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Rhodes 1898 Version of AC History
ITEMS FROM BOOK FOUND BY LARRY RHODES.
ARKANSAS CITY.
ILLUSTRATED.
ARKANSAS CITY, COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS.
BOOK PRINTED BY “UNION BANK NOTE COMPANY”
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI.
[Copied from Original Courtesy of Charles “Chuck” A. McDowell.]
Larry P. Rhodes
1320 North 9th St., Arkansas City, Kansas 67005
[Mr. Rhodes believes that this book was printed circa 1898.]
Title Page shows: ARKANSAS CITY ILLUSTRATED.
TEXT BY ROY FARRELL GREENE.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY THOS. CROFT., GEO. B. CORNISH.
PUBLISHED BY CORNISH’S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO,
112 E FIFTH AVE.
MAILED FREE ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, 50 CTS.
[Notes by Larry Rhodes: “When I made contents, I marked Page 2 on back of Page 1. Also, I had duplicates of Page 33 and 34 in error already numbered so only Page 33 is in book.” I used page 2 for the identification of the printer of Arkansas City Illustrated.]
PAGE 3. [DENOTED BY LARRY RHODES.]
[PHOTO OR ETCHING OF AN OLD HOUSE.]
[Comment by Larry Rhodes: “First house in Arkansas City.”]
AN OLD RUIN.
I stood to-day in the hallowed place,
A spot where memories throng,
And though it compassed a narrow space,
I worshipful, viewed it long.
Though dinged by dust from the trail of time,
Neglected and lone and drear,
It seemed to stand with a faith sublime—
The home of a pioneer.
Not reverence more a chieftain’s tomb
With epitaph deeply graved,
The moss-grown where the roses bloom,
Where the langourous lilies waved,
Than this low hut from the forests hewn,
That rests where the woodland clears,
And sings to me in a rhythmic tune
The glories of yester years.
In earlier days ’neath its shelving roof
A family rugged was reared,
Were taught to straighten the tangled woof
Of life as the chain appeared,
And weave the future with ceaseless ply.
Should not this glory endear
The crumbling wreck as the years go by,
The home of a pioneer?
The battles of life were bravely waged
’Gainst poverty, fate, and time,
The stings of a cruel world assuaged
By the calm of a prairie clime.
Like a last year’s nest where the fledgling flock
Has flown, doth the wreck appear,
The cradle home of a sturdy stock,
The home of a pioneer.
The barred owl here in its ruins rests
’Mid shadows of dusky gray,
And fashion the fluffy feathered nests
In cavities deep away
From the outer world, here the spider weaves
His treacherous web, and here
Are memories thick as the autumn leaves—
The home of a pioneer.
—ROY FARRELL GREENE.
Further information relative to Roy Farrell Green from Larry Rhodes...
Mr. Greene’s wife: Bertha B. Green.
Roy Farrell Green: Born December 20, 1873. Died January 30, 1909. He was buried in Pleasant Falley Cemetery.
Roy Farrell Green was the editor of X-Ray. This was a week newspaper printed in Arkansas City. Address of newspaper: 108 West Washington Avenue, Arkansas City, Kansas.
Larry Rhodes gave me the following clipping, newspaper/date unknown.
CUPID IS KING.
(Written August 8, 1924, and dedicated to Roy Farrell Greene, reprinted by request.)
You sang of girls of other days, of loves you held in the long ago, and of the beauties nature gave, in sky above and sea below.
You touched with fingers soft the strings that bind our hearts to a weary world,
You wrote of the Kansas sunsets red, and of the mornings, dewy pearled.
And I wonder if you are singing now, out on the paths of a mystical time,
If with the muses you must find there, you yet are composing some other rhyme.
Dust is the hand that has written his verses,
Yet of the tales that he left has been born,
An imp that shall live in the hearts of true lovers,
Laugh all the doubters and cynics to scorn.
Sleep on, my friend, throughout all the ages,
Others shall come the world’s verses to sing.
But you have given us the truth everlasting,
Youth is eternal and “Cupid is King.”
Larry Rhodes also has a post card [1908] that had a poem written by
Roy Farrell Greene.
My Christmas wish I send in lieu
Of flimsy bauble, red or blue.
Shop-windows tempting I’ve withstood,
And passed them by with hardihood,
Though “Please sir, buy!” they seemed to sue.
But never gay-trimmed window knew
The what I sought—a something true
And frank. You’ve guessed? I thought you would!
My Christmas wish.
Believe me ’tis sincere, and could
I speak instead of write you should
Well know I’m asking but your due—
That One shall bring and keepeth you
In perfect harmony with Good—
My Christmas wish!
Roy Farrell Greene
[This post card was sent to Frank Boone.]
Note: Larry Rhodes has a book of poetry...
Cupid is King
Copyright 1902, by Roy Farrell Greene
The major portion of the verses contained in this Volume originally appeared in Life, Truth, Puck, Judge, Smart Set, Munsey’s, Brooklyn Life, Town Topics, New England Magazine, N. Y. Journal, Detroit Free Press and Youth’s Companion, and to the Editors and Proprietors of these Journals the Author presents his compliments and thanks for permission to use the same.
------------
The Gorham Press, Boston
Title Page showed the following:
TO MY Father, Mother and Wife
WHO HAVE EVER BEEN MY MOST TENDER CRITICS, AND WHO HAVE NEVER FOUND A PLAUSIBLE REASON WHY MY MANUSCRIPTS SHOULD BE DECLINED THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.
September 1st, 1902. R. F. G.
------------
The Illustrations are by ALBERT T. REID.
The Decorations by WARREN ROCKWELL.
------------
Done at The Gorham Press, Boston, by RICHARD G. BADGER
LARRY RHODES MADE THE FOLLOWING NOTES...
Roy Farrell Greene [Dec. 20, 1873 - Jan. 30, 1909]. Buried at Pleasant Valley Cemetery near Hackney.
Father: Daniel Chesley Greene [Sep. 14, 1829 - Aug. 20, 1904].
Daniel Chesley Green was buried at Pleasant Valley Cemetery next to his son.
Roy Farrell Greene’s wife: Bertha B. Greene. In 1905 Mr. and Mrs. Greene lived at 721 South Third Street, Arkansas City, Kansas.
Roy Farrell Greene’s mother: Rosanette S. Greene. In 1905 she was living with her son and his wife at their residence, 721 South Third Street, Arkansas City, Kansas.
Residence of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Farrell Green circa 1908: RFD 2.
Telephone: 982-3.
X-Rays: 108 West Washington in 1910-1911; not listed in 1912-1913.
Roy Farrell Greene: City editor of the X-Rays.
[PAGE 4.] FIFTH AVENUE, LOOKING EAST.
[PAGE 5.] SUMMIT STREET, LOOKING NORTH.
[PAGE 6.] NATURAL BRIDGE—RIVERVIEW PARK.
[PAGE 7.] WALNUT RIVER—RIVERVIEW PARK.
[PAGE 8.]
[PHOTO OF SUMMIT STREET, 1875.]
ARKANSAS CITY—Past.
The first settlement at Arkansas City was made on April 7, 1870, and it may be inferred that the location was anything but romantic when it is stated that the Osage tribe of Indians were encamped in scattered villages over a goodly proportion of the now corporate extent, sending out hunting parties regularly and now and then by way of diversion a war party, which as prowess would bring in a few fresh scalps instead of the usual supply of venison and buffalo steaks.
[Above is wrong! First settlement made on Jan. 1, 1870. See Page 5.]
Facts.
[By Mary Ann Wortman]
Establishment of “FIRSTS” is a very controversial matter with respect to the naming of the city we all know today as Arkansas City, Cowley County, Kansas, and its first settlers.
The Kansas Territory was organized in 1854. Hunter County was one of the counties created in 1855 by the first territorial legislature.
The state of Kansas was admitted to the Union in 1861. The greater portion of what was once Hunter County became Cowley County on March 3, 1867.
The boundaries of Cowley County were surveyed in 1867. The official government survey of the interior of Cowley County was delayed until January 1871.
“Sooners” Who Preceded the Emporia Group at Arkansas City.
