Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, President, society president
From The New Era, 1904
The fourth year of the 20th century apparently started off with little or no fanfare. The Valley Falls New Era, Jan. 1, 1904, without even a "Happy New Year" reported only "We are informed that Valley Falls will soon have another meat market" and "L.R. Strawn was in from Half Mound yesterday. He is quite enthusiastic over a telephone line that is being built in that locality."
The Jan. 8 New Era followed with a positive progressive report "for some time the telephone exchange to this city has been undergoing quite extensive repairs and improvement under the management of J.A. Zimmerman, the local manager of the independent company. The work is about completed. The exchange is now nicely quartered in the room over Schuler & Son's Furniture Store."
Deaths, marriages, and local everyday events were reported in the normal manner.
Continuing, New Era, Jan. 22, 1904, "Some weeks ago, Ben Shively, one of our busy blacksmiths, had the misfortune to break one of his toes."
Jan. 29, 1904, "The weather has been very favorable for the ice men. They are filling their ice houses with congealed moisture about 8 inches thick."
Feb. 5, 1904, "The burning out of a chimney at the Commercial House yesterday noon brought out the fire department."
Continuing, same publication, same year:
March 18, "The New Century Hotel has opened to the public under the management of Mrs. Hinkle."
April 1, "George D. Bennen and Miss Bertha Palmer, colored, were united in marriage at the colored M.E. Church, Thursday evening, Rev. L. Thomas officiating. These young folks are well and favorably known in this city, having always lived here. The groom has been the faithful servant of A.D. Kendall for years, while the bride has been in the employ of the Geo. Goodrich people."
April 15, "The Independent telephone company of this place has had connection with Kansas City since Wednesday. Will Hauck was the first man to make use of the new connection. G.W. McComas, at Delaware Lumber Yard, Valley Falls."
May 13, "The graduating class is composed of six girls and two boys."
June 10, "DIED – Mrs. Bertha Bennen was born in Kansas City, Kan., July 27, 1885, and died in Valley Falls June 3, 1904, aged 18 years, 10 months, and six days. She came to Valley Falls in 1889, and had many friends in this city. She was married to George Bennen March 30, 1904. The funeral services were held at the Second M.E. Church, Rev. L. Thomas officiating."
June 24, KILLED BY LIGHTNING — On Monday morning about 6 o'clock, during the heavy rain storm just east of town, Mrs. Clara Royer stepped out into the yard to attend to her young chickens, when about 30 feet from the door under a large maple tree, she was struck by lightning and instantly killed.
"Clara Agnes McComas was born in Hancock County, Ind., May 20, 1883, and was stricken dead at her home June 20, 1904. When she was but two years old, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.W. McComas, came to Kansas and settled on a farm some nine miles southwest of Valley Falls, where she spent her childhood days, some five years with her parents, came to town where she lived until the time of her marriage. On December 5, 1900, she was united in marriage to Mr. Clarence Royer and soon moved to the farm home where she met her death. To them was born one child, Ester Agnes, aged 22 months, who with husband, father, mother, brother, and sister, is left to mourn. The funeral was preached by G.W. Braden."
July 8, "Monday, July 4, was rather quiet in the city, there being no celebration of any kind, but then we will make up for it tenfold during the carnival in September."
A list of businesses and merchants in mid-year 1904, included: E.L. Overhosler, The Cash Clothing House; Doolittle and Co., hardware; E.N. Kennedy, millinery; W.S. Buker, jeweler and optician; Alex Kerr, groceries; H.H. Mitchell, fresh meats; Delaware Lumber, Good Dry Lumber; Benedix Store, variety store; Frank Monter, contractor and builder; New Century Barber Shop, first door east of P.O.; Hildebrand and Lewis, barbers; Kemper Mercantile Dry Goods; W.W. VanLiew, cabinet work and planing mill; E.E. Nelson, physician and surgeon; T.K. Aitken, D.D.S., dentist; and W.A. Aitken, physician and surgeon.
