— Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
The 1960 Valley Falls Senior Class of graduates represented a century of progress in the city and Jefferson County schools.
In 1860, Jefferson County reported 20 school districts. Five of them were in Grasshopper Township (later Delaware Township, city of Valley Falls).
It was not until 1886 that the first high school class was graduated. It consisted of four girls — Maud Myers, Cora Cowen, Elizabeth Fox, and Nelia Hayward.
Almost six-years-old in June 1860, the Grasshopper Falls Gazette lauded the village improvements with the following:
“It is cheering to the heart of everyone identified with the interests of our section of the county, to note the enterprise which is this season being manifested in the line of buildings, fencing, painting, and beautifying of our streets and public grounds.
“Already Grasshopper Falls has an actual population of 400 to 500 persons . . . the present season has brought amongst us many more families, who are stowed away two, three and four in every house. Dwellings are rapidly going up, and many are now making arrangements to build the coming summer and fall. Three residences have been completed within the past three weeks, and eight more are at present in process of erection.
“The only church in Jefferson County looms up upon our town site, and the tones of its bell vibrate through space that has not resounded no other chime than this.
“Our large merchants’ flouring mill — our hotel arrivals are constantly increasing — our merchants are enlarging their storehouses and stocks of merchandise — our schools are constantly augmenting in numbers, and the only free bridge on Grasshopper River will be completed this summer at this place at a cost of five thousand dollars.
“These are facts which must be cheering to every faint heart and tell of the brilliant destiny before us . . .”
— an added half century begets borrowing the popular phrase, “You’ve Come a Long Way Baby.”
Daleen Senn and Mary Maxfield will be museum hosts Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
May 18, 2010
May 05, 2010
Grasshopper Falls in April and May 1874
—Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, VFHS president.
The life and times of Grasshopper Falls 20 years after being founded Dec. 25, 1854, the Kansas New Era reports from 1874:
A few items featured in the April and May editions in the language of the editor and assistants included the weather, always a contender for top billing:
“Last Friday morning at 5 o’clock, not a cloud was to be seen. The stars shone with their usual brillancy; but by half past five, the sky was overspread with heavy clouds and the snow was coming down at a fearful rate; at half past seven, it ceased snowing and we measured the depth and found it to be four inches.
“We put up Kansas against the world for doing things in a hurry. During the forepart of the week, we had a man making garden for us, planting potatoes, onions, peas, and all such little things. We would received it as a favor if some scientific gardener would let us know whether such falls are beneficial to newly made gardens.”
“Pete, the irrepressible barber who has been engaged all winter in mowing beards in the Broadway Barber Shop has left us. Our loss is a gain of two for Winchester.”
“The ranks of marriageble young men of our city are being fast depleted by the winsome lasses who capture and bind them in the bonds of matrimony when they will.”
“Our streets are daily lined with the white-sheeted wagons of the immigrants seeking a home in Kansas.”
“The days for picnicing and boat riding, etc., have arrived and Henry Coy, in order to have as much enjoyment as anyone, has had a very fine boat built that will glide over the placid waters of the Grasshopper and carry safely a dozen persons.”
“Take notice: All hogs found running at large on and after 2nd day of May, 1874, will be taken up by the marshal, J.R. Best, City Clerk.”
“Kind and patient reader, we are about to unfold a tale — a narrative a statement — a history of personal wrongs which we have endured and suffered until we were compelled to arise and explain. On last Sunday night, one of our brightest Sunday school scholars put on the seat in church where we were about to sit and attentively listen to words of gospel truth (and the tale is of the same) a pin, bent in such a fashion as only a good little boy knows how to bend one, and we sat down on it. Ordinarily we have perfect control of our feelings, but on this occasion, we gave vent to an expression which we sincerely hope is not recorded against us and then occupied another seat. Sunday school books tell us good boys die young. This is our only consolation and we patiently await the fulfillment of the prophecy.”
Frank and Edie Shrimplin will be hosts at the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 8.
