Willis A. Ritchie, Architect

                           [Ritchie later moved to Arkansas City. See AC FILE.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
John A. Eaton showed us some very fine architectural drawings Friday, done by Willis A. Ritchie, the gentleman from Lima, Ohio, who is here to get up plans for Mr. Eaton’s new bank building.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
Storm or cloud, wind or cyclone, heat or cold can’t check the jollity and genuine sociability of our young folks. Facing a very elevated mercury, the presence of the Italian band imbued them, and Monday an impromptu party was given at the rink—not to dance much, you know, but just to enjoy the charming Italian music. But the charm of Terpsichore came with that of the music and round and round whirled the youth and beauty, in the mazy waltz and perspiration. The rink, with its splendid ventilation and smooth roomy floor, has a peculiar fascination for lovers of the dance, which, added to perfect and inspiring music, easily explains the enjoyment that reigned last night. The ladies, arrayed in lovely white costumes and coquettish smiles, always look bewitching on a summer evening. And right here we know the remark will be endorsed, that no city of Winfield’s size can exhibit a social circle of more beauty, intelligence, and genuine accomplishment—no foolish caste, no “codfish aristocracy,” or embarrassing prudishness. Among those present last night, our reporter noted the following, nearly all of whom “tripped the light fantastic.” Mr. and Mrs. J. F. McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Oliver, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Hosmer, Misses Bertha Williamson, Nellie Cole, S. Belle Gay, S. Gay Bass, Anna Hunt, Edith Hall, Mamie Shaw, Maggie and Mattie Harper, Gertrude and Nellie McMullen, Bert Morford, Nona Calhoun, Emma Strong, Sadie French, Lizzie and Margie Wallis, Nina Anderson, Jennie Lowry, Hattie Andrews, and Belle Bertram; Messrs. Fred C. Hunt, A. D. Speed, Willis Ritchie, D. H. Sickafoose, Amos Snowhill, S. D. and Dick Harper, Eli Youngheim, Ed J. McMullen, B. W. Matlack, T. J. Eaton, P. H. and E. C. Bertram, Everett and George Schuler, Lacey Tomlin, Byron Rudolf, P. S. Kleeman, Harry Bahntge, and George Jennings.
                                           THE NEW SCHOOL BUILDING.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.

Our school board has been busy at their regular and adjourned meetings for the past few months, endeavoring to select or contrive a plan for the proposed addition of four school rooms to the Central school building, that will meet the wants in regard to capacity necessary, and at the same time make a building that will be in good style and proportion. Sketches were submitted to them at their meeting two weeks ago, which provided for the addition of two rooms on each floor, adjoining the building on the north, and was thought first to be the correct idea, but upon close study and examination it was readily seen that it would make an inconvenient plan, because of having two separate halls and stairs, with no communication with each other except by passing through one of the school rooms, and would also make as ugly and unsightly a building as the old barracks building or some old-styled asylum. At this meeting Architect Willis Ritchie, who came here from Ohio to do the work on Mr. Eaton’s residence and bank building, was called in to see if he could suggest to them some plan which would fill the bill. Ritchie’s first suggestion, which, though it would make the best appearing and most convenient building, was decided as impracticable because it would give only two additional rooms and would not accommodate the number of pupils we have. He then gave them the idea which they have adopted and are having plans prepared for. This plan will build the new addition on the south end of the building, which will be the same size of the new part of the present building, with the main entrance, with tower for bell above, fronting south on 9th Avenue. The building will be built after the same design as the present one up to the top of the stone walls of building; there a stone cornice about four feet high will be built on, and a modern Gothic roof put on the entire new parts of the building. This will make the finest looking school building in this part of the state out of what is now one of the most ordinary looking buildings, and will not only be a credit to our city, but will make one public building that our citizens can take some pride in pointing out to strangers. Mr. Ritchie will also prepare a set of elevations for the same floor plans, which will provide for no change in the roof of the present new part of the building, and for a roof of same style on the proposed building. They will receive bids on both propositions, and the board can then let the contract for the latter building in case the proposed plan is too costly for the fund appropriated.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
A fine portrait plan of the new central school building adorns the postoffice front. This plan, prepared by Architect Ritchie, will give us as handsome a school building as the west affords. The contract for its construction will be let by the school board tonight.
