1888 "Whittier lunch" in Valley Falls

- compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"Well, I like Kansas right well. Of course, some things are not just to my way of thinking, but that is nothing," — words from a lady named Rebecca Smith and written to A.W. Robinson, editor of the Valley Falls New Era, May 1888.

Mrs. Smith explained, "Mr. Editor, I am an old woman a' visiting in Valley Falls. I have been here about three weeks. My home is in Missouri, and my daughter lives there, and she takes the New Era. See, I thought if I wrote a letter for your paper she would see it and it would tickle her mightily to have her Ma writin' for papers. I go around a good deal and I mean to as long as I stay. 

"Last week I had an invite to a woman's suffrage club; they was to have a Whittier lunch. I never heard of that before, but I didn't want to show my ignorance too much, so I never inquired anything about it, but I made up my mind I'd go and find out and maybe I'd get some new ideas to to tell our mite society when I go home. 

"Well, I went  and the women were all sitting around the room dressed up in their best bib and tucker and everyone had on a yellow ribbon. I expect that is the style. One woman they called Mrs. President began to talk about Whittier, a man that  makes rhymes, you know, and she told where he was born and how old he is and a whole pack of stuff. I guess she is purty well acquainted with him; then she called on all the rest of the women and some read about him and some told scraps of history and some recited his poetry.

"I tell you they did give that old man a big send off and I made bold to ask a slip of a girl near me what they talked about Mr. Whittier so much for and she said, 'O, he is a great equal suffrage man!' and then some more pretty girls brought in the nicest supper and the tea was just splendid. I tell you, nothing lifts an old lady like a good strong cup of tea, and Mr. Editor, that was a Whittier lunch. I have learned that much."

Rebecca will continue to write letters to the editor relating her experiences in Valley Falls.

The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 30. Admission is free. 

Items from the 1889 New Era, part 4

A sundry of news items from the Valley Falls New Era from January to November 1889, Part IV.
- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president of the Valley Falls Historical Society.

November 28 —

Last week we visited Orchard Hill Farm and wrote up the famous horses, Everemond, Joe Larkin, Prairie Wilkes, and Wedgemond. They were the glory of Jefferson County and Kansas was justly proud of them. Now it becomes our duty to chronicle the fact that all four of these valuable animals are dead; burned up. Through, we might say, criminal thoughtlessness of an employee on the farm. A lighted lantern was left in the stall where Wedgemond was taking his breakfast Sunday morning, and while no one was in the barn, the horse, presumably, knocked the lantern over.

The Webster family was eating breakfast when the fire was observed. Heroic efforts were made to secure the horses, but nothing could be saved. The north and south doors of the barn were left open and the wind was from the north, so a draft was made and the whole inside of the barn was burning before the fire was observed.

Copy from the Topeka Capital:
In the stable were, beyond any question, the finest collection of trotting bred horses including Everemond, 2:24 1/4 ; Prairie Wilkes, 2:39 (a 3-year-old); Edgemond, 2:41 (4-year-old); and Joe Larkin, a famous stallion. All were destroyed in spite of all efforts to save them. The breeding of the horses was exceptionally fine. Everemond had proved himself one of the fastest and gamest race horses ever in Kansas, and hardly one month since his yearling son, Patsy Curtis, made a record 2:52, the fasted time for a yearling between the Mississippi River and California.

Prairie Wilkes had a 3-year-old record made at Emporia this fall of 2:39. Wedgemond had a 4-year-old record of 2:41. Joe Larkin, was a fine looking, large, and well-gaited roadster; no horse in Kansas took first place over him.

The entire loss to Webster & Son cannot be estimated, but $75,000 would not replace the destroyed property. There was no insurance. The loss is not confined to Webster & Son, but the State of Kansas is the same. The proprietors no doubt have the deepest sympathy of all Kansas breeders, and it is to be hoped this loss will not prevent them from being in the future as in the past, the foremost breeders in Kansas and the west.

Items from the 1889 New Era, part 3

A sundry of news items from the Valley Falls New Era from January to November 1889, Part III.

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president of the Valley Falls Historical Society.

September 5 —
The Delaware Bank is now doing business. M.P. Hillyer made the first deposit.

September 26 —
Mr. Gunn had about 2,000 tile in his kiln and had commenced firing when the walls gave away. The kiln is a complete wreck. The tiling is not damaged much. Mr. Gunn will at once commence the erection of another kiln. This time he will build it of hard brick.

October 10 —
The tile factory is a success. The first shipment was to Joel Pontius of Nortonville.

November 7 —
Gunn will burn one more kiln of tile. It is no trouble to sell them.

