Santa Claus in Jefferson County

  From the Nortonville News, Dec. 18, 1891

Dropped from the Clouds.

                        The Moon, Dec. 17, 1891.

To: A.J. Perry & Co.,

Nortonville,

            Earth.

Gentlemen:—Please notify the public that I shall take pleasure in holding “High Carnival” at your establishment during the coming week. If my stock of goods holds out it will be quite necessary for all Good Boys and Girls to have very large and long stockings hung up on Christmas Eve.

            Yours as Ever,

                        Santa Claus.

 

From the McLouth Times,
Dec. 11, 1891

From the Oskaloosa Independent, Dec. 17, 1892

Headquarters, 1892.

Dear Children:—Having spent several days in Oskaloosa this week, examining the different stocks of Christmas goods, I have decided to make my headquarters at Johnston’s Drug-store. I do this on account of the better railroad facilities they enjoy, having a direct line of railway running right into their store, and an unlimited line of everything to please everybody, both old and young, and I desire everybody to go there for their Christmas presents. Yours truly,

                        Santa Claus.

 

From the Valley Falls New Era, Dec. 24, 1892

Santa Claus (the spirit of good cheer and giving) will make his appearance at the Christian church Saturday evening (Christmas Eve). Elaborate preparations are made to receive him. A snow house and crystal grotto are being prepared for him and for the delight of the eyes of all who come.

 

From the Valley Falls New Era, Dec. 14, 1895

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be at the Congregational Church Dec. 20^th with a beautiful line of dressed boy and girl dolls also other articles useful and ornamental. Admission 15 cents including supper and entertainment.

 

From the Advocate, Meriden, Kansas,
Dec. 17, 1890

From the Oskaloosa Independent, Dec. 31, 1887

Christmas at Leaverton

Mr. Editor, will you allow me a little space in your columns to say a word or two with reference to the Christmas entertainment at the Leaverton school house on last Saturday evening?

A beautiful tree was planted in one corner of the room, loaded with gifts and making a grand display, while in the opposite corner was a platform for the children.

The exercises consisted in singing, prayer, and addresses by the two ministers present, and addresses, recitations and declamations by the children and young people, all interspersed with song. To say that the song service and the exercises of the children was all good, would not be saying enough; they were simply grand. The Kindergarten exercises were new, and faultlessly rendered by the children.

At the proper time Santa Claus made his appearance, and the gifts were distributed. Great credit is due the teacher who drilled the children, the officers and teachers in the Sunday school, and all the people in the neighborhood, for planning and executing such an entertainment.

            L.D. Price

At the Leaverton school-house they had a fine time on Christmas eve, as will be seen by the report elsewhere. A purse of nine dollars and a fine cake was presented Elder Price, and a cake was also given Rev. Mr. Lawless. The cakes were made by Mrs. Morrow, the material being contributed in small lots by the Sabbath school children—a novel idea.

 

The Threshing Crew, 1881

By Clara Agnes Luse Koenig, from the Luse Family History

The following is an excerpt from the Luse Family History and journal kept by Clara Agnes Luse Koenig, daughter of Allen Timothy Luse and Maria Allen Luse. Allen and Maria Luse came to Kansas in 1859, settling near Mound City, Linn County. They then moved several times in and around Jefferson County.They moved to a farm near Winchester in 1863, then to Nortonville in 1891. This was submitted by Linda Lloyd Kaiser, granddaughter of Clara Luse Koenig, Great Bend.

1881: This is the year my father and brother Charlie bought a threshing outfit which consisted of a separator and a ten horse power unit. This meant that the ten horses turned the power unit that turned the separator that threshed the grain. The power unit consisted of a circular middle section of machinery, cog wheels, etc., from which extended five removable levers to which the five teams were hitched. A platform was placed over the center machinery on which the driver stood with his long whip keeping the teams moving steadily around in a circle. A long rod was attached to this cogwheel machinery, near the ground, and was extended to other cogwheels on the separator. This was called the tumbling rod and was in sections. Driving the teams was a dizzy job as the platform on which the driver stood kept turning as the machinery turned and after hours of steady work relief was necessary.