                                                         Present Rookery.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
The School Board met in regular session Monday for the purpose of letting the contract for the completion of the addition to the Central school building. The bids were received for two propositions as follows.
First. For the erection and completion of the building according to the plans and specifications, as prepared by Architect Ritchie. This contemplates the removing of the roof of the new part of the present building. (This is now dangerous, and is liable to cause a serious accident at any time because of the poor construction of the roof, which is spreading, so that the plastering is cracking and falling off the upper ceilings. It is only a question of a short time until the ceiling will fall in, causing, no one can tell how much damage, if not attended to now, while it can be helped.) This roof would be removed entirely. A new roof and cornice would be built (including the top ceiling of the rooms), which will correspond with that of the new part of the building. This will make a building, an accurate prospective drawing of which Mr. Ritchie has completed and had framed. It is now hanging at the postoffice door.
Second. The second proposition that the bids were received for contemplated no change or work on the roof of the new part of the present building.
This must be done though by a separate contract before school can be held in this building, or we will at some near future time, be called upon to chronicle the injury, and perhaps the death, of many of our school children, caused by a falling ceiling and roof of the building.
The contemplated roof on the new building will correspond in style and beauty with that on the building as it now stands.
                                                            Bids Received.
The bids on the first proposition were $12,794, which would complete the building as the drawing shows.
The bids on the second proposition were $9,655, which would give us a building of the same style as the present one with the tower as shown on the drawing.
Neither of the above bids include the seating or furnace.
                                    Bid for Building Awarded to Connor & Son.
The contract for the completion of the building, up to the height of the stone walls on the present building, including the top joist, plastering, etc., was awarded to Connor & Son, of Winfield, their bid being the lowest, and work will be pushed rapidly so as to lose no time in getting the building completed.
                                                          Special Election.

The school board reserved the right to accept either plan the citizens decide upon, and have another contract entered into on the first day of September. To this end the special election was called for Monday, the 31st day of August, and thus let the taxpayers and citizens of Winfield decide as to whether we shall have one public school building that our citizens need not be ashamed of, and can point at with some pride as a sample of the good taste and style of our flourishing little city; or whether we shall continue to sink our money into such looking, botched, and patched up concerns as we have the honor of calling our public school buildings, and which have gained for Winfield the notoriety of having the worst looking public buildings in the State. Consider this matter thoroughly and examine the drawing of the proposed building (which is as correct as a photograph of the completed building could be), which will hang at the postoffice door until after the first day of September, thus giving our citizens an opportunity of knowing what they are going to get for the additional $6,000 worth of bonds, which will be necessary to complete the building. And remember that besides the style and appearance of the building, we will get four rooms on the third floor which can be fitted up and used as class rooms or school rooms when an emergency (such as the present one), should arise and we should need more school room.
When the seating and furnace is put in and all completed after the cheapest plan of roof has been put on, the cost will be about $11,000, ($3,000 more than was voted for the building purpose) while to finish the building according to the plans and specifications will require only $6,000 more than was voted for that purpose.
Now the question is: Can the city of Winfield afford to cut off the four rooms on the third floor and lose the only possible chance it has of having one public building that we may be proud of for the small difference in the two propositions?
                                               WINFIELD ON TOP AGAIN.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.
