It was also written up in British and continental newspapers. Congratulatory messages came from far away New Zealand.

"Local citizens who were more or less ashamed of the shortcomings of previous administrations thought up the idea of a woman-governing body. Election result: 3 to 1 for the ladies. They were Mrs. Mary D. Lowman, Mayor, 49; Councilwomen: Mrs. Hannah Morse, 45; Mrs. Emma Hamilton, 39; Mrs. Sadie Balsley, 36; Mrs. Mittie Golden, 31; and Mrs. Carrie Johnson, 23.

"State and national press had to have their fun: 'First business was to show under a motion to limit debate to five minutes on any motion . . .' 'An Oskaloosa man is offering a premium for six live mice.'

"Here are some of the reforms accomplished by the women governing body: A Sunday closing act. A curfew law. Anti-expectorating on sidewalk. New sidewalks ordered to be installed. (Town's richest citizen demurred, so the council ordered his walk laid and charged his taxes. The women withstood two lawsuits successfully.) The council purchased a street grader. Streets were widened, straightened, cleaned. Gasoline street lights replaced old coal oil lamps. A pound was built to keep up stray livestock. Moral suasion and shame was used to accomplish better keeping up of cows, pigs, and chickens. Prohibition law was enforced for the first time since its passage in 1880.

"All but two of the group stood for re-election and easily won out. A local Farmers Alliance worked up this tune in compliment of the Oskaloosa council:
"We have a lady council and a lady mayor, too—
We are pleased with our officials and we trust 'tis so with you.
We think they all are handsome and know they are true blue,
As they go marching on!"

'Suicidal mania' in the 1880s and 1890s

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The Valley Falls New Era, dated May 27, 1893, quoted the following headlines and excerpts from a printed sermon by the Rev. James Lawrence the previous Sunday.

"The Suicidal Mania in Valley Falls, Kan."

"What is the cause of the suicidal mania in Valley Falls and vicinity? Fifteen or 20 victims in as many years. Is this simply an incident, a disgression, or is there a cause for this mania?

"The old axiom 'Every effect must have a cause' is true here as elsewhere. The mania for self-destruction is a mania that is unpleasant to contemplate, horrible in its mode, and awful in its frequency. Can we find the cause? Let us look, we may find some of them, perhaps the principle ones."

Suicides reported from 1890 to 1895 included the following:

Oct. 25, 1890 — "I.W. McCulley takes the Morphine Route."
"About noon he told his son he did not feel well and would lie down and try to sleep. Later in the day he was found. He had ended his own life. Mr. McCulley had been unfortunate in business and otherwise. He was 49 years old, leaving a wife and three children."

The New Era, Oct. 15, 1892 — "Just as we were going to press, we learn the dead (sic) body of Paul Krumery, a barber, was found in the river under the bridge, near Piazzek's Mill."

Valley Falls New Era, March 11, 1893, headlines — "George Lewis Dead," with the following story:
"He cut his throat with the blade of a pen knife. Wednesday morning, George Lewis, an old citizen of this place, and who has run the barbershop formerly owned by Paul Krumery, who committed suicide last fall, told his son Ed to take charge of the shop as he intended to take a rest from business. When he did not return home that day or night, a searching party consisting of Messrs. Dodd, Daniels, and Marsh, searched along the Northwestern Railroad Track and the river.

"Early Thursday morning, they discovered Mr. Lewis' body at a place near the river called 'Paw Paw Bend,' about one mile west of town. Mr. Lewis was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery."

This was the sixth time within a period of about three years that the Rev. A.M. Geiger was called upon to conduct services for persons who had died by their own hands.

Valley Falls New Era, May 20, 1892 — "Suicide Again."
"Our community has been startled by news of another suicide. Dr. J.S. Blackwood, our veterinary surgeon, was found by Geo. W. Williams lying in a manger in W.T. Kemper's barn. The weapon of death was a pocket knife with a blade about three inches long, which he used in his surgical work. He was apparently in the best of health and in the prime of life. No cause can be assigned for the rash act. Funeral services were held at the Christian Church, conducted by the Rev. James Lawrence. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery."