Drawing of a horse-powered thresher from a French dictionary
(published in 1881) from WikiMedia Commons.

Bundle wagons brought the grain to the separator and tossed them onto the band shelf at the front end where a man with a band cutter, a large sharp knife, cut the bands on the bundles and shoved them over to the feeder. The man feeding the machine had to pull the bundle apart and feed it evenly into the feed cylinder for if too large a bunch was fed in, it might clog the cylinder and cause delay or even a break in the machinery. As the grain passed through the machine, the kernels were threshed out, the straw was carried on through and into the straw carrier at the back end. This carrier was an endless belt of canvas the full width of the machine, operated by a belt that moved it up and out. The grain flowed into a covered box and downspout on the side of the separator into receptacles. Father spread a canvas on the ground and then set his half-bushel measure under the spout to catch the grain. Father kept tally of the number of measures of grain on a tally sheet. When they threshed at home, I stood near Father and held a grain sack open so he could pour the grain in. All our grain was sacked, as grain-tight wagons were few and we had none. The straw carrier was stationary so there had to be pitchers there to pitch the straw away and build a stack. It was a very dusty job with chaff getting all through their clothes and the men all fought shy of being on the straw stack. It usually took three to handle it. It was a slow process all the way through and took thirty or more men to do the work. Father, Charlie, Will, Frank (brothers of Clara) and Jim McClure, a neighbor, was the crew that went along with the machine. Frank was band-cutter, Will was feeder, Father tallied and Jim was driver on the horsepower. Charlie was relief man to keep the machinery running or on errands.

There were not many threshing outfits around as they were quite expensive so they traveled all around over the country from early July until October. Separators were huge clumsy affairs and required two teams to move them, especially over rough roads that were common at that time. Moving from one job to another was quite a process, special care being taken in crossing bridges or fording small creeks. They had many funny experiences as they traveled from place to place threshing. The farmers’ wives had varied reputations as to feeding threshers and it sometimes took considerable ingenuity to make a job terminate or last long enough to get to a certain place for the next meal. The crew stayed with the machine all week, coming home for Sunday if there wasn’t repairs to make on the rig. 

The Rumely company was known for steam-powered threshers.
Photo from Jefferson County Genealogical Society Library.

One family was noted for being slack and dirty about the house, so they had a hard time getting threshers to come there. Finally Father couldn’t get out of it any longer and had to go there. They had quite a lot of grain and they had to stay for two nights. The boys insisted on sleeping out on the straw stack, but Father was the big boss and must have the courtesy of sleeping in the house. Well about ten minutes after he went to bed he found he was not alone, in fact a whole regiment of company had moved in to dine on him. He fought and killed relentlessly for a couple of hours then gave up, put on his clothes, stole out of the house and joined the boys on the straw stack. There was considerable activity around the house the next day and that night when Father was refusing to sleep indoors, they insisted strongly that he sleep inside so he finally went in to bed. He found the room had been thoroughly cleaned and not a bed bug showed up that night. It rained that night and the boys had to forsake the straw stack and sleep under the separator.

Horses thresh wheat in Denton, North Carolina.

The wife of the wealthiest farmer in the community was the stingiest provider and they hated to eat there. Threshing is hard work and the men always have enormous appetites, but one time she gave them mush and milk for dinner. Another time when they were eating, she came in with a pie and said, “Pie, pie, anyone want pie, if you don’t, I won’t cut it,” and never giving anyone a chance to say anything took it back to the kitchen.

It was always hot at threshing time and with a wood stove going in the kitchen they often set the table out in the yard where there might be some breeze. Then it took a couple of little girls with peach tree switches to shoo the flies off of the table during dinner. It took a mountain of food to appease their hunger and pies were stacked three deep on a plate and cut in quarters for a serving.

