Impression of Nortonville, 1889

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The Oskaloosa Independent continued reporting on the growth of Jefferson County neighbors of Valley Falls with the following evaluation of Nortonville in the Sept. 14, 1889, issue of the newspaper:

"Nortonville is a beautiful little city on the north border of Jefferson County. They claim some 800 inhabitants. It presents the best appearance of any town in the county, except the county seat. It has as fine a buildings as are to be found in any of the small cities in the state, and is surrounded by the best farming country in eastern Kansas. They have but one R.R., the AT&SF, a good road and accommodating, and well patronized by the people.

"We notice several new buildings in course of erection, among them a business house by the Hon. A.J. Perry, dimensions, 40 x 70 brick. Mr. Perry is a live, wide-awake businessman and indispensable to this city.

"Janssen Bros. are new arrivals in the business circles of Nortonville and are making it hot for competitors in the hardware business. They sold quite a bill of hardware near Oskaloosa, and propose reaching out all over Jefferson and Atchison counties for trade. They are selling nails for 50 cents less on the keg than can be bought at any other store in the county. They propose carrying a big advertisement in the Independent to let people know what they have and how they sell it.

"We visited the canning factory and found Supt. Copley up to his eyes in business. Tomatoes are coming in now at the rate of 500 bushels per day and the Supt. will increase his force up to about 100 by the first of next of next week. At present outlook, this enterprise will distribute some $1,000 or $1,500 per week among the farmers and town people and is highly appreciated by all.

"The cheese factory is an older concern, but is one of the substantials of the town.

"We met Dr. D.T. Brown, who is one of the medical fraternity and has been located here for two years. The Dr. has a large practice and deserves success.

"We found the new postmaster busy dishing out the mail. Mr. Eckles, besides being postmaster, does an extensive business in the line of insurance.

"J.C. Stone, proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, understands the wants of his guests and takes pride in your comfort while a sojourner. When you come to Nortonville, give him a call.

"We went out among the farmers a day or so and find most farms abound with overloaded crops. Everything in abundance except fruit and money. So far as money is concerned, they propose to arrange that by some sort of legislation. They are banding themselves together in one common brotherhood called The Alliance. It is understood their fight is mainly against the banking system of the country and they propose to have things on a more humane basis and our observations predict that success will crown their efforts, if this organization don't (sic) allow itself to be killed by plunging into partisan politics and allowing certain elements in it to prostitute the order to their own selfish ends."

Source: Yesteryears, a publication of the Jefferson County Genealogical Society.

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open Saturday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m.

Impression of Winchester, 1889

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

The growth and development of Jefferson County towns was reported from time to time by the Oskaloosa Independent. The Sept. 14, 1889, issue of the newspaper reviewed the status of Valley Falls' neighbors, Winchester and Nortonville.

"The little city of Winchester, 10 miles northeast of the county hub [Oskaloosa], is a flourishing town. Its people are chuck full of vim. The businessmen are awake to the needs of the trade, and through the indomitable perseverance of a few live men, Winchester is getting the wherewith.

"W.S. Weatherford and Son seem to outstrip all competitors in the race for trade. They carry an immense stock of goods, being by far the largest collection of general merchandise to be found in any store in Jefferson County.

"They draw trade from almost every part of the county. Monday, Sept. 2, their cash sales 'foot up' the neat little sum of $125. Go and see . . . They have a $20,000 stock to select from. There are other firms in the same line of trade, but they were too busy to give us any pointers.

"Miss Sue Forsythe is the leading milliner and dressmaker of Winchester. We noticed two or three pieces and can recommend her work as being tasty and very neat. Ladies, when you are in need of a new hat or want a new dress made, find Miss Forsythe's place.

"Mr. Harry Lillie keeps a first class restaurant where you can get all kinds of confectionery, ice cream and soda, cigars and tobacco. Boys, when you want to treat your girl to ice cream and candy, go and spend your money at this place. you will find the proprietor a first-class young man.

"Mr. L.G. Howard, Winchester's barber and hair dresser, is so well and favorably known that it seems useless for us to try to add anything more to his reputation by anything the Independent might say. This much, however, is due Mr. H. as a barber, there is none better in the county."

Next: the editor's impression of Nortonville. (The source: Yesteryears, a publication of the Jefferson County Historical Society)

Windows reflect fall festivities

by Betty Jane Wilson, Society President

Hail and farewell to the Hallowe'en window scene at the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum. Shiny fabric, black cats with bright glaring eyes, a spider web accompanied by a string of miniature jack- o'lanterns with twinkling lights overseen by a wise old owl and tottering offspring served as harbingers of the trick-or-treat season.