November 21 —
Last Tuesday, we (Editor A.W. Robinson) accepted a seat in Rev. A.I. Bradley's buggy and enjoyed a ride to Orchard Hill Farm, five miles west of the city. The day was pleasant, the roads good, the preacher's stepper lively, the pastor agreeable, and the ride delightful. Mr. Bradley is an admirer of a fine horse and drives one that he thinks can make a mile inside of three minutes. This farm, owned by I.C.Webster and Son, is composed of ten hundred and twenty acres and is beautifully located. We were met by Mr. Webster, Jr., who immediately proceeded to show us around. They now have on the place ninety-one head of horses and over seventy head of handsome cattle.
The first barn we visited is a fine structure, 40 x 70, and will shelter sixty head of horses. It is built in modern style, good water service, feed bins, and elevators. Every foot utilized. The basement has a solid stone floor not laid by Mr. Webster. It was always there.
Another barn is a dandy and here is where the famous horses, Everemond, Joe Larkin, Prairie Wilkes, Hoffman, and Wedgemond (racers and trotters) have handsome quarters. This barn is 36 x 40 and has all modern improvements.
Their residence is a large commodious building on the top of a hill, overlooking a broad expanse of country. After one gets there, he dislikes to go away.

November 28 —
Our heretofore usually quiet city got its war paint on last Monday and a melee occurred on Broadway. A man from Topeka, who gave his name as Billie Wilson, got off the 4:30 Santa Fe Train "drunk as an owl" and immediately attempted to besmirch our handsome town with a hideous whiskey red. When Marshal Young's attention was called to the drunken artist, he reached for him but failed, alone, to carry the fellow to the "bastille" and called for assistance. The fellow fought like a gladiator, but he was dumped in the hoodlum wagon and carried to the lock up.
While the officers were putting the prisoner in the wagon, one Sam Johnson knocked the marshall down and then the "free for all" commenced. It looked like war for a few minutes, but the offender Johnson was probably the most punished man.
We want to say right here that, it does not pay to interfere or obstruct an officer in his performance of his duty. The man Wilson appeared before "hizonner" the next morning, was assessed $15, and walked out of town. Other particpants in the melee were assessed to the tune of $52 and $41.50.

The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 2.

Items from the 1889 New Era, part 2

A sundry of news items from the Valley Falls New Era from January to November 1889.
Part II

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president of the Valley Falls Historical Society.

Feb. 21 —
The death of John Armour on the rail last Friday morning was one of the most horrifying accidents that has occurred in Valley Falls. Thursday night, Mr. Armour was in his happiest mood and attended the masquerade and enjoyed himself hugely. Early in the morning, he started to visit his father north of town and he was run over by the entire train. Every bone in his body was broken. The remains were brought to undertaker Schuler's; from there taken to the old graveyard for interment. Mr. Armour had been engaged in the butcher business in Kansas City.

March 7 —
The city has put in two large watering troughs for the accommodation of the public. One for the benefit of the farmers who enter town from the south and west near the city park, the other, which will benefit more those who come from north and east, is on Maple Street. They will always be full of water.
The roads are almost impossible for a week. Mud a foot deep. Scarlet fever is widespread. School delayed because of scarlet fever.

April 25 —
A couple of Horton girls were overheard recently quarreling about their beaux. "I don't care," said Amelia. "Your beau has a wooden leg and can't dance." "I don't care, either" said Kittie, "Your beau is nearsighted, and every time he goes to kiss you his big mouth goes off before it gets within a foot of your hash trap!"

May 2 —
The Hicks & Gephart office block is one of the finest in the city. Two doctors, a dentist, and a lawyer have fixed up in handsome style. If the dentist breaks your jaw, the doctors are handy and you can see an attorney by opening a door.

Aug. 8 —
The Delaware Bank will commence business in Valley Falls on the last of September with a capital stock of $50,000. Tuesday the stockholders held a meeting in the city, all present but three. Wednesday afternoon, directors and officers will be chosen. It will be a state bank.
The Valley Falls tiling factory commenced operations this week. Without any blowing of horns or big advertising. The work appears to be very good. The mud is taken from the flat ground east of the Santa Fe tracks. Five men are engaged in the factory. The drying shed will be filled this week; only one shed is completed. It holds about 25,000.

Aug. 15 —
A Northwestern freight train was badly wrecked last Tuesday just out of town on the curve in Kendall's pasture. Nine cars were derailed, three of which rolled down the embankment and into the river. One took a header out into the current and floated down the stream about half a mile.

Aug. 22 — 
The Northwestern RR Co. burned their half dozen wrecked cars to get the old iron. David Atchison, the ice man, shipped a car load of ice to Iola.

Sept. 5 —
The Delaware Bank is now doing business. M.P. Hillyer made the first deposit.

Sept. 26 —
Mr. Gunn had about 20,000 tile in his kiln and had commenced firing when the walls gave away. The kiln is a complete wreck, the tiling is not damaged much. Mr. Gunn will at once commence the erection of another kiln and will build it of hard brick.