The life and times of Grasshopper Falls 20 years after being founded Dec. 25, 1854, the Kansas New Era reports from 1874:
A few items featured in the April and May editions in the language of the editor and assistants included the weather, always a contender for top billing:
“Last Friday morning at 5 o’clock, not a cloud was to be seen. The stars shone with their usual brillancy; but by half past five, the sky was overspread with heavy clouds and the snow was coming down at a fearful rate; at half past seven, it ceased snowing and we measured the depth and found it to be four inches.
“We put up Kansas against the world for doing things in a hurry. During the forepart of the week, we had a man making garden for us, planting potatoes, onions, peas, and all such little things. We would received it as a favor if some scientific gardener would let us know whether such falls are beneficial to newly made gardens.”
“Pete, the irrepressible barber who has been engaged all winter in mowing beards in the Broadway Barber Shop has left us. Our loss is a gain of two for Winchester.”
“The ranks of marriageble young men of our city are being fast depleted by the winsome lasses who capture and bind them in the bonds of matrimony when they will.”
“Our streets are daily lined with the white-sheeted wagons of the immigrants seeking a home in Kansas.”
“The days for picnicing and boat riding, etc., have arrived and Henry Coy, in order to have as much enjoyment as anyone, has had a very fine boat built that will glide over the placid waters of the Grasshopper and carry safely a dozen persons.”
“Take notice: All hogs found running at large on and after 2nd day of May, 1874, will be taken up by the marshal, J.R. Best, City Clerk.”
“Kind and patient reader, we are about to unfold a tale — a narrative a statement — a history of personal wrongs which we have endured and suffered until we were compelled to arise and explain. On last Sunday night, one of our brightest Sunday school scholars put on the seat in church where we were about to sit and attentively listen to words of gospel truth (and the tale is of the same) a pin, bent in such a fashion as only a good little boy knows how to bend one, and we sat down on it. Ordinarily we have perfect control of our feelings, but on this occasion, we gave vent to an expression which we sincerely hope is not recorded against us and then occupied another seat. Sunday school books tell us good boys die young. This is our only consolation and we patiently await the fulfillment of the prophecy.”
Frank and Edie Shrimplin will be hosts at the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 8.
April 27, 2010
Grasshopper Falls in January and February 1874
—Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president.
The 1874 weekly issues of the Kansas New Era (predecessor of the Vindicator) provides historical insight for life and times of the town nearly 20 years following the staking claim for Grasshopper Falls by explorers Frazier, Riddle, Whitney, and Jolley.
The January and February editions featured the following items in journalism language of the era:
Nine cars were loaded with ice for Leavenworth last Saturday. Dudgeon has sold all his coal and is now filling his coal sheds with ice. The big rain storm last week frightened our ice dealers and they thought the ice market was over. Sawter and Mitchell had a large force of men and teams at work and filled their house while the rain was pouring torrents.
There are three hotels in the city, the Cataract, Broadway, and Burrell. They are all well kept and we understand doing well.
There are four milliner and dressmaking establishments in the place, Mrs. Hays, Mrs. McCartney, Mrs. Bounds and Mrs. Martin, all of whom seem to be doing well.
There are two printing offices, the Grasshopper and the New Era, both getting along as we understand from the publishers. Mr. Ground Hog did not more than see his shadow on last Tuesday.
The subject of changing the town’s name is again agitated. Dr. Northrup suggests “Kansas Falls” and old “Fifty Fiver” suggests “Cedar Falls” or “Falls City.” We should not object to either as they are short and appropriate. Someone suggests the place retain its present name because of its distinctiveness. We favor the change on account of the names suggested being short, while Grasshopper Falls stretches nearly across a sheet of note paper.
The method of closing saloons recently inaugurated in Ohio is fast spreading all over the country. They are about to try it in Leavenworth and we presume Grasshopper Falls will be next.
The way it is done is as follows:
The Christian ladies of the town form themselves into praying bands and hold prayer meetings in the barroom, if allowed to do so, and if not, on the sidewalk outside. One band relieves another and the meeting is kept up until the saloon keeper is converted or his business ruined.
