by Frank Shrimplin and Betty Jane Wilson
An intense interest in things nautical, specifically knot tying, proved not for naught for an ambitious young seaman volunteer in 1942.
The 19-year-old Merchant Marine graduate was assigned to convoys going to North Africa. The long tedious journey afforded the sailor time to study from books he purchased and learn to make knots.
The results of his skill and handiwork he mounted on a 30-by-40-inch nautical board roughly 100 examples of types of knots tagged with their identification.
Simple names, such as square knot, granny’s, shoelace knot, and catspaw may be found along side a curiously labeled “four strand inverted turk’s head.”
A frame work 4 inches or more in depth enclosing the knot collection is a unique work of art employing slender strands of ship’s rope or hemp threaded or knotted tightly together occasionally embellished by thickly woven replicas of types of knots.
The enterprising sailor responsible for the nautical board master piece was Howard Irvin Shrimplin, an Oskalooa farm boy who volunteered for military service soon after the Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor disaster.
One of the four nautical boards he made is on permanent display at the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum. Sharing honors with the three others given to museums in Haifa, Israel, South Africa, and the Maritime Museum, Newport News, Va.
Biographical and historic facts for this “knotty” story were provided by Frank Shrimplin, brother of the seaman and society historian.
Roz Jackson and Betty Jane Wilson will be museum hosts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
December 03, 2009
November 19, 2009
Happenings: early 1884
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
January 1884 welcomed a New Year and a new editor for the Valley Falls New Era, predecessor of the Valley Falls Vindicator.
Salutatory from R.E. Van Meter, editor and prop.:
“In assuming control of the New Era, we feel that we take upon us no little responsibility, as to mold public opinion, in great measure, is the province of the press, and to carry out that mission to the edification of all interests effected thereby, is a task which cannot be lightly regarded, even by the most competent. As touching the whiskey question, The New Era, whatever may have been its position heretofore, will be boldly and fearlessly in favor of the enforcement of the prohibition law, just the same as any other law. Politically, it has, we believe been essentially a Republican paper and such it will continue to be under its new management.”
Writer’s Note: The historian gleaning the notes of the past from the newspapers noted:
“Every article by this editor is necessarily condensed by me as he tends to make an essay of all articles.”
In addition to the traditional birth, death, marriages, and social events news coverage, the new editor cited examples of city improvement, church activities, and progress, less than favorable incidents and the fate of the drinking establishments.
Jan. 3, 1884: “Street Commissioner Young had a force of men at work blasting out rock and grading down the hill this side of Peter’s Creek. The rock taken out will be used in macadamizing Broadway from Bliss’s Store to the depot.
Jan. 17, 1884: “There are still a few whiskey joints in Valley Falls. It would be well for them to go soon, for they eventually will.”
Feb. 14, 1884: The colored Baptists had a very successful festival Thursday evening at Old Turner Hall on Sycamore Street. Their church is in very prosperous condition.”
Jan. 3, 1884: “Boos To a Church” The Valley Falls liberals are dismayed at the rapidity with which the Methodists of that town have restored their church. It was destroyed by a cyclone last summer and some of the so-called liberals predicted it would not be restored, as they pretended to see in its demolition an indication that God wanted no Methodist Churches in town.”
From the Atchison Champion follow up: Jan. 17, 1884, New Era: Friends of the Methodists will be pleased to learn that the new church is to be dedicated the 27th . . . Services of the Baptist and Congregational Churches will be dispensed with on that day in order that all who desire may join the Methodists.
Feb. 7, 1884: Booze in the Alley. Three roughs from the country were in town Saturday night and made beasts of themselves. By some means they got hold of a keg of whiskey, took it into the alley . . . where they pounded in the head and dished out the contents by the dipperful to all who were inclined to drink. It didn’t take long for old topers to get their hides soaked full, and many who are not in the habit of getting on real “benders” became quite boozy and the situation was one of the most ridiculous to contemplate.”
“Results of the Prohibition Law at a later time.”
Lesa Brose, Joan Reichart, and Anita Stutesman will be historical society museum hosts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. Admission is free.
January 1884 welcomed a New Year and a new editor for the Valley Falls New Era, predecessor of the Valley Falls Vindicator.