The Board of Trustees of the Methodist College met in this city Thursday to adopt plans and employ an architect and superintendent of the new college building to be erected immediately, on College Hill, this city. Plans and sketches, according to the propositions of the Trustees, were submitted by Willis A. Ritchie, Winfield; George Ropes, State Architect, Topeka; and S. A. Cook, Winfield; Hopkins & Holland, Topeka; W. R. Parsons & Son, St. Louis; E. M. Hale, Denver; Willis Proudfoot, Wichita; and John Barton, Independence. On the first presentation of plans, none were accepted. On the second, most of the architects came up with new sketches. Willis A. Ritchie retained his first sketches and again presented them, carrying off the contract. His plans and bid were accepted over the others, and he employed as architect and superintendent of the construction of the building. His money consideration was not as small as some others, but his plans and location were considered better. This is a bright plume in Mr. Ritchie’s cap—beating some of the best architects of the west. He came here but a short time ago from Lima, Ohio, to plan and superintend the construction of John A. Eaton’s residence and bank building. His ability as an architect was at once recognized and such encouragement given as has secured his permanent residence. He has planned the new school building and has the superintendency of its construction, with other prominent buildings. He is a young man, but a thorough architect, with the pluck and energy that always win. The College building, as now planned, will cost $60,000. The contract for excavation and foundation will be let during the first of September, work to begin at once. Its superintendency by a Winfield architect will be a big card for home contractors and home laborers. Mr. Ritchie is retained on much other work that will be done this fall and next spring.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.
Sam Platt, the foreman from the office of G. M. B. Knox, a Kansas City architect, is now located in Winfield, having accepted a similar position in Architect Ritchie’s office.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.

Alf D. Johnston, a prominent young insurance agent of Lima, Ohio, is in the city, the guest of Architect Ritchie.
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 10, 1885.
Willis A. Ritchie went up to Newton Tuesday with the plans of the new Methodist college under his left wing. He meets with a committee of the College Trustees to finally determine on the plans of the college building, and various things regarding its construction.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
The plans of the new Methodist College are about completed, in W. A. Ritchie’s architectural rooms, and give a good view of the building. It has four stories, a gothic roof, adorned with three towers. It will be one of the finest buildings of the kind in the west, costing over $60,000 to start on.
                            The Last Day of The Cowley Co. Fair—A Grand Success.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 1, 1885.
Sam Platt, of W. A. Ritchie’s architectural rooms, kept the speed ring’s official record yesterday. He’s a good one anywhere.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 1, 1885.
Willis A. Ritchie now sports a bay charger and buggy, and is prepared for numerous whirls around the city. The animal is a daisy roadster and will prove the charm Willis anticipates.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 8, 1885.
The trustees of the M. E. College held their last meeting Tuesday and have left the building committee and Architect in full power to proceed at once with the work on the building, and they have begun as may be seen by the “Notice to Contractors” in another column. The building was located by the committee and architect yesterday and tomorrow it will be staked off. The contract for the excavation for the basement will be let next Saturday at 4 p.m., and Monday morning will see a busy life around the College Hill, which will end only when the building is completed, which will be in time for the opening of the first term in September, 1886. Architect Ritchie will have the complete superintendency of the building and is now well prepared, with his new rig, to go to the building on short notice and watch it closely, which will insure a building second to none in the west, so far as convenience, stability, and handsome appearance is concerned.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
Sam Platt, for some time past a draughtsman in W. A. Ritchie’s architectural rooms, left for his home in Kansas City on Tuesday, called by a telegram announcing his father’s dangerous illness. He is uncertain whether he will return or not. We hope he will. He is a thorough artist in his line and a young man of admirable qualities generally. Mr. Ritchie will part with him very regretfully.

                                                           LAND SLIDES.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds since our last issue.
         Nixon S Buckner et ux to Willis A Ritchie, lots 14 and 15, blk 16, College hill: $400
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.
