Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Arnold Abbuehl family and friends departed for America June 9, 1851, but were delayed another three days. They finally set sail June 13. Following is his story of their sea voyage.
"Now I want to tell you something about the sea voyage. First we had very bad wind and sometimes none at all, so that in 14 days we had moved forward only 200 hours. At that time seasickness was no problem. Then we got a little wind but still too little and always side wind. We were driven far north, we saw ice blocks, we felt very cold and on some days it was unbearable on deck. All the time we had to wear woolen clothes and a coat, all fear of heat hat totally vanished. We had few storm, 3 times a little. Once waves hit the deck so that water poured onto the lower deck so that Tannler had to flee with his bed. One gave a light and the Catholics started loudly to pray. Twice there was a thunderstorm, so that the hatches were shut and the Catholics again fell on their knees to pray, but thanks God everything went well.
"On 24th we met a ship, loaded with timber that had been burned by a lightning. The sailors said this was the fifth ship that had misfortune this year they knew of. On 26th a child had died and sometimes we were low hearted. Seasickness at times was heavy. Our little boy Arnold was ill a long time but not by the sea. Now he is again fairly well but very lean. Margaretha had to vomit a few times, little Anna was always in good health. The old Anna (Arnold Abbuehl's wife) was also very healthy, she had never to vomit. No passenger on the whole ship was better off than she. I, however, was in poor condition. Fully 6 weeks I had to stay in bed, not the first fortnight and not the last, during the rest of the time I have always been sick. Tannler and his wife were also sick at times, but Balthasar Streun and his children had stayed in fairly good health. Never believe that this sickness is over in just three days! Many people have been sick all the time. Now, however, thanks God in 10 full weeks we have reached New York in good health. We are much relieved, for 10 weeks on the sea there are many grievances.
"We have no news from our travel mates. We heard they had arrived here one month ago but we know nothing for sure. We are wondering why they have left no message for us. In Antwerp we agreed that whatever party first arrives they should let know the other one of their whereabouts. On the other hand, Neiger and his wife Katharina von Bergen who departed from Meiringen on 7th June reached New York 14 days ahead of us and have already found a job as innkeepers. They are well and send greetings to their relatives in Boden. They will give them more information as soon as they get any news from their cousin Neiger in Colickeu. (Colicky?)
"Thousand greetings from us to father, mother, brothers and sisters and all friends and wish you everything we need from God. Especially our parents be blessed. Also to priest Jaggi we send greetings thousand times. Again, we are well, are not homesick and you, too, should have none. God has protected us so far and we are confident he will do it further on. 18th August we will start our second lap to the state of Ohio to see our new fatherland. It will cost us very much money. Now we want to close, we will let you know of our well-being later on. You will not be able to answer this letter until we write to you our new address.
"We are fine and hope these few lines will reach you in the best of health. We greet all of you a thousand times. New York, 17th August 1851
Arnold Abbuehl
Johannes Tannler
Balthasar Streun"
Mr. Schlappi, author of the letter of inquiry Part I, also advised, among the letters (ref. Part I) are quite a few from Anna Abbuehl (1866-1938) wrote from home in Valley Falls. She had traveled with her brother Kaspar to America on the MS Cascogne, sailing from Le Havre to New York in June 1891.
The overland trip was by train via Buffalo, Kansas City, Tonaganoxie, to Valley Falls. Their brother Melchoir refers to his boss as a sensible man. Melchoir had arrived there one year before working as a farm hand with Mel Hefti. Anna's first job as a maid was with Anton Reichart's family. They apparently lived on Coal Creek Road, (Anna one time spelled it 'Kolkirick.')
Mr. Schlappi also advised plans are to publish the letters in some form or other and would be interested in hearing from anyone with background information. The Valley Falls Historical Society will furnish information pertinent to the inquiry.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10.
May 12, 2014
April 30, 2014
Arnold Abbuehl's voyage to America, part 1
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president of the Valley Falls Historical Society
The Valley Falls Historical Society recently received an inquiry from Walter Schlappi-Kuter, Guttannen, Switzerland, for information about Kaspar Abbuehl. The writer has also asked for information about Viola Reichart, about whom he wrote, "Back in 1976, Viola wrote a letter to Kaspar Schlappi, a distant relative of mine . . . She wanted to find out what itinerary the Guttannen people, Ott and Abbuehl, took on their journey to America around 1850."