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14.

Cries are heeded, town has museum (part 2)

310 Broadway Street, Valley Falls, present site of the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum, was originally the McCammon Building and housed a variety of merchants over the years, including Coy and Hutchins Clothiers, Doolittle, Gillespie, and List Hardware stores, Sam Strawn's law office, and in later years was used to film the movie, "Kansas," starring Matt Dillon and Andrew McCarthy. In 1988, the society purchased this building and created a museum.

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The Town Crier's cries were heeded. In bold black print, the Jan. 21, 1988, Valley Falls Vindicator reported "Historical Society Buys Building for Museum" with the follow-up story.

"The Valley Falls Historical Society now has a place to call home. The deed has been recorded and the society is now the owner of the List Building at 310 Broadway.

"The finance committee has collected $27,000 and the former owner, Mary List, has received her asking price of $18,750. 'We still have some pledges and a few people to call on,' Greever Allan, chairman of the finance committee, said Monday night. 'I'm confident we will meet our goal.'

"Serving with him on the committee are Kay Lassiter and Art Strawn. The committee's goal is $30,000 with the money  above the purchase price to be used to renovate the building and prepare it to house a museum and library.

"Frank Shrimplin, president of the society, said members are now beginning to devise plans for opening the building to the public and building its membership. 

"Allan asked members to use the new building as a springboard to motivate growth in membership. He said churches, schools, clubs, and lodges are all sources of history and the town's past and should be represented. Upkeep and monthly expenses will be ongoing costs needing broader support.

"Lassiter placed emphasis on the education of children, stating the local school was putting Valley Falls history in the curriculum. She said the museum will be a great benefit for that and urged the society to open the Historical Shrine Church more often for tourists and community visitors.

"Strawn, the society's historian, said he believed the community would respond in greater numbers and that the building would provide sustance and identity."

"Anxious to open the doors, members will plan an open house in conjunction with Grasshopper Falls Day late in April, 1988."

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

Who we are: the beginnings of the Valley Falls Historical Museum

compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The "Town Crier" cries for a museum for the Valley Falls Historical Society. Crier Clarke Davis reasoned as follows in the Oct. 22, 1987, edition of the Valley Falls Vindicator:

"Valley Falls needs to divert its attention to its historical society. It's their turn.

"A new ball diamond has been built, the school has a track, the swimming pool has been refurbished, and the city park is enhanced with a shelter house. Now it's time for a museum.

"The historical society got its start 20 years ago asking a mere $2 or $3 annual membership fee. Only a few have taken an active role over the years, but they have gathered, collected, stored, and preserved for us a number of treasures whose sum total add up to who we are.

"The time has come to empty some attics and basements and fulfill a long-time dream. The society's directors voted this week to take an option on the List building in the northeast block of Broadway. If the money can be raised in the next three months, Valley Falls will have a museum.

"The building is priced under $20,000, but a goal of $30,000 will probably be set in order to prepare the building and meet operating expenses.

"It is a bold step for a small, conservative group whose love of the past and search through the record is done quietly and outside of the public limelight. But as a community project the task should be easily accomplished when compared to the many other great strides taken in recent years.

"The society is a stable organization with nearly $10,000 in footings from lifetime memberships and grants. This provides interest income. The membership list has been eratic but once numbered 184 for a one-year period. One visible contribution has been the preservation of the Historical Shrine Church on Highway 16. Its less visible contribution is the preservation of who we are through research, writing, and compilation of the records.

"Early plans call for using the building for a museum, library, repository, meeting area, and lounge. The first thing that comes to mind is the economic factor. It will be a positive attraction to downtown and give visitors a place to go. The lounge will afford regular shoppers a haven, a clean restroom, and a place they can feel free to loiter.

