Newsletters 2017-01
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TheJACKSONIANA quarterly publication of the Jackson County Historical Society, Holton, KansasVol. 39, Issue 1 January 2017 8 pagesANNUAL MEETINGJanuary 28 1:00 pmRoebke Memorial House216 New York Avenue HoltonNomination and election of officers,2016 review and 2017 planningIn case of inclement weather,tune to KNZA ROYAL VALLEY PROGRAM:EMMA CUSHMAN DARLINGFor our October 29 program, seventh graders (now eighth graders) Luke Boyden,Colin Caviness, and Colin Everts demonstrated how they conducted original research, even contacting France and Greece embassies to verify information about their subject, Emma Darling Cushman, for the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes 2016 Discovery Award. Members attended the presentation at Royal Valley Middle School, Mayetta.The project started when their instructor, Nathan McAlister, attended a training seminar and came across a library catalog file card (most of you readers are old enough to remember those) with the name Emma Cushman Darling, medals she received and her death before receiving her due credit.Cushman, born in New York in 1863, saved thousands of orphans during the purge of Armenians after the Great War (now labeled World War I) broke out. A nurse by training, Cushman stayed in central Turkey to help run the American hospital after all foreigners were ordered toleave. Her title was “Acting Consul of the Allies and Neutral Nations.”Starting in 1915, the Ottoman government carried out the systematic extermination of 1.5 million Armenians in what became known as the Armenian Genocide, leaving countless children orphaned. Cushman began rescuing Armenian orphans off the streets, placing them in safe homes and eventually her hospital.Pictured (left to right) Colin Caviness, Colin Everts, and Luke Boyden with their $7,500 award along with their instructor, Nathan McAlister. Photo courtesy of Lowell Milken Center. (story continued next page)The Jacksonian Jackson County Historical SocietyDuring the course of their investigation, thestudents discovered that Cushman is buried in an unmarked grave at the American Cemetery in Cairo. Because of their Unsung Heroes Project, they were given the honor of writing the inscription forEmma’s headstone by the Committee to Restore the American Cemetery. The students chose the title of their project for her inscription: Emma Darling Cushman: A Light In The Darkness.The students were awarded $7,500 as the grand prize. Each student kept $2,000 and donated the balance of $1,500 to the school to help fund the projects class, which is a class designated for students who excel in history to work on special projects, such as this documentary. To read more about this project, see this link: https://lowellmilkencenter.org/emmadarlingcushman/Thanks to Layne and Jim Hunley, pictured below, for provided refreshments at our October meeting.THANK YOU to these members for donations, gifts and/or supporting memberships: Kristi Adams, Mary Bernd, Jack Cooney, Denison State Bank, Ed Gerhardt, Neva Heiselman, Floye Knouft, Clarence and Lorna Pfeiffer, Karen and Dean Stous and Anna and Virgil Wilhelm. Holton, Kansas January 2017 2OUR OWN "UNSUNG" HEROESCongratulations to Emily Jane Stoll and Margaret Utz, longterm Jackson County Historical Society volunteers, for their selection to the Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame. They, along with other honorees Mike McManigal, Drs. Ernest and Roy Moser (deceased) and Lenamaye Williams (deceased) will be recognized at the February 2 banquet. Tickets are available at the Chamber office and all main banks.Both Emily Jane and Margaret were country school teachers and both became heads of their households early in life with their husbands' untimely deaths. The society is fortunate, though, that both decided many years ago to devote some oftheir volunteer hours to us: Emily Jane, mainly at the museum, and Margaret, mainly at the Roebke House, although theirefforts flow together more often than not. Emily Jane devoted years to organizing ourresearch materials, always helping those intheir quest for family history or answering questions about Jackson county history. Margaret's talent lies with the fashion end of our collections whether that be knowing the era, how an item was used or cleaning and restoring it. Both women have stories that cover the past century (using their recollections of another generation) and those have been invaluable to us.Lenamaye was a member of our society who helped at the museum, donated items,and volunteered at our luncheons and garage sales. We miss her.These three ladies join a long list of societymembers who have been honored over theyears at this event. If you can