Mr. Schlappi advised that relative had passed away and he did not know if her letter had been answered and continued "By chance, some time ago I came across a stack of old letters. In one of those Arnold Abbuehl (1823-1899) described exactly his trip."
"From New York, Arnold Abbuehl, with his family, moved by ship to Albany, continued by train to Buffalo, crossed the Erie Sea to Cleveland and finally arrived on a canal boat to New Philadelphia on Aug. 26, 1851."
Following is a copy of a portion of the letter to the family written by Arnold and others upon arrival at New York, August 1851, describing their journey to America.
The events will be reported in Parts I and II — the first relates events leading up to the sea voyage; Part II tells of the sea voyage.
Part I —
"Beloved father, mother, brother and sister and all relatives Thanks god we can now in good health tell you a few things of our journey. We are sure that you yearned for a letter from us. However, we want to tell you only the most important events of our trip, for if we wanted to report every occurrences we would not be able to finish the letter in one day.
When we came to Berne we had to pay for each adult 150 Swiss francs and for each child under 12 years 110 Swiss francs. Now you can calculate how much the total amount was. (Remark: it was 740 Swiss francs) On May 26 we came to Basel and had to stay there until May 30, then we took the train to Mannheim. There we stayed overnight and on first of June travelled on a steam ship over the Rhine to Köln. There we stayed one day, and on the third we went on by train to Antwerpen where we had to stay until June 9.
At that time all of us were well, particularly the children. We naturally assumed that we all would come on board of the same ship, but things turned out differently. When we had to help load our trunks from the railway to the ship, joy turned into grief. We were desperate when we were told that we would be separated, some of us would come on this ship and the rest of another one. Heinrich Gebel, Johannes Frutiger, Alexander Nägeli, Melchior Banholzer Balthasar Abplanalp and Johannes Frutiger from Gadmen went on a three-master named Elisabeth Delison with 370 passengers. They sailed on June 7. I, Johann Tännler, Balthasar Streun, Schieferli (the tour guide) and Magdalena Gebel came on a two-master named "Profethen" with 80 passengers. We departed on June 9, but hardly 200 yards out of the harbor we had to stay still for 3 days without getting any ship provisions. Hence we had to live on our own money, there was enough to buy but very expensive. From 13th on we sailed gently through the Canal."
(Next Part II, the sea voyage — )
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3.
The Valley Falls Historical Society recently received an inquiry from Walter Schlappi-Kuter, Guttannen, Switzerland, for information about Kaspar Abbuehl. The writer has also asked for information about Viola Reichart, about whom he wrote, "Back in 1976, Viola wrote a letter to Kaspar Schlappi, a distant relative of mine . . . She wanted to find out what itinerary the Guttannen people, Ott and Abbuehl, took on their journey to America around 1850."
Mr. Schlappi advised that relative had passed away and he did not know if her letter had been answered and continued "By chance, some time ago I came across a stack of old letters. In one of those Arnold Abbuehl (1823-1899) described exactly his trip."
"From New York, Arnold Abbuehl, with his family, moved by ship to Albany, continued by train to Buffalo, crossed the Erie Sea to Cleveland and finally arrived on a canal boat to New Philadelphia on Aug. 26, 1851."
Following is a copy of a portion of the letter to the family written by Arnold and others upon arrival at New York, August 1851, describing their journey to America.
The events will be reported in Parts I and II — the first relates events leading up to the sea voyage; Part II tells of the sea voyage.
Part I —
"Beloved father, mother, brother and sister and all relatives Thanks god we can now in good health tell you a few things of our journey. We are sure that you yearned for a letter from us. However, we want to tell you only the most important events of our trip, for if we wanted to report every occurrences we would not be able to finish the letter in one day.
When we came to Berne we had to pay for each adult 150 Swiss francs and for each child under 12 years 110 Swiss francs. Now you can calculate how much the total amount was. (Remark: it was 740 Swiss francs) On May 26 we came to Basel and had to stay there until May 30, then we took the train to Mannheim. There we stayed overnight and on first of June travelled on a steam ship over the Rhine to Köln. There we stayed one day, and on the third we went on by train to Antwerpen where we had to stay until June 9.