 

Horse-powered threshing on YouTube

Get updates about the 2020 McLouthThreshing Bee, September 18-20.

The McLouth Threshing Bee website has event information and updates.

This article appeared in “Yesteryears” in October 1985.

Soldiers Re-Union

From the Valley Falls Register, September 2, 1887

The annual Re-Union of the ex-soldiers’ and sailors of Jefferson county was held in the city Park of this city on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Though a little threatening in the morning, the weather proved desirable, and by noon a large crowd had arrived. Early in the morning flags and bunting were displayed profusely along the principal streets, and in various parts of the city — it was dressed in holiday attire and the visitors felt at home as soon as they beheld the cheering colors of the red, white and blue. The crowd grew and grew, reminding many of a 4th of [July] celebration. The city park had been put in order. A row of white tents, 600 feet in length, fringed two sides of the beautiful and umbrageous park, making a strikingly pleasing contrast with the heavy foliage of green. The tables 100 feet long were spread, an immense kettle, 40 gallons, of bacon and beans were cooking, and the prospect for a feast, and a patriotic flow of soul was pleasing. At noon the Parade was formed at the City Park headed by the Oskaloosa band in their fine new uniforms, and marched down Carolina street to Maple, thence up Broadway to the Park. About 60 old soldiers, the Nortonville band and Zouaves and a number of children were in line besides the Oskaloosa band.

 

U.S. flag, 1887

Capt. L.H. Gest was Commander of ceremonies and shortly after the parade sounded the “call” to order and entered upon the program.

Mayor Crosby delivered the address of welcome in a feeling manner and Dr. J.W. Balsley, of Oskaloosa happily responded. Then came dinner, and a royal feast of bacon, beans, hard tack and coffee was indulged in. Great squads of beans were attacked and some of the comrades had to be actively supported, being very nearly repulsed by overwhelming members. However, the old heroes came out victorious as usual, the beans all being taken prisoners. The exercises at the stand were then continued, and by speeches, music, social conversation, all had a general good time. Rev. Biggs, Hon. G.W. McCammon, Rev. Hill and Rev. Young and Mrs. Wood made short and interesting speeches. Adjourned to 8 p.m. A big crowd assembled to hear the Camp-fire exercised, and for two hours or more were variously entertained. About a dozen comrades talked, and told of their experiences in the army and were greeted by applause in every instance. Of those who responded we mention: Edwin Snyder, Dr. W.H. Lemon, Geo. Davis, W.C. Fowler, J.M. Puderbaugh, Col. Ritter, A.P. Reardon and Wm. Turner. The grand chorus sung several army and patriotic songs, and the Oak St. orchestra rendered some fine selections. At the conclusion of these exercises the officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:

President, Dr. J.W. Balsley; Secretary, Geo. Davis, both of Oskaloosa.

At the session Thursday morning, the old soldier’s seats were well filled and Rev. Hurburt made an address, which was followed by several toasts and responses of an interesting character, and every thing passed off highly satisfactory.

RESOLUTION OF THANKS

Whereas, The Cornet bands of our neighboring cities, Oskaloosa and Nortonville, have favored us with their presence, valuable service and excellent music, during the County Re-Union, therefore be it 

Resolved, That Staffored Post No, 225 of Valley Falls, Kans., hereby tender its heartfelt thanks for the interest manifested and will long cherish their memory, and be it further, 

Resolved, That this resolution apply in full force to all who have assisted us in making this Re-union a success.

W. D. Fowler, G. W. McCammon, com.

At noon an adjournment was reached.

