1872-1885 Winfield Noted Residences

1872
Winfield Messenger, July 19, 1872.

Mr. C. A. Bliss is building a fine residence southeast of the M. E. church.

Winfield Messenger, August 30, 1872.

C. A. Bliss has the finest residence in the county.

Winfield Messenger, October 25, 1872.

The first brick house in the county is being built in Winfield.

[Note: Paper did not state who was building the first brick house. However, I suspect they were referring to the residence of C. A. Bliss. MAW]

Winfield Messenger, October 25, 1872.

We took a turn through Mr. Bliss' new house a few days ago, and to our surprise, found the inside the best arranged of any we have been into in Winfield. We would give a description of it, but for that we will wait until it is completed.

[Coverage by Messenger ceased soon after. Never did get a description.]
[NOTES OF A TRIP TO KANSAS: W. GALLAND.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 7, 1873. Front Page.

[From the Bolivar Free Press.]
The town of Winfield, in point of business, character, and style of its buildings, will compare favorably with most of our towns in Missouri of the same population and many more year's growth. Many of the private residences are stylish, and expensive; among the best of these is that of the home of our friend and entertainer, C. A. Bliss.

Excerpt...

[NEW YEAR RECEPTIONS.]

Winfield Courier, January 1, 1880..

Mrs. C. A. Bliss, at her residence, corner of 10th and Fuller Sts., assisted by Miss Allie Bull and Miss Celina Bliss.

Winfield, Courier, April 19, 1883.

Mr. C. A. Bliss has sold his residence opposite the Court House to Elbert Bliss for $4,500.

The first Mrs. Bliss passed away, at which point Bliss sold their house to Elbert Bliss. The following reflects that he had another home with his second wife...

[WINFIELD BOOMS.]

Winfield Courier, April 10, 1884.

Three Hundred New Homes Going Up and More Contracted For.
The beautiful grounds of Capt. John Lowry, Col. J. C. McMullen, J. L. Horning, M. L. Read, C. A. Bliss, J. C. Fuller, Mrs. Platter, and many others are beginning to show themselves in all the glory which "Gentle Annie" can bring to bear and are still receiving some improvements. A man will walk a long piece out of his way to see such houses and grounds. Most of these grounds are completely irrigated by our system of waterworks. Such homes are as good examples as can be found in the state of what money and energy, when united with good taste, can do. The places are pictures and will grow more beautiful each year as the trees and shrubs increase in size. Such homes educate people and show the possibilities of Kansas soil.

1873
Captain E. Davis' Residence.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.

Capt. Davis [E. Davis, Co. C, 4 Mo. Vol. Cav.] is building a residence on the west side of town.

Winfield Courier, April 17, 1874.

Capt. E. Davis, who, with his estimable lady, has been sojourning in St. Joseph, Missouri, for the last six months, has returned to town, and gone straight to work beautifying the grounds in and about his elegant stone house.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1874.

Mr. S. P. McKelvey, who headed the "farmer's excursion" from Illinois, a short time ago, writes to the Clinton, Illinois, Register, concerning Kansas and Cowley, as follows.

Arriving at Winfield, I met Captain Davis and wife, and after being shown through their magnificent stone house, which was brilliantly lit up, displaying elegant furniture and all the comforts of a pleasant home, I could hardly realize that I was in "bleeding Kansas."

1873
Captain John Lowery [Lowry] Residence.
Note: There is some doubt about the spelling of last name. Courier often referred to him as "Capt. Lowry." At other times the name appeared as "Lowrey." MAW

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 4, 1873.

On Saturday morning we went to Winfield expecting to meet our brother farmers and spend the day socially with them, comparing notes of crops, profits, losses, experiments, etc. We hoped to take by the hand our friend, Renfro, and inquire after his horses and colts; to ask Mr. Cochran as to his corn crops in the valley and on the uplands; to congratulate Mr. Stewart and Capt. Lowery on their fine improvements and with them much happiness in their new residences . . . .

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 25, 1873.

The finest job in stone-cutting yet out is a chimney for Capt. Lowery's new house. The stone are solid hollow joints; being put together with cement joints.

Winfield Courier, April 17, 1874.

The new stone house of Captain Lowery is now ready for occupancy, and is one of the finest and most complete residences in the county. We would be pleased to see more such residences built this summer.

1874
Rev. James E. Platter Residence.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1874.

To Builders.
BIDS will be received until Wednesday, April 30th, for the erection of a brick dwelling house in Winfield. The building is to be 26 x 32 with a one-story wing 14 x 14. Plans, specifications, and conditions of contract at Curns & Manser's. J. E. PLATTER.

Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.

Rev. James E. Platter has let the contract for building his new residence to Messrs. Stewart & Simpson for the sum of $3,700. Had Mr. Platter searched the country over he could not have found more able, honest, and energetic men to build his house than the firm of Stewart & Simpson. Life-long contractors and builders, they are just the men to build quickly, cheaply, and well.

Winfield Courier, June 5, 1874.

One of our painters has been called to Winfield to paint Rev. Platter's new house.

Arkansas City Traveler.

Winfield Courier, August 28, 1874.

The new house of J. E. Platter is enclosed, and presents a very neat appearance. It is undoubtedly the handsomest residence in the county and is a credit to the builders, the owner, and to the city.

Winfield Courier, October 22, 1874.

Old reliable Capt. Monforte is putting the finishing touches on the graining in Rev. Platter's new residence.

Winfield Courier, October 29, 1874.

Rev. James E. Platter has moved his family into his new brick residence.

Winfield Courier, November 5, 1874.

FRIEND COURIER: I write you from the office of the Coffeyville Courier. It is a smart paper, published by Chatham and Scurr. Chatham is a nephew of Judge Ross of your town.

There are larger business houses here than in Winfield, but no private residences to compare at all with Rev. Platter's, Capt. Davis, or Capt. Lowery's.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 6, 1876.

