compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
The J.P. Batchelor home described in the Valley Falls New Era, Nov. 25, 1899, as "the handsomest and most modern in the county," (see Valley Falls Vindicator, Jan. 16, 2013) won praise from the Valley Falls New Era, Nov. 23, 1903, as two social events of the season took place at the beautiful home on separate occasions. Mrs. Batchelor entertained some 80 of her lady friends, assisted by Mrs. H.B. Morgan of Leavenworth and Miss Agnes Legler of Valley Falls.
According to the news item:
"The reception room and parlor were elegantly decorated with yellow chrysanthemums and the dining room with American Beauty roses. The house was illuminated with gas throughout, and from the chandeliers were suspended ribbons of ivy and ferns. Hall's orchestra from Topeka was stationed in the hall, where they discoused (sic) sweet strains of music through the reception. Miss Inez Batchelor (daughter) presided over the punch bowl. An elegant three-course lunch was served, after which the guests departed for their respective homes, wishing their hostess many such pleasant occasions."
At another time, the news source reported:
"Mr. J.P. Batchelor, one of our popular townsmen, sent invitations to his gentlemen friends inviting them to attend a black cat party at his residence.
"The guests were received by Mr. Batchelor, assisted by Mrs. Batchelor, Mrs. B.H. Morgan, and Miss Agnes Legler. After the arrival of the guests, Mr. Batchelor made a short address of welcome in which he stated that Dr. Frank Swallow would be master of ceremony.
"For the evening, the Dr. responded in a very pleasant manner complementing Mr. Batchelor on his beautiful home and surroundings and on his public spirit, referring to the construction of his new store buildings. He said, 'If we had more Batchelors, we would have a better town.' The guests were entertained in various ways.
"Mr. G.H. Breckline of Kansas City, was present with his bones and kept the guests in good humor with his instruments and his stories. He wears a medal for being the champion bone rattler of the world.
"Punch was served in the library, presided over by Miss Inez Batchelor (daughter). About 9:30 p.m., the guests were invited to the dining room where warm refreshments were served, after which a smoke was taken in the library.
"The cat guessing contest was an enjoyable feature of the evening. Each guest was furnished with a card and pencil. On the cards were printed conundrums, commencing with the word 'cat.' The party who succeeded in answering the greatest number of the conundrums correctly received an elegant prize. Twenty minutes were given the contestants and when time was called, the lists were corrected and it was found that F.C. Scott and C.C. Lord each had the same number of correct answers. They drew lots and Mr. Scott won the prize, which was a fine silk umbrella, with a bone handle and silver mountings. On the mounting was the following inscription 'For the wise cat, Nov. 11, 1903.'
"The party broke up about 11:30, wishing Mr. Batchelor many such pleasant 'black cat parties.' "
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9.
March 05, 2013
February 26, 2013
Teacher, pupil duke it out at North Cedar School, 1884
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
It was not "School Days, School Days, Dear Old Golden Rule Days," according to the Valley Falls New Era Feb. 14, 1884. Reporting "A Skirmish in School," the news item continued:
"It appears from facts gleaned, that there was a pretty lively skirmish between the teacher, Mr. Wilson in District No. 38 (North Cedar), and one of the pupils named Gragg, the son of Zachariah Gragg.
"The lad had been guilty of some misdemeanor for which the teacher called him to account. This was in the evening before school closed. The next morning, just after school started, the teacher invited young Gragg to come forward and take off his coat for the purpose of receiving further punishment for his misconduct of the evening before. The lad refused, and Mr. Wilson waded into him with a good sized stick from a hedge fence. The boy offered stern resistance, grabbed up another big switch that was near at hand and for several minutes the teacher and pupil had a lively game of 'slapjack' and it was nip and tuck for a time, but the teacher finally got the mastery of the pupil, made him take off his coat, and take a severe castigation in his shirt sleeves. It is said he whipped the boy so severely that the blood ran down to the floor. The fracas so frightened the younger pupils that they fled in terror and went home. At last accounts, all was quiet and the teacher was still holding the fort."
However, the Feb. 28, 1884, issue of the same news source reported:
"Wilson, the school teacher in the Grace District (No. 38), called his school at the usual hour last Friday morning, and, when all were seated, proceeded to inform them that his labors among them were about to end and admonished them to 'steer their footsteps in another direction' — go to another district — 'if they would become Newtons, Washingtons, or Garfields.' The 'atmosphere of their own district was too demoralizing for the proper development of great minds, which they gave evidence of possessing.'