attend, you will be treated to a delightful evening.The Jacksonian Jackson County HistoricalFROM THE EDITORWe gratefully acknowledge our other past and present members who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame: Scott Foster, Ross and Betty Moser, Marlin White, Robert Brown, Neva Heiselman, Roger and Cindy Hower, Gary Bell, Dr. Joel Hutchins, Anna Wilhelm, George Gantz, Francis Jensen, J. Richard Lake, Cathleen Reed, Roy Hale, Bill and Debra Brown, Brad Stauffer and Joe and Dorothy Rogers. We would not exist without these volunteers.For those of you receiving this newsletter via postal mail, a 2017 membership form isenclosed if we have not received your dues. If you have already mailed your dues, thank you.Jackson County Historical Society216 New York AvenueHolton KS 664367853642087 or 7853642316Incorporated April 1979https://sites.google.com/site/jchsks/homeEmail: jacohistsoc@gmail.com“Preserving the Past...to Serve the Future”Published quarterly:January, April, July, and October Dues Schedule: Individual $30Family $50; Supporting $100Business $100All positions are volunteer. There are nopaid board members or staff.President Suzette McCordRogersVicePresident Erich CampbellSecretary Sharon BeamanTreasurer – Evelyn AllenDirectors Kathy MickLayne HunleyVerlin WichmanEditor Anna WilhelmSociety Holton, Kansas January 2017THIS & THAT3Suzette McCordRogers is most appreciative of all the cards she has received. She plans to be home from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas by the time you read this. Her reports are good, and she is looking forward to helping again.The nominating committee of Evelyn Allen and Anna Wilhelm is submitting these names for 2017: President Layne Hunley; VicePresident Steve Banaka; Secretary Sharon Beaman; and board member Cathleen Reed, 20172019 term. TreasurerEvelyn Allen continues in her three year term and board members Kathy Mick and Verlin Wichman continue with their terms. Incoming president Layne Hunley has appointed these members to the Program Committee: Barbara Bausch, Judy Arnold and Ed Gerhardt. Layne will meet with them prior to our January meeting to help line up our 2017 programs. Thanks to Margaret Utz, Mary Schulz, VeraHinnen and Anna Wilhelm for the museum window displays this winter. November featured WWI; December, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"; and January February, winter trapping. Thanks to these people for loaning us various items for the displays: Erich Campbell, Verlin Wichman, and Mary and Eric Schulz.The scholarship committee (Karen Stous, Sandee Morris and Dr. Joel Hutchins) is reviewing the scholarship essays now. Report from Nancy and Fred Coombs: The historical marker (John Brown highway sign) was quite easy this year native plants set deep roots, some are spreading seeds in the surrounding area. We mostly had to remove nonnative weeds on the asphalt paving around the raised bed.The Jacksonian Jackson County Historical Society100 YEARS OF EVENTS IN TOWNOF CIRCLEVILLEThe Jackson County ClipperThursday, 1 June 1961Written by Mrs. Emma GlickHaving been a resident of Circleville all of my life which is nearing 80 years, have been requested to write a few reminiscences of our home town and the neighboring community. According to history handed down and printed in The Holton Recorder, March 14, 1935, the townof Circleville was first named "New Brighton". But the name was changed in 1866 when the Myers and Cook families moved here from Circleville, Ohio. Since that all happened many years before my time, I am only hoping to recall some of theinteresting things I do remember or dates gathered from others who have some recorded history during the past years.The town was incorporated in 1888 and M.H. Roller was the first mayor; Thomas Chenoworth, city clerk and W.S. Jackman, Police Judge. I think Mr. Jackman was alsodepot agent at that time.Even at that early date, Circleville had an active Masonic Lodge and of its history the citizens may well be proud, since it is No. 20, A.F. & A.M. (Ancient Free and Accepted Masons) in Kansas. The lodge was organized while Kansas was yet a territory. The Civil War took some of the active members into service, causing the community to be without a lodge from October 18, 1863 to June 1866. With renewed interest of its active members, a charter was granted to Lodge No. 20, October 17, 1866: First Worthy Master being William Chapman. In 1870 C.A. Oursler built the stone store, which at present is occupied by Willard Hill hardware [301 Grant]. An upper room was Holton, Kansas January 2017 4made available for the Masonic Lodge and with the exception of a few years, the Lodge No. 20 has always occupied this building.Former location of Masonic Lodge (stone building on the