"There is, however, a more meaningful purpose. We are defined by our past and if the goal is to do a credible job of displaying the truth then it will serve us culturally as well as the library and the ball park."

Next: Determined members, a generous community, available historical building, great location — how could anyone ask for more?

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Jan. 31.

January 1913: snow and strange weather, a new Moon, harvesting river ice, Half Mound band

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

More from January 1913, news items compiled by the late Edith Harden preserved in a scrapbook of newspaper clippings:

Jan. 10 — the three-day snowstorm, the first of winter, ended Tuesday evening leaving about five inches of snow covering the ground except on some open fields where it blew off, drifting in some lanes five or six feet deep. Mail carrier George McCracken had to drive out in the fields and Henry McCoy's team got down in a drift. The trains pulled through without much delay.

There was a new moon the 7th and from Grandpa Jas. Moon, we learn that on Jan. 7, a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Moon on the John Stockwell farm in Norton Township, the first of the marriage of 11 years.

Jan. 17 — In two and a half days, lively working Mitchell Bros. filled their big house with 600 tons of fine river ice, clear as crystal, by Wednesday noon. The ice from nine to 12 inches thick and the best they ever put up and pure enough to stand the test for drinking purposes.

Jan. 24—The young men and musicians of Half Mound have organized a cornet band and employed Billy Benedix of the city as instructor. Walter Abbuehl is their leader, Phil Reichart is president and manager and Robt. Reichart, secretary-treasurer.

The croquet players laid off only about a week on account of the snow on the grounds and again the game goes on. With the squaw winter, peculiar weather conditions existed last week. It blew cold and warm and one day after the ice men finished putting up ice, some of it more than a foot thick, the garden plowman, Art Smith, was at work on Piety Hill turning up the soil for gardens of Wallace Baylor and Paul Tischhauser. The frost came out of the ground while the river was yet blocked with ice.

The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Church bells on New Year's, other 1913 news

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

More "Out of the Past" items from a century, plus two, gleaned from those yellowed pages of a Valley Falls Historical Society scrapbook. Compiled by the late Edith Harden from pages of a news source with the published date clipped from the page to fit the scrapbook, except all items have the year date of January 1913:

Jan. 3, "While Col. John Triggs, after a drive, was unhitching Bert Boot's borrowed team Saturday, the horses, not liking the looks of the Colonel's fur coat, broke away, ran into a post across the street, broke the tongue, dashboard, both reaches of the buggy, and other damages, to the amount of $10 or $12, according to the repair bill.

"Church and school bells rang out the old and in the new year in merry peal, loud and long. The Endeavors, of the Congregational Church, met in the church annex to watch the old year out and welcome the new, but a bunch of boys carried the rope into the belfry and rang the bell for them. Another bunch of boys rang the bell at the Christian Church and a third party jingled the bell at the school — the tintinnabulation of the bells was on.

"The Endeavors of the Christian Church, instead of holding their annual watch party, went by train to Half Mound to attend a revival meeting Mr. Kimball is holding at the schoolhouse.

"Several of the boys who have tried it don't find much sport in 'coon' hunting though the music of the hounds was fine.

"Paul Newman, who is attending the school for the blind at Kansas City, was at home here with his parents, the V.P. Newmans, (V.P. Newman, pioneer blacksmith, skillful in shoeing oxen as well as horses) during vacation. Paul is growing in learning and stature and is an expert on roller skates. With only a cane to guide him, he can skate all over town on the cement sidewalks.

"Dan Royer is proud to announce that he won the last game of croquet that was played on the last day of 1912.

"The Santa Fe waiting room was not large enough to hold half of the waiting passengers Monday morning.

"A little daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ted Bickley Christmas Day (North Cedar item).

"Maude Bruton and Carrie Haas were at St. Joe last Friday to order new goods for the Hauck's Store."

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