There were other early settlers near Arkansas City: Tom Callahan, James Hughes, J. Carr, James Hughes, George Williamson, A. A. Broadwell, Wyland J. Keffer, William Neale Wright, Albert and Cyrus Dean, and others.
Mr. L. S. Cook made the claim in the July 25, 1877, issue of the Arkansas City Traveler that he was the first white man to drive a stake on the townsite of Arkansas City. Mr. Cook was camped on the Walnut River when Osage Indian Chief Chetopah was camped nearby. Cook and his companion ( J. P. Short) on November 4, 1869, took their wagon to pieces in order to get over the bluff near Tom Callahan’s. Cook claimed that there were no whites in this part of the country then. He also claimed that soon after Prof. Norton and others came, they jumped the claims that had been abandoned and started a town.
(Note: The Callahan bluff spoken of was on the east side of the Walnut River on the Chestnut Avenue road. It was only a cattle trail.)
Professor Norton made the mistake of telling others of their intentions. As a result, other parties such as the Endicott family arrived “sooner” and staked out their claims with others before the Emporia group arrived.
In March, April, and May, 1869, H. C. Endicott, Senior, George and John Harmon, Will Johnson, Ed Chapin, Pad Endicott, Pat Somers, and J. (Z.) K. Rogers took claims near Arkansas City. H. C. Endicott built the first house in that part of the county. In September 1869 Z. K. Rogers died at Endicott’s house: the first death in Cowley County.
THE MEN WHO STARTED ARKANSAS CITY.
In the latter part of December 1869 a group of Emporia leaders and politicians became interested in the potential that the southern part of Cowley County presented after they experienced the “rush” that came with the expectation that a railroad would soon be built to Emporia. (A grand railroad celebration took place at Emporia on the completion of the road in July 1870.)
They fully expected that the peninsula between the Walnut and Arkansas Rivers would become important to railroads. As a result, a town company was formed in Emporia to establish a town. Anticipating that the Walnut Valley branch of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad would pass across this site, they initially called this unseen site “Walnut City,” and obtained a charter for the “Walnut City Town Company.”
Those from Emporia were the following: Henry Brace Norton, Associate Principal State Normal School and President of the town company; Charles V. Eskridge, Lieut. Governor of Kansas and Vice President of the town company; Lyman Beecher Kellogg, Principal State Normal School and Treasurer of the town company; Capt. Gould Hyde Norton, a director of the town company, Jacob Stotler, editor of the Emporia News and a director of the town company, Col. P. B. Plumb, a director of the town company, T. A. Wilkinson, John Brown, Silas A. Moore, and John Strain. The other members were: W. R. Brown, Judge 9th Judicial District and Secretary of the town company, and H. L. Hunt, a director of the town company, Cottonwood Falls; D. M. Bronson and H. D. Kellogg, M.D., a director of the town company, El Dorado; and T. H. Baker, Augusta, who was a partner of E. C. Manning.
(E. C. Manning, residing on a claim in the future town of Winfield, was enlisted by an Emporia politician to assist the town company. He soon broke away from the group and started the city of Winfield.)
During the first year of its existence, the Town Company added an additional director: J. S. Danford. Originally from Emporia, Danford joined T. B. Murdock in starting the newspaper, Walnut Valley Times, at El Dorado [at first called Eldorado], Kansas. The first issue on March 4, 1870, showed Murdock and Danford as editors and proprietors. On June 10, 1870, Murdock severed their partnership and became sole editor and proprietor. Years later J. S. Danford became noted as a thief during the time he handled banks at Caldwell, Hunnewell, and Osage City. The October 1, 1884, issue of the Arkansas City Traveler commented: “Everybody in the country remembers Danford, the Caldwell banker, who stole a pile of money from his depositors a few years since. He has again come before the public, this time at Cheney, Washington Territory, where he stole $20,000, and skipped out to Victoria, B. C., from which place he openly defies his victims. He ought to be hung.”
NAME CHANGES IN THE FUTURE ARKANSAS CITY.
The future Arkansas City, started by “The Walnut City Town Company,” experienced many “name changes” during the existence of the town company. Before they even got to the future Cowley County in late December 1869, the members of the town company who made the trip learned that Butler County had a “Walnut City.” They quickly chose the name “Delphi,” named as part of the charter of the Preston (Texas), Salina (Kansas), and Denver, (Colorado) railroad.
First Settlement Staked Out on January 1, 1870, by five men.
On January 1, 1870, Capt. Gould Hyde Norton, Thomas A. Wilkinson, John Brown, John Strain, and Silas A. Moore staked out their claim and laid the rude log foundations of the town they called “Delphi.” H. B. Norton took a claim adjoining the town site on the north, and H. D. Kellogg took a claim south of the town site.
[The boundaries of the future “Arkansas City” were surveyed out on January 2, 1870.]
Cresswell.
Members of the town company who returned to Emporia in early January were apprized that the desired location near the southern Kansas border would become a point upon four chartered lines of railroad, viz: The Walnut Valley Branch of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road; the Preston, Salina & Denver road; the Emporia & Holden road; and the Arkansas Valley, or Fort Smith & Hays City road. Also, there were expectations that it might become the point of crossing for the Fort Scott & Santa Fe road. The name of “Delphi” was dropped.
The Emporia group formed the Cresswell Town Company on January 8, 1870, in the hope that they could quickly get a post office by naming it after the U. S. Postmaster General, John A. J. Creswell. (In their haste they spelled his name incorrectly.) They filed a new charter January 10, 1870, for “Cresswell.” Kansas Senator Edmund G. Ross made the application for the town company. He was informed in April 1870 that Cresswell, Labette County, Kansas, had already established a post office and that no two offices of the same name would be located in Kansas.
The Governor of Kansas proclaimed the county of Cowley was organized on February 28, 1870, months before Congress took action to allow settlers on the Osage Diminished Reserve. Cowley County was named for First Lieutenant Matthew Cowley, a member of Company I of the Ninth Kansas Cavalry, who was killed in service in August of 1864 at Little Rock, Arkansas.
Arkansas City.
In order to get a post office quickly, Senator E. G. Ross was instrumental in changing the name after the other river at this location: the Arkansas river. “Arkansas City” was accepted
as the official name with the establishment of its first post office. Captain Gould Hyde Norton was appointed as the first postmaster of Arkansas City on May 16, 1870.
First Structure in Arkansas City.
The first structure built on the Arkansas City townsite was a log cabin, erected in the 100 block on North B Street. This house was later moved to the northeast corner of B Street and Central Avenue. It was first occupied on April 7, 1870, by Capt. Gould Hyde Norton as a residence and store. G. H. Norton & Co. opened a general stock of groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes in this cabin. It also became the first post office.
[Note: Many years later the cabin was moved to Paris Park. It was demolished by the flood of 1923. The stone chimney survived. It was torn down in the 1960s.]
On July 12, 1870, Congress passed a law allowing actual settlers thereon to enter from forty to one hundred and sixty acres at $1.25 per acre of the Osage lands within Cowley County. Settlers were required to live upon the land six months, make certain improvements, and enter the same within one year from date of settlement.
Getting back to Page 8, which concerns
ARKANSAS CITY—Past.
These early settlers had little serious trouble with the resident tribesmen, however, since the pioneers were vigilant and alert, and throughout that period from first settlement until the removal of the Osages to the reservation they now occupy maintained a friendly commercial and semi-social intercourse with them.
At that time the village, now grown to such magnificent proportions, was called Creswell, and not until months later did it take unto itself the name by which is it now known throughout the length and breadth of the United States—Arkansas City.
To C. M. Scott, still an honored resident and respected man of business of the city, belongs the credit of establishing the first newspaper, the Traveler, which issued its initial number September 1, 1870. Perusing the files of this pioneer journal, we see that on September 21, 1870, the editor counted forty-two antelope grazing near the townsite’s boundary, and buffalo herds were in plentitude only a few miles across the river. On October 12, 1870, the settlers’ dogs had a pitched battle with wolves on a Summit street corner where a fine business block now stands, while on November 30, 1870, Tyman Goff shot a 111 pound buck on the townsite.