At that time all of us were well, particularly the children. We naturally assumed that we all would come on board of the same ship, but things turned out differently. When we had to help load our trunks from the railway to the ship, joy turned into grief. We were desperate when we were told that we would be separated, some of us would come on this ship and the rest of another one. Heinrich Gebel, Johannes Frutiger, Alexander Nägeli, Melchior Banholzer Balthasar Abplanalp and Johannes Frutiger from Gadmen went on a three-master named Elisabeth Delison with 370 passengers. They sailed on June 7. I, Johann Tännler, Balthasar Streun, Schieferli (the tour guide) and Magdalena Gebel came on a two-master named "Profethen" with 80 passengers. We departed on June 9, but hardly 200 yards out of the harbor we had to stay still for 3 days without getting any ship provisions. Hence we had to live on our own money, there was enough to buy but very expensive. From 13th on we sailed gently through the Canal."
(Next Part II, the sea voyage — )
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3.
April 16, 2014
Businesses in Valley Falls in 1876
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
A trip through the Valley Falls Historical Society files reveals the view from a business standpoint of Grasshopper Falls (legally Valley Falls by legislative action — 1875) through the eyes of the Kansas New Era April 15, 1876, our nation's centennial year.
"It's manufactories — markets — trade and future prospects — a live town and live businessmen — the spring lookout for the centennial year.
"Valley Falls is conceded to be the commercial center of Jefferson County. Her situtation at the crossing of A.T.&S.F. and K.C. railroads gives railroad connections from every point of the compass and by competing lines gives her better freight lines than any other point in the county. The same reasons give better shipping facilities than are possessed by any other point in the county. These facts enable her businessmen to pay more for produce and sell goods cheaper than any other point not similarly situated.
"These advantages have been accepted by our businessmen so that a better market for better prices for produce has been found at Valley Falls during the last six months than any other town in the state. Goods have been held at bedrock prices so that a load of corn will buy more goods at Valley Falls than at any other town in the state.
"The advantages mentioned will continue to be ours for all time, and if the present liberal policy of our businessmen toward the farmer is continued, our continued prosperity is assured! That the world at large may understand more fully our advantages, we will mention briefly our businessmen and tell what they do.
"First in importance, our water powers — Two in number, one is improved by a flouring mill and woolen mill owned by J. M. Piazzek, Oak Hill Mills — built by Legler and Hefty in 1874 — have a capacity of 100 bushels of grain per hour and manufacture of flour that is making these gentlemen a reputation at home and abroad;
"Wagon, carriage, and smith- shops carried on by S.H. Dunn, V.P. Newman and Nolker, and Schumacher. Harness manufacturing represented by shops of J.J. Winterburg and John Ready;
"Family groceries, A. Frazier and Louis Lutt; drugs and medicines, A.A. Coy and S.A. McDaniel; agricultural implements, Strickland & Bliss, Coulter & Moyer, Trowbridge & Wood, and J. Beland; cabinet making and furniture, D.Y. Gallison & S. F. Coulter;
"Millinery, notions, dressmaking, etc., Mrs. McCartney, Mrs. Mounds, Mrs. Meyer, and the Misses Steele; photographic artists, Cobb & Shirk; city barber, Geo. Lewis; jeweler, watchmaker, H. Shellburg; bakery, Mrs. Baldwin;
"Hotels, Cataract House, Octagon, and The Broadway; livery stables, Sprague & Wood and Thos. Coulter; the Michigan Lumber Yard; Banking institutions, Valley Bank and Savings and Hicks, Gephart & Co.
"They are accommodating gentlemen and safe men to do business with.
"From the Editor: In our haste we may have omitted many important items, but our aim being to show Valley Falls from a business point of view and to show the dependent relations existing between our city and the rich country surrounding it. We think that sufficient has been mentioned for the present purpose and that our readers will all realize that we are a necessity to each other and by cooperation on the part of town and country the prospects that look so prosperous with the opening this centennial spring, will continue to brighten."
The Valley Falls Historical Society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19.
A trip through the Valley Falls Historical Society files reveals the view from a business standpoint of Grasshopper Falls (legally Valley Falls by legislative action — 1875) through the eyes of the Kansas New Era April 15, 1876, our nation's centennial year.