Part III
Riot on Broadway, Orchard Hill Farm, and a Horrible Conflagration.

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. March 26.
    

Items from the 1889 New Era, part 1

A sundry of news items from the Valley Falls New Era from January to November 1889

Part I

- compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president.

Jan. 11 — The ice house at the creamery is filled with Walnut Creek ice.
The old Half Mound bridge was cut in two and two bridges were thus made for smaller streams. The bridge now across the river at Half Mound is one of the best the county.

Feb. 7 — Mr. Atchison's ice house spoken of last week is quite an imposing structure. About $100 a day is being extended here in the ice business.
Mr. Davis Atchison of Leavenworth will put about 3000 tons of ice at this place. He will commence at once the erection of an ice house near the elevator, 60x80, 24 feet high and dump the blocks of ice into it by means of a chute.

Feb. 14 — Mr. David Atchison, the Leavenworth ice man who is putting up 3000 tons of ice in our city, is every inch a gentleman. By invitation we boarded a N.W. engine (RR) in his employ and rode up to Cedar to witness the work there. The way they get the glistening blocks is business. Mr. Atchison has between sixty and sixty-five hands employed, and they are nearly all men and boys from our town. He could have brought his help with him probably cheaper, but preferred to give our laborers work. His large ice house here is a permanent thing an every winter the same business will be transacted. Mr. Atchison is thus leaving considerable money in our town.

Feb. 21 — A Blue Mound item: We took a stroll down to the ice house of Mr. Atchison and found a big thing in the shape of congealed water. The building being in size 60x84 feet and 24 feet high, three walls thick, making two air chambers, no saw dust being used. The building will hold 150 car loads of 20 tons each worth at least $10 per ton or the nice little sum of $30,000. Ten cars were used in hauling the ice from Cedar Creek to the building, five being loaded at the creek while five were being unloaded at the building. Six men were kept busy just placing the blocks after they came to them on two tracks in the building.

Part II: Rail wreck and tragedy and new enterprises.

The Valley Falls Historical Society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19.

New window display ready for St. Patrick's Day

— by Betty Jane Wilson, historical society president.

A bright green banner with a brilliant orange background declaring "Erin Go Bragh," "Top of the Morning," and "Happy St. Patrick's Day," sets the scene for honoring the Irish (and the "wanna-be-Irish") on their traditional holiday, March 17, in the Valley Falls Historical Society's Museum window.

Replicas of pots of gold, derbies, toy leprechauns, and scatterings of mock shamrocks, mingled with tiny Irish flags, serve as traditional representatives of "The Aulde Sod," including the Northern Ireland (orange), a part of the United Kindom, and The Republic of Ireland (green), the remainder of the Emerald Isle.

The Veterans' window honors the  men and women of the military on their day with multi-colored flowers.

The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12.

Tragedy takes life of John Fisher

— Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"A treacherous trigger — John Fisher accidentally shot by his best friend" headlined the New Era (Vindicator predecessor) May 24, 1906. The story continued:

"A shocking tragedy happened on Cedar last Sunday, May 20, 1906. Johnny Fisher had about finished building a nice house on the Hoxie farm he had purchased a few months ago, and intended to move into this week.

"That Sunday morning he had shown the new house to his aged mother. In the afternoon, he and his neighbor, Otto Van Gaasbeek, were on the premises when James Green, an engineer at Waddel's Sawmill nearby, came along and joined them being on his way to Otto's to show him a new hammerless gun with safety lock.

"Fisher proposed they try it and see who could put the most shot in a tossed block or board. Otto tossed the block and Fisher made a first shot putting more than 20 shot in the wooden 'bird.' Then Otto essayed to try his marksmanship on a similar target, which Johnny went to toss up. With gun in hand Otto awaited Johnny to cast the 'bird' when, from oversight or lapse of caution, the trigger was pulled and the gun prematurely discharged just as Johnny was stooping to pickup the target at close range — the awful deed was done!

"He (Otto) had depended on the safety lock, which Johnny had failed to reset, or did not realize that the other barrel was loaded since he was used to regular target shooting rules of only loading one barrel at a time for safety.

"The sudden change from joy to sadness palled on Otto, from the impression to the realization of the killing of his boyhood friend, a sense of horror overcame him and his mind became almost unbalanced over the heartrending, horrible homicide.

"A coroner was notified and a jury and witnesses to the scene was summoned early Monday morning. Following a hearing of the testimony of the case, a verdict was returned of death by accidental discharge of a new hammerless gun in the hands of Otto Van Gaasbeek.

"John Fisher was 44 years of age. He was survived by his wife and two daughters, ages 14 and 15, and his mother, two sisters, and one brother. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery."

The historical society museum will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5.