"He rattled on in this sarcastic strain for some time, then took his leave of the place, and a day or two later, after a settlement with the directors, he went back to his mother in Indiana. Kansas is doubtless too far west for such soft cracklins as Mr. Wilson."
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2.
It was not "School Days, School Days, Dear Old Golden Rule Days," according to the Valley Falls New Era Feb. 14, 1884. Reporting "A Skirmish in School," the news item continued:
"It appears from facts gleaned, that there was a pretty lively skirmish between the teacher, Mr. Wilson in District No. 38 (North Cedar), and one of the pupils named Gragg, the son of Zachariah Gragg.
"The lad had been guilty of some misdemeanor for which the teacher called him to account. This was in the evening before school closed. The next morning, just after school started, the teacher invited young Gragg to come forward and take off his coat for the purpose of receiving further punishment for his misconduct of the evening before. The lad refused, and Mr. Wilson waded into him with a good sized stick from a hedge fence. The boy offered stern resistance, grabbed up another big switch that was near at hand and for several minutes the teacher and pupil had a lively game of 'slapjack' and it was nip and tuck for a time, but the teacher finally got the mastery of the pupil, made him take off his coat, and take a severe castigation in his shirt sleeves. It is said he whipped the boy so severely that the blood ran down to the floor. The fracas so frightened the younger pupils that they fled in terror and went home. At last accounts, all was quiet and the teacher was still holding the fort."
However, the Feb. 28, 1884, issue of the same news source reported:
"Wilson, the school teacher in the Grace District (No. 38), called his school at the usual hour last Friday morning, and, when all were seated, proceeded to inform them that his labors among them were about to end and admonished them to 'steer their footsteps in another direction' — go to another district — 'if they would become Newtons, Washingtons, or Garfields.' The 'atmosphere of their own district was too demoralizing for the proper development of great minds, which they gave evidence of possessing.'
"He rattled on in this sarcastic strain for some time, then took his leave of the place, and a day or two later, after a settlement with the directors, he went back to his mother in Indiana. Kansas is doubtless too far west for such soft cracklins as Mr. Wilson."
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2.
February 19, 2013
February displays feature Black History, Presidents' Day
- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Remembering and honoring Black History Month, the mega portrait of Martin Luther King, and the veterans will dominate the Valley Falls Historical Society's museum throughout February.
The seasonal window of the museum features equally mega portraits of Presidents Washington and Lincoln, commemorating the Presidents Day holiday.
Revered as our founding father and our first president, George Washington was born Feb. 22, 1732. In 1796, his birthday was known as Washington's birthday, but it was not observed as a holiday until 1832.
Abraham Lincoln's birthday was the next to be so celebrated. Born Feb. 12, 1809, his birthday was first celebrated in 1865, a year after his assassination by southern sympathizer, John Wilkes Booth. Although not celebrated as a federal holiday, in many states, his birthday was observed as a legal holiday.
Congress passed legislation in 1968 placing all federal holidays on Monday, including Washington's birthday. Thus was born the three-day weekend. In 1971, during Richard Nixon's term Washington and Lincoln's birthdays were combined into Presidents Day. It is now celebrated on the third Monday in February regardless of the date on which it falls.
Presidents Day now honors all who have served as president.
The museum scene includes an unidentified landscape painting by the late Kansas painter, Howard Hamm, bordered by magazine cover replicas of paintings of Washington at Valley Forge by J.D. Leyendecker (Feb. 25, 1935, Saturday Evening Post) and Lincoln at Independence Hall by J.L.G. Ferris showing the president in 1861 raising the flag bearing the 34th star honoring Kansas as the newest state (Kansas History, Autumn 2001) Presidents Day Information Source.
And all under the watchful eye of a Lincoln silhouette created by local artist Susan Phillips.
Remembering and honoring Black History Month, the mega portrait of Martin Luther King, and the veterans will dominate the Valley Falls Historical Society's museum throughout February.
The seasonal window of the museum features equally mega portraits of Presidents Washington and Lincoln, commemorating the Presidents Day holiday.