November days ushered in the new theme of autumn days with emphasis on nature's bounties. Small displays of pumpkins, apples, ornamental gourds, stacks of autumn foliage enhanced by a window-length background farm scene mural reflecting harvest fields, surrounded by a timberline of colored trees. A simple "Give Thanks" sign reminds us of the approach of the nation's Thanksgiving holiday.

Veterans of all wars, yesteryear and today, are honored November 11, Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day. Military service flags, American flags, and miniature eagle symbols line the veterans' window, designed to remember and support our veterans.

The historical society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12.

More impressions of Grasshopper Falls, east to Mooney Creek, 1855-56

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president

The Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth, K.T. (Kansas Territory) Friday, June 8, 1855, continued the newspaper's series on Kansas towns with the following commentary:
"On Saturday, having the offer of Mr. Whitey (presumably A.J. Whitney, one of the town founders) to take a ride with him in his carriage, to Grasshopper Falls, we accepted, and must say, we were delighted with the trip.

"We passed over as pretty a country as the eye ever rested upon. The prairies are rolling and dry, soil rich and interspersed with beautiful groves of timber all along the many large and small streams. The Stranger and the Grasshopper are the largest streams we saw with an abundance of good timber on each of them.

"The Stranger Creek is about is about ten miles out and Grasshopper is about 18 or 20 miles still farther west (from Leavenworth). About four or five miles west on Stranger Creek, we crossed what is known as Money (Mooney) Creek. The prairie on each side of it is of unsurpassed beauty — high, dry, rolling, and rich. There is a small bottom on this stream with a great body of excellent timber.

"Crooked Creek is the name of another stream four or five miles west of Money (Mooney) Creek and its name truly indicates what we found the stream to be. In the distance of about two miles, traveling a due west direction, we had to cross it four times . . . The bottoms of this creek are rather subject to overflow, but upon them is a large growth of fine timber capable of supporting many valuable farms upon the adjoining rich prairie lands. . .

"­Soon, very soon, those rich prairies over which we passed, will be dotted with large cultivated fields of hemp, wheat, corn, and the various products of this climate. . . This country is undoubtedly one of the best stock grazing sections to be found in the world . . . It cannot be excelled anywhere. The rich pastures of this prairie will feed and fatten stock in any quantity two thirds of the year. We soon reached Grasshopper Falls and stopped for the night where we had good accommodations.

"Taking a stroll over the town site, we admired its beauty and gently undulating surface. The town site is on the east side of Grasshopper at the Falls. The surface has a gradual and regular ascent for three quarters of a mile. From the eastern limits of the town, you have a view of the timber beyond Osawkee and Hickory Point, eight and ten miles distant and over the Grasshopper in an opposite direction for many miles, of fine bodies of timber on the tributaries of that stream.

"There are two or three streams that empty their waters a short distance above. The view alluded to is grand and magnificent. The town site is high, dry, and lays beautiful to the morning sun. It includes about sixty acres of valuable timber, which will add much value to shares. The Falls of Grasshopper affords one of the best mill sites in the west. There is a perpendicular fall of over six feet with rapids immediately below. A large grist mill is now being erected and we are assured it will be in operation during the summer.

Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth City, K.T., January 19, 1856:
"Grasshopper Falls — There is built and in operation one of the best mills in the territory."

On the 18th of February, 1856, a drawing of lots among shareholders took place marking the town's growth from town site to town to city.

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5.

Impressions of Grasshopper Falls and Osawkee, 1855

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president, Valley Falls Historical Society

Reflecting on Valley Falls history, highlighting the names of the four pioneers, James Frazier, Robert Riddle, Andrew J. Whitney, and Hozea B. Jolly, a sundry of historic notes from neighboring town news sources and the Grasshopper edited by J.A. Cody provide insight into our town's infancy, with some mention of our neighbors.

The Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth, Jan. 19, 1855: "Grasshopper Falls is the name of a new town recently located on the beautiful stream called Grasshopper, at the Falls — It will be surveyed in a short time and lots sold. It is a beautiful site for a town, abundantly supplied with water, with fine water power and good timber, excellent soil with many other advantages. The adjacent country is susceptible of a dense population, that must make the town a county seat. Besides it is on the nearest and most direct route from here (Ft. Leavenworth) to Ft. Riley."

The Weekly Herald, Jan. 26, 1855: "Whitney and Jolly, Attorney and Counsellors at Law, General Land Agents and Dealers in Real Estate, Grasshopper Falls, E.T.W. and J., have permanently located themselves at Grasshopper Falls, the vicinity of the best timbered and watered portion of Kansas.

"They will assist settlers in securing claims, either timber or rich prairie. Settlers will find it for their interest to apply to them as they have given the adjacent country a thorough exploration and have become familiar with all its advantages."