Next — Carnival and electric lights.
The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 22.
June 19, 2013
June 12, 2013
Death of A.G. Patrick 1903, LaFountain Building fire 1904, J. P. Batchelor builds the Inez Hotel in Kansas City 1907
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
A sundry of early 20th century news items from local publications included the following:
Valley Falls New Era, Feb. 14, 1903:
"Death of a Pioneer, A.G. Patrick." (A.G. Patrick has been mentioned frequently for his business versatility, adventurous spirit, reminiscences etc.) Albert G. Patrick, a pioneer of Jefferson County and one time editor of the New Era, died suddenly at his home in Oskaloosa, aged nearly 80 years. The cause of his death was paralysis. His sister, widow of the late Dr. Cooper, went to her brother's home, looked one moment at the body and fell to the floor paralyzed on one side and unconscious. She died at 11 o'clock Tuesday.
"Mr. Patrick had many adventures in the early days in Kansas and has been a valuable contributor to the history of these gloomy times. The funeral occurred here (V.F.) and was held under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge."
Valley Falls New Era, Feb. 12, 1904:
"Fire broke out in the LaFountain Building last Friday night, 412 Broadway, and was making rapid headway by the time the fire department reached the scene. It took some pretty hard work to save the building, which was considerably damaged. B.S. Chapman and family lived in the upper part of the house and lost a great deal of their household effects. The cause of the fire is a mystery."
Valley Falls New Era, Friday, Dec. 9, 1904, F.W. Arnold, Publisher:
"A Home for Unmarried Men. J. P. Batchelor of Valley Falls, Kans., will build an apartment house for unmarried men at the northeast corner of Ninth Street and Troost Avenue. The plans have been drawn by J. G. Braecklein, an architect at 15 West Ninth Street. The size of the building will be 150 x100 feet. It will be built of Carthage stone and Omaha pink bird's-eye brick. The cornices will be of terra cotta.
"The building will have three stories and a basement. The basement will contain a buffet, Turkish bath, barber shop, bowling alley, and kitchen and boiler room. The first floor will have large corridors similar to the Southern Hotel in St. Louis, billiard rooms, a library, and a dining room. The second and third stories will be arranged in two- and three-room suites, with private baths and wardrobes. The approximate cost will be $85,000. Work will begin in February. — Kansas City Star."
The Farmer's Vindicator, March 15, 1907:
"After a week's visit here, J.P. Batchelor returned to Kansas City Monday to look after the finishing of his new block, 'The Inez,' named for his daughter. The completion of this 'Home' for guests wanting the finest furnished suites, with all modern conveniences and accesssories, meal served in main dining room or in private, was delayed since January. The opening will be announced in a few weeks. 'The Inez' will be in a class by itself, there being nothing equal to it to appointment nor plan in the west."
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 15.
A sundry of early 20th century news items from local publications included the following:
Valley Falls New Era, Feb. 14, 1903:
"Death of a Pioneer, A.G. Patrick." (A.G. Patrick has been mentioned frequently for his business versatility, adventurous spirit, reminiscences etc.) Albert G. Patrick, a pioneer of Jefferson County and one time editor of the New Era, died suddenly at his home in Oskaloosa, aged nearly 80 years. The cause of his death was paralysis. His sister, widow of the late Dr. Cooper, went to her brother's home, looked one moment at the body and fell to the floor paralyzed on one side and unconscious. She died at 11 o'clock Tuesday.
"Mr. Patrick had many adventures in the early days in Kansas and has been a valuable contributor to the history of these gloomy times. The funeral occurred here (V.F.) and was held under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge."
Valley Falls New Era, Feb. 12, 1904:
"Fire broke out in the LaFountain Building last Friday night, 412 Broadway, and was making rapid headway by the time the fire department reached the scene. It took some pretty hard work to save the building, which was considerably damaged. B.S. Chapman and family lived in the upper part of the house and lost a great deal of their household effects. The cause of the fire is a mystery."