Found two errors in the above paragraphs taken from Page 8.
1. C. M. Scott did not establish the first newspaper, the Traveler. This matter was cleared up in Volume II, The Indians.
M. G. Mains, of Emporia, owned the newspaper. C. M. Scott, a typographer working for Mains, was responsible for printing and distributing the first issue of the Arkansas City Traveler on August 24, 1870.
In September 1871 Prof. L. B. Kellogg succeeded Mains in the proprietorship of the Arkansas City Traveler. Scott remained as the local editor.
Prof. H. B. Norton was a special contributor to the Traveler under Kellogg.
In February 1872 the Traveler office was enlarged.
C. M. Scott became the proprietor and editor in October 1872 when Kellogg retired.
C. M. Scott announced he had resigned as editor and manager of the Traveler in the November 6, 1878, issue.
RKW had the wrong information relative to Kellogg and Scott in Volume I.
RKW had: December 15, 1870. L. B. Kellogg succeeded Mains. WRONG!
RKW had: September 1, 1870. Scott bought Kellogg out. WRONG!
2. Article showed that “Tyman Goff” shot a 111 pound buck on the townsite on November 30, 1870. WRONG! CORRECT NAME: LYMAN GOFF.
[PAGE 9.]
[PHOTO OF ARKANSAS CITY MILLING CO. AND CANAL.]
[PAGE 10.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS.]
GLIMPSES ON SUMMIT STREET.
#1. W. M. POTTLE.
#2. A. B. RANNEY GROCERIES.
[Southwest Corner Central Avenue and Summit Street.]
#3. BIRDS MEATS, 300 BLOCK SOUTH.
#4. NEWMAN’S.
[Later Montgomery Ward. Burned 1954. Location now of KG&E.]
ALSO SHOWN IN #4: A. H. FITCH (Pianos, Organs, Sewing Machines.)
[PAGE 11.]
In those days candles were used for illuminating purposes, and these same candles were moulded from buffalo tallow, which article was a staple commodity and was frequently piled as high as a hay stack back of Norton’s store, where B. F. Child’s residence now stands.
Larry Rhodes: “In 1898 address was 207 North B Street of Child’s residence.”
An early act of the first Town Council was an order to settlers, bidding them to turn out with mowing machines to cut fire guards, thus providing against the incursions of a prairie fire; and the written and unwritten law in regard to cattle grazing in a man’s front yard was then as much a bone of contention as a neighbor’s chickens in garden time is now.
Arkansas City was first incorporated June 10, 1872, with A. D. Keith as the first Mayor. J. C. McMullen established the first bank in the city on the lot now occupied by Morgan’s music store.
[Larry Rhodes indicates that the location of McMullen’s Bank was 221 South Summit Street (in 1898), now the site of Allen’s Furniture & Carpet store.]
The first public hall in the city was Meigs’s hall, situated on the site now covered by the Farmers’ Bank building (in 1900).
[Larry Rhodes indicates that this was situated on the northwest corner of Washington Avenue and Summit Street.]
An early settler at Arkansas City was Col. F. E. Collins, (the original of Mark Twain’s character of “Col. Mulberry Sellers” in his romance, “The Gilded Age,”), a picturesque, quaint pioneer who still retains a cozy corner in the memories of many “old timers,” though the Colonel himself long ago bade adieu to these haunts.
[Sorry! I did not come across “Collins” in the papers that I have covered. MAW]
October 5, 1870, the first bona fide settler came to Arkansas City, for on that day and date the first birth in the city was recorded, a baby being born to Mr. and Mrs. Grote, which the town authorities immediately took note of by donating a lot on Summit street to the diminutive stranger, the same to be held in trust by the proud father until the year 1891.
[Unresolved! The first name of our “first bona fide settler” according to some was Cresswell; according to others, it was Creswell.]
Inasmuch as the township name was first spelled Cresswell and then later Creswell, I am prone to think that “Creswell” Grote is correct. I believe the township name by the time of October 5, 1870, was surely corrected to reflect the proper first name of the U. S. postmaster general, John A. J. Creswell. Does anyone have any proof about this?
The first marriage ceremony performed in Arkansas City was that which united for weal or woe John W. Brown and Eva N. Woolsey, Rev. Swarts being the officiating clergyman.
On and on we might go, but an early history of Arkansas City would fill a ponderous tome, and we must make way for the camera, presenting Arkansas City as it is today.
Many of the early settlers are still with us, believing in the city as thoroughly as they did three decades agone, glorying in all the actualities and possibilities, the same devoted spirit of enterprise actuating them now as then, and as peacefully munching the “staff of life” under their own “vine and fig tree” as they did the bakers’ loaves fashioned by E. D. Bowen and Charley Balcom in the little bakery of thirty years ago.
[PAGE 11 CONTINUATION.]
E. D. BOWEN.
E. D. Bowen and Lafayette B. Goodrich erected grocery stores in 1870 in Arkansas City. Goodrich beat Bowen in building his store [an old log shanty just north of Bonsall’s photograph gallery, which handled dry goods, groceries, and ready made clothing] while Elisha D. Bowen handled groceries and provisions. The Winfield Courier Centennial articles written by historian, Wirt Walton, were incorrect in saying that E. D. Bowen established the first grocery store in Arkansas City.
Goodrich moved to Ninnescah township.
E. D. Bowen was a city councilman in 1875 and 1876. He was President of the Beethoven Singing Society in 1876. He was a freighter in 1877. He lived in Bolton township 2½ miles southwest of the Arkansas City bridge. His obituary follows.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 25, 1882.
DIED. On Wednesday last, January 18th, 1882, at his residence, in Bolton Township, of pleura pneumonia, Elisha Bowen, in the forty-eighth year of his age. The funeral took place on the Friday following at 2 p.m., and the remains were deposited in their last resting place in the Mercer cemetery in the presence of many sorrowing relatives and friends.
Mr. Bowen was born in Ohio, but came to Kansas while it was yet a Territory, and afterwards moved to Bolton Township—eleven years ago—where he resided up to the time of his death. He leaves a wife and five children to mourn his loss, and to them is extended, the deepest sympathy in their sad bereavement.
CHARLES (“CHARLEY”) BALCOM.
Both the Walnut Valley Times (November 4, 1870) and the Emporia News (November 11, 1870) had news from the Arkansas City Traveler, stating that 52 buildings were now up in Arkansas City and that 41 more buildings were in various steps of progress. The fifty-second building was Mr. Balcom’s residence.
The article also revealed that the boundaries of Arkansas City were surveyed out on January 2, 1870.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
MARRIED. BALCOM - RANDALL. At the Lagonda house in this city, by Rev. N. L. Rigby, Mr. Charles Balcom to Miss Emma Randall, both of Arkansas City.
Kansas 1875 Census, Creswell Township, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.
Name Age Sex Color Place/birth Where from
Chas. Balcom 26 M W New York Iowa
Emma Balcom 19 F W Missouri Minnesota
In 1876 Charley Balcom and Frank Wood opened a restaurant in Winfield, in a place formerly run by Mr. Tarrant. In 1870 Balcom was employed as a cook when the Arkansas City and Independence State road was surveyed.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 25, 1877.
BIRTH. Last week a sun bonnet crossed over to Balcom’s house. Soon after another one left, and presently sun bonnets were going hither and thither, all over town, and the news reached us Charley Balcom’s was a girl.
In April 1879 Mr. Balcom was employed at the Pawnee Indian reservation.
[PAGE 11 CONTINUATION.]
Arkansas City Traveler, July 9, 1879.
The finest gathering of people witnessed for many years assembled at the grove on the Walnut last night, in response to a general invitation from Lieut. Cushman to enjoy the hospitalities of the soldiers in a moonlight hop.
Owing to the disturbance in the morning, by which a decrepit Indian was sent to the happy hunting grounds, the Lieutenant feared the people would be backward about turning out, and, for a while, almost abandoned the scheme, but our citizens were in a humor to dance, and before 9 o’clock some 200 of them were on the ground.