"It's manufactories — markets — trade and future prospects — a live town and live businessmen — the spring lookout for the centennial year.
"Valley Falls is conceded to be the commercial center of Jefferson County. Her situtation at the crossing of A.T.&S.F. and K.C. railroads gives railroad connections from every point of the compass and by competing lines gives her better freight lines than any other point in the county. The same reasons give better shipping facilities than are possessed by any other point in the county. These facts enable her businessmen to pay more for produce and sell goods cheaper than any other point not similarly situated.
"These advantages have been accepted by our businessmen so that a better market for better prices for produce has been found at Valley Falls during the last six months than any other town in the state. Goods have been held at bedrock prices so that a load of corn will buy more goods at Valley Falls than at any other town in the state.
"The advantages mentioned will continue to be ours for all time, and if the present liberal policy of our businessmen toward the farmer is continued, our continued prosperity is assured! That the world at large may understand more fully our advantages, we will mention briefly our businessmen and tell what they do.
"First in importance, our water powers — Two in number, one is improved by a flouring mill and woolen mill owned by J. M. Piazzek, Oak Hill Mills — built by Legler and Hefty in 1874 — have a capacity of 100 bushels of grain per hour and manufacture of flour that is making these gentlemen a reputation at home and abroad;
"Wagon, carriage, and smith- shops carried on by S.H. Dunn, V.P. Newman and Nolker, and Schumacher. Harness manufacturing represented by shops of J.J. Winterburg and John Ready;
"Family groceries, A. Frazier and Louis Lutt; drugs and medicines, A.A. Coy and S.A. McDaniel; agricultural implements, Strickland & Bliss, Coulter & Moyer, Trowbridge & Wood, and J. Beland; cabinet making and furniture, D.Y. Gallison & S. F. Coulter;
"Millinery, notions, dressmaking, etc., Mrs. McCartney, Mrs. Mounds, Mrs. Meyer, and the Misses Steele; photographic artists, Cobb & Shirk; city barber, Geo. Lewis; jeweler, watchmaker, H. Shellburg; bakery, Mrs. Baldwin;
"Hotels, Cataract House, Octagon, and The Broadway; livery stables, Sprague & Wood and Thos. Coulter; the Michigan Lumber Yard; Banking institutions, Valley Bank and Savings and Hicks, Gephart & Co.
"They are accommodating gentlemen and safe men to do business with.
"From the Editor: In our haste we may have omitted many important items, but our aim being to show Valley Falls from a business point of view and to show the dependent relations existing between our city and the rich country surrounding it. We think that sufficient has been mentioned for the present purpose and that our readers will all realize that we are a necessity to each other and by cooperation on the part of town and country the prospects that look so prosperous with the opening this centennial spring, will continue to brighten."
The Valley Falls Historical Society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19.
April 10, 2014
Kemper family featured in museum window display
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum window display depicting local banking history and its relation to the Kansas City Kemper banking giants will continue through April.
The window scene, featuring the Kemper family history and photos of Valley Falls bankers, banks, replicas of banking years' checks, etc., was prompted by the death of R. Crosby Kemper Jr. in January 2014.
R. Crosby Kemper Jr., great-grandson of Rufus Crosby, pioneer merchant and banker of Grasshopper-Valley Falls, Kan. The window scene of family portraits and facts serves as a reminder that Mr. Kemper's roots and legacy began in the pre-Civil War time frame.
Quoting the Kansas City Star: "When two brothers with Scot heritage, from Maine, Rufus Crosby and brother William first came to Kansas to buy dry goods they eventually settled in Grasshopper-Valley Falls.
"Mr. R. Crosby Kemper has been described as a towering personality (6 ft. 7 in.), banker, philanthropist, Kansas City civic and arts booster. For 30 years he led United Missouri Bank Financial Corp. succeeding his father. He grew the family bank into a regional power with billions in loans and assets. Since 2004, UMB has been in the hands of his son, the sixth Kemper to lead the bank."
R. Crosby Kemper was 86 at the time of his death.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 12.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum window display depicting local banking history and its relation to the Kansas City Kemper banking giants will continue through April.
The window scene, featuring the Kemper family history and photos of Valley Falls bankers, banks, replicas of banking years' checks, etc., was prompted by the death of R. Crosby Kemper Jr. in January 2014.