Valley Falls New Era, Friday, Dec. 9, 1904, F.W. Arnold, Publisher:
"A Home for Unmarried Men. J. P. Batchelor of Valley Falls, Kans., will build an apartment house for unmarried men at the northeast corner of Ninth Street and Troost Avenue. The plans have been drawn by J. G. Braecklein, an architect at 15 West Ninth Street. The size of the building will be 150 x100 feet. It will be built of Carthage stone and Omaha pink bird's-eye brick. The cornices will be of terra cotta.
"The building will have three stories and a basement. The basement will contain a buffet, Turkish bath, barber shop, bowling alley, and kitchen and boiler room. The first floor will have large corridors similar to the Southern Hotel in St. Louis, billiard rooms, a library, and a dining room. The second and third stories will be arranged in two- and three-room suites, with private baths and wardrobes. The approximate cost will be $85,000. Work will begin in February. — Kansas City Star."
The Farmer's Vindicator, March 15, 1907:
"After a week's visit here, J.P. Batchelor returned to Kansas City Monday to look after the finishing of his new block, 'The Inez,' named for his daughter. The completion of this 'Home' for guests wanting the finest furnished suites, with all modern conveniences and accesssories, meal served in main dining room or in private, was delayed since January. The opening will be announced in a few weeks. 'The Inez' will be in a class by itself, there being nothing equal to it to appointment nor plan in the west."
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 15.
June 05, 2013
"Whole affair a perfect success" - memories of the Cataract Hotel
"Whole affair a perfect success"
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Reminiscent of early times the life and fate of early landmarks come to mind. An Oskaloosa Times 1901 article titled "The Passing of an Old Landmark," reporting the tearing down of the Cataract Hotel, the first hotel of renown of Grasshopper/Valley Falls stirred memories for A.G. Patrick, Valley Falls' early day resident, adventurer, businessman, and might be declared self-claimed historian. He gave the following facts to F.C. Scott, publisher for the Valley Falls New Era, Dec. 7, 1901:
"During the excitement of the spring of 1857, the citizens of then Grasshopper Falls, as well as others interested in the growth of the place, got together and offered inducements for the building of a commodious hotel. The McCarger Brothers, about this time, came along and offered to accept 24 lots, which was agreed by all parties interested. The lumber was immediately procured and the carpenters put to work. Simon C. Gephart and George Outwater having the contract.
"When the building was completed, everyone around the Falls felt proud of their fine public enterprise, and the general conclusion of the 'boys' was that the building should be dedicated by a grand ball.
"Tickets were issued and invitations sent far and near and the whole affair was a perfect success. The cakes alone that adorned the table cost over $100. There was a fine company present and a dancing accommodation for six sets of cotillions. Those days all were in for healthy and enlivening amusements, and but few did not participate in the pleasures of the dance.
"Some time during the land sales of that year, McCarger Brothers sold out to W.C. Butts and David Fradenburg, and they to other parties — the first in succession John Beland and then Adam Weiser, Mr. Bliss, Mr. Colvin and the last landlord, J.J. Gardiner.
"During early times, a bar was attached and whiskey drinking and card playing was as free as mountain air and Grasshopper Falls got quite a notoriety for jollification and revelry. Among the frequent visitors were Dr. A.H. Deaver, Bob Shanklin and Tom Terrill, all hailing from a river town called 'Jefferson City' about a mile north of Cedar Falls, a place that had a sickly existence with two shanties, one called a tavern and the other a grog shop and a hole of water to quench the thirst from the rot gut that was dispensed to wayward claim jumpers who happened to pass that way.
"They were all good at cards, especially Tom, who played upon the boys in the way they despised, holding full hands and flushes, and like the 'heathen Chinese' throwing out with a smile so 'childlike and bland'.
"Take down the Cataract House, but you can never efface from our memory old Tom and his periodical uppees; although, when sober, a decent Irishman, who finally gave up whiskey altogether."