A platform seventy feet in length had been built, with seats on three sides, and a raised platform for the musicians. Overhead hung three rows of Chinese lanterns, furnishing ample light, and a dressing room had been provided for the convenience of the ladies.
The dancing commenced at 9 o’clock, and for seven hours over one hundred of the lovers of the mazy kept time to the best of music, furnished by Messrs. Sipes, Speers, Steiner, and Balcom, refreshing themselves with ice cream, cake, and lemonade, supplied by Mr. Maricle. The sum of fifty cents a number was charged, merely to help defray the expenses.
It was a decided success, and all join in pronouncing it the most enjoyable affair of the year, and in returning thanks to the Lieutenant and detachment for the perfect order maintained throughout. Those who failed to attend can only regret their action, and hold themselves in readiness to attend the next one, which will probably be given in two weeks time, and to which we invite our Winfield friends.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 31, 1881. Editorial Page.
Roll of Old Soldiers.
The following is a list of the Old Soldiers of Creswell Township.
NAME COMPANY REGIMENT RANK
C. E. BALCOM I 3 Iowa Musician
Arkansas City Traveler, January 28, 1885.
A way in the dim past about A. D. 1875 Wellington wanted to have a way up Fourth of July celebration, and imagining that Home musical talent was not the thing, applied for the Arkansas City band to discourse sweet music for them. All arrangements were made for ten pieces, and the gentlemen who went to Wellington were as follows. Messrs. E. B. and W. S. Thompson, Lyman Herrick, Rob and Tom Baird, C. R. Sipes, Frank Speers, Rit Berkey, C. Balcom, and Al. Wells.
Several members of the band, proper, were absent, but after much skirmishing around nine musicians were found and the tenth piece was a dummy; or in other words, a make believe player with a silent horn. Everything went off serene, they got their pay and all was lovely.
Here comes the turn of the tune. Arkansas City wanted a way-up dance, tip top imported music, no home talent, you know, but something immense, and Wichita’s Italian Band kindly responded and agreed to ravish our souls with the thrilling strains of four pieces. They came, they played. It was good and everybody was pleased, but nevertheless we had our own medicine to take for the dummy was there sure enough with his little horn. History repeats itself and the moral of this is, patronize home institutions.
[PAGE 11 CONTINUATION.]
Arkansas City Traveler, April 22, 1885.
Baptismal Services.
Baptismal services were held at the Walnut River on Sunday last at 1 o’clock, p.m., by Rev. Walker, assisted by Rev. W. H. Hurlbutt, at which Mrs. Balcom, Mrs. Matlack, Wm. Gray, Mr. Hine, and a little daughter of Rev. Walker were formally admitted to membership in the Baptist Church, of this city, in the presence of quite a concourse of interested spectators.
Listed as residents of Arkansas City in 1893.
Balcom, C. E., age 56. Spouse: Emma Balcom, age 28.
[List compiled by “Cowley County Genealogical Society” showed Balcem. Wrong!]
[PAGE 12.]
[SHOWS PHOTOGRAPH OF FARMERS’ STATE BANK.]
[Larry Rhodes penciled in: Originally site of Meigs’ Hall.]
FARMERS’ STATE BANK.
CAPITAL, $50,000. INCORPORATED 1896. SURPLUS AND PROFITS, $6,000.
CHAS. A. JOHNSON, President. E. NEFF, Vice-President.
ALBERT H. DENTON, Cashier.
DIRECTORS.
Chas. A. Johnson, E. Neff, D. H. Bell, A. J. Hunt, John F. Johnson, A. H. Denton.
A GENERAL BANKING AND COLLECTION BUSINESS TRANSACTED.
COLLECTIONS CAREFULLY MADE AND PROMPTLY REMITTED.
EVERY ACCOMMODATION EXTENDED CONSISTENT WITH CONSERVATIVE BANKING.
SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES FOR RENT.
[PAGE 13.]
[PHOTOGRAPH, INTERIOR FARMERS’ STATE BANK.]
[PAGE 14.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
1. HOME NATIONAL BANK.
2. INTERIOR HOME NATIONAL BANK.
HOME NATIONAL BANK.
CAPITAL, $125,000.
SURPLUS AND PROFITS, $10,000
F. M. STRONG, PRESIDENT.
HOWARD ROSS, VICE PRESIDENT.
W. E. WILCOX, CASHIER.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
P. 44. Same location older building.
See 1911 Post Card.
[PAGE 15.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
1. F. M. STRONG’S RESIDENCE.
NOTES BY LARRY RHODES:
Strong was president of Home National Bank in 1898.
His residence was called “Stronghurst Villa” in 1898 Directory.
It was located east of the Walnut River.
2. HOWARD ROSS’ RESIDENCE.
NOTES BY LARRY RHODES:
Howard Ross was Vice President and Cashier of Home National Bank in 1898.
Residence of Howard Ross was 913 South Second Street in 1898.
[PAGE 16.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
NEW ERA MILLING CO.’S MILLS IN COURSE OF ERECTION.
[PENCILED NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
AREA MADISON AVENUE AND FIRST STREET. 1899.
[PAGE 17.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
HARNED’S GROCERY.
[PENCILED NOTE BY LARRY RHODES: 213 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.]
[PAGE 18.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
1. MIDLAND HOTEL.
2. FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
MIDLAND HOTEL: Southwest corner 5th Avenue and A Street.
MIDLAND HOTEL: 117-119 East 5th Avenue.
Top Floor Removed Early 1940s. 5th Avenue Block built 1889.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL: Northwest corner 5th Avenue and Second Street.
[PAGE 19.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
1. MRS. WILL WILLIAMS. MILLINERY.
[PENCILED NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
507 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.
2. J. C. BARDWELL, MERCHANT TAILOR.
[PENCILED NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
225 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.
[PAGE 20.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS.]
1. INTERIOR FIFTH AVENUE OPERA HOUSE.
2. FIFTH AVENUE OPERA HOUSE.
3. INTERIOR FIFTH AVENUE OPERA HOUSE.
4. GLADSTONE HOTEL.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
Opened Fall 1888. Page 33.
Southwest Corner B Street and Fifth Avenue.
[PAGE 21.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS.]
THE NEW GLADSTONE HOTEL.
AMOS GIPSON, Proprietor.
1. PARLOR.
2. OFFICE.
3. DINING ROOM.
4. BILLIARD HALL.
[PENCILED NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.] 201 NORTH SUMMIT STREET.
[PAGE 22.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
LABELED BON-TON BAKERY AND ICE CREAM PARLORS.
[PAGE 23.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
[SHOWS EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR.]
C. R. SIPES’ HARDWARE STORE.
ESTABLISHED IN 1870.
Mr. Sipes began the hardware business in a very small way in 1870, hauling his first goods by wagon from Emporia. The store was one of the first in Arkansas City, and today is the best hardware store in the county. Mr. Sipes, the proprietor, died January 9, 1898. His son, Geo. O. Sipes, succeeded his father.
[PENCILED NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.] 102 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET IN 1898.
[PAGE 24.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
1. KIMMELL & BELL, GROCERS.
[PENCILED NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
316 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.
2. ORMISTON MERCANTILE CO.
[PENCILED NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
218 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.
[PAGE 25.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
WILBUR RICE LIVERY CO.
[PENCILED NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
522-24-26 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.
[PAGE 26.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
1. HILL INVESTMENT CO.
2. O. K. DYE WORKS, G. B. SIGLER, PROPRIETOR.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
BUILT IN 1886: HILL INVESTMENT CO.
ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HILL INVESTMENT CO. BUILDING...
BUILT IN 1886: OLD 5TH AVENUE BOOK STORE, 118 WEST FIFTH AVENUE.
DYE WORKS BECAME OLDROYD STORE.
WALNUT BLOCK RAZED LATTER PART OF 2000 TO BUILD COWLEY COUNTY BOOK STORE.
[PAGE 27.]
ARKANSAS CITY—PRESENT.