Revered as our founding father and our first president, George Washington was born Feb. 22, 1732. In 1796, his birthday was known as Washington's birthday, but it was not observed as a holiday until 1832.
Abraham Lincoln's birthday was the next to be so celebrated. Born Feb. 12, 1809, his birthday was first celebrated in 1865, a year after his assassination by southern sympathizer, John Wilkes Booth. Although not celebrated as a federal holiday, in many states, his birthday was observed as a legal holiday.
Congress passed legislation in 1968 placing all federal holidays on Monday, including Washington's birthday. Thus was born the three-day weekend. In 1971, during Richard Nixon's term Washington and Lincoln's birthdays were combined into Presidents Day. It is now celebrated on the third Monday in February regardless of the date on which it falls.
Presidents Day now honors all who have served as president.
The museum scene includes an unidentified landscape painting by the late Kansas painter, Howard Hamm, bordered by magazine cover replicas of paintings of Washington at Valley Forge by J.D. Leyendecker (Feb. 25, 1935, Saturday Evening Post) and Lincoln at Independence Hall by J.L.G. Ferris showing the president in 1861 raising the flag bearing the 34th star honoring Kansas as the newest state (Kansas History, Autumn 2001) Presidents Day Information Source.
And all under the watchful eye of a Lincoln silhouette created by local artist Susan Phillips.
February 13, 2013
1885: tragic death of "Dad" Huff, after attack on city marshall
- compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Tragedy has neither friends nor enemies and has no consideration for circumstances as evidenced by the following story featured by the Valley Falls New Era Aug. 27 through Oct. 1885.
"The bloodiest and most exciting tragedy, which has occurred in Valley Falls for years was last Saturday night where one man was killed and three others were seriously wounded.
"A farmer who goes by the name 'Dad' Huff, a brother of J.M. Huff, well and favorably known in this community, was in town and in the company with a friend of his named Dave Delk. They visited the skating rink in the evening, both, it seems having imbibed too freely of liquor during the afternoon and evening.
"Huff put on a pair of skates, and being a novice at the business, together with the liquor he had in him, made little progress in learning to skate. He maneuvered around for a time, and it is said, used vulgar and obscene language, something not tolerated by the skating rink management. Marshal Boles was sent for, and prevailed upon Huff to leave the place. But Huff became so unruly, it was thought best to take him into custody. Marshal Boles started with him to the calaboose, having called W.N Barnes for assistance.
"They were getting along o.k. until they reached the corner of Turner Hall where they were overtaken by Dave Delk who wanted to know what Marshal Boles was going to do with Huff. The marshal's reply was that he was taking the prisoner to the cooler. Delk swore that Huff should not be locked up and interfered, laying hold of Barnes first. Barnes released the prisoner to protect himself against Delk who had turned his attention to Huff and the marshal and Barnes again came to the rescue.
"While laying hold of Huff, Huff made a pass at Barnes with an open knife, cutting him on the left side, making a second thrust burying the knife in the muscle of Barnes's left arm. Barnes left at once for Dr. Northrup's office.
"In the meantime, Marshal Boles struggled with Huff and Delk. Huff plunged his knife into the marshal's back, inflicting a deep wound, freeing himself from the officer's hold, then discharged a revolver given to him by Delk, at Marshal Boles. But, Boles was too quick and returned first at Huff sending him crashing to the ground.
"Delk started to flee, but the marshal commanded him to halt three times. Delk continued his retreat and Boles fired after him striking him in the right hip. Huff, all the while was lying on the ground grappling with death and in about half an hour the grim reaper claimed the victory.
"On the following Sunday the verdict was reached that on the 22nd day of August, from a pistol shot in the hands of the city marshal, in self defense, in the discharge of his official duty, he (Huff) came to death.
"The deceased left a wife and two children. It is intimated that Mrs. Huff will prosecute the saloon keeper that sold her husband liquor. That is just what she should do and the temperance people of Valley Falls should assist her. Will they do it?"
Valley Falls New Era, Sept. 3, 1885, "Mary A. Huff, wife of deceased A.C. Huff, brought a $10,000 suit against Frank LaFontaine and Henry Senn, saloon keepers, charging them with selling liquor to her husband, the same being held to be the inciting cause of the tragedy which robbed Mr. Huff of his life."