left). Building on the right was a cafe for many years. Both of these buildings on Grant Street are currently vacant. Photo: Courtesy of Kansas Film Commission, 1998.In October 1945, the Masons bought the building and in a short time the Lodge will celebrate their 100 years. The old store building has withstood the changes of time and history and is one if not the only one ofthe first buildings built in Circleville. The Circleville Chapter of O.E.S. (Order of Eastern Star) was organized in May 1907 and in 1957 they celebrated their 50th anniversary with appropriate ceremony. They were happy to honor their first WorthyMatron, Mrs. Laura Hogg, now living in Fayette, Idaho, and J.O. Roller of Circleville, first Worthy Patron in 1907.The Modern Woodmen (M.W.A.) organizeda lodge in Circleville and for many years they enjoyed much active fellowship. In 1897 the Woodman Lodge sponsored a picnic on August 1 in the grove just west of town. The picnic was a decided success and drew such a large crowd, people of miles around looked forward to the annual picnic on August 1.The Jacksonian Jackson County Historical SocietyIn 1899 R.N.A.(Royal Neighbors of America), Auxiliary to M.W.A., was organized and only recently has their recorder, Mrs. Daisy Biggart, resigned after40 years of faithful service. I believe it is safe to say that during the years 18881918 Circleville enjoyed an era of progress.The small town had plenty of business and the store keepers enjoyed a good trade.The first two stores that I can remember were in the west part of town, one owned by J.B. Farnsworth, which was located on the property now owned by Mrs. Elsie Wade. The residence, recently rebuilt by Mr. and Mrs. Wade, was the Farnsworth home. The other store was owned by Willard King. When the Northwestern Railroad came through, the King store was bought by M.H. Roller and a new and larger store was built one block further east. [101 Lincoln] This store was owned and operated by the Roller family for many years. Some of the clerks whose names I recall were Lafe James, Bud Pope, Charles Robinson and Ernest Hogg. Myrtle Roller was head clerk and bookkeeper as long as their business lasted.The C.A. Oursler store located in the stone building which still stands, enjoyed the trade of general merchandise over a large territory. The Pottawatomie Indians came regularly to the store, hitched their ponies at the hitching racks across the street and it was not uncommon to see a little papoose strapped to its board and against the side of the store while the parents did their trading. Zara Brown, John Deck and Will Meeks were a few of the early clerks. Meeks became quite a linguist and understood the Pottawatomie language, thus making it much easier for them to find their needs. Holton, Kansas January 2017 5Among other places of business was the old flour mill located near the banks of Elk Creek, west of the property now owned by Ralph Hamlin. [101 Mill] The millers whom Iremember first were Thomas Washington and Henry Stanley. After their retirement the mill was run by H.K. Streeter, who moved his family here, and they were residents of Circleville many years. Circleville enjoyed the business and accommodation of two railroads for many years: the L.K.&W., which was a branch of the Union Pacific and was built possibly in 1879 or 1880; the other was the K.C.N.W., which was a branch of the Missouri Pacific,making a direct line from Kansas City, MO, to Beatrice, NE. There were stockyards adjoining each depot and many hundreds of cattle and hogs were shipped each month of the year. Philip Claypool was the buyer and shipper I remember best.Part of Circleville 1921 plat showingrailroads at southwest corner of town. Circleville boasted three elevators and extensive business in buying and shipping of grain was done each year. In the fall there were hundreds of bushels of apples hauled to town, graded by men who understood quality, packed in barrels and shipped to Eastern markets. The first large elevator that I can remember was built on the railroad rightofway south of the N.W. depot. Mr. H.M. Cake came here from Sedalia, MO to operate the elevator. Mr. The Jacksonian Jackson County Historical Societyand Mrs. Cake had three daughters whom Mr. Cake liked to call his cookies. They lived in the property now occupied by BarryElliott. After Mr. Cake's death the family returned to Sedalia and Fred Dymmock became manager. Later C.C. Conner moved his family to Circleville and managed the elevator, which business he followed until he retired an account of poor health.Farming was carriedon extensively andcorn and smallgrains the principalcrops. Corn wasshucked by hand and it was not unusual to see a line of 15 or 20 wagons with side boards each holding 50 or 60 bushel waiting