THE axiom to the effect that “figures don’t lie” quite often has its veracity assailed, since a plain array of numerals are, in these latter days, so often manipulated to distort truth in such a way that even its mother wouldn’t know it. The plain, unvarnished tale of a camera has never been questioned, however, even in this incredulous age, and as the camera has seen Arkansas City so may anyone see it who hath eyes to look. Let these pages of camera tales speak for themselves; a pen cannot add to or detract from the story’s substance; but we may peep behind the scenes, just beyond the focused range of the lens, and perhaps learn something that will be worthy our inquiring bent. The what we glean may furnish an addenda to the tale of Sir Camera, and in the language of the Scotch poet:
“Perhaps it may turn out a sang,
Perchance turn out a sermon.”
The health-giving, strength-restoring climate of this our State needs neither references or testimonials to speak for its worth, and therefore be it said, as sufficeth all, that nowhere in the Sunflower commonwealth is a simon-pure brand of seasonable climate, invigorating air and pure water found in as abounding meeds as in this particular section.
The rippling brooks, forest shades, prairie pastures, fallow fields of tasseled corn, and emerald seas of wheat, all these are around and about us. Prosperous farm homes, lowing herds of contented kine, bee and butterfly, fowl and fish, bud and bloom and wind-blown petals, all these and more, still more delights are there for the stranger within our gates, even though he should tarry but a night.
The stranger will be pointed out the great railway systems that here converge and will be told of our city’s railroad advantages. Arkansas City is proud of her Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, her Missouri Pacific, her St. Louis & San Francisco, and her St. Louis and Southwestern lines of road, and as the four systems are as proud of Arkansas City there is a continual interchange of bouquets. The Santa Fe maintains division offices here, operates great machine shops, has builded, and now and then, as the exigencies of increased traffic necessitated, enlarged round-house, yards, supply house, dispatcher’s office, depot, and warehouses. Its monthly pay roll at this point reaches the splendid total of $30,0o00 per month, from which figures the number of employees may be guessed. The Frisco, Missouri Pacific, and Southwestern are believers in the city’s continued progress and contribute their goodly share to its prosperity.
The banks, always guide-posts to a community’s solidity, cannot be excelled, if duplicated, in the West. The Home National Bank, with a capital of $125,000, is a bulwark of strength, progressive so far as banks may be said to progress, yet conservative, safe withal, and officered by gentlemen considerate of each patron’s interests and needs. Nothing less can be said of the Farmers’ State Bank, less old in point of organization, but with tried and true men of business guiding its every course in the world of banking.
[PAGE 28.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
1. CITY BUILDING.
2. CITY WATER WORKS AND CANAL.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
CITY BUILDING. Northeast corner Central Avenue and First Street. (Nearer to corner than the present city building). Razed in 1919.
CITY WATER WORKS AND CANAL.
WASHINGTON AVENUE AND SIXTH STREET.
[PAGE 29.]
No mercantile house in the West has higher standing than the one of Ranney, Alton & Co., whose offices storerooms and warehouse, on West Fifth Avenue, the camera has caught, and from the exterior at least, gives an idea of the business there transacted. An interior view would be nearly as impossible to obtain as would one of the Chicago wheat pits since there are busy employees continually hurrying here, there, one ceaseless round of activity, marking, billing, checking off the boxes, barrels, crates, and all with which jobbers have to do, sending shipments to the outlying cordon of cities, real and embryo, in Kansas and Oklahoma. The firm is incorporated with a capital stock of $100,000. Forty-eight employees are on its pay rolls, including among this number eleven traveling salesmen, covering Southern Kansas, Northern Oklahoma, and the Texas “Panhandle” as their territory. To these let us add a half dozen teamsters, an office force of eight, and a warehouse force of twenty-three. The weekly pay roll may not be stated in numerals. Suffice it to say, ’tis immense.
[I have no information as yet re Ranney, Alton & Co. MAW]
The wholesale grocery house of Kroenert Bros. likewise handles an immense business and contributes no small share of the fame that has accrued to the name of the city as a jobbing center.
[I have a large file on Kroenert Brothers.]
The particular pride of the city, be it frankly confessed, is the water power afforded by the canal connecting the Arkansas and Walnut rivers, flowing nearly its entire length of five miles through the corporate limits from northwest to southeast, and since this canal has a 22-foot head of power, where it empties into the Walnut river, it affords power sufficient to operate countless mills and manufacturing plants. Already there is to be heard at this point the busy hum of many wheels, each revolution of which turns out carefully finished products ranging from chair and mattresses to flour and windmills.
The Arkansas City Milling Co.’s mills cover an immense area of floor space, shelters an almost endless array of perfected machinery, and each day ships its manufactured product, carload after carload, over the whole country. This mill has a capacity of 1,000 barrels per day, the company’s employees are numerically expressed in two large figures, while the thousands of dollars yearly expended for grain adds materially to the bank accounts of the prosperous farmers hereabouts. Flour from this mill finds market in Liverpool and throughout the United Kingdom, the introduction into these far-off markets being chiefly due to the energy of Messrs. Searing, Mead & Klopf of the company. Another large flouring mill is in course of erection by the New Era Milling Co., with A. J. Hunt, F. H. Deering, and C. N. Post as chief workers in the enterprise. A plant five stories high, covering over half a block of floor space, constructed of stone, and capable of turning out 350 barrels of flour each day. Near by the Arkansas City Milling Co.’s plant are clustered the factories of the Plummer Chair Co., the Kirkwood Windmill Co., of which W. H. Wilson is the head, and the Kansas Mattress Co., to which M. Friedberg lends his managerial ability. Each of these a busy hive of industry, turning out products beyond reproach, each factory successfully operated and well managed. The product of the chair factory, the Plummer reclining chair, is too well known throughout the West to need special commendation. The Kirkwood wind engine finds a ready market in six contiguous States and Territories, now and then meeting with highest favor farther away from home, from Montana to Georgia, while the mattresses manufactured here are appreciated wherever tired mortals lie down to sleep and dream.
The Polar Ice Company, of which E. D. LeStourgeon is President, W. F. Litsinberger, V. Pres., A. E. LeStourgeon, Secretary, and W. H. Heard, Treasurer, has but recently added to its ice manufactory a splendid cold storage and distilled water plant. This company employs fourteen men, has a pay roll of one thousand dollars per month and each year notes a large increase of business. The ice manufactory has a capacity of twenty-five tons per day, and, since the [END OF PAGE 29: ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 31]
[PAGE 30.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
OFFICE NATIONAL LAW LEAGUE.
THE LARGEST COLLECTING AGENCY IN THE WEST.
H. S. HINES, MANAGER.
[NOTE BY LARRY RHODES: 108 WEST FIFTH AVENUE.]
[PAGE 31.]
[CONTINUATION OF ARTICLE ON PAGE 29]
Missouri Pacific railway runs by the very doors, it is needless to say their frigid product finds a more than local field of consumption.
Dye’s Carriage Manufactory is another institution of which the city is proud. The tireless energy of C. B. Dye, its owner and proprietor, is chiefly responsible for the reputation it has attained in proficiency of workmanship, up-to-date skill, and the standard of the vehicle turned out.
Although the Arkansas City Creamery Co., in which Mr. Denton, of the Farmers’ Bank, is largely interested, and of which Knickerbocker & Burroughs are the managers, is a comparatively new business venture, its success was instantaneous. The capacity of the plant is two thousand pounds of gilt-edge butter each day in the twelve months span.
The foundry and machine shop of C. E. Northrup is turning out a grade of work interior to no establishment of like kind in the West. It is the recipient of large contracts for all classes of structural iron work all over Kansas and Oklahoma.
Among the other sources of pride to our city may be mentioned a broom factory with a splendid output, a sanitarium second to none in the state, a conservatory of music that attracts students from all over the great Midland Section, Stahl’s cigar factory, which does a mammoth business, and the incubator manufactory of Jacob Yost.
Arkansas City is well represented with newspapers. One daily, the TRAVELER, founded in 1870, now under the able management of Eckert & Howard, republican in politics, newsy in news, and up-to-date in everything that goes to make a newspaper. Of weeklies there are the TRAVELER and TRADERS’ EXCHANGE, both republican in politics, the latter the official county paper, the DEMOCRAT-DISPATCH, an anti-republican, fusion journal, sprightly, and well edited by Messrs. F. M. Hartley and D. E. Booth, and lastly the GATE CITY JOURNAL, an independent paper under the editorial guidance of B. A. Wagner.