The society's museum will be opne at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8.
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Reminiscent of early times the life and fate of early landmarks come to mind. An Oskaloosa Times 1901 article titled "The Passing of an Old Landmark," reporting the tearing down of the Cataract Hotel, the first hotel of renown of Grasshopper/Valley Falls stirred memories for A.G. Patrick, Valley Falls' early day resident, adventurer, businessman, and might be declared self-claimed historian. He gave the following facts to F.C. Scott, publisher for the Valley Falls New Era, Dec. 7, 1901:
"During the excitement of the spring of 1857, the citizens of then Grasshopper Falls, as well as others interested in the growth of the place, got together and offered inducements for the building of a commodious hotel. The McCarger Brothers, about this time, came along and offered to accept 24 lots, which was agreed by all parties interested. The lumber was immediately procured and the carpenters put to work. Simon C. Gephart and George Outwater having the contract.
"When the building was completed, everyone around the Falls felt proud of their fine public enterprise, and the general conclusion of the 'boys' was that the building should be dedicated by a grand ball.
"Tickets were issued and invitations sent far and near and the whole affair was a perfect success. The cakes alone that adorned the table cost over $100. There was a fine company present and a dancing accommodation for six sets of cotillions. Those days all were in for healthy and enlivening amusements, and but few did not participate in the pleasures of the dance.
"Some time during the land sales of that year, McCarger Brothers sold out to W.C. Butts and David Fradenburg, and they to other parties — the first in succession John Beland and then Adam Weiser, Mr. Bliss, Mr. Colvin and the last landlord, J.J. Gardiner.
"During early times, a bar was attached and whiskey drinking and card playing was as free as mountain air and Grasshopper Falls got quite a notoriety for jollification and revelry. Among the frequent visitors were Dr. A.H. Deaver, Bob Shanklin and Tom Terrill, all hailing from a river town called 'Jefferson City' about a mile north of Cedar Falls, a place that had a sickly existence with two shanties, one called a tavern and the other a grog shop and a hole of water to quench the thirst from the rot gut that was dispensed to wayward claim jumpers who happened to pass that way.
"They were all good at cards, especially Tom, who played upon the boys in the way they despised, holding full hands and flushes, and like the 'heathen Chinese' throwing out with a smile so 'childlike and bland'.
"Take down the Cataract House, but you can never efface from our memory old Tom and his periodical uppees; although, when sober, a decent Irishman, who finally gave up whiskey altogether."
The society's museum will be opne at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8.
May 29, 2013
1884 Decoration Day event - Valley Falls' first observance
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Repetitive reminders of specific dates and events often result in traditional reminders. A traditional reminder of the first Decoration (Memorial) Day ceremony observed in Valley Falls is slated to become a traditional review and reminder by the Valley Falls Historical Society.
The patriotic event was reported by the Valley Falls New Era Thursday, June 5, 1884, by R.E. Van Meter, editor. First known as Decoration Day, the story 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, June 1.
Repetitive reminders of specific dates and events often result in traditional reminders. A traditional reminder of the first Decoration (Memorial) Day ceremony observed in Valley Falls is slated to become a traditional review and reminder by the Valley Falls Historical Society.
The patriotic event was reported by the Valley Falls New Era Thursday, June 5, 1884, by R.E. Van Meter, editor. First known as Decoration Day, the story 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, June 1.
May 22, 2013
Museum open longer hours for Memorial Day / Alumni weekend
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Displayed against a curtain of patriotric blue, the following message is featured in the seasonal window of the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum.
"For every moment of peace, liberty, and greatness our country enjoys, we have someone who has worn a uniform to thank," accompanied by an additional tribute to our service men and women,
"A time to honor, remember and be grateful."
A simple red and white floral enhances the scene with a scattering of stars and poppies on a red carpet.