Salutatory from R.E. Van Meter, editor and prop.:
“In assuming control of the New Era, we feel that we take upon us no little responsibility, as to mold public opinion, in great measure, is the province of the press, and to carry out that mission to the edification of all interests effected thereby, is a task which cannot be lightly regarded, even by the most competent. As touching the whiskey question, The New Era, whatever may have been its position heretofore, will be boldly and fearlessly in favor of the enforcement of the prohibition law, just the same as any other law. Politically, it has, we believe been essentially a Republican paper and such it will continue to be under its new management.”
Writer’s Note: The historian gleaning the notes of the past from the newspapers noted:
“Every article by this editor is necessarily condensed by me as he tends to make an essay of all articles.”
In addition to the traditional birth, death, marriages, and social events news coverage, the new editor cited examples of city improvement, church activities, and progress, less than favorable incidents and the fate of the drinking establishments.
Jan. 3, 1884: “Street Commissioner Young had a force of men at work blasting out rock and grading down the hill this side of Peter’s Creek. The rock taken out will be used in macadamizing Broadway from Bliss’s Store to the depot.
Jan. 17, 1884: “There are still a few whiskey joints in Valley Falls. It would be well for them to go soon, for they eventually will.”
Feb. 14, 1884: The colored Baptists had a very successful festival Thursday evening at Old Turner Hall on Sycamore Street. Their church is in very prosperous condition.”
Jan. 3, 1884: “Boos To a Church” The Valley Falls liberals are dismayed at the rapidity with which the Methodists of that town have restored their church. It was destroyed by a cyclone last summer and some of the so-called liberals predicted it would not be restored, as they pretended to see in its demolition an indication that God wanted no Methodist Churches in town.”
From the Atchison Champion follow up: Jan. 17, 1884, New Era: Friends of the Methodists will be pleased to learn that the new church is to be dedicated the 27th . . . Services of the Baptist and Congregational Churches will be dispensed with on that day in order that all who desire may join the Methodists.
Feb. 7, 1884: Booze in the Alley. Three roughs from the country were in town Saturday night and made beasts of themselves. By some means they got hold of a keg of whiskey, took it into the alley . . . where they pounded in the head and dished out the contents by the dipperful to all who were inclined to drink. It didn’t take long for old topers to get their hides soaked full, and many who are not in the habit of getting on real “benders” became quite boozy and the situation was one of the most ridiculous to contemplate.”
“Results of the Prohibition Law at a later time.”
Lesa Brose, Joan Reichart, and Anita Stutesman will be historical society museum hosts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. Admission is free.
November 06, 2009
Feature article on society president
Our local newspaper, The Valley Falls Vindicator, published a feature article about Betty Jane Wilson, the society's president.
Click here to view the article on the Vindicator's site: Society president dives into town's past
Click here to view the article on the Vindicator's site: Society president dives into town's past
November 05, 2009
Happenings: November 1873
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Pessimism, optimism, criticism, and a sundry of matters comprised the 1873 November issues of the Kansas New Era (predecessor to the Valley Falls Vindicator. Editor, S. Weaver, predicted in the Nov. 13 issue:
“A hard winter is coming; poverty, misery, and crime will be abundant, Therefore, be generous to the poor and keep your stable locked.
“Potatoes, $1.25 per bushel, apples, $1.50, and money so scarce that three nickles makes a man rich.
“Every night the lurid blazes of burning prairies light up the horizon in every direction. At this season of the year, farmers should keep a careful watch on their hay stacks and out buildings and be prepared at all time to fight the fire:
Nov. 27:
“We had a fine rain last Saturday and it was repeated on Sunday night. This is encouraging to farmers who have fall wheat sown or fall plowing to do.
“Last Saturday and Sunday the need of side walks or ferry boats on the north side of Broadway was strongly demonstrated.
“Some of the people who come to town are exceedingly careless. They will drive their team in front of a store door, then jump off and run into the store without hitching the horses. There would have been a run off and a break up the other day had it not been that a pedestrian was more careful of the team than the owner.