Chaperoned by Architect Ritchie, behind his bay flyer, our reporter enjoyed a spin to College Hill, the “Phool school,” and other places Wednesday. Paris & Harrod are throwing dirt lively from the college excavation and will have it done next week. Every time you visit this location, you are more forcibly imbued with the grandeur of its views. A prettier location for such an institution couldn’t be found in the land. Winfield, as it nestles in this lovely valley, embowered in leafy verdure and skirted by the meandering wood of the Walnut river and Timber creek, presents an entrancing sight. Then an ascension of the mound gives a grand view for miles and miles around. The excavation for the Imbecile Asylum is about done. The charm of this location is almost equal to that of College Hill. We were in good time yesterday to avoid the rush and get a choice room. The last big boulders are being lifted from the basement by the crane and crampoons. The excavation has been a gigantic job. It was a continual blast through the hardest of lime stone: almost as hard as flint. The whole grounds are strewn with the immense boulders that have been taken out. Much of the stone from the excavation is being worked up for window and door sills, the foundation, etc., though it is too hard to be used altogether. Contractor J. Q. Ashton says he can lay down, all worked up ready for use, the softer stone from the regular quarries for less than he can dress the hard stone from the excavation. The walls will begin to go up Monday morning. Much of the stone is prepared and waiting use. When the Imbecile Asylum and our magnificent college building are finished with a street car line, which will be inevitable, these places will be a popular resort for visitors and a big thing in spreading the fame of our city. Couple these with our numerous and valuable private improvements, and our splendid railroad prospects, and The Queen City’s future surely presents a roseate hue.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.
Samuel J. Platt, father of Sam Platt, recently with Architect Ritchie, died in Kansas City Wednesday afternoon. Sam left here Wednesday evening, called by a telegram, arriving home too late to see his father alive. The deceased was one of the oldest residents of Kansas City.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 5, 1885.
The rulers of the city met in regular commune Monday night: Mayor Graham in the chair and councilmen McDonald, Jennings, Hodges, Baden, and Harter present; absent councilmen Myers and Crippen.
Willis A. Ritchie was appointed and confirmed as city engineer.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.
Architect Ritchie, who was recently appointed city engineer, has just completed the survey and plat of the W. W. Andrews’ land just north of the city. The plat of 62 acres of land is bounded by thirty-three distinct lines, more than half of the corners of which, being in Timber Creek, made it an extremely difficult piece of work.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 19, 1885.
Architect Ritchie is drafting plans for a splendid brick and stone block for Col. McMullen, next to J. J. Carson’s store. Numerous others are getting ready to erect business blocks. It won’t be long till Main Street will be entirely free of its antiquated rookeries.
                                               CITY BUILDING LOCATED.
                                     On the Corner Opposite the Court House.
                                Two Lots From Hackney for $900.—Dirt Cheap.
                               $9,100 To Put Into a City Building.—All Satisfied.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 26, 1885.
The City Council met Thursday afternoon to open the various bids to furnish grounds for the city building. No conclusion was reached and an adjournment was had till after supper, when all the bids were rejected as being too high. There were nine bids in as follows:
Joseph Likowski, one lot on Millington Street between 8th and 9th, $1,800.
Episcopal Church Board, two lots, corner of Millington and 8th, $2,400.
Senator Hackney, two lots, corner of 9th and Fuller, opposite the Court House, $2,000.
J. A. Cooper, two lots, opposite M. E. Church, $4,500.
Dr. Fleming, 3 lots, all or parts, back Christian Church, $1,000 to $2,800.
Christian Church, $1,000 to $2,800.