Valley Falls New Era, Oct. 22, 1885, "The suit brought in the district court by Mrs. Mary Huff for $10,000 damages against LaFontaine and Senn, the Valley Falls saloon keepers, resulted in a verdict of $1,250 for Mrs. Huff."
The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Tragedy has neither friends nor enemies and has no consideration for circumstances as evidenced by the following story featured by the Valley Falls New Era Aug. 27 through Oct. 1885.
"The bloodiest and most exciting tragedy, which has occurred in Valley Falls for years was last Saturday night where one man was killed and three others were seriously wounded.
"A farmer who goes by the name 'Dad' Huff, a brother of J.M. Huff, well and favorably known in this community, was in town and in the company with a friend of his named Dave Delk. They visited the skating rink in the evening, both, it seems having imbibed too freely of liquor during the afternoon and evening.
"Huff put on a pair of skates, and being a novice at the business, together with the liquor he had in him, made little progress in learning to skate. He maneuvered around for a time, and it is said, used vulgar and obscene language, something not tolerated by the skating rink management. Marshal Boles was sent for, and prevailed upon Huff to leave the place. But Huff became so unruly, it was thought best to take him into custody. Marshal Boles started with him to the calaboose, having called W.N Barnes for assistance.
"They were getting along o.k. until they reached the corner of Turner Hall where they were overtaken by Dave Delk who wanted to know what Marshal Boles was going to do with Huff. The marshal's reply was that he was taking the prisoner to the cooler. Delk swore that Huff should not be locked up and interfered, laying hold of Barnes first. Barnes released the prisoner to protect himself against Delk who had turned his attention to Huff and the marshal and Barnes again came to the rescue.
"While laying hold of Huff, Huff made a pass at Barnes with an open knife, cutting him on the left side, making a second thrust burying the knife in the muscle of Barnes's left arm. Barnes left at once for Dr. Northrup's office.
"In the meantime, Marshal Boles struggled with Huff and Delk. Huff plunged his knife into the marshal's back, inflicting a deep wound, freeing himself from the officer's hold, then discharged a revolver given to him by Delk, at Marshal Boles. But, Boles was too quick and returned first at Huff sending him crashing to the ground.
"Delk started to flee, but the marshal commanded him to halt three times. Delk continued his retreat and Boles fired after him striking him in the right hip. Huff, all the while was lying on the ground grappling with death and in about half an hour the grim reaper claimed the victory.
"On the following Sunday the verdict was reached that on the 22nd day of August, from a pistol shot in the hands of the city marshal, in self defense, in the discharge of his official duty, he (Huff) came to death.
"The deceased left a wife and two children. It is intimated that Mrs. Huff will prosecute the saloon keeper that sold her husband liquor. That is just what she should do and the temperance people of Valley Falls should assist her. Will they do it?"
Valley Falls New Era, Sept. 3, 1885, "Mary A. Huff, wife of deceased A.C. Huff, brought a $10,000 suit against Frank LaFontaine and Henry Senn, saloon keepers, charging them with selling liquor to her husband, the same being held to be the inciting cause of the tragedy which robbed Mr. Huff of his life."
Valley Falls New Era, Oct. 22, 1885, "The suit brought in the district court by Mrs. Mary Huff for $10,000 damages against LaFontaine and Senn, the Valley Falls saloon keepers, resulted in a verdict of $1,250 for Mrs. Huff."
The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
January 29, 2013
Jailed for cohabitation - 1886
- compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president.
Two jailed for cohabitation without benefit of marriage in 1886
Two jailed for cohabitation without benefit of marriage in 1886
Moses Harmon's daughter one of defendants
Apparently the "course of true love" does not run smoothly. The Valley Falls New Era, predecessor of the Vindicator, Sept. 16, 1886, reported "a disgraceful affair" with the following details:
"Sunday, the 20th, at the residence of Mr. Harmon, senior editor of 'Lucifer' of this city, a form of marriage was gone through by E.C. Walker, junior editor of 'Lucifer' and Miss Lillie Harmon, the 16-year-old daughter of M. Harmon, the latter performing the ceremony, which to the effect that the contracting parties bind themselves to live together only so long as the compact is mutually agreeable and the name of neither shall be changed. This is all in accordance with the vicious doctrine so vigorously advocated by 'Lucifer' of late.