to be weighed at the elevators. Theother elevators were the Roller elevator and the Midland Elevator which was the near the LK&W depot.Circleville had three hotels: the Hanson House, where Don Ash Sr. now lives. [403 Grant]; the City Hotel located on the cornereast of the present cafe and the Windsor Hotel located where Don Ash's garage nowstands. [201 Mill] The latter hotel was doinga good business under the management ofMr. and Mrs. Homer Heathman when a fire took the building and contents in a few hours time.Other businesses in the small town were a tin shop where Joseph Meeks made all kinds of tin utensils. Shoe shops under the efficient hands of Mr. Kelly or Mr. Bordner kept soles on the shoes and often the workwas done while the boy or girl waited before going to school. There were two busy blacksmith shops, one located on the street south of the present garage. There the work was done by Arch Baxter, who was no relation to our present barber, Emmett Baxter, who is the last of his line. Holton, Kansas January 2017 6The other blacksmith shop was located on the corner onehalf mile west of town, and the man who made the anvil ring was Morton Fish. They owned the home and lived at the foot of the long hill and until recent grading and road construction, it was called "Fish Hill". [J Rd and 254th Rd] Later blacksmiths whose names live in the memory of many Circleville citizens were Emmett Anders and Will Bailey, each maintaining a good trade as long as their health permitted.In the wintertime when the old "Fish Hill" was covered with snow and maybe a thin coating of ice, it furnished many evenings of merriment for the young people and theircoasting parties. It was then the sound of sleigh bells was common during the winter and perhaps no music was sweeter than tohear two or maybe three sleighs with their silvery bells on a quick stepping team coming over the hills. We learned to distinguish the tones of the different bells, and it was "Fisher Stauffer is coming down the road, or John Davis and Will Wall, both are coming. I hear their sleigh bell."Other winter recreation was ice skating, enjoyed by all who owned a pair of skates. The young men would gather some Saturday and a dam was built across the creek [Elk] perhaps a quarter mile south of the present bridge. [The "present" bridge was replaced sometime after 1970.] There was another reason for building the dam, for it was here ice was obtained to fill the ice house for commercial needs. The blocks of ice were sawed by hand, packed in deep layers of sawdust until the ice house was filled.Circleville once had a thriving creamery, in 1898 owner and operated by George Bowser. The farmers owned many large dairy herds and the milk was hauled in to The Jacksonian Jackson County Historical Society the creamery early each morning. Many people visited the creamery to see the wonder of cream being separated in a separator and later being churned into veryfine butter. It was here the well packed ice from the ice house came into use to aid in cooling the tubs of butter and preparing same for shipment.The Circleville school holds a very bright spot in my memory for it was in the stone school house I received my education. It was built for a Methodist Seminary in the northeast part of town [corner of Seminary and McKinley] in 1858, a building 40 x 50 ftin dimension and cost approximately $8,000. It was two stories high and in later years was divided into four class rooms. After the building of the present Methodist Church in 1880, the school district No. 16 took over the building, and it was in use until the present building was built in 1911. There were many large families in the community, and children walked to school and carried their lunch in tin dinner pails. The old school bell rang promptly at 8:30 and again at 9 a.m. Sometimes the schoolrooms were full to capacity, but the children acquired a fair education by the time they finished the 8th grade. We had spelling school occasionally, and it was a happy boy or girl who could "spell down" allthe others and stand undefeated. Also on Friday afternoon, twice a month, we had our Literary Programs with debates, etc., which we learned to enjoy. And some of our happiest recollections center around the occasional visits to the Pleasant Valley Lyceums, where the school house [7206 Hwy K16] was always packed and local talent furnished the entertainment.The churches of Circleville have ever been a comfort and inspiration to everyone who makes Sunday a day of rest and devotion. Holton, Kansas January 2017 7There were three churches (Methodist, Reformed and Christian) in town for several years. The Methodist Church was built in 1889; the Reformed was located on the corner lot east of the present home of Mr. and