Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
January, when the babe of the new year bids farewell to the old, ushers in a time of resolutions, predictions, hopes and dreams, hoards mysteries of the future, and prompts periods of reflection, personal or otherwise.
A century and a half ago, the Crescent (news), Grasshopper Falls, Kansas territory, January 8, 1859, reflected on Jefferson County and associate towns' growth progress.
Quote: "We have often heard it remarked by those well acquainted with this territory (Kansas) that no inland county within its limits could surpass our own, in the fertility of soil, its general advantages, or the enterprise of its farmers. . . after several jaunts to different points, in no other county do we find as many flourishing towns, as many churches, and schoolhouses, unless it be those bordering on the river.
"Grasshopper Falls, a town well known in the earliest history of this territory and one which bids fair to become one of its largest and thriving towns and which is destined to be the most prominent point in the contemplated railroad, from St. Joseph to Topeka, is situated in the northeastern part of the county and in the most thickly populated portion. It has two mills, lumber and flour, three large stores, one church, and two schools. The ring of the smith's anvil and pounding of the carpenter's hammer daily heard.
"We predict that those who visit Grasshopper Falls five years from today will wonder at the growth as much as those who visit this site today wonder over the unimproved prairie site three years ago.
"Oskaloosa, the present county seat, also a flourishing town, is situated in the southeast part of the county adjoining the Delaware Reservation, will gain additional importance when the reserve is open to settlers. Winchester, Osawkee, Hickory Point, and Fairfield are also thriving rapidly.
"To those who seek for home in the far west, no place offers greater inducements than the territory (Kansas) and no county in it better than this (Jefferson)."
Source: April 1981, Yesteryears.
The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
January 29, 2014
January 07, 2014
Rufus Crosby's in-laws, the Kendalls, celebrate 50th anniversary
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Rufus H. Crosby, native of Maine, came to Kansas in 1855 after a short sojourn in Minneapolis. In company with his brother, William, they opened the first merchandising store in Grasshopper Falls. They erected a building on the corner of Louisa and Sycamore streets.
Despite setbacks, he continued in the mercantile business. It has been said, "To strike out the name and interests of Rufus H. Crosby from the history of Valley Falls would destroy the fabric of that history."
After the years in the mercantile business, he assumed the proprietorship of the Valley Falls Bank of Deposit.
On April 13, 1862, he married Miss Nettie Kendall at the bride's home in Hamden, Maine, the daughter of Johnathan and Dollie Kendall.
To this union was born Lottie, their only child. Mr. Crosby was well known as a politician, successful banker, religious leader and pioneer in town, state and Jefferson County.
On April 15, 1888, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Kendall celebrated the 50th anniversary of the marriage. Among the guests from Kansas were Mr. and Mrs. Rufus H. Crosby and their daughter Lottie.
After the presentation of many gifts, piano solo, poems, etc. in honor of the occasion, Mr. Crosby addressed the Kendalls in his own inimitable manner proving his versatility as a sentimentalist and a devoted son-in-law in his tribute to his wife's parents.
Following are excerpts from his tribute: "As permancy of this marriage is the cornerstone of home, the church, and all good government, it is well and eminently desirable that we properly magnify every fifty years stretch. Life, at best is brief and eternity is beyond our comprehension, so let us today with cordial greeting and good cheer, make the most of this very interesting and happy event.
"We wish you great joy. The past is safe and full of satisfaction; the future secure. The combination in your case has proved a success. On one side, the sturdy, sterling, solid qualities of the husband and father and on the other the warm-hearted, model housewife and true mother.
"We especially rejoice with you that it was possible for all your children now living to be present, together with so large a number of your brothers and sisters with their children.
"Our joy is saddened that three of nine chairs around your family board are vacant. Ruth, your first born— Lydia, a brave-hearted girl— and Melvina in far away Kansas where she now sleeps on the wind swept prairie.
"During these fifty years what wonderful achievements have been attained in science and mechanics. It has been literally an age of steam and jerked lightning.
"You have witnessed the terrible struggle between the North and South. You have seen the wild desert plains of Kansas become a famous growing state capable of producing meat and grain enough not only feed herself, but all New England too.
"We know that we voice the sincere and hearty sentiment of all your guests in expressing the wish that you may both be spared many years to reap the remunerations of a green old age."
The Historical Society Museum will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11.