E. C. Seward, two lots just west of Kirks mill, $2,400.
The council intended to advertise for more bids; but Senator Hackney was on hand, grabbed a chair, and in two minutes had written out a bid offering his two lots for $1,000. The council was inclined to continue consideration when W. A. Lee said, “Put it there and I’ll give you a check for $100!” This put the lots down to $900, and without parley the council said in one voice, “Accepted.” And everybody, barring a few fellows who would kick if their mother-in-law should want to die, is heartily satisfied with its location. The lots are cheap—dirt cheap—they were cheap at $2,000. They are centrally located, and plenty near the business portion of the city for the fire department. The extremely low price of these lots is another exhibition of Hackney’s indomitable enterprise. The City Fathers now have $9,100 to put into a city building—sufficient to erect an elegant and spacious building, a credit to the city in architecture and large enough to supply the demands when our city gets its twenty-five thousand inhabitants, in a few years. The council is determined, now that they have money enough, to make this building complete in every way. Architects Ritchie and Cook are now at work on pencil sketch plans, to submit to the council Monday evening, when a plan will be adopted and bids for the building’s construction advertised for immediately. The building will probably be fifty feet wide, eighty or a hundred feet deep, two stories. The east and south fronts will be of pitched ashler work, like the Farmers Bank building. On the first floor, in front, will be the fire department; next police court; next a dozen or more cells for a city prison. Upstairs will be a large council hall, big enough for all public meetings of a municipal character, with a full set of offices for the city government. A couple of rooms upstairs will also be arranged for firemen, that some of them can sleep there regularly. Altogether the building will be one an honor to the city—one to answer every purpose for years to come. It will not be built for the present only, but for the future growth that is inevitable.

Winfield Courier, December 3, 1885.
Architect Ritchie has completed a sketch of the City Building, east elevation. It shows the building to be a model of artistic architecture: one a great credit to the city.
Winfield Courier, December 3, 1885.
Architect W. A. Ritchie, of the firm of W. A. Ritchie & Co., whose offices are located at Winfield, Kansas, and Lima, Ohio, was in the city Monday looking after building interests. The firm has prepared plans for the M. E. College, a $60,000 building, at Winfield; the school building, St. James Hotel, City Hall, and Bank building, which are to be the finest in the state, and a number of other buildings in that city, so that any further recommendation as to their ability as architects is unnecessary. Harper Sentinel.
                                                      G. O. CLUB PARTY.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
The G. O. Club met Thursday eve in the very agreeable home of Miss Mary Randall. It was a thoroughly enjoyable party of our liveliest young folks, proving conclusively that the young ladies are adepts in arranging social gatherings. Those who enjoyed the occasion were: Misses Josie Bottom, of Ponca; Margie Wallis, Hattie Stolp, Leota Gary, Emma Strong, Jennie Lowry, Nona Calhoun, Bert Morford, Eva Dodds, Minnie Taylor, Ida Johnston, Nellie Rodgers, Anna McCoy, and May Hodges; Messrs. Harry Dent, of Ponca; P. H. Albright, Chas. F. and Harry Bahntge, Willis A. Ritchie, P. S. Hills, Ed. J. McMullen, George Jennings, Will Hodges, Fred Ballein, Harry Sickafoose, Frank N. Strong, Lacey Tomlin, Addison Brown, Livey Buck, and Frank H. Greer. The admirable entertainment of Miss Mary Randall, nicely assisted by her sister, Miss Ella, made all perfectly at home, with genuine jollity supreme. Cards, music, “the light fantastic,” supplemented by a choice luncheon, filled up the evening splendidly. The young ladies made an unique “hit” in this club. It is the alternate to the Pleasant Hour Club, managed by the boys. But there is more hearty sociability about it. Meeting at the homes of the members gives better opportunity for widening friendships. The Opera House, where all is form and dancing, gives a perceptible stiffness and chilliness that never exhibits itself in a private home. Yet the Pleasant Hour Club has succeeded in banishing much of this restraint—in trying to melt the cast that is always likely to exhibit itself at such parties. The social life of our young folks is more general this winter. Entertainments and parties are thick—something about every evening in the week.
                       Winfield and The Terminus Mingle.—The Frigidity Broken.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
For years past there has been a considerable frigidity between Winfield and Arkansas City society. Why this was, couldn’t be explained. Invitations to social events of note passed back and forth, but fell on the desert air. The ice had got to be a foot thick. It is now broken: completely melted, on the part of Winfield. Friday night did it. It was the occasion of a ball and banquet by the Knights of Pythias, of Arkansas City. This Lodge is composed of many of the Terminus’ most prominent men. A grand affair was assured. A number of Winfield’s young folks determined to participate, in answer to hearty invitations. A very happy and mutually agreeable party was made up, as follows.