Apparently the "course of true love" does not run smoothly. The Valley Falls New Era, predecessor of the Vindicator, Sept. 16, 1886, reported "a disgraceful affair" with the following details:
"Sunday, the 20th, at the residence of Mr. Harmon, senior editor of 'Lucifer' of this city, a form of marriage was gone through by E.C. Walker, junior editor of 'Lucifer' and Miss Lillie Harmon, the 16-year-old daughter of M. Harmon, the latter performing the ceremony, which to the effect that the contracting parties bind themselves to live together only so long as the compact is mutually agreeable and the name of neither shall be changed. This is all in accordance with the vicious doctrine so vigorously advocated by 'Lucifer' of late.
"W.F. Hiser, stepbrother of the girl, swore out a warrant for the arrest of Walker and Miss Harmon, the charge being illegal cohabitation. Almost the entire day, Monday, was spent trying to get bail for the defendants, the amount being $1,000, but without success. Tuesday morning, Constable Boles took them both to Oskaloosa, where they were lodged in the county jail to await trial before Justice Simpson."
Valley Falls New Era, Sept. 30, 1886:
"E.C. Walker and Lillian Harmon were arraigned before Justice Simpson Monday morning to answer to the charge of illegal cohabitation. Walker was brought to Valley Falls Monday morning from Oskaloosa where he had been in jail since the previous Tuesday. Since the jail was full, the girl was not detained but brought home where an officer of the law kept a watchful eye.
"E.C. Walker and Lillian Harmon were arraigned before Justice Simpson Monday morning to answer to the charge of illegal cohabitation. Walker was brought to Valley Falls Monday morning from Oskaloosa where he had been in jail since the previous Tuesday. Since the jail was full, the girl was not detained but brought home where an officer of the law kept a watchful eye.
"Moses Harmon was the principal, and in fact, the only witness examined. He stated that he was perfectly cognizant of the peculiar compact entered into between his daughter Lillian and E.C. Walker, and that it was all in accordance with his fullest and freest consent and approval. Justice Simpson was but a few seconds coming to a conclusion when the arguments were closed, and announced his decision binding them over to district court in the sum of $1,000 each.
"The announcement was received with rapturous applause by the large audience present. It is understood that N.H. Harmon, her uncle, offered to go her bond, but she refused as he would not go her bail in the first place. She will be a guest of the sheriff until court convenes as there is no room for her in jail. Walker will occupy quarters at the jail with the rest of the prisoners.
"It is to be hoped that the case, let it run the gauntlet of all the courts, will be incontrovertibly decided against the social marplots, moral lepers, and conspirators."
Valley Falls New Era, Oct. 28, 1886:
"E.C. Walker and Lillian Harmon have received sentence by Judge R. Crozier. Walker's is 76 days in jail and the girl's 45, and the costs of the case are to be paid by them."
The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2.
"E.C. Walker and Lillian Harmon have received sentence by Judge R. Crozier. Walker's is 76 days in jail and the girl's 45, and the costs of the case are to be paid by them."
The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2.
January 24, 2013
Museum window display honors King, celebrates Kansas
— by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Famous words from a famous person and a famous adage celebrating a famous event set the stage for the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum's windows for January.
A mega portrait of Martin Luther King capped with his popular words, "I Have a Dream," with a background of military and United States flags honor the celebrated activist on his January birth date.
A giant mural by local artist Susan Phillips, depicting huge sunflowers growing freely among young corn stalks and ripening wheat stems, serves as a background for a Kansas Day reminder. Enhancing the scene, at the base of the mural is a colorful flage of the state of Kansas that was flown over Camp Sapper II, Ali Air Base, Tallil, Iraq, on Memorial Day, May 30, 2005, courtesy of Lee Tafanelli, Colonel, Battalion Commander. A small painting of the Kansas seal, by the artist, hangs above the memorials remembering the territory of Kansas entering the union as a state Jan. 29, 1861.
The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26.
Famous words from a famous person and a famous adage celebrating a famous event set the stage for the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum's windows for January.
A mega portrait of Martin Luther King capped with his popular words, "I Have a Dream," with a background of military and United States flags honor the celebrated activist on his January birth date.