Arkansas City is an ideal place in which to live. All the municipal comforts and luxuries that modern cities possess are here. Electric lights and gas, street railway, water and sewerage systems par excellence, macadamized streets and avenue that cannot be surpassed in the state afford pleasant drives without number, and in the more than one hundred miles of city streets, over thirteen miles of which are of the finest macadam, the improved thoroughfares are, in a bird’s eye view, a system of roadways converging and tessellate.
The water supply of the city is drawn from no reservoir or river, but pumped at the water station, but four blocks from the heart of the city, from a group of springs but a few feet beneath the surface, and supplied to consumers through a pipe system which put end to end would stretch a distance of 13.5 miles. The standpipe which stores the water is located several blocks from the springs and pumping station, and being erected on the highest ground in the city, affords a winner in wet and dry races wherever it has competed throughout the state. Being a paid department there are continually on duty six firemen of the first and second class, and all modern appliances and paraphernalia for fire-fighting is ready at hand. The company is able to, when aroused from sleep in the dead of night, dress, slide down the pole from the sleeping apartments, catch the location of the sounded alarm, hitch horses, swing on the wagon, and be out of the building in 18 seconds, while a day alarm finds the company out and running in 4¼ seconds.
[PAGE 32.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS.]
1. ICE PLANT.
[NOTE BY LARRY RHODES: BETWEEN FIRST STREET AND SUMMIT STREET AT
MISSOURI-PACIFIC RAILROAD TRACKS.]
2. CARRIAGE FACTORY.
[NOTE BY LARRY RHODES: “C. B. DYE CARRIAGE FACTORY.”
IN 1893 THE DYE CARRIAGE FACTORY WAS IN THE 200 BLOCK OF WEST MADISON AVENUE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF AVENUE.
IN 1898 AND IN 1905 THE DYE CARRIAGE FACTORY WAS LOCATED AT 500 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.
[PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS THE WEST MADISON AVENUE ADDRESS.]
3. [DYE’S] CREAMERY.
NOTES BY LARRY RHODES: “ARKANSAS CITY CREAMERY.”
Located on West Madison Avenue at Frisco Railroad Tracks (Across avenue north of New Era Mill.
4. [NORTHRUP] FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOPS.
NOTE BY LARRY RHODES. In 1898 this was called “Arkansas City Foundry and Machine Shops.” It was located at 120-122 North First Street at that time.
[PAGE 35.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
RANNEY-ALTON MERCANTILE CO. WHOLESALE GROCERS.
NOTES BY LARRY RHODES. This was built in 1889 at 213 West Fifth Avenue. It burned in 1902. In April 1979 this was the site of the Carnegie Public Library, built in 1907.
[PAGE 36.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
PAWNEE FREIGHTERS LOADING WAGONS AT RANNEY-ALTON
MERCANTILE CO.’S, WHOLESALE GROCERS.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
Mercantile Company was located next to Auditorium-Gymnasium east of alley.
In 1889 or 1890 it was known as 208 West Fifth Avenue. Building faced 5th Avenue.
Arrow pointing indicates that to the left of this building is the location in 2001 of the Auditorium-Gymnasium. (This was the former site of the H. P. Farrar residence.)
[PAGE 37.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS.]
THE NEWMAN DRY GOODS CO.
1. HATS AND FURNISHING DEPARTMENT.
2. SHOE DEPARTMENT.
3. TRUNK DEPARTMENT.
4. CLOTHING DEPARTMENT.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
ADDRESS OF NEWMAN’S IN 1898: 302-308 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.
IN 1889 BUILDING WAS REFERRED TO AS “HILL BUILDING.”
[PAGE 38.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS.]
THE NEWMAN DRY GOODS CO.
1. CARPET DEPARTMENT.
2. DRESS GOODS AND NOTION DEPARTMENT.
3. HOSIERY AND GLOVES DEPARTMENT.
4. CLOAKS AND SHIRT WAIST DEPARTMENT.
[PAGE 39.]
[THREE PHOTOGRAPHS. NO IDENTIFICATION GIVEN.]
NOTES BY LARRY RHODES. All of the pictures pertain to the “Arkansas City Bottling Works.” This company was located in the basement of the Hill Investment Company.
ONE OF THE PICTURES: 100 BLOCK EAST FIFTH AVENUE LOOKING WEST.
Arkansas City Bottling Works.
Manufactured all kinds of high grade Soda Waters, Ginger Ale, and Mineral Waters.
“We use the Crown Seal bottle, which insures absolutely clean goods.”
[PAGE 40.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
THOMPSON LIVERY CO.
CITY STABLES. C. G. THOMPSON, MGR.
[NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.] IN 1898: 114-118 SOUTH A STREET.
[PAGE 41.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
1. A. H. FITCH, MUSIC STORE.
PIANOS. A. H. FITCH. ORGANS.
[NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.] 300 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET. EAST SIDE.
2. HUB RESTAURANT, SNYDER BROS., PROPS.
[NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
322 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET. [SUMMIT BLOCK.] EAST SIDE.
[PAGE 42.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
[KROENERT BROS., WHOLESALE GROCERS.]
[Note: They showed “KRONERT” BROS.]
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
ACTON MANUFACTURING BUILDING. SEE PAGE 29.
SOUTHWEST CORNER MADISON AVENUE AND SUMMIT STREET.
601 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.
In 1887 this building was the Cracker Factory.
In 1893 this building was the Canning Factory.
In 1898 this building was the Kroenert Bros. Wholesale Grocery.
In 1946 this building was the Temprite Company.
In 1949 this building was the Acton Manufacturing Company.
[PAGE 43.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
1. [PLUMMER] CHAIR FACTORY. [1888.]
2. [KANSAS] MATTRESS FACTORY. [KIRKWOOD] DYNAMO.
[KIRKWOOD] WINDMILL FACTORY.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
LARRY PUT [ ] IN FRONT OF IDENTIFIED BUILDINGS AND DATE.
LARRY ALSO STATED UNDERNEATH PLUMMER CHAIR FACTORY...
(STILL) LOCATED BETWEEN DIXIE PORTLAND MILL & TOTAL REFINERY.
See P. 29. [Refers to Mr. Rhodes’ notes in 1979.)
[PAGE 44.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS.]
STREET SCENES.
NOTES BY LARRY RHODES MADE IN 1979.
#1 Photograph: NOW SHANKS GROCERY, 427 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.
#2 Photograph: COLORADO BUILDING, BURNED JANUARY 10, 1905.
(This block burned down to present Wright-Burton Hardware in 1931.) See P. 4.
#3 Photograph: HILL INVESTMENT. BUILT 1886. SEE 1911 POST CARD.
(Northeast corner Fifth Avenue and First Street: Looking East. At extreme right is
Home National Bank.) See P. 14.
#4 Photograph: TWO HUNDRED BLOCK SOUTH SUMMIT, WEST SIDE.
LOOKING SOUTHWEST FROM FIFTH AVENUE. SEE 1911 POST CARD
See P. 4. (ALBERT’S DRUG STORE IN 1979.)
[PAGE 45.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
FRANK J. HESS. REAL ESTATE.
[PENCILED NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
BUILT IN 1886. 111 WEST FIFTH AVENUE.
[PAGE 46.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
THE FRANK J. HESS REAL ESTATE CO.
ESTABLISHED 1882. CAPITAL, $10,000. INCORPORATED 1891.
FRANK J. HESS, President and General Manager.
F. W. MILLER, Secretary.
ROSS STRATTON, Assistant Secretary.
This Company conducts a general real estate business, has correspondents in all parts of the state, buys and sells real estate, stocks, etc. Their rental department is one of the largest and most perfectly conducted departments in the country. The Insurance department does a big business,—more than all the other agents in the city combined.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
1898: ADDRESS WAS 111 WEST FIFTH AVENUE.