“A thieving cow . . . a few nights ago an old cow took into her head to steal a bridle. She wrapped it around her horns and carried it off, . . . she carried it around town until after sun up; finally she laid it down near Nolker’s wagon shop. A gentleman picked it up and brought it to this office. The owner can have it by proving property and paying for this notice.”
Nov. 13:
A cow thief . . . “One night, nearly a month ago, some fellow went to John Wunder’s cow yard and drove away two cows. The same night, a man by the name of A.J. Smith sold two cows to Henry Priddy at Larkin Station. The cows answered the description of the cows taken from Mr. Wunder. They were shipped to a butcher in Leavenworth. . . Smith was arrested and brought before Justice Clark of this city. . . He was bound over under a bond of $1,000, but being unable to furnish the requisite security, was committed to jail.”
Nov. 27, 1875: “Today, Thursday, is Thanksgiving Day. Give Thanks.”
Dodie Bolz, Ella May Holding, and Dee Bayless will be Valley Falls Historical Society Museum hostesses from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.
Pessimism, optimism, criticism, and a sundry of matters comprised the 1873 November issues of the Kansas New Era (predecessor to the Valley Falls Vindicator. Editor, S. Weaver, predicted in the Nov. 13 issue:
“A hard winter is coming; poverty, misery, and crime will be abundant, Therefore, be generous to the poor and keep your stable locked.
“Potatoes, $1.25 per bushel, apples, $1.50, and money so scarce that three nickles makes a man rich.
“Every night the lurid blazes of burning prairies light up the horizon in every direction. At this season of the year, farmers should keep a careful watch on their hay stacks and out buildings and be prepared at all time to fight the fire:
Nov. 27:
“We had a fine rain last Saturday and it was repeated on Sunday night. This is encouraging to farmers who have fall wheat sown or fall plowing to do.
“Last Saturday and Sunday the need of side walks or ferry boats on the north side of Broadway was strongly demonstrated.
“Some of the people who come to town are exceedingly careless. They will drive their team in front of a store door, then jump off and run into the store without hitching the horses. There would have been a run off and a break up the other day had it not been that a pedestrian was more careful of the team than the owner.
“A thieving cow . . . a few nights ago an old cow took into her head to steal a bridle. She wrapped it around her horns and carried it off, . . . she carried it around town until after sun up; finally she laid it down near Nolker’s wagon shop. A gentleman picked it up and brought it to this office. The owner can have it by proving property and paying for this notice.”
Nov. 13:
A cow thief . . . “One night, nearly a month ago, some fellow went to John Wunder’s cow yard and drove away two cows. The same night, a man by the name of A.J. Smith sold two cows to Henry Priddy at Larkin Station. The cows answered the description of the cows taken from Mr. Wunder. They were shipped to a butcher in Leavenworth. . . Smith was arrested and brought before Justice Clark of this city. . . He was bound over under a bond of $1,000, but being unable to furnish the requisite security, was committed to jail.”
Nov. 27, 1875: “Today, Thursday, is Thanksgiving Day. Give Thanks.”
Dodie Bolz, Ella May Holding, and Dee Bayless will be Valley Falls Historical Society Museum hostesses from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.
October 23, 2009
42nd annual meeting
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
The Valley Falls Historical Society’s 42nd annual meeting and dinner were held Oct. 11 at The Barn Bed and Breakfast Inn.
The following officers and directors were elected for the 2009-2010 fiscal year: Betty Jane Wilson, president; Lesa Brose, vice president; Maxine Hefty, secretary; Gary Coleman, treasurer; Kyle Quasebarth, James Durand, Joan Reichart, and Rosalind Jackson, directors; and Frank Shrimplin, historian.
Entertainment featured the Lecompton Re-enactors, a theatrical group of amateur historians garbed in period costumes who created a townhall atmosphere revealing personalities and opinions, both male and female, which existed in the Kansas Territory from 1854 to 1861.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Admission is free.
The Valley Falls Historical Society’s 42nd annual meeting and dinner were held Oct. 11 at The Barn Bed and Breakfast Inn.
The following officers and directors were elected for the 2009-2010 fiscal year: Betty Jane Wilson, president; Lesa Brose, vice president; Maxine Hefty, secretary; Gary Coleman, treasurer; Kyle Quasebarth, James Durand, Joan Reichart, and Rosalind Jackson, directors; and Frank Shrimplin, historian.