Rufus H. Crosby, native of Maine, came to Kansas in 1855 after a short sojourn in Minneapolis. In company with his brother, William, they opened the first merchandising store in Grasshopper Falls. They erected a building on the corner of Louisa and Sycamore streets.
Despite setbacks, he continued in the mercantile business. It has been said, "To strike out the name and interests of Rufus H. Crosby from the history of Valley Falls would destroy the fabric of that history."
After the years in the mercantile business, he assumed the proprietorship of the Valley Falls Bank of Deposit.
On April 13, 1862, he married Miss Nettie Kendall at the bride's home in Hamden, Maine, the daughter of Johnathan and Dollie Kendall.
To this union was born Lottie, their only child. Mr. Crosby was well known as a politician, successful banker, religious leader and pioneer in town, state and Jefferson County.
On April 15, 1888, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Kendall celebrated the 50th anniversary of the marriage. Among the guests from Kansas were Mr. and Mrs. Rufus H. Crosby and their daughter Lottie.
After the presentation of many gifts, piano solo, poems, etc. in honor of the occasion, Mr. Crosby addressed the Kendalls in his own inimitable manner proving his versatility as a sentimentalist and a devoted son-in-law in his tribute to his wife's parents.
Following are excerpts from his tribute: "As permancy of this marriage is the cornerstone of home, the church, and all good government, it is well and eminently desirable that we properly magnify every fifty years stretch. Life, at best is brief and eternity is beyond our comprehension, so let us today with cordial greeting and good cheer, make the most of this very interesting and happy event.
"We wish you great joy. The past is safe and full of satisfaction; the future secure. The combination in your case has proved a success. On one side, the sturdy, sterling, solid qualities of the husband and father and on the other the warm-hearted, model housewife and true mother.
"We especially rejoice with you that it was possible for all your children now living to be present, together with so large a number of your brothers and sisters with their children.
"Our joy is saddened that three of nine chairs around your family board are vacant. Ruth, your first born— Lydia, a brave-hearted girl— and Melvina in far away Kansas where she now sleeps on the wind swept prairie.
"During these fifty years what wonderful achievements have been attained in science and mechanics. It has been literally an age of steam and jerked lightning.
"You have witnessed the terrible struggle between the North and South. You have seen the wild desert plains of Kansas become a famous growing state capable of producing meat and grain enough not only feed herself, but all New England too.
"We know that we voice the sincere and hearty sentiment of all your guests in expressing the wish that you may both be spared many years to reap the remunerations of a green old age."
The Historical Society Museum will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11.
December 23, 2013
Snow 150 years ago brought out the sleighs; 1873 business listing
— compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
The Kansas New Era, December 11, 1873, nearly one century and a half past of Valley Falls history, reported "Hard Times. No Potatoes in Town."
Without further comment on the town's nutrition plight continued, "Five inches of snow last Sunday. Sleighs and sleds of every conceivable kind and description could be seen on our streets last Saturday. We saw a portly gent sit down on the pavement of Sycamore Street very suddenly last Saturday morning. He wears spikes in his boot heels now.
"All day last Sunday a huge and stern looking statue, with a large club in his hand, kept watch and war?? in front of Mr. Lutt's house on Walnut Street, but during Sunday night it vanished away like a phantom; it is needed less to add, it was a snowman."
A few months earlier, September 1873, the same publication published a now historic listing of businesses and professionals of the pioneer village, Grasshopper Falls, later christened Valley Falls.
Following are those who dared to share in the town's growth:
W.D. Lane, Attorney; A.M. Cown, homeopathic physician and surgeon; J. Becand, notary public; Valley Bank and Savings; Sawyer and Mitchell, Broadway Meat Market; J.T.B. Gephart, physician; E.M. Coluin, Mgr., Cataract House; Frazier and Wetherholt, grocers; L.A. Myers, drugs, books, stationary, Magazines; Lord and Waite, manufacturers and dealers in books and shoes;
Weber and Keplinger, dealers in ready made clothing, groceries, etc.; Beland, Meyers and Best, dealers in drugs, medicince, groceries, etc.; J.J. Winterburg, manufacturers and dealers in saddles, harness and collars; W.D. Ward, house and sign painting and paper hanging; Wm. Crosby, dealers in stoves, tinware, and implements; J.W. Eshelman, auctioneer; John R. Lambert, auctioneer; Wm. Clark, justice of the peace and police judge; Strickland and Bliss Hardware, tin ware and agricultural implements;
W. E. Parker, grain, coal, plaster and cement; A. W. Post, Grasshopper Falls Mill; Crosby and Kendall, dealers in dry goods, groceries, clothing and boots; E.M. Hutchens, Broadway Livery; L.F. Eggers, Attorney at Law and land agent; I.O.O.F. Crescent Lodge No. 86; Masonic Lodge; L. Northrup, physician and surgeon; D.J.B. Gish physician and surgeon; T.A. Aitkin, dentist; Prof. A.F. Gibsen, violen lessons; Felix Theibaud, restaurant; A. Wirtz, watchmaker and jeweler; W.C. Butts, land agent; Valley Bank and Savings; Great Western Blacksmith and Wagon Shop, V.F. Newman and Co.; Pioneer Shop Blacksmithing, S.H. Dunn; F.A. Dudgeon and Co., coal and lumber.