2001: SITE IS NOW THE DRIVE-THROUGH TO PUBLIC PARKING LOT.
[PAGE 47.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
BIRDSEYE VIEW OF ARKANSAS CITY NURSERIES.
1½ MILES WEST OF GLADSTONE HOTEL.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
IN 1979 LOCATED ON WEST CHESTNUT AVENUE. (NOW STUCCOED) ON SOUTH SIDE OF ROAD.
VIEW TAKEN LOOKING SOUTHEAST.
[PAGE 48.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS.]
#1. SCOTCH PINE.
#2. La FRANCE AND CRIMSON RAMBLER ROSES.
#3. SYRINGA.
#4. PARKER EARLY STRAWBERRIES.
SOME OF OUR SPECIALTIES.
ARKANSAS CITY NURSERIES.
[PAGE 49.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
#1. SINNOTT & HANEY.
EVERYTHING ON WHEELS.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES RE PHOTOGRAPH NO. 1.]
310 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.
ROOF LINE NOW ALTERED PROBABLY DUE TO OLD MONTGOMERY WARD BUILDING ADJACENT NORTH BURNED. SHERIDAN BLOCK 1888.
#2. W. H. POTTLE, DRY GOODS.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES RE PHOTOGRAPH NO. 2.]
224 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET. See P. 10.
[PAGE 50.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
W. H. POTTLE’S RESIDENCE.
[PENCILED NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.] 623 NORTH 4TH STREET.
[PAGE 51.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS OF RESIDENCES.]
#1. MRS. MARY JEFFRIES.
#2. GEO. BEARD.
#3. A. C. WILEY
#4. W. M. SIMS.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
#1. JEFFRIES: 125 NORTH C STREET.
#2. BEARD: 102 SOUTH B STREET.
#3. WILEY [GROCER]: 310 NORTH C STREET.
#4. SIMS: 222 NORTH SIXTH STREET.
[PAGE 52.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS OF RESIDENCES.]
#1. A. A. NEWMAN.
#2. MRS. A. B. JOHNSON.
#3. J. E. ALLEN.
#4. W. N. WILSON.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
#1. Newman: 301 North B Street.
#2. Johnson: 307 South A Street. [Southwest corner A & Washington.]
#3. Allen: 801 South D Street.
#4. Wilson: 219 South C Street.
[PAGE 53.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
HIGH SCHOOL.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
NORTHWEST CORNER CENTRAL AVENUE AND SECOND STREET.
[LEFT OF HIGH SCHOOL: METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.] See Page 60.
[PAGE 54.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS: RESIDENCE/PARLOR.]
#1. GEO. RAIN [?] RESIDENCE.
#2. PARLOR. GEO. RAIN [?].
#3. MRS. C. R. SIPES RESIDENCE.
#4. PARLOR. MRS. C. R. SIPES.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
#1. Rain: 813 South C Street.
#2. Sipes: 803 South C Street.
[PAGE 55.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
FIRST WARD SCHOOL.
[PENCILED NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
ROOSEVELT SCHOOL. 300 NORTH B STREET.
[PAGE 56.]
[THREE PHOTOGRAPHS: CHURCHES.]
#1. [FIRST] BAPTIST.
#2. FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST.
#3. CHRISTIAN.
#1. First Baptist Church: 200 Block East Central Avenue.
#2. First Church of Christ, Scientist. [Address not known.]
#3. Christian: Mid 100 Block North First Street. [West side of street.]
[PAGE 57.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS: RESIDENCES.]
#1. J. E. DRENNAN.
# 2. S. D. COLLINSON.
#3. W. P. KLOTT.
#4. H. H. BELENAM.
#1: Drennan: 723 North D Street.
#2. Collinson: 803 North Fourth Street.
#3. Klott. Address not known.
#4. Belenam: 113 North Second Street.
[PAGE 58.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
SECOND WARD SCHOOL.
[PENCILED NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
LINCOLN SCHOOL. 300 EAST MADISON AVENUE [600 NORTH B]
[PAGE 59.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS: RESIDENCES.]
#1. C. W. Burt.
#2. Mrs. L. M. Theaker.
#3. J. C. Topliff.
#4. C. C. Sollitt.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
#1. Burt [cattle dealer]: 515 North Fourth Street.
#2. Theaker. Address not known.
#3. Topliff: 220 West Washington Avenue.
#4. Sollitt [druggist]: 415 North B Street.
[PAGE 60.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS: CHURCHES.]
#1. METHODIST EPISCOPAL.
[NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
#1. 107 South Second Street. Southwest corner 2nd Street and Central Avenue.
See Page 53.
Church began to be used in 1880.
Church was dedicated when completed in 1883.
Church was razed June 1970.
#2. TRINITY EPISCOPAL.
[NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
#2. East Adams Avenue (Between B Street and C Street).
[PAGE 61.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH: SCHOOL.]
THIRD WARD SCHOOL.
[NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
SCHOOL WAS RAZED.
WASHINGTON SCHOOL (LOCATION SOUTH THIRD STREET, NOW.)
LOCATION: 500 BLOCK SOUTH 6TH STREET, WEST SIDE OF STREET.
NOW BROCK PARK.
[PAGE 62.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH: SCHOOL.]
FOURTH WARD SCHOOL.
[NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
FRANCIS WILLARD.
200 BLOCK NORTH FOURTH STREET.
[PAGE 63.]
[THREE PHOTOGRAPHS: CHURCHES.]
#1. CATHOLIC.
#2. PRESBYTERIAN.
#3. M. E., SOUTH.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
#1. Catholic: Mid 200 block East Fifth Avenue.
#2. Presbyterian: 400 block South First Street.
#3. M. E., South: Northwest corner B Street and Washington Avenue.
[PAGE 64.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS: RESIDENCES.]
#1. E. [“ED”] G. GRAY.
#3. W. A. REPP.
#3. J. C. BARDWELL.
#4. Wm. GIBBY.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
#1. Gray [constable]: 209 South Second Street.
#2. Repp [Furniture]: 202 South B Street.
#3. Bardwell [Tailor]: 405 South B Street.
#4. Gibby: 402 North Fourth Street.
[PAGE 65.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS: CHURCHES.]
#1. PILGRIM CONGREGATIONAL.
NOTE BY RHODES. Built in 1891. Northwest corner Central Avenue and Third Street.
#2. UNITED PRESBYTERIAN.
NOTE BY RHODES. Built in 1874. Northeast corner Fifth Avenue and B Street.
[PAGE 66.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS: RESIDENCES.]
#1. W. N. SPUNAGGLE.
#2. J. S. ZORN.
#3. J. P. JOHNSON.
#4. T. R. HOUGHTON.
[NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
#1. Spunaggle [engineer]: 819 South C Street.
#2. Zorn: 829 South B Street.
#3. Johnson: 326 South First Street.
#4. Houghton: 126 North B Street.
[PAGE 67.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS: RESIDENCES.]
#1. C. L. BROWN.
#2. MRS. HUBBARD.
#3. F. J. HESS.
#4. CHAS. WILLIAMS.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
#1. Brown [attorney]: 504 North B Street.
#2. Hubbard is confusing. There were two. Mrs. R. Hubbard lived at 321 South D Street.
Mrs. M. E. Hubbard lived at 308 South First Street.
#3. Hess [real estate]: 426 South A Street.
#4. Williams [tailor]: 411 South B Street.
[PAGE 68.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS: RESIDENCES.]
#1. G. T. NEIBERT.
#2. GEO. M. HARTLEY.
#3. S. J. GILBERT.
#4. J. MACK LOVE.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
#1. Neibert: Address not known.
#2. Hartley [Vice President, Farmers Bank]: 224 South B Street.
#3. Gilbert [Manager, Sipes’ Hardware]: Corner Fifth Avenue and A Street.
#4. Love [lawyer]: 509 North Third Street.
[PAGE 69.]
[FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS: RESIDENCES.]
#1. G. D. ORMISTON.
#2. C. H. SEARING.
#3. I. H. SMITH.
#4. ALBERT H. DENTON.
[PENCILED NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
#1. Ormiston [Mercantile]: 413 North Third Street.