NOTES:

• It was a gala time.
• The bacon and beans were excellent.
• Many were disappointed in not hearing Capt. L.A. Myers speak.
• Everybody spoke in high complimentary terms of our fine city park.
• Dr. Lemon was inspired to make a big talk, after the singing of “Marching through Georgia,” which is a special theme of his.
• The Oskaloosa band, musical organization, of which the citizens of that town should be proud, was an especial feature of the Re-union, and they agreeably serenaded many places of business during their visit. The editor of the Register returns thanks for a serenade visit they paid his residence, where they rendered two fine selections from their large repertoire.
• Col. Ritter in sten’orian tones said he thought the soldiers should be better paid.
• Though a queenly, bright moon shown resplendent, electric lights would have added to the beauties of the park at the camp-fire. Some of the comrades spoke in obedience to orders, especially when the corporal brought ’em in.
  
• The singing of “Beans, Beans” to the tune of “Sweet Bye and Bye” brought out the camp-fire cheer.
• Stafford Post No. 225, G.A.R. did a flourishing business at the refreshment stand.
• Mr. Turner thought the boys and girls should be taught lessons of patriotism.
• Most of the speakers favored forgetting the dead issues of the war; but the sentiments of loyalty and patriotism, never.
• Mr. Snyder read a plaintive appeal from a veteran of N.Y., who has been poverty stricken for eight years.
• Rev. Young was too young to go to war, but gave the boys an amusing talk all the same.
• Most of the townships in the county were represented.

  

  "Der Zouave," Van Gogh

• The Nortonville “Zouaves” attracted much attention with their red toboggans.
• Over 100 old soldiers registered their names.
• A circle of about 20 ladies, of the G.A.R. was formed at the hall.
• Rev’s Geiger and Wade officiated in the openings by prayer.
• So many friends and visitors attended the Re-Union that we could not “list” them all in our paper.

This story appeared in “Yesteryears” in April 2012.

Baseball — 1879

From the Valley Falls New Era, August 2, 1879

Last Monday afternoon the Nortonville base ball club, the Comets, played the Valley Falls Clippers a matched game in this city, and they com-it over the Clippers quite easily. Both clubs made a nice appearance on the ground and quite a number of men, women and children witnessed the game. The Clippers wear blue pants, striped stockings, white shirts and white caps. The Comets wear white stockings, red pants and white shirts. The game was played without the least bit of ill feeling among the players, and although some of our boys were out of practise and did miserable playing there was no complaining nor grumbling on the ground. Our catcher, Mr. Robt. Weiser, did some very excellent playing and were our boys in practise we would have a good base ball nine. The Comets should award much of the credit of their victory to their Captain, Mr. Fawble, who is the life of the nine. Mr. Trower of Winchester, umpired the game impartially and promptly. The score stood Comets 38 — Clippers 15.

This story appeared in “Yesteryears” in October 1986.

Motorcar Regulations

Regulating Speed and Operation of Automobiles

From the Oskaloosa Independent, May 6, 1910

The Legislature of 1903 passed a law regulating the speed, operation and equipment of automobiles, but the law is not generally observed. Some persons drive their cars as suits their pleasure or convenience, with little regard for the rights of others. The greatest danger from reckless driving is to small children who wander out into the streets, and are unable to appreciate the danger.

The law provides that every automobile shall be equipped with bell or horn and lights, and that these lights burn from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise. No automobile shall be run at a speed exceeding 20 miles per hour outside the limits of the thickly settled or business part of any city or town, and not exceeding 10 miles per hour within the thickly settled or business part of any city or town. In meeting or passing teams, if they should appear frightened, the driver shall reduce the speed, and if signaled by the driver of the team, proceed no farther, but remain stationary as long as necessary to allow the team to pass. Upon approaching crossings the driver of the automobile shall run at a rate of speed less than that specified and not greater than is reasonable, having regard to the traffic and use of the intersecting ways.

Cities have power to regulate and control speed and use of automobiles by ordinance.

Persons violating this law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not exceeding $100.

This story appeared in “Yesteryears” in April 1983.