F.A. Dudgeon was circulating a petition last week, the object of which was to have the name of the place changed to Kansas Falls. Somebody in this place received a consignment of sauer kraut last week, and lovers of fermented cabbage were nearly frantic with delight over the reappearance of their nearly forgotten delicacy. One person procured a large pailful, posted himself on the sidewalk on Broadway, and in the fullness of his heart offered a handful of the racid succulent to every passerby.
The 1874 weekly issues of the Kansas New Era (predecessor of the Vindicator) provides historical insight for life and times of the town nearly 20 years following the staking claim for Grasshopper Falls by explorers Frazier, Riddle, Whitney, and Jolley.
The January and February editions featured the following items in journalism language of the era:
Nine cars were loaded with ice for Leavenworth last Saturday. Dudgeon has sold all his coal and is now filling his coal sheds with ice. The big rain storm last week frightened our ice dealers and they thought the ice market was over. Sawter and Mitchell had a large force of men and teams at work and filled their house while the rain was pouring torrents.
There are three hotels in the city, the Cataract, Broadway, and Burrell. They are all well kept and we understand doing well.
There are four milliner and dressmaking establishments in the place, Mrs. Hays, Mrs. McCartney, Mrs. Bounds and Mrs. Martin, all of whom seem to be doing well.
There are two printing offices, the Grasshopper and the New Era, both getting along as we understand from the publishers. Mr. Ground Hog did not more than see his shadow on last Tuesday.
The subject of changing the town’s name is again agitated. Dr. Northrup suggests “Kansas Falls” and old “Fifty Fiver” suggests “Cedar Falls” or “Falls City.” We should not object to either as they are short and appropriate. Someone suggests the place retain its present name because of its distinctiveness. We favor the change on account of the names suggested being short, while Grasshopper Falls stretches nearly across a sheet of note paper.
The method of closing saloons recently inaugurated in Ohio is fast spreading all over the country. They are about to try it in Leavenworth and we presume Grasshopper Falls will be next.
The way it is done is as follows:
The Christian ladies of the town form themselves into praying bands and hold prayer meetings in the barroom, if allowed to do so, and if not, on the sidewalk outside. One band relieves another and the meeting is kept up until the saloon keeper is converted or his business ruined.
F.A. Dudgeon was circulating a petition last week, the object of which was to have the name of the place changed to Kansas Falls. Somebody in this place received a consignment of sauer kraut last week, and lovers of fermented cabbage were nearly frantic with delight over the reappearance of their nearly forgotten delicacy. One person procured a large pailful, posted himself on the sidewalk on Broadway, and in the fullness of his heart offered a handful of the racid succulent to every passerby.
April 02, 2010
Businesses in 1929, part 2
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Part II
The stroll down Broadway in 1929 listing shops and merchants serving the community, their location and address from street number 216 through 404 continues from last week:
405: Wettig Hotel, barber shop, Joe Hill, prop.; Russel Merlin, barber, and Rylan Jackson, shiner.
406: 1-story frame, vacant
407: Valley Falls Confectionery, Leonard A. Waite, prop.
408: VF shoe shop, Franklin McKenna, prop.
409: Hatfield Penslar Store, L.A. Hatfield, prop.
409: Star Grocery, C.V. Coalson, prop.
410: 1-story brick, vacant
411: Pat’s Cafe, A.P. Davies, prop.
412-416: Summerfelt Hardware, E. Summerfelt Jr., Prop.
413: Leland and Leland (J.B. & R.M.) tailors and cleaners.
415: Valley Falls Jewelry Store, Mrs. O.F. Falls, prop.
417: Shaffer’s Cigar Store, F.C. Shaffer, prop.
418: McDaniels Pool Hall and Lunch Room, W.A. McDaniels, prop.
419: Lott’s Variety Store
420: Good Eats Market, Roy H. Reichart, prop.
