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.
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.
April 25, 2013
Siblings reunited after 40 years
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
When Postmaster Karr received a letter addressed as follows: "To P.M., Grasshopper or Sautrelle Falls, Jefferson County, Kansas" one September day in 1901, he did not realize he was about to help solve a mystery of 37 years.
The Valley Falls New Era, Sept. 14, 1901, reported the events leading to the mystery and carried the following story:
"In 1864, there lived near this city, in the neighborhood of Half Mound, a young man whose ambition led him from the farm to seek his fortune in the West. It was a bright, spring morning in 1864, when John Krawetzki bade farewell to friends, relatives and home and started westward across the then Great American Desert of Kansas and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
"Since leaving home nearly 40 years ago, nothing has been heard of the young man. Now, a man of 60 years, apparently amply provided for and alone in the world, as revealed in his letter, he is anxious to claim relationship before it's too late.
"He wrote, 'Dear Sir . . . about 1865, there lived about four miles up Grasshopper Creek, a man by the name of Francis Ammen, who was my stepfather. He married my stepmother, who married my father on my mother's death. My father and my stepmother had a daughter, who was my stepsister and whose name was Johannah Krawetzki.
"I left there in 1864 and came to California, and have heard nothing of them since. Now, as I have no personal friends, and am 60 years of age, I am desirous of finding out the whereabouts of my stepsister or her offspring, if any, and if living, so as to make some provisions for them at my death. By looking this matter up, you will confer a great favor, and if there is any expense attached, send me the bills and I will remit. Your very truly, John Julius Krawetzki, 102 Main St., Santa Rosa, Cal."
"Postmaster Karr began making inquiries among those living in the Ammen neighborhood and soon learned from some older residents that there once was a man named Krawetzki in the vicinity, but it was difficult to locate a stepsister or any other relatives.
"By continued inquiry, it was learned that Mrs. Lawrence Hilty was a Miss Johannah Krawetzki and when notified of the receipt of the letter was wild with joy and came to town to learn the facts from the postmaster.
"Mrs. Hilty resides with her family north of town in the neighborhood her stepbrother left long ago. The family consists of father, mother, a son and two daughters. Being the wife of T. Gettler, Mrs. Hilty is now in correspondence with her stepbrother and they hope to see each other before death separates them for all time."
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27.
When Postmaster Karr received a letter addressed as follows: "To P.M., Grasshopper or Sautrelle Falls, Jefferson County, Kansas" one September day in 1901, he did not realize he was about to help solve a mystery of 37 years.
The Valley Falls New Era, Sept. 14, 1901, reported the events leading to the mystery and carried the following story:
"In 1864, there lived near this city, in the neighborhood of Half Mound, a young man whose ambition led him from the farm to seek his fortune in the West. It was a bright, spring morning in 1864, when John Krawetzki bade farewell to friends, relatives and home and started westward across the then Great American Desert of Kansas and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
"Since leaving home nearly 40 years ago, nothing has been heard of the young man. Now, a man of 60 years, apparently amply provided for and alone in the world, as revealed in his letter, he is anxious to claim relationship before it's too late.
"He wrote, 'Dear Sir . . . about 1865, there lived about four miles up Grasshopper Creek, a man by the name of Francis Ammen, who was my stepfather. He married my stepmother, who married my father on my mother's death. My father and my stepmother had a daughter, who was my stepsister and whose name was Johannah Krawetzki.
"I left there in 1864 and came to California, and have heard nothing of them since. Now, as I have no personal friends, and am 60 years of age, I am desirous of finding out the whereabouts of my stepsister or her offspring, if any, and if living, so as to make some provisions for them at my death. By looking this matter up, you will confer a great favor, and if there is any expense attached, send me the bills and I will remit. Your very truly, John Julius Krawetzki, 102 Main St., Santa Rosa, Cal."
"Postmaster Karr began making inquiries among those living in the Ammen neighborhood and soon learned from some older residents that there once was a man named Krawetzki in the vicinity, but it was difficult to locate a stepsister or any other relatives.
"By continued inquiry, it was learned that Mrs. Lawrence Hilty was a Miss Johannah Krawetzki and when notified of the receipt of the letter was wild with joy and came to town to learn the facts from the postmaster.
"Mrs. Hilty resides with her family north of town in the neighborhood her stepbrother left long ago. The family consists of father, mother, a son and two daughters. Being the wife of T. Gettler, Mrs. Hilty is now in correspondence with her stepbrother and they hope to see each other before death separates them for all time."
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27.
April 10, 2013
Bob Weiser, horse thief, 1884
Compiled by Betty Jane WIlson, society president
Reports of a horse thief capture were confirmed by the following Valley Falls New Era news item May 29, 1884:
"It becomes our painful duty to chronicle the circumstances relative to the theft of a valuable horse belonging to Louis Beland.
"The thief was "Bob" Weiser, as he is familiarly known, who was born here we believe, and nearly all his life has lived here. He has always been of a rather wild and ungovernable disposition, and it is intimated that he has many times been implicated in rather unquestionable transactions (Prior to the theft of the Beland horse, it had been reported he was connected with a scheme to rob the night express, however, one of his confederates weakened and the robbery was abandoned).
"It appears that Weiser, who is perhaps in the neighborhood of 26 years old, got in desperate straits for money, and conceived the plan of getting it in the manner he did.