Signal Code

From the Nortonville News, September 10, 1915

A “sane signal code” has been adopted by a number of automobile clubs in the East and already the attention of Kansas motorists has been directed toward it. The code, motorists believe, will revolutionize traffic. The code provides one blast of a motor horn or signal by the motorists for “straight ahead,” two for a stop, three for a turn to the right and four for a turn to the left. The plan is designated to become general thru-out the country so motorists away from home may not be annoyed by unfamiliar traffic signals and regulations. All police, pedestrians and motorists would then understand the simple code.

This story appeared in “Yesteryears” in October 2007.

Probate Court Item

From the Valley Falls New Era, June 15, 1916 (copied by Jeff Laird)

City Marshall Sturgeon of Oskaloosa, made quite an array of arrests last Monday evening. All told five parties, including one young lady, were arrested for running their cars without tail lights. Tuesday morning they appeared before police judge Leach, assessed a fine of $1 each, with no costs. This being their first offense he was somewhat lenient with them. The people are beginning to realize that Mr. Sturgeon means to enforce the city ordinance governing the running of cars within the city limits and those who have been of a different opinion had better change their minds mighty quick.

This story appeared in “Yesteryears” in October

Nortonville, 1882

From the Oskaloosa Independent, October 7, 1882

There is probably greater lack of information among the citizens of this county about Nortonville than about any other town in the county. It has grown so rapidly that it has outstripped all calculation, and now stands third, probably, in point of population among the county towns. We confess we were much surprised a few days since when, after an absence of some three years, we again looked in upon our neighbors. They have grown in that time from a score or so of straggling houses to a well built town of, it is claimed, 700 inhabitants; and the new clean look of its buildings, its four spires of churches and school house, and the life and energy of its business men, all strike a visitor very favorably indeed. A town ought to grow, though, when it is surrounded by such a magnificent country and so many solid, well-to-do farmers as is Nortonville.

Santa Fe depot, Nortonville, Kansas

To get an idea of the size of the place, we asked a few questions of our friend John Taggart, who knows everybody and whom everybody knows in that region. John began there when, if we remember aright, there was not another building to keep his company, and he has remained to see three church buildings, a commodious school house, two hotels, a livery stable, mill, steam elevator, two lumber yards, two general stores, a drug store, a drug and grocery store, two milliners, two butchers, as many tinners, harness makers, blacksmiths and shoe-makers — all those and never a saloon.

The M.E., the Presbyterian and the United Presbyterians have churches and the Christians, or Campbellites, are talking of building. There are four Sunday Schools. The Odd Fellows is the only secret order, and they have a hall.

In the school there were 120 scholars enrolled and more coming in, with M.J. Foster as principal and Miss Lillie as class assistant.

This comparatively new town that is doing such a lively grain and lumber trade on our northern border, is 17 miles from Atchison, on the A.T. & S.F., 10 miles from the Falls, the same from Winchester and 16 from the hub — Oskaloosa.

Rev. A.S. Embree is pastor of the M.E. Church, and during our visit was in Indiana, whither he had gone to be united in marriage to Miss Mary Cooper, of Stockwell — and may their lot be a happy one. Rev. F.E. Sheldon is pastor of the Presbyterian and Rev. Jos. Alter of the U.P., while Elder Brown of Emporia preaches for the Campbellites.

We took occasion while there to visit the mill of Hart & Worswick, the latter being our former well-known citizen, Ed. L. Worswick. Under Mr. W.’s management this mill is rapidly growing in popular favor and its flour finding a ready market in the surrounding towns. The mill cost, all told, about $7,000, has two wheat burrs and one for corn, and is running day and night to fill orders.  The flour is made by the patent process and no poor wheat is used. Increased facilities are to be added to the mill to meet its growing business.

Altogether, with its mills, its lumber yards, grain buyers, and active business men, we came to the conclusion that Norton is a good town and bound to grow.

This story appeared in “Yesteryears” in April 1992.