What's in style in 1875; and the proclamation changing Grasshopper Falls to Valley Falls

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

Spotlighting the Kansas New Era in March 1875 contrasting the six-year growth in the restless 1880's.

New Era, March 20, 1875 —
"Brix? says that ladies who wear bustles should fasten the thing down and not meander the streets with a large bundle bobbing and wiggling from side to side behind. It looks ridiculous and besides with so many beads, bugles, and flumaguggies on it, it is apt to make a person walking in the rear crosseyed."

March 27, 1875 —
"The latest style for young men — small cane, light mustache, and part the hair in the middle. It is now in vogue in Valley Falls."

April 3, 1875 —
"When a young and handsome girl crops her front hair and pulls it down over her forehead, resembling a Mexican Mustang, then ties a piece of red velvet around her neck, who can wonder at a young man, looking pale in the face, throwing away his ambition and passing sleepless nights, is parting his hair in the middle and trying to raise down (hair) on his upper lip."

The New Era, April 10, 1875 —
"CHANGE OF NAME. AN ACT to change the name of Grasshopper Falls River, Grasshopper Falls Township, and Grasshopper City, in Jefferson County, Kansas. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas: Section 1. That the river running through Jefferson County, known as Grasshopper River, be changed to that of Delaware River; and that the township known as Grasshopper, in Jefferson County, be changed to Delaware Township; and that the city known as Grasshopper Falls City be changed to that of Valley Falls. Sec. 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication in the Statute Book. Approved February 27, 1875. I, Thos. H. Cavanaugh, secretary of state of the state of Kansas, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original enrolled bill on file in my office. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affix the great seal of state. Done at Topeka, this 24th day of March, A. D. 1875. THOS. H. CAVANAUGH, Secretary of State."