#2. Searing. Northeast corner Second Street and Washington Avenue.
#3. Smith [bookkeeper, Traveler.]: 506 North First Street
#4. Denton [Cashier, Farmers Bank]: 317 South A Street.
[PAGE 70.]
[SIX PHOTOGRAPHS.]
[NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
Walnut River. Dunkard Mill. Headgates.
[PAGE 71.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
GENERAL LANDSCAPE. NORTHEAST OF CITY.
[PAGE 72.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
FARM SCENES. NEAR THE CITY.
[PAGE 73.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
CHILOCCO.
U. S. INDIAN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS.
[PAGE 74.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
CHILOCCO.
U. S. INDIAN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.
[PAGE 75.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
#1. WALNUT RIVER. Photo by MILLER.
#2. ARKANSAS RIVER. Photo by CROFT.
[PAGE 76.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
STONE QUARRY EAST OF CITY.
[PAGE 77.]
[THREE PHOTOGRAPHS.]
TONSORIAL PARLOR OF T. M. SIMS.
[NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.] Located at rear of Matlack Building on corner of 5th Avenue and Summit Street. The Sims’ residence was at 222 North Sixth Street.
[PAGE 78.]
[ADVERTISEMENT CARD.]
THIS SHOP IS FIRST-CLASS IN EVERY RESPECT.
IT HAS FIRST-CLASS WORKMEN, HOT AND COLD BATHS,
AND IS SECOND TO NONE IN THE CITY.
WHEN IN ARKANSAS CITY, GIVE US A TRIAL AND WE WILL
LEAVE NOTHING UNDONE TO PLEASE YOU.
RESPECTFULLY,
T. M. SIMS, PROP.
COR. FIFTH AVE. AND SUMMIT ST.
[PAGE 79.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
ST. LOUIS & SAN FRANCISCO RAILROAD DEPOT.
The Frisco Line, while not so much of a Kansas corporation as its competitor, the Santa Fe, it is probably the most important factor in the development of Arkansas City and Southern Kansas generally. It being the direct line to and from St. Louis and all Eastern points, it is the natural highway for homeseekers from Eastern states seeking locations in Southern Kansas and Oklahoma. They are now building an extension from this city to Blackwell, the metropolis of Kay County, Oklahoma, which is located in the fertile valley of Chicaskia.
[NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
229 SOUTH 8TH STREET. OLD 8TH STREET TRACK CROSSING.
[PAGE 80.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
MISSOURI PACIFIC RAILROAD DEPOT.
[NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.] 1122 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.
[PAGE 81.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
ATCHISON, TOPEKA & SANTA FE DEPOT.
[NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.] 125 SOUTH E STREET.
[PAGE 82.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
ATCHISON, TOPEKA & SANTA FE YARDS AND ROUND HOUSE.
[NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.] SOUTH OF DEPOT. SLEETH ADDITION AREA.
[PAGE 83.]
[TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.]
ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND SANTA FE DEPOT.
#1. HARVEY DINING ROOM.
#2. WAITING ROOM AND TICKET OFFICE.
[NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
125 SOUTH E STREET.
[PAGE 84.]
[CARD SHOWING EMBLEM: “Santa Fe Route.”]
The Santa Fe Route...
IS THE ONLY LINE OWNING ITS OWN TRACKS FROM
Chicago to the Pacific Coast.
PULLMAN PALACE SLEEPERS AND TOURIST SLEEPERS TO LOS ANGELES, SAN DIEGO, SAN FRANCISCO, AND ALL PACIFIC COAST POINTS. PULLMAN PALACE SLEEPERS AND FREE RECLINING CHAIR CARS BETWEEN CHICAGO, KANSAS CITY, PUEBLO, COLORADO SPRINGS, AND DENVER.
BE SURE YOUR TICKET READS VIA THE
SANTA FE ROUTE FOR ALL POINTS
EAST AND WEST. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
W. J. BLACK,
GENERAL PASSENGER AND TICKET AGENT,
TOPEKA, KAS.
[PAGE 85.]
[THREE PHOTOGRAPHS: UNIDENTIFIED LADIES.]
“NATURAL AS LIFE.”
CORNISH’S STUDIO.
112 E. 5TH AVE.
[PAGE 86.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
SCENE ON THE WALNUT.
[NOTE BY LARRY RHODES.]
LOOKING NORTH ON THE WALNUT RIVER TOWARD THE EAST KANSAS AVENUE BRIDGE.
NOTICE NEWMAN MILL IN PHOTOGRAPH RIGHT BELOW HORSE ON BRIDGE.
ARKANSAS CITY—FUTURE.
It has been succinctly said that the safest criterion for the future is the past, and yet to gauge the growth of Arkansas City in the golden chain of yet-to-be to-morrows by the standard of yester-years would be to admit that we had not profited by the lessons learned in the school of adversity, where the Schoolmaster Experience hath labored with us wisely and well.
It is not with shamed faces we admit the charge of, at one time, not far in the long-ago, like our sister cities of Kansas and the West, having had a “boom.” The land values then created were fictitious; the growth was, like a mushroom, the product of a night. Fortunes were made and unmade in a hour’s span, and then from the altitude where our air castle balloons had carried us, not having provided ourselves with parachutes, we fell. But we had the courage of try-it-again, not after the same fashion, but, like a child who meets with mishap in its early walking stages, we felt our way as we went, one step at a time, and ah, the lessons we have learned!
Through the reactionary stages of the boom’s collapse our city has long since passed. The depressed real estate values have slowly, but surely, enhanced until now investments again yield a margin on the right side of the ledger. Not the margins of the “boom” period, when profits were figured by the hundreds per cent., but rather the six and eight, ten and twelve per cents of judicious business investments, such as men realize from well operated factories and looms and spindles.
[PAGE 87.]
[BUSINESS CARD.]
Best Passenger Service in Texas.
4 IMPORTANT GATEWAYS 4
[LOGO]
THE
TEXAS (T AND P) PACIFIC
RAILWAY
[TEXARKANA SHREVEPORT EL PASO NEW ORLEANS]
“NO TROUBLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.”
NO CHANGE OF CARS NORTH TEXAS TO NEW ORLEANS.
DIRECT LINE TO NEW MEXICO, ARIZONA AND CALIFORNIA.
WRITE FOR NEW BOOK ON “TEXAS,” FREE.
L. S. THORNE, E. P. TURNER,
Vice Prest. and Gen’l Manager Gen’l Pass. and Ticket Agent.
DALLAS, TEXAS.
[PAGE 88.]
[ONE PHOTOGRAPH.]
NEWMAN DRY GOODS CO.
[NOTES BY LARRY RHODES.]
HILL BUILDING. BUILT IN 1889.
302-306 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET. See Page 10.
WAS MONTGOMERY WARD WHEN BUILDING BURNED IN 1954.
[Text on Page 88.]
Homes can be purchased at honest values, rents are commensurate with the advantages, socially or commercially, that the chosen property offers. The heights of the air-castle days and the depths of the reactionary period are taken as the antipodes of value and a happy medium has been struck and is being maintained.
With the illimitable possibilities the splendid canal and its unexcelled water power affords, with the four great railway lines now centering here and another already mapping out its course, the right-of-way having already been secured from the government, which follows adown the Arkansas River, southeast, tapping the coal fields and the lumber regions of the Indian Territory and Arkansas, with all of a new-born territory to the south of us to supply through the arteries of trade, a glimpse at the future lends cheer to an optimist, while even the pessimist stands speechless in awe.
Our city offers advantages to any wide-awake business man in any line of trade, but the following lines would meet with instantaneous success:
A paper mill. A cotton mill.
A castor oil works. A cotton compress.
A stove manufactory. A syrup manufactory.
A good canning plant. A wholesale notion house.
A vitrified brick plant. A wholesale hardware house.
A wholesale seed concern. A woodenware manufactory.
In short, anything that supplies or produces a staple article for a growing, progressive, million of people.
[NOTES WERE MADE BY THE FOLLOWING PERSON.]
LARRY P. RHODES
1320 NORTH NINTH STREET
ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS 67005