R. Crosby Kemper Jr., great-grandson of Rufus Crosby, pioneer merchant and banker of Grasshopper-Valley Falls, Kan. The window scene of family portraits and facts serves as a reminder that Mr. Kemper's roots and legacy began in the pre-Civil War time frame.
Quoting the Kansas City Star: "When two brothers with Scot heritage, from Maine, Rufus Crosby and brother William first came to Kansas to buy dry goods they eventually settled in Grasshopper-Valley Falls.
"Mr. R. Crosby Kemper has been described as a towering personality (6 ft. 7 in.), banker, philanthropist, Kansas City civic and arts booster. For 30 years he led United Missouri Bank Financial Corp. succeeding his father. He grew the family bank into a regional power with billions in loans and assets. Since 2004, UMB has been in the hands of his son, the sixth Kemper to lead the bank."
R. Crosby Kemper was 86 at the time of his death.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 12.
April 07, 2014
1913: curfew, New Century Block refurbishment, new hitching racks
Continuing the sundry of news items from the "65 Years Ago" column (1978) of The Valley Falls Vindicator compiled by the late Edith Harden. All are 1913 events:
Nov. 17: "At the council meeting Tuesday night Councilman DeLorme called attention to an almost forgotten ordinance — the curfew, which prohibits all minors under the age of 18 from loitering along the streets, alleys, or public grounds of the city between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
"The ordinance provided that the marshal shall arrest all minors found violating the ordinance and take him or her to their parent or guardian.
"The fire bell will ring eight slow taps at eight o'clock as a warning for minors to be on their way home."
Nov. 25: "Eleven jack rabbits were caught by the four grey hounds out Swabville way one day the first of the week. A large crowd witnessed from the top of a straw stack or other high profile points the several fine chases. They went out in buggies, automobiles, or on horseback. Bert McClure handled a score or more of the sightseers on his motor truck.
"It is reported that Amp Delk and Miss Minnie Booth were married in Topeka Wednesday.
"When harnessing a horse the other day, Marion Webster out Rock Creek way was kicked on the head and nose when a hog ran under and frightened his horse. Marion was stooping to buckle the belly band when the hog rushed in and started the horse kicking. The inward stroke stunned him and threw him under the horse's lively feet. Marion was rescued by his father, Ezra. Dr. J.M. Marks gave the necessary treatment and the 'butinsky' hog escaped without a scratch."
Dec. 12: "The work of rebuilding the New Century Block goes on with the store rooms one and two in the hands of plasterer Casper Stein. The contract for rooms three and four were let to Mort Burris. Johnny Dodge is busy crushing rock for the rear cement walls.
"The front will be of new brick and glass. It will be two stories as before. The Delaware Lumber Co. will furnish the material. Elmer Lewis will install a new and up-to-date three chair barber shop in Room 4. Lewis "Dutch" declares it will be the finest in the county when he gets it furnished.
"Everybody noticed the advantage of having the hitch racks on the side streets last Saturday. It was a pleasure to be able to drive up to the curbing and place on main street with wagon or buggy, unload the produce and the women and children right on the walk without getting in the mud.
"After two weeks in the garage on account of the muddy roads, the automobiles are venturing out again."
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22.
Nov. 17: "At the council meeting Tuesday night Councilman DeLorme called attention to an almost forgotten ordinance — the curfew, which prohibits all minors under the age of 18 from loitering along the streets, alleys, or public grounds of the city between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
"The ordinance provided that the marshal shall arrest all minors found violating the ordinance and take him or her to their parent or guardian.
"The fire bell will ring eight slow taps at eight o'clock as a warning for minors to be on their way home."
Nov. 25: "Eleven jack rabbits were caught by the four grey hounds out Swabville way one day the first of the week. A large crowd witnessed from the top of a straw stack or other high profile points the several fine chases. They went out in buggies, automobiles, or on horseback. Bert McClure handled a score or more of the sightseers on his motor truck.
"It is reported that Amp Delk and Miss Minnie Booth were married in Topeka Wednesday.
"When harnessing a horse the other day, Marion Webster out Rock Creek way was kicked on the head and nose when a hog ran under and frightened his horse. Marion was stooping to buckle the belly band when the hog rushed in and started the horse kicking. The inward stroke stunned him and threw him under the horse's lively feet. Marion was rescued by his father, Ezra. Dr. J.M. Marks gave the necessary treatment and the 'butinsky' hog escaped without a scratch."