The present population of the city of Winfield is about 800 on an area of 200 acres. It has 221 buildings among which the most prominent are the Courthouse, built in 1873 at a cost of $12,000, of brick with a showy belfry and cupola, probably the best courthouse in Kansas, costing no more than it did. The residence of J. E. Platter ranks next in value but first in beauty, built in 1874 of brick, ornamented cut stone, costing $8,000.

1874
M. L. Read Residence.
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.

Forty acres of land from the farm of W. W. Andrews and adjoining the town site on the north is being laid off into town lots preparatory to being made a part of the City of Winfield. The addition embraces the residences of M. L. Read, T. A. Wilkinson, E. B. Kager, Dr. Graham, N. C. McCulloch, and J. J. Ellis, and will be one of the prettiest portions of the City.

Winfield Courier, May 18, 1876.

Banker Read is spending lots of money and displaying good taste in the improvements upon his residence property.

Winfield Courier, March 15, 1877.

E. S. Torrance and family are keeping house at home in the cottage north of M. L. Read's stone mansion--or soon will be.

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1877.

Read and Robinson have laid out a new addition to Winfield on the southwest.

Winfield Courier, February 7, 1878.

The city council recently extended the city limits to include Fuller's, Manning's, and Read's additions.

Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.

M. L. Read has been adding to his dwelling house some modern conveniences such as are not often found outside of large cities. The home is thoroughly supplied with water from a tank above, and the rooms are furnished with stationery wash bowls.

The improvements of most consequence are an automatic steam heating apparatus and an automatic water supply for the boiler. The heating apparatus is of the newest style and most convenient form. It consists of a boiler which runs a steam radiator in each room of the house, including the bath room. The radiators are small and take up scarcely any room, being of small size and standing close against the wall. The boiler will carry 120 pounds of steam, but only five pounds are necessary to thoroughly heat the house. The boiler can be set to carry any amount below 120 pounds, and the temperature is always kept between certain degrees by the automatic arrangement.

When set at five pounds, the pressure can never get above that weight nor below three pounds. When the pressure reaches above five pounds, it closes a draft below the fire and opens a valve above; and when it reaches below three pounds, the operation is reversed, the valve closing and the draft opening. The boiler is furnished with an automatic supply of water from the tank above, a certain quantity shutting off the supply and a certain lesser quantity opening the supply.

The fire magazine is filled only twice in twenty-four hours; there is no danger anywhere; there can be no freezing in the water pipes and the temperature is always between certain comfortable degrees. Mr. Read has about as near an automatic regulation of his household affairs as one could wish. All he wants is an automatic booster, run by clock work, to bounce him out of bed in the morning, and he has the acme of bliss. Of course, he might have a steam transfer arrangement for carrying hot buck-wheat cakes to his mouth while he reposes in bed; but this would be too soft a thing for Mr. Read, who is known not to be lacking in energy when occasion requires.

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1884.

M. L. Read has put in pipes, transferred his windmill to the Brick & Tile Works, and is now getting his water supply from the waterworks. M. L. Read and J. L. Horning have also taken down their windmills and are getting water from the same source.

1877
Hon. Judge Colbert Coldwell Residence.
Winfield Courier, August 30, 1877.

The Hon. C. Coldwell, and his son, N. C. Coldwell, late of Texas, were admitted to the bar. The Judge comes to us with an honorable reputation as a man and a lawyer, having served with distinction as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Texas. He, with his amiable family, consisting of his lady, son, and three beautiful young lady daughters, are a great social as well as intellectual acquisition to Winfield.

Winfield Courier, September 13, 1877.

Judge Coldwell's new residence is assuming an imposing appearance.

Winfield Courier, October 18, 1877.

Judge Coldwell's large new residence is nearly completed.

Winfield Courier, February 28, 1878.

Hon. Colbert Coldwell, until recently one of the associate justices of the supreme bench of Texas, has removed to this town and located near Mr. Fuller's place, in the eastern part. His mansion is completed and occupied. It is built after the good old southern style, with high ceilings, grand old halls, and wide verandahs, and an interior finish massive and imposing, suggesting the ancestral halls of history whose occupants were in the royal line.

The Daily Winfield Courier, Saturday Morning, May 11, 1878.

The residence of Judge Coldwell was, last evening, the scene of one of the most enjoyable social parties ever held in Winfield. The elegant parlors were filled to overflowing with the "youth and beauty" of our city. The company were entertained by the Misses Coldwell as only persons from the "sunny south" can entertain, and will long be remembered by our young folks as one of the most pleasant affairs of the season.

1878
Winfield Courier.
MILLINGTON & LEMMON, PUBLISHERS.
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1878.

J. Hoenscheidt is the architect employed by J. C. Fuller, M. L. Robinson, Jay Page, the Misses Aldrich, E. P. Hickok, C. Farringer, and others in the erection of their new residences. These residences will be built in modern style, to combine symmetry and beauty with convenience and stability, and will cost from two to seven thousand dollars each; hence the propriety of employing a first-class architect.

Winfield Courier, February 28, 1878.

[From the Kansas City Journal of Commerce.]
Mr. J. C. Fuller is building a mansion in the eastern part of town. It is a frame with brick veneer--a style new to Kansas, but in successful use in Northern Illinois and Wisconsin for the last ten years. It is elegant in all its appointments and will be supplied with hot air furnace, water, baths, speaking tubes, and all modern conveniences.

The interior will be finished with walnut and ash, and the grounds will be handsomely ornamented with terraces and fountains.

M. L. Robinson has chosen the southwestern portion of town for his residence, and is building a stately mansion upon an eminence which commands a landscape of surpassing loveliness. The building has only recently been commenced, but the designs according to the drawings of the architect are elaborate and costly. A large force of workmen are engaged and the pleasant weather is being improved.

A short distance south of this, and far enough removed from the heart of the town to give it a suburban air of quiet and seclusion, Col. McMullen has decided to build his home. This also can only be seen on paper as yet, but the contract has been awarded and the material is being delivered. The design is no less extensive than the others, and in some respects shows a more elaborate style of architecture.