Mrs. Riddell and Misses Julia Smith, Margie and Lizzie Wallis, Sadie French, Jennie Lowry, Emma Strong, Nona Calhoun, Bert Morford, and Anna Hunt; Messrs. J. L. M. Hill, E. B. Wingate, Willis A. Ritchie, Wm. D. Carey, Tom J. Eaton, Chas. F. and Harry Bahntge, Byron Rudolph, P. H. Albright, George Jennings, Eli Youngheim, and THE COURIER scribe. They went down on the K. C. & S. W., arriving at 7 o’clock, and were handsomely received. This ball and banquet was the biggest social event in Arkansas City’s history. The entire management was perfect under the careful attention of—
Executive committee: A. Mowry, G. W. Miller, and Geo. S. Howard.
Reception committee: John Landes, J. L. Huey, H. P. Farrar, A. J. Pyburn, S. F. George, and F. E. Balyeat.
Floor managers: C. C. Sollitt, F. W. Farrar, T. B. Hutchison, Thos. Vanfleet, and W. E. Moore.
Over a hundred couples of the best people of Arkansas City participated—its youth, beauty, and vivacity. Many of the ladies appeared in elegant costume. The music was furnished by the Wichita Orchestra. The Winfield folks were made perfectly at home and given every attention. Our girls “shook” the Queen City fellows for the handsome ones of the Terminus, and our boys put in the time admirably under the charming presence of the A. C. girls. It was a hearty mingling that made many agreeable acquaintances and completely broke the distant feeling heretofore existing socially between the two cities. The Terminus certainly shows enticing sociability—a circle of handsome, stylish, and genial people, whom the Winfield folks are most happy to have met on this occasion. The banquet, set by H. H. Perry, mine host of the Leland, was fit to tickle the palate of kings—everything that modern culinary art could devise. At 3 o’clock the “hub” folks boarded a special train on the K. C. & S. W., which the managers of that road had kindly furnished for the convenience of the visitors, and were soon landed at home, in the sweet realization of having spent one of the most enjoyable nights of their lives. A jollier crowd of young folks than went down from here would be exceedingly hard to find. The got all the enjoyment there was in it. The A. C. people were delighted with the visit and expressed a warm desire and determination to return the compliment at the first opportunity. This is the inauguration of a new social feeling between the two towns.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
Reward will be given to anyone who will return or give information that will lead to the recovery of the plans and specifications of the new city building, that were lost Saturday afternoon. Willis A. Ritchie & Co., Architects.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
Bids were opened Monday on the city building. The two lowest bids were $8,580, one from Winfield parties and the other from a Cleveland, Ohio, contractor. The contract was not awarded, but will likely be let to Winfield parties this evening. This contract will be let at a price much below Architect Ritchie’s estimate of the cost of the building, as also was the contract for the basement of the M. E. College building a couple of months ago, which with his designs, is the best recommendation an architect can receive.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
Willis A. Ritchie and Wm. D. Carey left last Tuesday to spend the holidays at their old homes, the former in Lima, Ohio, and the latter at Chicago, Illinois.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
The city rulers met in regular session Tuesday night. Present: Mayor Graham and Councilmen Connor, Jennings, Crippen, Harter, and Baden. Absent: Councilmen McDonald, Myers, and Hodges.
A number of bids for the construction of the city building were presented, and Councilmen Crippen, Conner, and Harter appointed to examine them, with Architect Ritchie, and report at a special meeting tonight at 7 o’clock, to when the council adjourned.