The Kansas Weekly Herald, March 13, 1855: "Grasshopper Falls — This town recently located at the Falls on that beautiful stream known as the Grasshopper, is about 20 miles from the Missouri River. There is a splendid mill site at the place and a large mill now being erected. The timbers for the dam and mill have been ready for a week or two. A store with a general assortment would be a splendid business at this thriving town."

The Kansas Weekly Herald, March 30, 1855: "Trip to Osawkee — Osawkee is on the Grasshopper Creek, one of the prettiest streams in the territory, just at the point where the military road crosses from Ft. Leavenworth via Ft. Riley, to New Mexico, Salt Lake, California, and Oregon. It is located on a high bottom, which is sufficiently undulating to make it dry and healthy. The surrounding scenery is magnificent and attractive. Everything about the place seems as if nature has fixed it for a large and flourishing town. All it needs is the hand of industry to make it what nature assigned it to be. Osawkee is between thirty and thirty-five miles from Ft. Leavenworth, and is the only place on the road after passing Stranger Creek at which a town can be built."

Next — Trip to Grasshopper Falls June 6, 1855.

The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29.

Report from 2011 annual meeting

Wilson re-elected president of VFHS

There were 36 members and guests attending the 44th annual meeting and dinner of the Valley Falls Historical Society Oct. 16, held at The Barn Bed and Breakfast Inn, Valley Falls.

The following officers and directors were elected to serve the society for 2011-2012: Betty Jane Wilson, president; Rosalind Jackson, vice president; Lesa Brosa, secretary; and Gary Coleman, treasurer. For directors: Joan Reichart, Anita Stutesman, and James Durand. For historian: Frank Shrimplin.

Gary Coleman presented Maxine Hefty with a flowering plant and special thanks from the society officers and directors in appreciation for many years service as secretary for the organization.

Sara Jane Richter, dean of liberal arts and professor of English at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell, Okla., presented a program and discussion on buffalo hunters and their impact on history.

Sara Jane is one of 150 speakers from the Kansas Humanities Council Bureau commemorating the Kansas sesquicentennial.

The historial society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22.

History of the Santa Fe Depot

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"Days of the old depot numbered" read the headlines of the July 20, 1917, Farmers' Vindicator of Valley Falls followed by "What was once the pride of the whole country discarded to make room for the new."

The news article continued:
"The work of building the new and modern Santa Fe Depot at Valley Falls started the first of the month and is now on in earnest. Swanson Bros. of Topeka have the contract to build the $21,000 structure and ornament of our city from foundation to finish.

With the building of the new railroad station comes the story of the building and passing of the old depot after an existence of more than 45 years. Beginning in Topeka in the summer of 1868, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe was completed to Emporia in April 1870. Later in 1871, after a bond vote and securing the right of way, the construction of the Santa Fe from Atchison to Topeka was begun and in the spring of 1872 the 50 miles of road was completed.

It was a proud day for the people of Valley Falls (then Grasshopper Falls) with its new depot and a regular schedule of freight and passenger service. It was on the map as a railroad town. With the arrival of the railroad, Grasshopper Falls took on new life, built better and drew trade from a large territory.

Prior to that time, the business center was on north Sycamore Street and the route to and from the railroad was along Louisa Street, a block north of Broadway."

Later on the business center was relocated along east Broadway and became the main thoroughfare. The news of the planned new depot prompted the following from the same news item, "We hail with joy the coming of the new depot, the next thing to a union station, right in the busy end of our prosperous town, refreshed by pure sand springs water, lighted by electricity, and kept healthful by sanitary sewers. . . the building of the new station at the foot of that wide street will be the way there too for many generations, perhaps."

Then, sadly, generations later, from the pen of the late Edith Harden of the Valley Falls Historical Society, Nov. 6, 1980: "The old Santa Fe Depot, sentinel of the past and shorn of virtually everything except its storehouse of memories, is gone—destroyed by fire Saturday (Halloween). Don Watkins of the State Fire Department, after examining the ruins of the building, said, 'There was human involvement in the fire.'

"The red brick depot, once the pride of the community, had been abandoned since the Corps of Engineers acquired the property and the Santa Fe moved their freight office to the new location. Vandalism, flood water, and neglect had taken their toll and the cost of restoring the building was considered prohibitive by city officers.

"The old depot was considered the finest small town rail station in Kansas, built in 1917. It was the hub of activity as passengers arrived and departed in that era now long gone. There is a certain sadness and nostalgia as old timers talk of the burned building. The old depot has won a place in local railroad lore, along with the steam engine whistle, the telegraph key, the old water tower, and the old Boston fern in the waiting room."

Offsprings of the old Boston fern (circa 1915) now resides at the Valley Falls Historical Society museum.

The museum will be open Saturday at 10 a.m.