Mrs. Dale Askren. [402 Grant]. Their membership was small and later services were discontinued. The majority ofthe members united with the Methodist Church, and the balance went to Holton. The people of Circleville have been privileged to hear many fine ministers. Families walked to church, and the seats were usually filled for morning and evening services and very few complained of being too tired to attend. When the nights were dark, a lantern was carried to light the way for the mile, two miles or maybe three miles home. The names of some of the old and faithful members of the Methodist Church whom I remember were Mrs. Lucy Taylor, the Henry Stanley family, Ben McCart family and his mother Mrs. Tamsy McCart, David Myers, Albert Chamberlain family, John Deck family, Israel McComas and family, John Deardorf family, all living in the country. In town were F.C. Nuzman, C.A. Oursler and family and Mrs. Flora Campbell, C.C. Little, Dr. R.B. Taylor and many, many others whose names my space will not permit me to name.The Christian Church [506 Grant] was built in 1889, and Mr. James Young was the head carpenter. Oss Roller was a small ladat that time, and he had the honor of lifting the first spade of dirt for the beginning of the church. The early members of the Christian Church were the Granville Eaden family, Wiley Pruett family, Wilkerson family, Spencers, Popes, Martin Wilkinsons, M.H. Roller family and the Ennefer family.The Jacksonian Jackson County Historical SocietyNeighbor women made many friendly visitsand quilting or sewing carpet rags served as entertainment for the day. The carpet rags were wound in large balls and later sent to Mrs. Malinda Kell, who wove many nice rag carpets for Circleville and surrounding community. Special Days were celebrated by making the day a holiday, and I recall the impressive service which was held on Decoration Day, which usually began about10 a.m. The G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) gathered in a body for the march to the cemetery. The Circleville band was there in full dress to accompany them. Of that band I recall the names of the following members: Will Bailey, Harry Bailey, J.E. Moore, Aaron Myers, Sanders McComas, Brick McComas, Ed Kelly, Ed Heathman, Bob Lewis, Aaron Niswander and Jim Hagg. The G.A.R. in their army blue followed immediately behind the band.Then a group of little girls in their best white dresses carried baskets of flowers which were placed on the soldiers' graves, which were previously marked with a small flag. After the march around the several graves, the band played patriotic numbers, a short program followed and was closed with prayer by a local minister. The trip back to town was made a little faster, for a fine basket dinner provided by the W.R.C. (Woman's Relief Corps) was served usually in the old band hall [Lincoln Street].It was about 1899 or 1900 Circleville had the first telephones, and John Evans installed a telephone exchange. It was not long until people began to accept the pleasure and convenience of the telephone, and the "hello" girl was kept busy.The automobile was introduced in town about 1908, the first one belonging to Dr. H.F. Carver or C.C. Conner. Holton, Kansas January 2017 8In 1930 a destructive fire in Circleville dealta blow from which the town never fully recovered. In the lapse of a few hours the Nuzman hardware and lumber yard, C.C. Little Drug Store, the band hall, barbershopand shoe shop [all in the 200 block of Lincoln Street] were consumed by the flames. It seemed almost unbelievable the Methodist Church was spared but besides the frantic efforts of men who came to give all the help they could, a change of wind carried the falling embers and flames awayfrom the church.A grocery store and locker [201 Lincoln Street] now occupy the site of the Nuzman Hardware, and it is presently in the hands of Kenneth Bontrager whose congenial business accommodation has him a place among the townspeople.The small town has lapsed gradually into the machine age, and the tractor has crowded out the faithful team of horses. Large trucks go to the farms and haul the grain or stock to the markets in St. Joe, Topeka or Kansas City. Likewise delivery trucks from the city furnish the stores with fresh bread daily from a city bakery, fresh vegetables, ice cream and cola. The radio and television have brought great pleasure to the present age and and a short form of education to the growing youth.Circleville put in a water system in 1959 and now nearly every home enjoys modernconveniences.Asked if one would like to go back, we honestly say "no", but it is good in the still quiet hours of the night or when one is alone, to let one's thoughts go back and recall good times, friendly faces and count our blessings.