Dec. 12: "The work of rebuilding the New Century Block goes on with the store rooms one and two in the hands of plasterer Casper Stein. The contract for rooms three and four were let to Mort Burris. Johnny Dodge is busy crushing rock for the rear cement walls.
"The front will be of new brick and glass. It will be two stories as before. The Delaware Lumber Co. will furnish the material. Elmer Lewis will install a new and up-to-date three chair barber shop in Room 4. Lewis "Dutch" declares it will be the finest in the county when he gets it furnished.
"Everybody noticed the advantage of having the hitch racks on the side streets last Saturday. It was a pleasure to be able to drive up to the curbing and place on main street with wagon or buggy, unload the produce and the women and children right on the walk without getting in the mud.
"After two weeks in the garage on account of the muddy roads, the automobiles are venturing out again."
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22.
March 15, 2014
New Century hotel block fire in 1913, and other fall 1913 events
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
A sundry of news items borrowed from the "65 Years Ago" column (1978) of the Valley Falls Vindicator files compiled by the late Edith Harden and found in a Valley Falls Historical Society scrapbook. All are 1913 events:
Sept. 12: Wm. Johannes, Nortonville, and Miss Rose Wunder, North Cedar, were married in Topeka Wednesday and went to Mr. Johannes's home in Nortonville on the evening train.
Sept. 19: Muddy Roads — The first in months muddy enough to keep the autos off the road more than 24 hours. (It was reported earlier Dr. Mann and family en route to the fair, encountered so much mud they were forced to return here without attending the fair).
The latest report of the state gives Valley Falls 1,231 and the only town in Jefferson County with a population of more than 1,000 people.
The second car load of coal was hauled to the school house this week. Ordinarily it takes about 120 tons of coal per year. (High school notes)
Oct. 10: This Friday is the day when the Panama Canal will be cut through from ocean to ocean. Listen for bombs and join in the celebration.
A fine new barber pole of latest design and newest stripes and colors, crowned with a whiteway electric bulb now adorns the front of the Norris Northside Tonsorial Parlors. It's smooth as are the shaves inside.
Oct. 24: New Century Hotel Block Burns — Unprecedented calamity — The worst ever suffered by Valley Falls. A mysterious fire at 3 a.m. Sunday wiped out $40,000 worth of property, including the principal business block of the city. It came at that bewitching hour when most people are deep in slumberland enjoying in full the Sunday morning sleep.
The alert fire workers were soon at work fighting against great odds as the fire had a big start before the full force of firemen could turn three streams of water on the fast-devouring flames. By half past three, nearly half the population was on the streets helping fight the fierce fire or watching it eat through the various rooms of the once pretentious hotel and business section. In destruction of that favorite doorway through which many thousand guests have passed, the name of the builder of the block, M.P. Hillyer or Hillyer House, cut in the capstone over the door, was lost in the debris.
From Hillyer, the block was owned by an Eastern company for years. Last year it was purchased by E.F. Wettig for $14,500, at a bargain.
Elmer Lewis will reopen his barber shop in Steffens Room next door to Norris' North Side (barber) Shop. It will be handy for the artists to exchange visits when business is quiet.
Burning out did not keep Nick Gahm, the baker, long out of business. Next day he bought the home bakery of J.J. VanDell and took immediate possession. He is in the same room he started here in business five or six years ago. Mr. VanDell returned to Oskaloosa. J.H. McNutt, grocer displaced by the fire, bought the Gerit Grocery and will be ready for business next Tuesday.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15.
A sundry of news items borrowed from the "65 Years Ago" column (1978) of the Valley Falls Vindicator files compiled by the late Edith Harden and found in a Valley Falls Historical Society scrapbook. All are 1913 events:
Sept. 12: Wm. Johannes, Nortonville, and Miss Rose Wunder, North Cedar, were married in Topeka Wednesday and went to Mr. Johannes's home in Nortonville on the evening train.
Sept. 19: Muddy Roads — The first in months muddy enough to keep the autos off the road more than 24 hours. (It was reported earlier Dr. Mann and family en route to the fair, encountered so much mud they were forced to return here without attending the fair).