Too much cannot be said in praise of Mr. John Hoenscheidt, the architect, and Messrs. Ray and Randall and Mr. W. B. Gibbs, the joiners, for the eminent taste and skill displayed in these buildings, which challenge comparison with any in the state.

Among the business houses now building or just completed are a brewery, a two-story brick billiard hall, a foundry and machine shop, and Manning Hall, a two-story brick block, 60 x 100 feet, the lower story for stores. Two handsome iron bridges have also spanned the Walnut River since my visit last fall, making three bridges across the river within a mile of town.

1878
M. L. Robinson Residence.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.

Mr. M. L. Robinson sold his house place to Dr. Emerson. He will now improve his reserved block in the southwest part of town. We expect to see a residence there next spring that in magnificence will eclipse everything else in Southern Kansas.

Winfield Courier, January 31, 1878.

Winfield Courier, February 21, 1878.

The foundation for M. L. Robinson's new house is almost completed.

Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.

Work is progressing rapidly on the residence of M. L. Robinson, Esq. The roof has been put on the back part of the house and the walls of the front part are almost done. When complete, this will be the finest residence southwest of the state capital.

The Daily Winfield Courier, Saturday Morning, May 11, 1878.

The largest paving stone we have seen in town was recently delivered at M. L. Robinson's new stone residence. It was 10 feet wide, 16 feet long, 8 inches thick, and white, almost, as marble. It was brought into town by three yoke of oxen and was delivered in nice shape. The quarries east of town will be hard to beat in any state.

Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.

M. L. Robinson's palace residence is nearly completed. He has got his gas works to work beautifully and has bid coal oil "good bye."

Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.

M. L. Robinson's residence is nearly completed, and is one of the most magnificent structures in the Southwest.

Winfield Courier, October 3, 1878.

Mr. M. L. Robinson and wife have gone to Kansas City to purchase furniture for their new house which is nearly completed.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 2, 1879.

The following is a list of new buildings erected in the city of Winfield since January 1, 1878, with the name of owner and cost of building.

M. L. Robinson, residence, cut stone: $15,000.
[Paper showed that the total cost of buildings was $180,200. It stated 201 were erected.]

Winfield Courier, April 10, 1879.

On Friday evening last week the young people assembled at the residence of Mrs. M. L. Robinson and a most delightful evening was spent. An elegant supper was served at ten o'clock, after which the tables were removed and the dining room given up to dancing, which was kept up until a late hour.

Winfield Courier, July 31, 1879.

The depot of the C., S. & S. F. railroad at Winfield is located three blocks south of M. L. Robinson's residence.

Winfield Courier, September 23, 1880.

A very fine and successful lawn party, for the benefit of the Ladies' Library Association, was held at the residence of Col. M. L. Robinson, last Thursday evening.

Winfield Courier, May 5, 1881.

Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson entertained about 75 of the young folks, both married and unmarried, at their pleasant residence last Friday evening. Singing was rendered by Miss McDonald.

Winfield Courier, March 23, 1882.

A Few Improvements.
One of Winfield's crowning glories is her beautiful residences and snug, comfortable homes. Nothing is more indicative of permanency and prosperity than these and nothing shows more strongly the character of her people. This spring and summer many beautiful lawn improvements will be made, and Mr. Barclay has already on the road a car load of piping and several large fountains and windmills which will be put up in the yards of many of our best residences. Mr. Horning will put up a windmill, have water pipes laid over his grounds, and a beautiful fountain put up in the yard. M. L. Robinson intends putting in extensive improvements of the same sort, and many others will as soon as possible have appliances for watering their lawns and running fountains. Before many summers our city will be noted far and wide for its beautiful homes, as it now is for its sidewalks and brick blocks.

Winfield Courier, April 27, 1882.

The Ivanhoe Club met Tuesday evening at M. L. Robinson's residence. After the program M. L. threw open his elegant parlors and for two hours the young folks had a jolly round of dancing and promenades.

Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882.

On last Thursday evening Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson entertained a large company of their young friends at their elegant residence, which they have been fitting up with new paper of a very beautiful and expensive pattern. Having the carpets up in the parlors, it was considered a good time to give a party and take the opportunity to indulge in a dance. The evening was just the one for a dancing party, for although "May was advancing," it was very cool and pleasant, and several hours were spent in that exercise, after which an excellent repast consisting of ice cream, strawberries, and cakes was served, and although quite late the dancing continued some hours, and two o'clock had struck ere the last guest had lingeringly departed.

Winfield Courier, June 22, 1882.

M. L. Robinson has his windmill in running shape and will now proceed to irrigate his grounds.

Winfield Courier, August 17, 1882.

Mr. M. L. Robinson has spent a good many hundred dollars on his grounds this year. His grounds are completely irrigated by their own system of water works. These grounds are so extensive that they should be worked under the direction of a landscape gardener, and M. L. is the man to have it done.

Winfield Courier, September 21, 1882.

Mr. M. L. Robinson has purchased a new phaeton, built a new iron fence around his residence, treated his family steed to a new set of harness, and shows reckless extravagance in the recent purchase of a new black necktie. We always supposed M. L. would try to live within his income.

Winfield Courier, November 23, 1882.

M. L. Robinson is making some changes and improvements in his residence.

Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.

CARD. THOS. H. ELDER, PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON, Winfield, Kansas. Office at home, on Mansfield Street, fronting M. L. Robinson's residence.

1878
Col. J. C. McMullen.
Winfield Courier, April 11, 1878.

Col. McMullen is improving his place in the west part of town preparatory to building a fine residence.

Winfield Courier, April 25, 1878.

Notice the call for sealed proposals for work on the palatial residence of Col. McMullen.

Winfield Courier, April 25, 1878.

Sealed Proposals.
For the carpenters', plumbers', and roofers' work the residence building to be built for J. C. McMullen, at Winfield, Kansas, will now be received by the undersigned, at whose office the plans and specifications for the same are now ready for inspection.

JNO. HOENSCHEIDT, Architect.
Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.