420: H.H. Davies, Dentist (2-story building)
421: D.B. Grocery, Mrs. Inez Boyer, prop. (Chamber of Commerce meeting first and third Friday at 421 Broadway)
422: Post office, O.F. Falls, postmaster.
423: Kenyon Dry Goods, W.H. Kenton, prop.
425: Dr. F.P. Mann, physician.
500: Marland Oil Refining Co. Service Station, R.E. Cook, station agent
501-503: Thompson Clothing Co., W.I. Thompson, prop.
505: 1-story brick, vacant
507: Kirshbraum Cream Station, John Stafford, agent
508-510: Armstong, J.F., Oil Station. J.F. Armstrong, prop.
511: Conerus Shoe Shop, A.H. Conerus, prop.
512-516: Blake’s Garage, Frank Blake, prop.
513: Newman’s Blacksmith Shop, V.P. Newman, prop.
Stores and shops stayed open late to accommodate customers.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 3. Hosts will be Maxine Hefty and Betty Jane Wilson. Admission is free.
Part II
The stroll down Broadway in 1929 listing shops and merchants serving the community, their location and address from street number 216 through 404 continues from last week:
405: Wettig Hotel, barber shop, Joe Hill, prop.; Russel Merlin, barber, and Rylan Jackson, shiner.
406: 1-story frame, vacant
407: Valley Falls Confectionery, Leonard A. Waite, prop.
408: VF shoe shop, Franklin McKenna, prop.
409: Hatfield Penslar Store, L.A. Hatfield, prop.
409: Star Grocery, C.V. Coalson, prop.
410: 1-story brick, vacant
411: Pat’s Cafe, A.P. Davies, prop.
412-416: Summerfelt Hardware, E. Summerfelt Jr., Prop.
413: Leland and Leland (J.B. & R.M.) tailors and cleaners.
415: Valley Falls Jewelry Store, Mrs. O.F. Falls, prop.
417: Shaffer’s Cigar Store, F.C. Shaffer, prop.
418: McDaniels Pool Hall and Lunch Room, W.A. McDaniels, prop.
419: Lott’s Variety Store
420: Good Eats Market, Roy H. Reichart, prop.
420: H.H. Davies, Dentist (2-story building)
421: D.B. Grocery, Mrs. Inez Boyer, prop. (Chamber of Commerce meeting first and third Friday at 421 Broadway)
422: Post office, O.F. Falls, postmaster.
423: Kenyon Dry Goods, W.H. Kenton, prop.
425: Dr. F.P. Mann, physician.
500: Marland Oil Refining Co. Service Station, R.E. Cook, station agent
501-503: Thompson Clothing Co., W.I. Thompson, prop.
505: 1-story brick, vacant
507: Kirshbraum Cream Station, John Stafford, agent
508-510: Armstong, J.F., Oil Station. J.F. Armstrong, prop.
511: Conerus Shoe Shop, A.H. Conerus, prop.
512-516: Blake’s Garage, Frank Blake, prop.
513: Newman’s Blacksmith Shop, V.P. Newman, prop.
Stores and shops stayed open late to accommodate customers.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 3. Hosts will be Maxine Hefty and Betty Jane Wilson. Admission is free.
March 23, 2010
Businesses in 1929
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Who was here 80 years ago...........
Saturday night live (the terminology, not the television show) suggests former years at Valley Falls (memories for some) reminiscent tales related by elders to younger generations for others.
Saturday night, the end of the week’s occupation, when farmers, laborers, and citizens “went to town” for shopping, bartering, gossiping, hair cuts, entertainment and genuine fellowship.
According to the township directory for 1929, Valley Falls Broadway Street was occupied by a host of stores, shops and merchants serving the community.
Those services and locations included these Broadway addresses:
216-218 Lambert Lumber Co.
300 E.E. McComas, Produce
301-303 Murray-Heer Ford dealer
302 Shuler’s Furniture
304 Shuler Floral
305 Davis Sisters Millinery and Bert Booth Real Estate & Insurance
306-308 Hauck’s Department Store
307 Broadway Cafe, “Dad” Thompson, Prop.
309 E.R. Hosler, Chiropractor
310 Gillispie Hardware and Sam Strawn, Atty., Ins. & Real Estate, 2nd floor (310 is now the historical society’s museum).