The museum will be open starting at 10 a.m. Saturday.
The Kansas New Era, December 11, 1873, nearly one century and a half past of Valley Falls history, reported "Hard Times. No Potatoes in Town."
Without further comment on the town's nutrition plight continued, "Five inches of snow last Sunday. Sleighs and sleds of every conceivable kind and description could be seen on our streets last Saturday. We saw a portly gent sit down on the pavement of Sycamore Street very suddenly last Saturday morning. He wears spikes in his boot heels now.
"All day last Sunday a huge and stern looking statue, with a large club in his hand, kept watch and war?? in front of Mr. Lutt's house on Walnut Street, but during Sunday night it vanished away like a phantom; it is needed less to add, it was a snowman."
A few months earlier, September 1873, the same publication published a now historic listing of businesses and professionals of the pioneer village, Grasshopper Falls, later christened Valley Falls.
Following are those who dared to share in the town's growth:
W.D. Lane, Attorney; A.M. Cown, homeopathic physician and surgeon; J. Becand, notary public; Valley Bank and Savings; Sawyer and Mitchell, Broadway Meat Market; J.T.B. Gephart, physician; E.M. Coluin, Mgr., Cataract House; Frazier and Wetherholt, grocers; L.A. Myers, drugs, books, stationary, Magazines; Lord and Waite, manufacturers and dealers in books and shoes;
Weber and Keplinger, dealers in ready made clothing, groceries, etc.; Beland, Meyers and Best, dealers in drugs, medicince, groceries, etc.; J.J. Winterburg, manufacturers and dealers in saddles, harness and collars; W.D. Ward, house and sign painting and paper hanging; Wm. Crosby, dealers in stoves, tinware, and implements; J.W. Eshelman, auctioneer; John R. Lambert, auctioneer; Wm. Clark, justice of the peace and police judge; Strickland and Bliss Hardware, tin ware and agricultural implements;
W. E. Parker, grain, coal, plaster and cement; A. W. Post, Grasshopper Falls Mill; Crosby and Kendall, dealers in dry goods, groceries, clothing and boots; E.M. Hutchens, Broadway Livery; L.F. Eggers, Attorney at Law and land agent; I.O.O.F. Crescent Lodge No. 86; Masonic Lodge; L. Northrup, physician and surgeon; D.J.B. Gish physician and surgeon; T.A. Aitkin, dentist; Prof. A.F. Gibsen, violen lessons; Felix Theibaud, restaurant; A. Wirtz, watchmaker and jeweler; W.C. Butts, land agent; Valley Bank and Savings; Great Western Blacksmith and Wagon Shop, V.F. Newman and Co.; Pioneer Shop Blacksmithing, S.H. Dunn; F.A. Dudgeon and Co., coal and lumber.
The museum will be open starting at 10 a.m. Saturday.
December 17, 2013
December window displays at museum
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
"Toyland, Joyland, Girl and Boyland" words from the 1903 Broadway musical, "Babes inToyland," inspired the December historical society museum window display.
A giant Christmas tree docorated with colored Christmas ornaments and twinkling lights predominates with a host of dolls and toys surrounding the holiday tree.
Yesteryear TiddlyWinks and dominoes grab the attention with gifts from other past and more recent generations that capture the viewer's eye and help fill the wish book.
A "Happy Birthday Grasshopper Falls 1854-2013" poster reminder completes the scene.
The veterans' window framed with gold garland interspersed with bright red poinsettias, features a miniature Christmas tree decorated with subdued patriotic ribbon and twinkling lights encircled with military service flags. American flags and "Support our Troops" reminder complete the holiday scene.
The Valley Falls museum will be open Saturday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m.