                                                     A SNEAKING TRICK.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
J. Q. Ashton, of Arkansas City, wanted to bid on the Winfield City Building. Architect Ritchie let him take the plans and specifications, to figure on at home. He put them in his buggy, and about five o’clock, before starting to Arkansas City, hitched his team on Main street for a few minutes. He came back to find them gone. This is a mean trick—could not have been done through nothing but the smallest spirit. The party taking them could have had no use for them, and might have caused great trouble and delay, and a big loss to W. A. Ritchie. But he is always prepared for such an episode—always makes two copies of all plans and specifications. He is safe, with only the time and expense of making additional copies. It was a dirty trick, whoever did it.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
Willis A. Ritchie left Tuesday, via the K. C. & S. W., for a holiday vacation with the folks at home, Lima, Ohio. He certainly returns with a splendid record—a remarkable amount of work caged in four months. He is one of the best architects in the west, and his abilities are being splendidly recognized. He will be back in two weeks.
       A Cleveland, Ohio, Contractor Gets the Construction of the City Building, For $8,580.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
The City Fathers held a special meeting Tuesday night, at which the railroad election for the Florence, El Dorado & Walnut railroad was called for January 27th, 1886, and the contract for the City Building let. K. T. Uhl, of Cleveland, Ohio, got the contract for constructing the City Building. He is a member of a prominent contracting firm of Cleveland, who have determined to locate in Winfield in the spring. This is the reason they put in this bid, to introduce themselves. Our Winfield contractors declare that Uhl contributes $1,500 to introduce himself. Our contractors figured as closely as possible and couldn’t get within a thousand dollars of Uhl’s bid.
The contractor must give good and sufficient bond, with Cowley County sureties, to construct the building according to the plans and specifications, by July 1st, 1886, with a forfeit for every week’s delay thereafter. Uhl has the best recommendations and will no doubt do as good work as can be done. We had hoped to see one of our old contractors get this work, but they couldn’t come closer than a thousand dollars to Uhl’s bid and the council could do nothing but award it to the lowest responsible bidder. The contract let at just about Architect Ritchie’s estimate. The fact that Uhl will make Winfield his home, makes his getting the contract more acceptable. This will give the labor to our home mechanics and laborers and keep the money all at home, as would have been the case had one of our old contractors controlled it.

                     The Marriage of Mr. B. W. Matlack and Miss Gertrude McMullen.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
                                              THE TOKENS AND DONORS.
                                       Silver and glass berry dish, Willis A. Ritchie.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
The foundation for the College is about complete, and it is a beauty. The water tables, almost all on, are of blue limestone, handsomely trimmed, and as decorative as marble. The dimensions of the building are finely exhibited in the foundation. And a glance at the pencil sketch of Architect Ritchie shows that it will be a magnificent structure when completed, one an honor not only to Winfield but the whole Southwest M. E. Conference. The State will not afford a better educational institution. A lot has been selected and plans are being drawn for a neat church on the college grounds, which will accommodate the college pupils and the residents of College Hill and vicinity.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
Tom K. Tingle came in from Harper Saturday evening, and has joined THE COURIER force. He is recently from Lima, Ohio, and an old friend of Willis A. Ritchie and Tom J. Eaton.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 14, 1886.
Willis A. Ritchie returned Thursday on the Frisco, from a delightful vacation of two weeks, visiting relatives and friends at Lima, Ohio, his old home. His sister, Miss Ida, returned with him, for a visit of some weeks. She is an admirable young lady, and will be most happily welcomed by the city’s social circle, to which she will prove an agreeable acquisition.
                           Mr. Lewis Brown and Miss Lena Walrath are Joined In The
                                              Matrimonial Bond.—A Big Event.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 14, 1886.
                                                            THE GUESTS.