The latest report of the state gives Valley Falls 1,231 and the only town in Jefferson County with a population of more than 1,000 people.
The second car load of coal was hauled to the school house this week. Ordinarily it takes about 120 tons of coal per year. (High school notes)
Oct. 10: This Friday is the day when the Panama Canal will be cut through from ocean to ocean. Listen for bombs and join in the celebration.
A fine new barber pole of latest design and newest stripes and colors, crowned with a whiteway electric bulb now adorns the front of the Norris Northside Tonsorial Parlors. It's smooth as are the shaves inside.
Oct. 24: New Century Hotel Block Burns — Unprecedented calamity — The worst ever suffered by Valley Falls. A mysterious fire at 3 a.m. Sunday wiped out $40,000 worth of property, including the principal business block of the city. It came at that bewitching hour when most people are deep in slumberland enjoying in full the Sunday morning sleep.
The alert fire workers were soon at work fighting against great odds as the fire had a big start before the full force of firemen could turn three streams of water on the fast-devouring flames. By half past three, nearly half the population was on the streets helping fight the fierce fire or watching it eat through the various rooms of the once pretentious hotel and business section. In destruction of that favorite doorway through which many thousand guests have passed, the name of the builder of the block, M.P. Hillyer or Hillyer House, cut in the capstone over the door, was lost in the debris.
From Hillyer, the block was owned by an Eastern company for years. Last year it was purchased by E.F. Wettig for $14,500, at a bargain.
Elmer Lewis will reopen his barber shop in Steffens Room next door to Norris' North Side (barber) Shop. It will be handy for the artists to exchange visits when business is quiet.
Burning out did not keep Nick Gahm, the baker, long out of business. Next day he bought the home bakery of J.J. VanDell and took immediate possession. He is in the same room he started here in business five or six years ago. Mr. VanDell returned to Oskaloosa. J.H. McNutt, grocer displaced by the fire, bought the Gerit Grocery and will be ready for business next Tuesday.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15.
March 04, 2014
Pioneer mill operator Joseph M. Piazzek (1834-1921)
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Nationally, February is the month for honoring the birth dates of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, the first and 16th United States presidents respectively, and not to be ignored, traditional Valentine's Day for flowers, candy, love cards, and gifts.
Locally, a pioneer, a long time citizen, one of the most prominent personalities in this part of Kansas, industrious, frugal, and a maker of history, were a few of the descriptions afforded Joseph Miller Piazzek, long time builder and operator of mills in Grasshopper Falls, Kan., and later Valley Falls. He deserves local honor and remembrance.
Born in the Novia Vauk-Kuz No (New Hammer) in the province of Protskow, Poland, Feb. 28, 1834, and died in Valley Falls, Jan. 20, 1921, he said himself he was born in a room separated from a flour mill by only a brick partition. He spent more than 60 years of his life in and about the various developments of mill ownership and power.
He came to America in 1854 and soon to Grasshopper Falls with less than 25 cents in his pocket. He found work helping to build a sawmill. In order to get wages, he had to take a one-fourth interest in the sawmill from his boss, Isaac Cody, father of Buffalo Bill.
Volumes could be written about Mr. Piazzek, his influence, his mills. He was responsible for developing use of water power. His mills were a complex, flour mills, stone mills, woolen mill, even a cotton gin. The cotton gin is now owned by the Kansas State Historical Society. Mr. Piazzek once sold one of his mills and used funds from the sales to pay the depositers of a bank that had failed while he was a leading head of that bank.
Mr. Piazzek was first married to Miss Melinda Minier, Feb. 14, 1862, and to this union two children, Minnie May and DeForest, were born. Minnie May died in 1885. Mrs. Piazzek died in 1872.
Piazzek married Miss Emma Kiebenstein in 1887. Three children born to this union were Edmund Paul, who died in early boyhood, Joseph M. Jr., and Edna Pauline. Mr. Piazzek visited his mill until a week before his death.
At age 82, he wrote, "I started here when I was 21 years old, worked like a tiger, made barrels of money, and now at 82 years, I have an idle woolen mill, an out-of-date oil mill, an idle flour mill, and still I see lots of money to be made if only I were able."
He died Jan. 20, 1921. The burial was in the family vault in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Happy Birthday, Joseph Piazzek, 180 years old!
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
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