The foundation of Mr. J. C. McMullen's new residence is complete. Work on the house will be commenced at once. The entire cost of the house will not be less than ten thousand dollars.

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.

The residence of Col. J. C. McMullen, when completed, will be one of the most convenient houses in Southern Kansas. It is lighted throughout with gas, having jets in every room, from garret to cellar, is heated with hot air, and the system of warm and cold water pipes is equal to any we have ever seen. It is a credit to the city, as well as a monument to the enterprise of one of Cowley's oldest and best citizens.

[Note: Items picked up by RKW do not compute with newspaper facts. He had the following, gathered up from who knows what! MAW]

J. C. McMullen started construction in 1879 of a brick home at 509 West Ninth, Winfield, Kansas. It was rumored that this caused a dispute between McMullen and Fuller inasmuch as McMullen borrowed J. C. Fuller's house plans and the completed home, finished in 1880, was larger than Fuller's home. The McMullen family moved in and lived there until Col. George W. Miller (of the 101 Ranch) purchased the house from McMullen in 1888. When the Miller family moved to the ranch in Oklahoma, they sold the house to the J. W. Hiatt family, whose descendants owned the property until 1998.

1878
J. C. Fuller.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1878.

The city council recently extended the city limits to include Fuller's, Manning's, and Read's additions.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 25, 1878.

[Special Correspondence Kansas City Times.]
WINFIELD, KANSAS, APRIL 10. Winfield is the county seat of Cowley County. It is situated on the Walnut River, about fifteen miles from the south line of the state. It contains a population of sixteen hundred people. It is one of the best and most prosperous towns in Kansas. The streets are crowded with teams, and the entire appearance of the place gives evidence of life, thrift, and prosperity. There are a large number of residences in process of erection, many of which are fine, commodious buildings, among which may be mentioned the house of J. C. Fuller, banker, which, when completed, will be one of the best in the county.

Winfield Courier, October 23, 1879.

Mr. J. C. Fuller has completed the plans for his new barn, which will be 30 x 30, in the most modern style of architecture, and fitted up with a special idea for convenience. It is to be lighted with gas.

1880
J. L. Horning Residence.
Winfield Courier, February 12, 1880.

'76 Horning has purchased part of the Jim Hill Block on which to erect a residence.

Winfield Courier, August 5, 1880.

Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Horning, assisted by their niece, Miss Emma Heimbaugh, entertained their many friends last Tuesday evening at their beautiful new home. There were between seventy and eighty guests, who reluctantly left at a late hour, all expressing themselves as having spent a delightful evening.

Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.

J. L. Horning some weeks ago conceived the idea of heating his house by steam. Today he is warmed up by the realization that the whole business is an entire success, and at a very trifling expense compared to the amount of heat received and the fuel expense attached. In addition to heating his house, he has arranged a Turkish bath room for private use in which there is no trouble to run the heat up to 185 degrees. "76" is one of the men who believe in enjoying life with all its comforts and blessings, and never begrudges a dollar spent in that direction. Telegram.

Winfield Courier, December 30, 1880.

76 Horning now has his house heated with steam. He uses a low pressure engine at the expense of half a gallon of water and three hods full of coal per day. While the original outlay is considerable, yet when done, the cost of fuel is the least of any other plan.

Cowley County Courant, February 16, 1882.

J. L. Horning is adding a valuable improvement to his residence property, in the shape of a windmill, which will be completed before long. This is one of the best improvements a householder can make who does anything towards gardening.

Cowley County Courant, March 2, 1882.

PROGRESS DUE TO FRANK BARCLAY.
For a long time it was Winfield's proud boast that it was the best sidewalked town of its size in the West; and for the past year, she has claimed without dispute, to have more miles of flag stone sidewalk than any town in the state, regardless of size or age. And now we come forward with the claim that Winfield has more steam, water, gas pipe, and general plumbing than any town of equal population in the state, and back our claim with the following figures.

On the first of January, 1882, there were in the public and private buildings of the city in round numbers:

13,000 feet of steam pipe;

11,400 feet of water pipe;

8,000 feet of gas; and

1,600 feet of sewer pipe.

TOTAL: 34,000 FEET OF PIPING.

Of this amount the Brettun House has over 15,000 feet.

The principal business houses on Main Street and several private houses are lighted with gas, by machines with from fifteen to one hundred burners.

In addition to the public buildings, there are ten residences supplied with hot and cold water throughout, with copper or galvanized iron water tanks, stationary washbowls, bath tubs, waste pipes, etc.

Among these fixtures there are all told, nearly one hundred marble slab basins, costing from fifteen to thirty-five dollars each.

The Brettun House, COURANT office, and the residences of M. L. Read and J. L. Horning are heated by steam, the two former by high-pressure boilers and the latter by low-pressure boilers.

For such a large amount of plumbing for a town, without gas or water-works, Winfield is principally indebted to Mr. Frank Barclay, who came here about four years ago, and under whose supervision nine-tenths of all the above work has been done.

Cowley County Courant, April 13, 1882.

Some of our citizens, among whom are Sam. Myton, M. L. Read, J. L. Horning, Robinson, and others, are not going to have their yards dried out anymore, nor take chances on being burned out by a fire. They are having windmills put up and making extensive private water works improvements around their premises. Frank Barclay has just received the piping for the completion of these works.

Winfield Courier, March 23, 1882.

Winfield Courier, August 17, 1882.

Many a man will walk a block out of his way to see Mr. Horning's house and grounds.

Winfield, Courier, April 19, 1883.

Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Horning entertained a house full of friends at their fine residence in the southwest part of town last Friday evening. There were a merry set of guests, who enjoyed the occasion immensely and adjourned with the impression that their host and hostess were the nicest people in the world.

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1884.

Winfield Courier, December 11, 1884.

Mr. J. W. Johnston has commenced the erection of a handsome residence on the corner of 10th Avenue and Mansfield Street, opposite J. L. Horning's residence.

1884
The following article reflects changes in Winfield with respect to houses and local business establishments. Am printing the entire article as many of the noted residences are mentioned in this lengthy description of "boom" in Winfield...MAW

[WINFIELD BOOMS.]