The veterans' window honors the service men and women, past and present, with a window lined with a red, white, and blue garland interspersed with poppies reminiscent of the infamous poem "In Flanders Field, the poppies blow," etc. of World War I renown. A background of blue curtain, fronted by a row of military company service flags, each decorated with a green wreath, centered with a white cross and topped with a red poppy.
"Lest we forget."
The museum will be open Saturday, May 25, at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday, May 26, immediately following the high school reunion dinner, until 3 p.m. and on Monday, May 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Displayed against a curtain of patriotric blue, the following message is featured in the seasonal window of the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum.
"For every moment of peace, liberty, and greatness our country enjoys, we have someone who has worn a uniform to thank," accompanied by an additional tribute to our service men and women,
"A time to honor, remember and be grateful."
A simple red and white floral enhances the scene with a scattering of stars and poppies on a red carpet.
The veterans' window honors the service men and women, past and present, with a window lined with a red, white, and blue garland interspersed with poppies reminiscent of the infamous poem "In Flanders Field, the poppies blow," etc. of World War I renown. A background of blue curtain, fronted by a row of military company service flags, each decorated with a green wreath, centered with a white cross and topped with a red poppy.
"Lest we forget."
The museum will be open Saturday, May 25, at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday, May 26, immediately following the high school reunion dinner, until 3 p.m. and on Monday, May 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 15, 2013
1886: expensive gifts, gambling, and real estate for sale
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
A sundry of news items from the Valley Falls New Era in the late 1880s and 1890s —
Valley Falls New Era, Jan. 7, 1886:
"Mrs. R.H. Crosby made her husband a present of a handsome solid gold watch and chain a day or so ago. R.H. returned the compliment by purchasing his wife an equally handsome time piece and made his daughter Lottie a present of a $1,500 Chickering Piano, one of the handsomest instruments of the kind ever brought to Valley Falls."
Jan. 28, 1886:
"Wonder if it's a fact that a gambling den and whiskey joint is in operation over Geo. Lewis's barbershop? If it is a fact that the city marshal is in league with the outfit said to be holding forth over Lewis's barbershop?"
Feb. 11, 1886:
"Wednesday evening, Feb. 3, Geo. Lewis entered the Era office and cowardly assaulted the editor for his article of Jan. 28, initiated under 'Wonder if it's a fact that a gambling den, etc.' The only redress was to go before Police Judge Simpson and swear out a warrant for Lewis's arrest, the judge imposing a fine of $10 on the graceless scamp. It was probably not more than 10 minutes from the time Lewis entered our office until the police judge passed sentence."
Feb. 4, 1886:
"The old Hillyer House building is offered for sale. This means a new and commodious structure will be erected on the old site this coming summer."
March 4, 1886:
"According to the enumeration for 1885, Valley Falls had a population of 1,335. Of this number, 1,212 are native born and 123 foreign; 1,206 white and 129 colored. The nativity of this population from foreign countries is as follows: Germany 36, Ireland 21, England and Wales 17, Scotland 3, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark 7, France 2, Autro-Hungary and south of Europe 27, and British American 10."
April 22, 1886:
"For sale, the Octagon Hotel and furniture. The site was chosen, edifice built, and is still owned and occupied by Dr. L. Northrup as his resident hotel. The first floor contains well, cistern, kitchen, hotel office, dining room, and office bedroom. The second floor, parlor and chambers. Third and fourth floors, all chambers. It is a stone structure and being octagon in form, makes it the strongest building in the country. The inside is furnished in walnut throughout. The hotel grounds front, 137 feet on the north side of Broadway and 204 feet on the east side of Maple Street, and in addition to the above, joining on the east side of the hotel driveway running north, are ornamental grounds and four business lots fronting on Broadway with four building lots north of them. All can be bought for ten thousand dollars. This is the first time the Octagon has been for sale."
May 13, 1886:
"School ends May 21. This will be the first annual commencement of the Valley Falls High School."