Entertainment featured the Lecompton Re-enactors, a theatrical group of amateur historians garbed in period costumes who created a townhall atmosphere revealing personalities and opinions, both male and female, which existed in the Kansas Territory from 1854 to 1861.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Admission is free.
October 02, 2009
From the Almanac
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
The household almanac, gem of the family reference texts, unique in dispensation of Zodiac mysteries, chronological cycles, weather conditions, and countless household hints, medical advice, and bits of humor survives the centuries.
No less popular in the late 1890s, The Hostetters Illustrated United States Almanacs provided sage sayings, wit and wisdom in the language of the century as follows:
“There are many ways to convince a man, but the easiest way is to agree with him.”
“Beeswax and salt will make your rusty flat irons as clean and smooth as glass. Lump the wax in a rag and keep for that purpose. When the irons are hot, rub them first with a wax rag, then scour with a paper or cloth sprinkled with salt.”
“What is a cigar, I want you to tell me?” lisped little Tom Brown to his knowing big brother. “It’s a roll,” was the answer, “of silly enchantment, with a fire at one end, and a fool at the other.”
“For ingrowing toe nails, cut the end square and close and scrape with a sharp knife or piece of glass, a line in the center of the top of the nail so thin that only the inner lining of the nail is left. If this is kept up the edges will raise instead of growing down.”
“To make roses bloom, scrape from the chimney or stove pipe where wood is used for fuel, a quantity of soot, put into a vessel and pour boiling water over it. Let it stand for a few days, and then use the liquid to water the earth around the plants. The application should be made every two or three days.”
“When a clock strikes, it’s working, but when a man strikes, he isn’t.”
“The region where no man hath ever set is called tomorrow.”
“Waterproof paste for boots and shoes — Melt in an earthenware pot, 6 parts of spermaceti, add 12 parts of cadutchouc cut up very fine, and when this is dissolved, further add 12 parts of tallow, 4 parts of lard, and 8 parts of amber varnish. Mix and it is ready to use. Apply as ordinary with a brush. It gives a good gloss.”
“The lamb and the lion may lie down together, but the lion will be the only one to get up.”
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.
2010 calendars are now available at the museum.
The household almanac, gem of the family reference texts, unique in dispensation of Zodiac mysteries, chronological cycles, weather conditions, and countless household hints, medical advice, and bits of humor survives the centuries.
No less popular in the late 1890s, The Hostetters Illustrated United States Almanacs provided sage sayings, wit and wisdom in the language of the century as follows:
“There are many ways to convince a man, but the easiest way is to agree with him.”
“Beeswax and salt will make your rusty flat irons as clean and smooth as glass. Lump the wax in a rag and keep for that purpose. When the irons are hot, rub them first with a wax rag, then scour with a paper or cloth sprinkled with salt.”
“What is a cigar, I want you to tell me?” lisped little Tom Brown to his knowing big brother. “It’s a roll,” was the answer, “of silly enchantment, with a fire at one end, and a fool at the other.”
“For ingrowing toe nails, cut the end square and close and scrape with a sharp knife or piece of glass, a line in the center of the top of the nail so thin that only the inner lining of the nail is left. If this is kept up the edges will raise instead of growing down.”
“To make roses bloom, scrape from the chimney or stove pipe where wood is used for fuel, a quantity of soot, put into a vessel and pour boiling water over it. Let it stand for a few days, and then use the liquid to water the earth around the plants. The application should be made every two or three days.”
“When a clock strikes, it’s working, but when a man strikes, he isn’t.”
“The region where no man hath ever set is called tomorrow.”
“Waterproof paste for boots and shoes — Melt in an earthenware pot, 6 parts of spermaceti, add 12 parts of cadutchouc cut up very fine, and when this is dissolved, further add 12 parts of tallow, 4 parts of lard, and 8 parts of amber varnish. Mix and it is ready to use. Apply as ordinary with a brush. It gives a good gloss.”
“The lamb and the lion may lie down together, but the lion will be the only one to get up.”
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.
2010 calendars are now available at the museum.