311 Norris and Lewis Barber Shop
312 First National Bank
313 Hudson & Burkert Auto Repair and Chrysler Agency
314 Mitchell’s Meat Market
315 Scott’s Billiard Parlor
316 North Side Barbershop, E.V. Goodwin and Ham Green, barbers
317 Huber’s Cigar Store & Factory
318 City Bakery, A.N. (Nick) Gahm, Prop.
319-321 Knier & Knowles Harness Makers
320 City Cafe, Mr. and Mrs. Walter McDaniel, prop.
322 Wettig Clothing Store
323 Kendall State Bank
324 Corner Drug Store, Gilbert W. Morell, prop.; Author Braden, dentist
400 Citizens State Bank
401 Wettig Hotel
402 Wilson poultry and Dr. W.A. Roberts, Chiropractor (2 stories)
403 Kansas Power & Light Co.
404 Otwell’s Jewelry & Radio Store, Harry Otwell, prop.
(To be continued)
The Valley Falls museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 27. Admission is free. Guided tours available.
Who was here 80 years ago...........
Saturday night live (the terminology, not the television show) suggests former years at Valley Falls (memories for some) reminiscent tales related by elders to younger generations for others.
Saturday night, the end of the week’s occupation, when farmers, laborers, and citizens “went to town” for shopping, bartering, gossiping, hair cuts, entertainment and genuine fellowship.
According to the township directory for 1929, Valley Falls Broadway Street was occupied by a host of stores, shops and merchants serving the community.
Those services and locations included these Broadway addresses:
216-218 Lambert Lumber Co.
300 E.E. McComas, Produce
301-303 Murray-Heer Ford dealer
302 Shuler’s Furniture
304 Shuler Floral
305 Davis Sisters Millinery and Bert Booth Real Estate & Insurance
306-308 Hauck’s Department Store
307 Broadway Cafe, “Dad” Thompson, Prop.
309 E.R. Hosler, Chiropractor
310 Gillispie Hardware and Sam Strawn, Atty., Ins. & Real Estate, 2nd floor (310 is now the historical society’s museum).
311 Norris and Lewis Barber Shop
312 First National Bank
313 Hudson & Burkert Auto Repair and Chrysler Agency
314 Mitchell’s Meat Market
315 Scott’s Billiard Parlor
316 North Side Barbershop, E.V. Goodwin and Ham Green, barbers
317 Huber’s Cigar Store & Factory
318 City Bakery, A.N. (Nick) Gahm, Prop.
319-321 Knier & Knowles Harness Makers
320 City Cafe, Mr. and Mrs. Walter McDaniel, prop.
322 Wettig Clothing Store
323 Kendall State Bank
324 Corner Drug Store, Gilbert W. Morell, prop.; Author Braden, dentist
400 Citizens State Bank
401 Wettig Hotel
402 Wilson poultry and Dr. W.A. Roberts, Chiropractor (2 stories)
403 Kansas Power & Light Co.
404 Otwell’s Jewelry & Radio Store, Harry Otwell, prop.
(To be continued)
The Valley Falls museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 27. Admission is free. Guided tours available.
March 17, 2010
Balloons - tragic, comedic, newsworthy
— Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, Valley Falls Historical Society president
Men and boys and their balloon escapades, regardless of century or outcome, tragic, adventurous, utilitarian, or comedic, have proved newsworthy.
“Eighty Days Around the World,” the incredible tragic dirigible, the priceless weather balloon, and even the account of the hapless youngster exploited by an allegedly publicity seeking father claiming his son was aboard an unmanned balloon, won their share of headlines.