"Toyland, Joyland, Girl and Boyland" words from the 1903 Broadway musical, "Babes inToyland," inspired the December historical society museum window display.
A giant Christmas tree docorated with colored Christmas ornaments and twinkling lights predominates with a host of dolls and toys surrounding the holiday tree.
Yesteryear TiddlyWinks and dominoes grab the attention with gifts from other past and more recent generations that capture the viewer's eye and help fill the wish book.
A "Happy Birthday Grasshopper Falls 1854-2013" poster reminder completes the scene.
The veterans' window framed with gold garland interspersed with bright red poinsettias, features a miniature Christmas tree decorated with subdued patriotic ribbon and twinkling lights encircled with military service flags. American flags and "Support our Troops" reminder complete the holiday scene.
The Valley Falls museum will be open Saturday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m.
December 05, 2013
Horse thieves in Grasshopper Falls
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president,
According to the 1863 Kansas Jeffersonian news publication, Grasshopper Falls was plagued with horse thievery woes (no pun intended). Following is one of the tales (woops!)
Oct. 28, 1863:
"A couple of bold jaywalkers—Mr. Herman, keeper of the Travelers' home one mile east of town, had two valuable mares stolen just in the edge of the evening on Monday last.
"The thieves were in garb of soldiers and represented themselves to one of our settlers as jennison's men. They were in town just before dark enquiring the route to Nebraska City, which course they did in fact take.
"A part of our citizens were soon in close pursuit who pressed the scoundrels so hard that they quit the stolen animals and probably took to the brush on foot. The horses were found yesterday morning on their way home."
November 4, 1863:
"Mr. Eli Evans of Oskaloosa was lately robbed of $1500 on Kaw bottom. Mr. Evans was in the employ of S.L. North of Leavenworth who furnished the above sum of money for said Evans to buy horses with.
"Mr. E. was on his way to Topeka and had nearly reached the ferry when stopped by the highwaymen. There were four of the robbers. After securing the money, together with a pistol and $60 belonging to young Evans, they attempted to make way with him, but fortunately he escaped.
"The two thieves who stole Newman's horses were caught at Hiawatha. One of them was retained by the citizens there to pay them for assisting to catch the scoundrels. The other who goes by the name of Scott, was brought back to our place on Saturday.
"We saw the gentleman—a hard looking customer in soldier clothes—had a faint resemblance to the 'Grim Chieftan.' He proved to be a deserter from a Nebraska regiment and an old hand at horse stealing.
"It is said that he made some startling developments implicating certain persons at the lower end of the county. He had an unrighteous looking knife on his person when captured. It was upwards of a foot long.
"After he had said all that he was disposed to on the subject of his chosen profession, he was allowed to accompany a small party on a light scouting expedition, himself tied upon a horse.
"When the party returned along toward daylight Sunday morning, Mr. Thief was missing and the party did not seem disposed to render a satisfactory explanation of his mysterious disappearance. He probably 'went up a tree' temporarily."
November 18, 1863:
"Andrew Ogden, one of the theives who stole Newman's horses, is now in the Atchison County jail. So says the Champion (Atchison news) having been handed over by the citizens of Hiawatha for safe keeping."
December 23, 1863:
The Atchison Champion says, "An unknown gentleman was found hanging by the neck last week in the timber on Stranger Creek a few miles southwest of town. It is conjecture that he fell a victim to the established prejudice in the community against horse stealing."
—Yesteryears, April 1993
The local museum will be open Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
According to the 1863 Kansas Jeffersonian news publication, Grasshopper Falls was plagued with horse thievery woes (no pun intended). Following is one of the tales (woops!)
Oct. 28, 1863:
"A couple of bold jaywalkers—Mr. Herman, keeper of the Travelers' home one mile east of town, had two valuable mares stolen just in the edge of the evening on Monday last.
"The thieves were in garb of soldiers and represented themselves to one of our settlers as jennison's men. They were in town just before dark enquiring the route to Nebraska City, which course they did in fact take.
"A part of our citizens were soon in close pursuit who pressed the scoundrels so hard that they quit the stolen animals and probably took to the brush on foot. The horses were found yesterday morning on their way home."
November 4, 1863:
"Mr. Eli Evans of Oskaloosa was lately robbed of $1500 on Kaw bottom. Mr. Evans was in the employ of S.L. North of Leavenworth who furnished the above sum of money for said Evans to buy horses with.