"On Thursday night, the 15th, he went to John Beland's stable between 10 and 11 o'clock, saddled and bridled Louis Beland's fine young bay horse, and rode him to Kansas City where he sold him.
"Weiser's absence from town just at that time, caused suspicion to point strongly to him. Meanwhile, not suspecting that he was being shadowed as the thief, Weiser came home, and was arrested here about the middle of the afternoon.
"Later, Weiser pleaded guilty before Judge Crozier, who sentenced him to four years in the penitentiary. The horse was recovered from T. J. Anderson of Buckner, Mo.
"Sympathy is felt for his family, who we believe are very industrious and above reproach."
Less than six months after his incarceration, late October 1884, Bob Weiser died in prison. No cause of death was reported.
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13.
Reports of a horse thief capture were confirmed by the following Valley Falls New Era news item May 29, 1884:
"It becomes our painful duty to chronicle the circumstances relative to the theft of a valuable horse belonging to Louis Beland.
"The thief was "Bob" Weiser, as he is familiarly known, who was born here we believe, and nearly all his life has lived here. He has always been of a rather wild and ungovernable disposition, and it is intimated that he has many times been implicated in rather unquestionable transactions (Prior to the theft of the Beland horse, it had been reported he was connected with a scheme to rob the night express, however, one of his confederates weakened and the robbery was abandoned).
"It appears that Weiser, who is perhaps in the neighborhood of 26 years old, got in desperate straits for money, and conceived the plan of getting it in the manner he did.
"On Thursday night, the 15th, he went to John Beland's stable between 10 and 11 o'clock, saddled and bridled Louis Beland's fine young bay horse, and rode him to Kansas City where he sold him.
"Weiser's absence from town just at that time, caused suspicion to point strongly to him. Meanwhile, not suspecting that he was being shadowed as the thief, Weiser came home, and was arrested here about the middle of the afternoon.
"Later, Weiser pleaded guilty before Judge Crozier, who sentenced him to four years in the penitentiary. The horse was recovered from T. J. Anderson of Buckner, Mo.
"Sympathy is felt for his family, who we believe are very industrious and above reproach."
Less than six months after his incarceration, late October 1884, Bob Weiser died in prison. No cause of death was reported.
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13.
Rescues from a well - 1901
- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
All's well that ends well. One of a sundry of items from the 1901 Valley Falls New Era, July 27, 1901, included the following near-tragedy story:
"The well on Mr. Grigsby's place, in the ravine west of Frazier Avenue, has not been furnishing a sufficient supply of water, and he concluded to have it dug a few feet deeper. A man named Thomas was employed to assist him in the work, and on Monday evening they put in a heavy blast before quitting work. Tuesday morning, Mr. Grigsby went down the well and Mrs. Grigsby expected to haul up some of the stones, while wating for Mr. Thomas. Mr. Grigsby had been in the well but a few minutes when his wife saw him reel and fall over as if dead.
She began screaming for help, and the first to arrive was Rev. Braden, the Methodist minister, who went down and attempted to take the rope off the bucket to tie around Grigsby, but, before he could do so, he too, was overcome by the gas and fell across Grigsby. Rev. Braden's boy next went down to rescue his father, but he could not untie the rope and called for a knife with which to cut it. He then fastened the rope around his father and he was drawn up. The other end of the rope was sent down, but the boy began to feel the effects of the gas before he could rescue Grigsby, and was so far gone that he could not tie it around himself, but managed to wrap it around one arm and one leg in such a way that he was drawn to the top where he was caught by Alex Midghall just in time to keep him from falling back into the well.
Mr. Thomas then went down and rescued Mr. Grigsby and, after a great deal of hurried work by physicians, all three of the victims were brought back to life. It was a very close call for all of them, and the excitement was intense for a short time."
All's well that ends well. One of a sundry of items from the 1901 Valley Falls New Era, July 27, 1901, included the following near-tragedy story:
"The well on Mr. Grigsby's place, in the ravine west of Frazier Avenue, has not been furnishing a sufficient supply of water, and he concluded to have it dug a few feet deeper. A man named Thomas was employed to assist him in the work, and on Monday evening they put in a heavy blast before quitting work. Tuesday morning, Mr. Grigsby went down the well and Mrs. Grigsby expected to haul up some of the stones, while wating for Mr. Thomas. Mr. Grigsby had been in the well but a few minutes when his wife saw him reel and fall over as if dead.
She began screaming for help, and the first to arrive was Rev. Braden, the Methodist minister, who went down and attempted to take the rope off the bucket to tie around Grigsby, but, before he could do so, he too, was overcome by the gas and fell across Grigsby. Rev. Braden's boy next went down to rescue his father, but he could not untie the rope and called for a knife with which to cut it. He then fastened the rope around his father and he was drawn up. The other end of the rope was sent down, but the boy began to feel the effects of the gas before he could rescue Grigsby, and was so far gone that he could not tie it around himself, but managed to wrap it around one arm and one leg in such a way that he was drawn to the top where he was caught by Alex Midghall just in time to keep him from falling back into the well.
Mr. Thomas then went down and rescued Mr. Grigsby and, after a great deal of hurried work by physicians, all three of the victims were brought back to life. It was a very close call for all of them, and the excitement was intense for a short time."
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