August 27, 2009
A.G. Patrick recalls a buffalo encounter
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
A decade plus, prior to his varied enterprises in Grasshopper Falls, A.G. Patrick, son of a printer, became a very young typesetter and left home at an early age to serve apprenticeship of his trade in Terre Haute, Ind.
He worked as a journeyman printer for numerous newspapers in Kentucky and Indiana. At one time was persuaded to publish a paper; however, lack of financial aid compelled him to relinquish the effort after five issues. Following a short stint in merchandising with his brother, he decided to go to California and joined a company organizing a wagon train.
His experiences and encounters prompted him to write his recollections, which he shared with F. C. Scott, publisher of the Valley Falls New Era, predecessor of the Valley Falls Vindicator.
An early episode he recalled occurred after leaving St. Joseph, Mo., for the gold fields.
“The first buffalo that we met was (sic) in the neighborhood of Ash Hollow on the North Platte, seven- or eight-hundred miles west of St. Joseph. It was a herd of a dozen or so and men on horseback were chasing them in every direction. The thought struck us that we (Note:Patrick is referring to himself in the style often used in those days) might get a shot at one, so we took our gun and walked ahead of the wagons and hid ourself in the tall grass near a pond of water. We did not have to wait long before the old bull buffalo was heading directly for us. The mere thought of his coming made us quite nervous, for we had often heard a wounded buffalo would attack and trample a man to death.
“By the time he was close enough to get a good view, we had a sudden attack of buck ague and with difficulty held on to our gun. His very looks was (sic) enough to frighten anyone, his eyes flashing like balls of fire, tongue protruding from his mouth and snorting for all that was out, his heavy tread making the earth fairly shake.
“What to do revolved quickly in our mind. We were afraid to shoot, as that might be the last of us, so we deliberately threw our gun into the tall grass; jumped into the pond and took a long dive coming up at least a hundred feet away spouting like a porpoise, and on looking around saw the buffalo heading in another direction.
“It took at least five minutes to find our gun, and the next day traded it to an Indian for a pony, not wanting any more buffalo in our sport.”
Jamie and Julie Durand will be hosts at the Valley Falls Historical Society from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. Admission is free.
A decade plus, prior to his varied enterprises in Grasshopper Falls, A.G. Patrick, son of a printer, became a very young typesetter and left home at an early age to serve apprenticeship of his trade in Terre Haute, Ind.
He worked as a journeyman printer for numerous newspapers in Kentucky and Indiana. At one time was persuaded to publish a paper; however, lack of financial aid compelled him to relinquish the effort after five issues. Following a short stint in merchandising with his brother, he decided to go to California and joined a company organizing a wagon train.
His experiences and encounters prompted him to write his recollections, which he shared with F. C. Scott, publisher of the Valley Falls New Era, predecessor of the Valley Falls Vindicator.
An early episode he recalled occurred after leaving St. Joseph, Mo., for the gold fields.
“The first buffalo that we met was (sic) in the neighborhood of Ash Hollow on the North Platte, seven- or eight-hundred miles west of St. Joseph. It was a herd of a dozen or so and men on horseback were chasing them in every direction. The thought struck us that we (Note:Patrick is referring to himself in the style often used in those days) might get a shot at one, so we took our gun and walked ahead of the wagons and hid ourself in the tall grass near a pond of water. We did not have to wait long before the old bull buffalo was heading directly for us. The mere thought of his coming made us quite nervous, for we had often heard a wounded buffalo would attack and trample a man to death.
“By the time he was close enough to get a good view, we had a sudden attack of buck ague and with difficulty held on to our gun. His very looks was (sic) enough to frighten anyone, his eyes flashing like balls of fire, tongue protruding from his mouth and snorting for all that was out, his heavy tread making the earth fairly shake.
“What to do revolved quickly in our mind. We were afraid to shoot, as that might be the last of us, so we deliberately threw our gun into the tall grass; jumped into the pond and took a long dive coming up at least a hundred feet away spouting like a porpoise, and on looking around saw the buffalo heading in another direction.
“It took at least five minutes to find our gun, and the next day traded it to an Indian for a pony, not wanting any more buffalo in our sport.”
Jamie and Julie Durand will be hosts at the Valley Falls Historical Society from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. Admission is free.
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