Not all balloon events gained notoriety. The Valley Falls New Era, Aug. 31, 1905, carried a rave review of a recent “Glorious Carnival — The Best Ever — The Attractions of a Higher Order”— then added matter of factly that just as the balloon man was about to make his ascension, a boy about 14 years of age tried to jump across the attached balloon ropes. The boy’s feet became entangled in the ropes, already loosened for ascension and he was dragged into the air. The alert balloonist quickly cut the ropes freeing the boy and the balloons averting a tragic balloon accident.
Devoid of publicity and fanfare, an heroic, nameless carnival performer and a lucky, nameless teenager, and the incident are imbedded in the annals of Valley Falls balloon history.
The Valley Falls Historical Society museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 20, Admission is free.
Men and boys and their balloon escapades, regardless of century or outcome, tragic, adventurous, utilitarian, or comedic, have proved newsworthy.
“Eighty Days Around the World,” the incredible tragic dirigible, the priceless weather balloon, and even the account of the hapless youngster exploited by an allegedly publicity seeking father claiming his son was aboard an unmanned balloon, won their share of headlines.
Not all balloon events gained notoriety. The Valley Falls New Era, Aug. 31, 1905, carried a rave review of a recent “Glorious Carnival — The Best Ever — The Attractions of a Higher Order”— then added matter of factly that just as the balloon man was about to make his ascension, a boy about 14 years of age tried to jump across the attached balloon ropes. The boy’s feet became entangled in the ropes, already loosened for ascension and he was dragged into the air. The alert balloonist quickly cut the ropes freeing the boy and the balloons averting a tragic balloon accident.
Devoid of publicity and fanfare, an heroic, nameless carnival performer and a lucky, nameless teenager, and the incident are imbedded in the annals of Valley Falls balloon history.
The Valley Falls Historical Society museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 20, Admission is free.
March 10, 2010
In 1907 "a great snow storm" visits the area
compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, historical society president
History, a compilation of events graced with repetitions, similarities and parallels plays few favorites; However, weather maintains high priority throughout the annals. The March 22, 1907, Farmer’s Vindicator chose to feature that same March week in 1876 when “a great snow storm visited this country” (our vicinity. The drifting, blinding, furious kind. The whole state was snow bound. The railroads were blocked for a week. With snow plows and hand shovels, the tracks were opened for trains for one day when another big snow fall suspended traffic for several days more.” (sound familiar?)
"People traveled from house to house over stake and rider fences and tree tops hidden in deep drifts. It was a trying time." In contrast, the temperature for that specific time, 1907, had risen to 80 degrees. Apparently, the spring-like degrees did not last, the May 10, 1907, newspaper reported “It snowed in May! It came for breakfast last Friday morning, May 3. The oldest, local inhabitant never saw the like in May with so much snow and temperatures 23 degrees above zero at Blue Mound weather station.
“The May freeze continued through May 17 with ice an eighth of an inch thick. Considering weather’s repetitive history, the poetics may dream with trepidations “When winter comes, spring can not be far behind.”
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 6. Admission is free.
History, a compilation of events graced with repetitions, similarities and parallels plays few favorites; However, weather maintains high priority throughout the annals. The March 22, 1907, Farmer’s Vindicator chose to feature that same March week in 1876 when “a great snow storm visited this country” (our vicinity. The drifting, blinding, furious kind. The whole state was snow bound. The railroads were blocked for a week. With snow plows and hand shovels, the tracks were opened for trains for one day when another big snow fall suspended traffic for several days more.” (sound familiar?)
"People traveled from house to house over stake and rider fences and tree tops hidden in deep drifts. It was a trying time." In contrast, the temperature for that specific time, 1907, had risen to 80 degrees. Apparently, the spring-like degrees did not last, the May 10, 1907, newspaper reported “It snowed in May! It came for breakfast last Friday morning, May 3. The oldest, local inhabitant never saw the like in May with so much snow and temperatures 23 degrees above zero at Blue Mound weather station.
“The May freeze continued through May 17 with ice an eighth of an inch thick. Considering weather’s repetitive history, the poetics may dream with trepidations “When winter comes, spring can not be far behind.”
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 6. Admission is free.
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