"Mr. E. was on his way to Topeka and had nearly reached the ferry when stopped by the highwaymen. There were four of the robbers. After securing the money, together with a pistol and $60 belonging to young Evans, they attempted to make way with him, but fortunately he escaped.
"The two thieves who stole Newman's horses were caught at Hiawatha. One of them was retained by the citizens there to pay them for assisting to catch the scoundrels. The other who goes by the name of Scott, was brought back to our place on Saturday.
"We saw the gentleman—a hard looking customer in soldier clothes—had a faint resemblance to the 'Grim Chieftan.' He proved to be a deserter from a Nebraska regiment and an old hand at horse stealing.
"It is said that he made some startling developments implicating certain persons at the lower end of the county. He had an unrighteous looking knife on his person when captured. It was upwards of a foot long.
"After he had said all that he was disposed to on the subject of his chosen profession, he was allowed to accompany a small party on a light scouting expedition, himself tied upon a horse.
"When the party returned along toward daylight Sunday morning, Mr. Thief was missing and the party did not seem disposed to render a satisfactory explanation of his mysterious disappearance. He probably 'went up a tree' temporarily."
November 18, 1863:
"Andrew Ogden, one of the theives who stole Newman's horses, is now in the Atchison County jail. So says the Champion (Atchison news) having been handed over by the citizens of Hiawatha for safe keeping."
December 23, 1863:
The Atchison Champion says, "An unknown gentleman was found hanging by the neck last week in the timber on Stranger Creek a few miles southwest of town. It is conjecture that he fell a victim to the established prejudice in the community against horse stealing."
—Yesteryears, April 1993
The local museum will be open Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
November 27, 2013
Bits of railroad history
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
A search through the Valley Falls Historical Society files brought to light a compilation of railroad tales — quotes and excerpts by society member Lorene Catron in 1981.
Excerpts from the compilation include "It was 1859 before the railroad systems reached this area, which was St. Joseph, Mo. A great advancement for the railroads was the use of windmills which were introduced by the railroads. Union Pacific had 70 large windmills they used for pumping water for use on the locomotives. One of the largest towers was 72 feet high with a wheel 25 feet across. . . . The railroads were not welcomed by the boat people, especially in the South. They fought them all, going so far as to sabatage the bridges across the river ways.
"Besides the boat and bridge shippers, rival railroad crews would sabotage each other in order to hold its territory. Americans were enchanted with the 'iron horse.' In 10 years railroad promoters got 33 million acres across the people's land. In fact additional grants came to 155 million acres or one-ninth of what was the entire nation's land area.
"In planning the railroads, Indian rights were ignored, and 31 million buffalo were slaughtered in Kansas alone.
"In 1863 the State of Kansas got the odd numbered sections of land for ten miles each side of a projected railroad and the railroad got the other.
"The railroad, west and south, intercepted thousands of cattle grazing grounds. For twenty years herds of cattle were driven to Newton, Wichita, Dodge City, Kinsley, etc., to be loaded.
"Even with free land it took capital to build a railroad. Counties voted money, towns voted land and cash for terminals, and individuals invested $400 or $500 apiece to start grading.
"A village of 100 people would float a bond for $50,000 to get a railroad--a train or two would go over it and soon there would be 1000 people. Business would boom, real estate prices soared--farms started and everybody won.
"The Santa Fe was late in getting started, but in 1871 work started from both ends, that is from Topeka to Atchison. It was completed in 1872.
"At that time, trains ran by smoke and headlights. The crews kept Winchester rifles handy. Besides drunken cowboys shooting up the headlights and raiding lonely depots, Indians and prairie fires plagued the new railroads.
"The trains had no vestibules on their passenger cars. Conductors and brakemen leaped from one car to the next car. There were no lavatories. Coal stoves heated the cars in winter. Before 1873 you brought your own lunch.
"There were no track fences. It was cheaper to pay half the value of the livestock hit, than to build fences.
"The fabulous part the Santa Fe and other railroads played in the settling of this country is almost forgotten.
"Before the railroads moved in, only a few thousand people were in the territory.
"In a few short weeks, with a railroad--the population doubled and trebled.
"The men who built the first railroads were young New Englanders. They spent $50,000,000 with no money misspent. The 'Work Train' which laid out the railroads was a 'Town on Wheels.'
"Laying of the rails was like a military operation: First there were: Surveyors—locators—graders—bridge builders, next an army of men placing ties—laying track—spiking down the rails—ballasting—completing the road.