A giant mural by local artist Susan Phillips, depicting huge sunflowers growing freely among young corn stalks and ripening wheat stems, serves as a background for a Kansas Day reminder. Enhancing the scene, at the base of the mural is a colorful flage of the state of Kansas that was flown over Camp Sapper II, Ali Air Base, Tallil, Iraq, on Memorial Day, May 30, 2005, courtesy of Lee Tafanelli, Colonel, Battalion Commander. A small painting of the Kansas seal, by the artist, hangs above the memorials remembering the territory of Kansas entering the union as a state Jan. 29, 1861.
The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26.
January 16, 2013
J. P. Batchelor home
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
"A Handsome Place" was the headline story in the Valley Falls New Era Nov. 25, 1899, featuring the new home of Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Batchelor.
"A Handsome Place" was the headline story in the Valley Falls New Era Nov. 25, 1899, featuring the new home of Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Batchelor.
Mr. Batchelor was a prominent businessman and builder in Valley Falls. The story follows:
"This city can now boast of one of the handsomest and most modern residences in this county, setting high on a terraced lot 150 by 300 feet surrounded by large and shapely trees of oak and hard maple, this handsome building with its massive pillars, large porches and many gables, presents a sight that can be referred to as one of the architectural beauties of this section.
"In erecting this handsome home Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Batchelor spared nothing in making it complete in both beauty and convenience. The location of this home is the finest in the city, being several feet above the streets, is slightly rolling, large and convenient to the business center. The visitor upon entering these grounds from the east sees at the first glance the beauties of both the grounds and the buildings.
"In erecting this handsome home Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Batchelor spared nothing in making it complete in both beauty and convenience. The location of this home is the finest in the city, being several feet above the streets, is slightly rolling, large and convenient to the business center. The visitor upon entering these grounds from the east sees at the first glance the beauties of both the grounds and the buildings.
"Upon entering the house one is ushered through the tile floored vestibule into the reception hall, where the architectural art is most liberally displayed. This hall is covered with a beautiful shade of blue paper, the mantel is very massive, of pure white to correspond with the other trimmings. The grille work here is copiously displayed which makes a handsome and harmonious appearance.
"The parlor which is off from this hall to the north is in a delicate shade of tan, while the sitting room on the south of the hall is in maroon and gilt. These rooms are both connected with the reception hall by large folding doors so arranged as to connect them all, forming one large room. Back of the sitting room is the library which is furnished in green, making a soft and agreeable light to the eyes.
"The dining room, just back of the parlor is very large and is furnished in green and olive. From the dining room the kitchen is connected by a large buttery. The kitchen itself is very large and contains besides the usual pantries all the conveniences necessary in way of hot and cold water, sinks, etc.
"Upon entering the upper hall from the winding stairway you are first confronted with a Turkish corner. This little nook is the entrance to the first balcony, and will be elaborately decorated in oriental designs, making not only a handsome, but cool and pleasant retreat.
"On this floor is located on the north, the family chambers and sewing room which is nicely lighted, with natural wood trimmings and blue paper. East of this room and in the front of the building is the guests chamber, a large and handsome room in orange. Mrs. Beland's room, mother of Mrs. Batchelor, is located in the front on the south and is one of the most pleasant and attractive apartments in the house.
"Mr. Batchelor did not forget his children in planning his house, and both Harold and Inez have pleasant rooms trimmed to suit their tastes, Harold's is in a shade of blue, while Inez' room is her favorite pink.
"The bath room and lavatory are located on this floor and are fitted with the best sanitary appliances. The garret, or third floor is fitted up for a play house for the children and also contains the servants rooms and entrance to the upper balcony, a place that will be very attractive on warm summer evenings.
"The house throughout will be heated by the hot water system from the cemented basement, where is also located the gas generating apparatus for lighting.
"All the rooms on the first floor have cove edge ceilings, distinct trimmings and will be fitted up with furnishings to match. The floors are of hard finish and will be principally covered with rugs. The large bow windows extending to the roof on the north and south together with the large plate windows serve to make a splendidly lighted residence.
"Mr. and Mrs. Batchelor expect to occupy their handsome residence about the first of the year and it is hoped they may live long to enjoy their beautiful hone."
The Batchelor residence, located at 504 Oak Street, is one of the three late 19th century houses pictured on the December page of the 2013 Valley Falls Historical Society calendar.
The museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
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