Winfield Courier, April 10, 1884.

HOW WE BOOM!
Winfield the Prettiest and Most Substantial City in the West,
And Still the Work of Improvement Goes On!
BRIEF MENTION OF WHAT OUR ENTERPRISING CITIZENS ARE DOING.
Three Hundred New Homes Going Up and More Contracted For.
We have been listening to the din of the carpenter's hammer and watching new houses rise in every direction throughout the city until our curiosity to know just who were doing all this work knew no bounds. On Monday afternoon we mounted a mustang and made a tour of the city, ascertaining as far as possible as we went along, the names of those citizens who were building, improving generally, and spreading themselves in harmony with the bright aspect of everything around them. In riding over Winfield, especially at this season, when nature has begun to assume her robe of velvety green, you are struck with wonder at the number of really beautiful homes, and the wonder increases when you consider in what a short time all this has been done.

In turning the corner back of Lynn's store, the first thing which met our gaze was a lawn sprinkler throwing the silver-sprayed water from our water works system on the beautiful blue grass in the grounds of J. P. Baden's residence. Mr. Baden's home and surroundings are being made very attractive--in fact, that whole street north is noted for its neat homes. The grounds of D. Berkey, H. Brotherton, J. Wade McDonald, and others exhibit taste rarely excelled.

Mr. C. Collins, of the livery firm of Vance & Collins, has the foundation up for a handsome residence on his quarter block on the corner of Mansfield Street and Ninth Avenue. This place has many trees, is close to business, and will make a good home.

A. H. Doane has about completed, just opposite his residence on 9th Avenue, a roomy tenant house, for which he had a renter almost as soon as the foundation went up. Several other houses are being built, for rent, in that vicinity.

On the corner of 12th Avenue and Mansfield Street, Fred C. Hunt has almost ready for occupancy a neat frame residence. He has been setting out trees and will soon have one of the pleasant homes of the city.

Mr. A. E. Noble, late of Iowa, has erected a fine residence containing eight rooms, on West 12th Avenue, and John Craine was slashing on the mortar on its interior at a lively rate.

Just south of Mr. Noble, a residence is being built by J. R. Hyden, another newcomer, while a block west, Mr. Henry Forbes and others were found busily engaged in building a house for John Reynolds.

Jerry Evans, in the same neighborhood, has surrounded his house with a good fence and is making other improvements.

Sam Gilbert has recently repainted and otherwise improved his residence property. Sam has one of the most commodious and handsome residences in the city.

Way down on 14th Avenue, near the Tile Works, Mr. N. D. Walaver, who came from Missouri a few weeks ago and purchased the Snider property, is building a cottage tenant house, fencing in his residence, and expending considerable money in improvements.

Mr. Marsh Sidle, on Loomis Street south, has put an addition to his house, set out trees, fenced his property, and is making a very neat home, while just across the street Sol Burkhalter is building a two story addition and showing characteristic enterprise.

At the south end of Loomis Street, Mr. C. H. Kingsberry lately built a house, which he sold to an Illinoisan for $900 before he got it plastered. He has bought lots adjoining and has the foundation in and the lumber on the ground for a very good cottage, for which a dozen renters have already applied. A. C. Hitchcock, late of Iowa, is doing the mason work.

Just south of this a Mr. White has erected a dwelling.

On South Millington Street, Mr. Ely has almost finished a good two story frame dwelling, and in a few blocks north, M. L. Hollingsworth, with a number of mechanics, is at work on a $1,500 house for J. E. Nudaly, from Indianapolis this spring.

Prof. Hickok will erect immediately a fine residence on his South Loomis Street block. The Professor has been steadily improving this place until the trees, shrubs, and blue grass make a fine show. He has a row of catalpas, of several years growth, around the entire block.

Mr. A. Herpich has lately bought a quarter block in this neighborhood and is putting out trees, fencing it, and preparing the place for a fine residence.

Just across the street from Prof. Hickok's, Mr. H. N. Jarvis, who came from Denver last fall, has about completed a $3,000 residence, is sowing grasses, and is planting many varieties of trees. He will have one of the valuable homes of the city.

The Frazee Bros. are building the third new house for this spring in the Loomis addition, all very good. One has been already sold at a good figure and the other two will be occupied by them for residences.

M. G. Troup's residence property on South Millington Street has been receiving recent improvements in the way of paint, trees, and grasses.

Mr. Gabriel Robins, of Morgan Co., Ind., who purchased the Shields property on South Main Street, has added additions, new paint, and is making a home, as he expressed it, in which to spend the remainder of his days.

Our colored friends are not behind in improvements. John Matthews is putting up a nice little four room cottage on South Main in which to keep his young bride.

Charley Bahntge is happiest when improving. He is adding a story to his fine residence, has put up a good barn, and will have, when completed, about as pretty a place as the town contains. His shrubs and trees are set with great taste.

A. T. Spotswood is utilizing the waterworks to the great advantage of his handsome lawn. Mr. Spotswood has one of the neatest and most desirable homes in the city. Everything about it exhibits great care.

Mr. George Ordway has nearly completed a large addition to his already pleasant and commodious home.

J. W. Arrowsmith, our city assessor, is erecting a dwelling on his quarter block on East 11th Avenue. He is arranging the grounds in a manner which would indicate a fine home in a few years--as soon as nature has time to spread herself.

Just across the street, Mr. Crowell has recently built a neat house, surrounded it with a picket fence, and is getting things in shape for a pleasant home.

On the quarter block west Frank Raymond has the foundation up and will soon have finished a neat dwelling.

S. H. Rogers is digging a cellar for a residence on his lots on 10th Avenue east, is plowing the ground, and civilizing things generally.

W. B. Hall, another man recently from Democratic Missouri, has bought lots in the Courier Place and has a good house under headway. F. J. Pierce was putting on the paint Monday. Mr. John Wells, recently from Indiana, has also built a $2,500 house in the Courier Place. D. R. Laycock has one nearly finished. This plat was a year ago bare prairie, but it won't be much longer until everyone of the twelve quarter blocks will have a good house on it and be occupied by a family.