The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
A sundry of news items from the Valley Falls New Era in the late 1880s and 1890s —
Valley Falls New Era, Jan. 7, 1886:
"Mrs. R.H. Crosby made her husband a present of a handsome solid gold watch and chain a day or so ago. R.H. returned the compliment by purchasing his wife an equally handsome time piece and made his daughter Lottie a present of a $1,500 Chickering Piano, one of the handsomest instruments of the kind ever brought to Valley Falls."
Jan. 28, 1886:
"Wonder if it's a fact that a gambling den and whiskey joint is in operation over Geo. Lewis's barbershop? If it is a fact that the city marshal is in league with the outfit said to be holding forth over Lewis's barbershop?"
Feb. 11, 1886:
"Wednesday evening, Feb. 3, Geo. Lewis entered the Era office and cowardly assaulted the editor for his article of Jan. 28, initiated under 'Wonder if it's a fact that a gambling den, etc.' The only redress was to go before Police Judge Simpson and swear out a warrant for Lewis's arrest, the judge imposing a fine of $10 on the graceless scamp. It was probably not more than 10 minutes from the time Lewis entered our office until the police judge passed sentence."
Feb. 4, 1886:
"The old Hillyer House building is offered for sale. This means a new and commodious structure will be erected on the old site this coming summer."
March 4, 1886:
"According to the enumeration for 1885, Valley Falls had a population of 1,335. Of this number, 1,212 are native born and 123 foreign; 1,206 white and 129 colored. The nativity of this population from foreign countries is as follows: Germany 36, Ireland 21, England and Wales 17, Scotland 3, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark 7, France 2, Autro-Hungary and south of Europe 27, and British American 10."
April 22, 1886:
"For sale, the Octagon Hotel and furniture. The site was chosen, edifice built, and is still owned and occupied by Dr. L. Northrup as his resident hotel. The first floor contains well, cistern, kitchen, hotel office, dining room, and office bedroom. The second floor, parlor and chambers. Third and fourth floors, all chambers. It is a stone structure and being octagon in form, makes it the strongest building in the country. The inside is furnished in walnut throughout. The hotel grounds front, 137 feet on the north side of Broadway and 204 feet on the east side of Maple Street, and in addition to the above, joining on the east side of the hotel driveway running north, are ornamental grounds and four business lots fronting on Broadway with four building lots north of them. All can be bought for ten thousand dollars. This is the first time the Octagon has been for sale."
May 13, 1886:
"School ends May 21. This will be the first annual commencement of the Valley Falls High School."
The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
April 30, 2013
April window displays feature spring scene, military headgear
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
"Rain drops keep falling on my head . . . " reminiscent of a lively tune and a window filled with colorful parasols, umbrellas or "bumper shoots" provided both the theme and the scene for the April window display of the historical society's museum.
Shy rabbits peeking out from under rain shower protectors, familiar plants and flowers springing from their hibernating roots and baby ducks paddling on a small pond add up to welcome harbingers of spring, long anticipated following winter's bleak days, freezing temperatures, snow and ice, landscapes of barren trees and colorless lawns.
Military service headgear claims front and center billing for the veterans' window display. A formal lineup of miniature American flags interspersed with "support our troops" signs enhance the scene and are constant reminders of the vigilence and protection of our freedom attributed to our servicemen and women all over the world.
The museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
"Rain drops keep falling on my head . . . " reminiscent of a lively tune and a window filled with colorful parasols, umbrellas or "bumper shoots" provided both the theme and the scene for the April window display of the historical society's museum.
Shy rabbits peeking out from under rain shower protectors, familiar plants and flowers springing from their hibernating roots and baby ducks paddling on a small pond add up to welcome harbingers of spring, long anticipated following winter's bleak days, freezing temperatures, snow and ice, landscapes of barren trees and colorless lawns.
Military service headgear claims front and center billing for the veterans' window display. A formal lineup of miniature American flags interspersed with "support our troops" signs enhance the scene and are constant reminders of the vigilence and protection of our freedom attributed to our servicemen and women all over the world.
The museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)