"Along the line just completed came a train of long boxcars, a town on wheels. Next came loads of ties--rails—spikes, which were thrown off the side.
"A light horse-drawn wagon or cart, was loaded up and went forward, one on each side of the tracks. They laid four rails to a minute; goal was one mile a day.
"Each camp looked like a town.
"Another camp would be established 140 miles or so west. In a new camp would come, knocked down, buildings, tents, wooden sidings and entire roofs.
"These were 'Hell on Wheels' for the vilest of men and women, gamblers and desperadoes made up these settlements."
A search through the Valley Falls Historical Society files brought to light a compilation of railroad tales — quotes and excerpts by society member Lorene Catron in 1981.
Excerpts from the compilation include "It was 1859 before the railroad systems reached this area, which was St. Joseph, Mo. A great advancement for the railroads was the use of windmills which were introduced by the railroads. Union Pacific had 70 large windmills they used for pumping water for use on the locomotives. One of the largest towers was 72 feet high with a wheel 25 feet across. . . . The railroads were not welcomed by the boat people, especially in the South. They fought them all, going so far as to sabatage the bridges across the river ways.
"Besides the boat and bridge shippers, rival railroad crews would sabotage each other in order to hold its territory. Americans were enchanted with the 'iron horse.' In 10 years railroad promoters got 33 million acres across the people's land. In fact additional grants came to 155 million acres or one-ninth of what was the entire nation's land area.
"In planning the railroads, Indian rights were ignored, and 31 million buffalo were slaughtered in Kansas alone.
"In 1863 the State of Kansas got the odd numbered sections of land for ten miles each side of a projected railroad and the railroad got the other.
"The railroad, west and south, intercepted thousands of cattle grazing grounds. For twenty years herds of cattle were driven to Newton, Wichita, Dodge City, Kinsley, etc., to be loaded.
"Even with free land it took capital to build a railroad. Counties voted money, towns voted land and cash for terminals, and individuals invested $400 or $500 apiece to start grading.
"A village of 100 people would float a bond for $50,000 to get a railroad--a train or two would go over it and soon there would be 1000 people. Business would boom, real estate prices soared--farms started and everybody won.
"The Santa Fe was late in getting started, but in 1871 work started from both ends, that is from Topeka to Atchison. It was completed in 1872.
"At that time, trains ran by smoke and headlights. The crews kept Winchester rifles handy. Besides drunken cowboys shooting up the headlights and raiding lonely depots, Indians and prairie fires plagued the new railroads.
"The trains had no vestibules on their passenger cars. Conductors and brakemen leaped from one car to the next car. There were no lavatories. Coal stoves heated the cars in winter. Before 1873 you brought your own lunch.
"There were no track fences. It was cheaper to pay half the value of the livestock hit, than to build fences.
"The fabulous part the Santa Fe and other railroads played in the settling of this country is almost forgotten.
"Before the railroads moved in, only a few thousand people were in the territory.
"In a few short weeks, with a railroad--the population doubled and trebled.
"The men who built the first railroads were young New Englanders. They spent $50,000,000 with no money misspent. The 'Work Train' which laid out the railroads was a 'Town on Wheels.'
"Laying of the rails was like a military operation: First there were: Surveyors—locators—graders—bridge builders, next an army of men placing ties—laying track—spiking down the rails—ballasting—completing the road.
"Along the line just completed came a train of long boxcars, a town on wheels. Next came loads of ties--rails—spikes, which were thrown off the side.
"A light horse-drawn wagon or cart, was loaded up and went forward, one on each side of the tracks. They laid four rails to a minute; goal was one mile a day.
"Each camp looked like a town.
"Another camp would be established 140 miles or so west. In a new camp would come, knocked down, buildings, tents, wooden sidings and entire roofs.
"These were 'Hell on Wheels' for the vilest of men and women, gamblers and desperadoes made up these settlements."
November 05, 2013
Come see us at the bazaar!
The Valley Falls Historical Society will be represented at the Fall Community Bazaar Saturday, Nov. 9, in the Valley Falls High School gymnasium.
The society's booth will offer for sale its 2014 historical society calendars and other memorabilia and application forms for engraved memorial bricks.
The museum downtown will be open from 10 a.m. to noon only that day except by advance arrangements.
The society's booth will offer for sale its 2014 historical society calendars and other memorabilia and application forms for engraved memorial bricks.
The museum downtown will be open from 10 a.m. to noon only that day except by advance arrangements.
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