H. H. J. Johnson is another man who is building a good house in this neighborhood.

The beautiful grounds of Capt. John Lowry, Col. J. C. McMullen, J. L. Horning, M. L. Read, C. A. Bliss, J. C. Fuller, Mrs. Platter, and many others are beginning to show themselves in all the glory which "Gentle Annie" can bring to bear and are still receiving some improvements. A man will walk a long piece out of his way to see such houses and grounds. Most of these grounds are completely irrigated by our system of waterworks. Such homes are as good examples as can be found in the state of what money and energy, when united with good taste, can do. The places are pictures and will grow more beautiful each year as the trees and shrubs increase in size. Such homes educate people and show the possibilities of Kansas soil.

Irve Randall is becoming quite a property owner. He is now building two houses on east 9th Avenue, from each of which he will realize about twenty dollars per month as rentals.

In the same block, Jim Fahey has under headway a $2,000 residence, and just across the street another good house, the name of whose owner, like those of dozens of other houses which are going up, could not be found out by the quill driver.

Dan Maher has just repainted and otherwise improved his three fine houses on 8th Avenue, east.

In this vicinity are houses being built by D. R. Laycock, Noble Caldwell, Dan'l Dicks, E. and I. Crane, John Wheeler, and a dozen or two others. Almost every lot has a new house, or a foundation for one, on it.

One of the best houses on east 8th Avenue is that of A. G. Wilson, which is now receiving the plaster and paint. It is two stories high, with six or eight rooms, and is worth upwards of $3,000. He has run water-works pipes into the grounds and will occupy the place for a residence.

Dick Gates is just completing a $1,500 house in this neighborhood, while on east David Dicks has placed on the lots adjoining his home a neat tenant house. Just across the street, Mr. J. Jolly, who landed from Indiana two weeks ago, has purchased lots and has nearly completed a pretty four roomed cottage.

It seems that a majority of these buildings are being built by newcomers. Mr. L. Colburt, late of Carroll County, Missouri, is expending a thousand dollars or more in a new house on 6th Avenue, and across the street Mrs. M. A. Gay is also putting up a dwelling.

We found Henry Noble with spade in hand and perspiration on his brow setting out trees on his quarter block on 8th Avenue. The foundation is up and the lumber on the ground for a good house. On 9th Avenue, nearby, Mr. Ed. Huntley, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, has a residence in course of erection.

On the same avenue, T. C. Copeland, M. Hahn & Co.'s head clerk, is setting out trees of all kinds, smoothing up the grounds around his new house, and making one of the neatest places in the city.

Near the mounds, N. J. Lundy has a fine residence on his five acre tract nearly ready to move into. This will make a pleasant suburban home.

Mr. Mowry has just built on 7th Avenue a good dwelling and has moved into it, and a few yards distant J. M. Rennick has built an addition to his house.

The tract near Manny's brewery is filling up rapidly with good houses. E. H. Gilbert has just finished four houses for rent in addition to a residence for himself, all of which were rented before a nail was driven, one of them at $20 per month for a boarding house.

In the same neighborhood houses are being built by Jim Nichols, Tom Johnson, and W. J. Andrews, all neat and good.

On 7th Avenue east, Charley Steuven and Harry Morton have new houses recently finished.

Jack Heller [?Hiller?], on the same avenue, has been improving his home until it is hardly recognizable. Additions to the house, repainting, a good fence, and other things, make it a very desirable place.

Geo. Hudson's three houses on corner of 7th Avenue and Millington Street have been repainted and enclosed with neat picket fences. And, by the way, nothing sets off a place better than a nice fence. It is like a pretty dress on a pretty woman.

Mrs. F. C. Halyard has bought lots in the Howland Addition and is building a good residence.

All this building and improvement is not confined to residences, but Main Street and adjoining avenues are receiving their share.

The cellars for the McDougall buildings are nearly finished and about twenty or thirty men are busy on different parts of the work.

Geo. and Will Hudson have purchased the Miller building on South Main for $3,500 and will finish it up immediately. They have already had applications from renters.

On Ninth Avenue opposite the Courthouse, Senator Hackney is putting up three suits of law offices, one of which will be occupied by himself as soon as completed.

S. H. Myton will commence, as soon as men can be got to do it, the excavation for a large two story brick and stone business house for his own use, on his corner opposite Lynn's store. The plans indicate that this is to be one of the best buildings in the city.

The neatest real estate office in the city now is that of H. G. Fuller & Co. The building they recently purchased on Ninth Avenue has been fitted up anew, artistically painted, counters put in, the floor covered with matting, and everything arranged very tastefully. They moved in Tuesday.

Mr. Wheeler, who recently started a second carriage factory, on 8th Avenue, has been extending his buildings until they now assume large proportions.

Mr. James Kirk has been putting another story on his grist mill back of Lynn's and is putting in machinery by which he can grind wheat as well as corn. Heretofore he has been grinding corn exclusively.

The Christian Church is receiving the finishing touches to its interior, the seats have arrived and services will be held in the new building about the first of May. The perseverance of the members of the Christian Church is about to be crowned with as pleasant a place of worship as any one could wish for.

The storerooms of Dr. Mendenhall and Mrs. Blair are being entirely finished up this week, and we understand that they will be occupied immediately.

Curns & Manser have bought of Judge Ide the lot south of the Torrance-Fuller buildings, for thirty-five hundred dollars, and will erect thereon a fine brick office.

The gas pipes are being distributed along the streets. The holder, retort, house, and purifying rooms are also being pushed rapidly forward. The company expect to be able to turn on gas within sixty days.

Sid Majors is having the old Williams House Building fitted up in first-class style for a hotel, to be christened after the one which gave him popularity in days gone by, "The Central." He will open out in a few days.

The busiest place we have yet seen is the brick and tile yards of the Winfield Stone, Brick & Tile Company, on South Menor street. About twenty men are there employed making improvements and brick. The yards have been fenced and carpenters are busily engaged making "dryers." They are getting in shape to turn out a quarter of a million brick per week. The switches to the Company's stone quarry are now being put in. An office for the Secretary, J. E. Conklin, is being fitted up on the brick and tile yards.

Of course, it was impossible to ascertain the names of all persons who are building and improving, and if we did, our space would not permit their mention in this issue. We have mentioned only the best residences being constructed, and came far from getting all of those; it would take a solid week to hunt up the name of every builder. A careful count of the buildings going up and just finished, revealed fully three hundred; it looks pretty big, but any sceptic can convince himself by taking the pains to count them, as we did. On these buildings are employed a small army of mechanics, and the demand and wages are such as to bring in more on every train. All this expenditure of money shows great confidence and prosperity. Everything indicates that this will be the biggest year, all around, that Cowley has ever seen.

1885
John A. Eaton Residence.
A FINE RESIDENCE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 25, 1885.

[Note: Paper states "Corner of 9th Avenue and Menor Street.]
Mr. John A. Eaton, of the Farmer's Bank, has broken the ground for a family residence on the corner of 9th avenue and Menor street. The plans indicate that it will be one of the handsomest residences in the city. It is on the Queen Anna style of architecture, three stories, commodious apartments, and will be finished with much taste and beauty. Mr. Eaton says he is building this home to die in--the last one he shall ever build, being determined to spend his remaining days here, and means to construct it with all the conveniences of a model home.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 25, 1885.

[Paper this time said corner of Mansfield and Ninth.]
John A. Eaton has commenced to sling dirt for his new residence on the corner of Mansfield street and Ninth avenue, running some ten or twelve teams.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.

[Now the paper states corner of Ninth and Menor.]
John A. Eaton's new residence corner of 9th Avenue and Menor Street, is progressing rapidly. Messrs. Warner & McIntire are the contractors. It is modern in design, convenient, and handsome. It contains fifteen or more rooms, with statuary arches and fine embellishment. It will represent about twelve thousand dollars and make one of the city's handsomest and most creditable residences.

[John A. Eaton Residence.]
[Note that this time they state southeast corner of 9th Avenue and Mansfield Street.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.

John A. Eaton's new home residence, on the southeast corner of 9th Avenue and Mansfield Street, will be of modern Eastlake style, bordering on the Queen Ann. It will contain twelve rooms on the first and second floors, with pantries, closets, cupboards, and book cases built in the house. The front hall and stairs will be of the latest designs, and will be one of the most pleasing features. Verandas and balconies, artistic dormers, gables, cresting, and slate roof, and stained glass windows, etc., will make the exterior of one of the most modern stylish residences in the west. The building will be finished in first-class style throughout, and will cost, when completed, about $10,000.

Note: Eaton had Willis A. Ritchie, from Lima, Ohio, draw up the plans for the Farmers bank building and his law office also.

Farmers Bank Block.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.

The excavation for the new Farmers Bank block is progressing right along. Paris & Harrod are throwing the dirt. Architect Ritchie gave us a glimpse of this block this morning. It will be the champion block of the city. The first seventy-five feet will be three stories, with Mansard roof and crested cornice. The corner entrance is artistic. The stairway entrance is central, from Main. The block is metropolitan in everything, with beautiful interior and exterior finish. The construction contract will be let next week.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.

The Farmers Bank building, on the corner of Main Street and 9th Avenue, will be by far the best building in this part of the State. It will be built of the gray stone, with blue stone trimmings, and will have a galvanized iron cornice, crestings, and dormer windows, with a slate roof, mansard and gothic front on the third floor part of the building. The building will be 50 x 115 feet, of which the front 50 x 75 feet will be three stories, and the 40 x 50 feet at the rear, fronting on 9th Avenue, will be two stories high, but will have the same style of finish and general appearance of the front part except the mansard front. Mr. Eaton's part of the building (25 x 75 feet of the corner) will have two good basement store rooms, well lighted and ventilated, with a fire-proof vault for each. The first floor will contain the Banking rooms, with Mr. Eaton's law office with side entrance at the rear, and a large burglar and fire-proof vault for the bank. Two broad, easy stairs will give access to the second floor rooms of the building; one stair in the center of the Main Street front, the other near the center of the 9th Avenue front. The second floor of this building will contain three suites of offices of three rooms and a closet to each. Mr. Short's part of the building will have a good cellar, but no basement rooms. The first floor will have three good store rooms with a rear light and entrance to each. The second floor will have ten suites of offices of two rooms each, connected by wide folding doors. They do not contemplate finishing the third floor at present; but when done, it will make at least six good office or sleeping rooms. This building will be the "Office Block" of the city, and will contain thirteen suites of the best lighted and ventilated offices in the city. The building will cost $20,000. A fine drawing of the building will be completed soon and will show what it will be when completed.

1885
J. W. Johnston Residence.
A FINE RESIDENCE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.

Among the handsome and truly home-like residences of our city, that of Mr. J. W. Johnston, on the corner of Eleventh Avenue and Mansfield Street, is prominent. It is just finished and will be beautifully furnished and ready for occupancy in a few weeks. S. A. Cook was the architect and superintendent. In exterior appearance the structure is very neat, though plain, crowned with a low pitch roof, with Finial ornament. The main entrance is on Mansfield street, under an artistic portico. It opens into a roomy hall, adorned by a handsome stairway of hardwood, black Walnut pillars, and beautifully carved rail. The hall is a white-oak, grain finish, with natural Walnut ornament. To the right of the hall is the commodious double parlor, splendidly lighted and ventilated, finished in black Walnut, ebony, straw, and gilt. The bay window has an unique feature, opening to a tastefully railed flower and shrubbery balcony, several feet wide, extending clear around the window. The parlor is one of the most desirable and spacious in the city. Doors lead from the parlor into both dining and sitting rooms, which are appointed with an experienced eye to convenience. The side entrance, on 11th Avenue, leads into the hall and sitting room, under a neat porch. The parlor and sitting room both have elegant recess grates. The kitchen is supplied with hot and cold water, butteries, and all conveniences. The house throughout is piped for water and gas. The second story is divided into six large, bright rooms, with a wide hallway. Every room has a closet. At the rear of the building is a splendid bathroom. The ceilings are high, the entire house perfectly ventilated and arranged with every consideration for comfort. Under all is a good cellar, while the kitchen has a nice adjunct in a lattice porch, on which is the well, a few feet from the door. The entire structure contains some fifteen or more large rooms, all bright and cheery. It is a perfect home, and Mr. and Mrs. Johnston can well be proud of it. Willis & Son had the contract of construction and C. D. Austin the painting, both of which are unexcelled.

In September 1885 the Winfield Courier noted some of the new building going on of new residences and business houses.

The following excerpts cover residences only...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.

Laycock & Hedges are putting up a gothic cottage, one and one-half story, of five rooms, three rooms below, a parlor 12 x 14 with bay window 3 x 6. Leading from the parlor is a bedroom 10 x 10. East of the parlor is a kitchen 12 x 14, pantry, and two closets. There are two rooms above 12 x 14 and two closets. This is a very tasty house, on East 10th, and will be for sale.

H. H. J. Johnson is just commencing a fine residence near the East ward schoolhouse, 28 x 28, with an ell 14 x 14. It is two stories full, of nine rooms, and will be built so as to be supplied with water, gas, etc. There are four rooms below and a hall 8 x 24 and one above 6 x 24. The parlor and sitting room are 14 x 14 with sliding doors between. A bay window in front of the house from top to bottom. There will be porches around the south, east, and west. The dining room and kitchen are just back of the sitting room. The rooms above are 14 x 14 and a bathroom over the kitchen. This will be a very pleasant and delightful home. Mr. Johnson is doing his own work. The cost will be $3,500.

Fred Cochran is about completing a neat residence in the Torrance addition. The building is 30 x 30 with six large rooms, a square top to the house, and a tin roof. The three ground floors are 15 x 15 each. The parlor is on the north side of the house. Back of this is the dining room and kitchen. A bay window on the east side of the house. The cost of this house will be $2,500.

Mrs. Silliman will soon finish her elegant residence on South Loomis street. The building is 38 x 45 consisting of seven rooms besides closets, pantries, and bathroom. The house has a mansard roof set off with a tower. At the entrance to the ground floor is a vestibule 5 x 7. This leads into the hall 8 x 16. From this the stairway ascends and two doors from the hall leads into the parlor and sitting room. The parlor is 13 x 15, with sliding doors between it and the sitting room, which is 13 x 17. A bay window on the south side of the sitting room, which may be shut off by sliding doors. Sliding doors lead from the sitting room into the dining room, which is 13 x 15. In this room is a marbleized mantle grate. The bathrooms open out of the dining room, also a china closet opens into the pantry. The kitchen opens out of the dining room and sitting room. There is a sink in the kitchen connected with the pump, as is the bathroom. A cellar-way leads out of the kitchen. At the head of the stairs is a hall opening into every room above. At the head of the stairs is a square closet, where is the entrance to the tower. Just east of the head of the stairs is a bedroom 13 x 15. South of this is a bedroom 13 x 17 with a large closet. West of this is a bedroom 13 x 15. There are double windows in all the bedrooms as well as parlor and dining room. The finish on this house will be a moulded casing with a heavy band mould. I. W. Randall is the architect and L. Van DeWater, the contractor. It certainly is a fine residence; cost, $3,500.

H. E. Silliman is at work on his residence just south of his old house, which will be a counterpart of his mother's, with the exception of the finish, which will be in Eastlake. Will cost some more than $3,500. Mr. Van DeWater will do this job also.

J. M. Warner, of Vernon township, is just commencing a neat residence in the Second Ward, on South Millington. It will be a two story frame 22 x 28 of seven rooms and hall: three rooms and hall below. The parlor will be 14 x 14 with folding doors leading into the sitting room, which will be 14 x 14. The kitchen is 12 x 13; also a dining room the same size. There will be four bedrooms above 14 x 14. Probable cost $2,000. Howard & Turner, contractors.

Judge Turner is also commencing a residence just west of Mr. Warner's.

Mrs. Carmine has just moved into a pleasant house of five rooms in Third Ward.

Mrs. Prichard has her residence, south of the Presbyterian parsonage, under headway. It will be 58 x 34, containing fourteen rooms, and is built in the Gothic style. This will be an elegant residence costing not less than $5,000. Bates & Wells are the contractors.

R. S. Wilson is pushing his residence to completion on East 11th Avenue. This house is 40 x 30, containing ten rooms. The parlor is 14 x 16, connected with the sitting room by folding doors. From the sitting room you can go out on the porch or into the dining room; back of the dining room is the kitchen 14 x 18, which will be supplied with water pipes. There is a bathroom back of this 6 x 7 and a pantry 6 x 6. There are six bedrooms above. Probable cost: $3,000. R. S. Wilson, architect; R. S. Spencer, foreman.

H. B. Schuler is finishing up his dwelling in Highland Park, which is 44 x 32, two stories, with eight rooms besides closets and pantries. It fronts east and south with two porches. From the east you enter the parlor, then are folding doors between the parlor and sitting rooms. The parlor is 14 x 16; the sitting room 14 x 14. The family bedroom opens out from the sitting room, 13 x 14, with recess and closets. The dining room is back of the sitting room; north of this is the kitchen, which is supplied with a zinc [? sink] connected with the pump. There are three large bedrooms upstairs. S. A. Cook is the architect; Howard & Klauser, contractors.

H. G. Buford is putting up an elegant brick residence on East 7th Avenue of sixteen rooms. It will probably cost $4,000.

Mr. Bassett, formerly of Bertram & Bassett, is erecting a four room cottage home, costing a thousand or twelve hundred dollars on east 7th Avenue. It contains six rooms; is located in the pleasant residence portion of the city, and will make an admirable little home.