Rev. and Mrs. Kelly; Rev. and Mrs. Reider; Mr. and Mrs. A. Gridley; Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Young; Mr. and Mrs. Blackman; Mr. and Mrs. Dalton; Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Silliman; Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Park; Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor; Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Finch; Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham; Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Vance; Mr. and Mrs. A. Graff, Wellington; Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown and Ralph; Mr. and Mrs. J. C. McMullen; Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Doane; Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read; Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Myton; Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Wood; Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington; Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller; Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Hackney; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Robinson; Mr. and Mrs. Frank K. Raymond; Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Hunt; Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Carson; Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Miller; Mrs. M. L. Robinson; Mrs. T. H. Soward; Mrs. B. H. Riddell; Misses Mattie Harrison, of Hannibal, Mo.; Lola Silliman, Leota Gary, Anna Hunt, Alice Thompson, Ida Ritchie, Clara Wilson, Julia B. March, Ida Johnston, Nellie and Kate Rodgers; Ora Worden, of Garnett; Nellie and Alice Aldrich, Minnie Taylor, Nellie McMullen, Lou Gregg, Maud Kelly, Mattie Reider, Hattie and Mamie Young; Messrs. W. C. Robinson, Will Hodges, Addison Brown, Jas. Lorton, L. J. Buck, Everett and George Schuler, W. A. Ritchie, C. E. Pugh, Chas. H. Slack, Jno. Brooks, Frank H. Greer, Will Brown, Harry Caton, Lewis Plank, P. S. Hills, J. L. M. Hill, Ed J. McMullen, and M. Hahn.

                                                    THE REMEMBRANCES.
Upholstered plush rocker, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Root, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Vance, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Doane, C. E. Pugh, W. A. Ritchie, and M. Hahn.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
The G. O. Club had a very delightful meeting Thursday eve in the pleasant home of Miss Mary Berkey. The sleet and rain didn’t brook many of the members. Arthur Bangs’ cabs were brought out and headed off the weather. It was a jolly gathering, composed of Misses Ida Ritchie, Anna Johnson, Mattie Harrison, Ora Worden, Lizzie and Margie Wallis, Nellie and Kate Rodgers, Ida Johnston, Minnie Taylor, and Josie Pixley; Messrs. A. F. Hopkins, Tom J. Eaton, Willis A. Ritchie, Everett T. and Geo. H. Schuler, G. E. Lindsley, L. J. Buck, J. W. Spindler, Ed J. McMullen, Addison Brown, and Frank H. Greer. The entertainment of Miss Mary Berkey, nicely assisted by her sisters, Mrs. Bishop and Miss Eva, was most agreeable. Various amusements, supplemented by music and a choice luncheon, made the evening pass very happily to all.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
Sealed proposals will be received until noon of Thursday, Feb. 4th, 1886, at the office of W. A. Ritchie & Co., for the erection and completion of an Office Building for J. C. McMullen, Esq., according to drawings and specifications prepared by W. A. Ritchie & Co., Architects, which are now on file at their offices in the west end of the Winfield National Bank extension. Bids will be received on the building complete or on the different parts of the work. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids. Willis A. Ritchie & Co., Architects.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
Architect Ritchie has moved his architectural rooms to the west rooms of the Winfield National Bank extension, second floor. These rooms are large, airy, and generally pleasant.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
The Whist Club met Monday evening with Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Hunt. There were ten couples present and a very pleasurable evening spent. The requisite number of games for the championship of the winter were finished and Miss Ida Ritchie and Tom J. Eaton were declared the champions. The competition during the last few meetings grew very warm, and some highly scientific playing was recorded. New officers were elected as follows: Dr. Emerson, president, and Fred C. Hunt was re-elected secretary and referee. The next meeting, Tuesday evening next, will be with Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller. Hereafter, all members who can’t be present are to send their regret by the morning before the meeting, that even tables may be arranged.
                                                 A GRAND SOCIAL EVENT.
                      The Pleasant Hour Club Scores Another Big Success in Its Annual
                                       Bal Masque at the Opera House Last Night.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
                                     THE REPRESENTATION.—THE LADIES.
Miss Ida Ritchie, the Quakeress, had all the peculiarities of dress and manner of that queerest of beings. She took the character splendidly.
                                                             THE GENTS.

Willis A. Ritchie, Livey J. Buck, and Frank H. Greer were papa’s baby boys, with ludicrous make up and corporosity just alike, with whistle and rattle box accompaniment. Ritchie also appeared as the French Marquis; Buck as “Ingomar, the Barbarian,” and Greer as the “Bosting Dude.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
The plans for the new First National Bank building, on the McGuire corner, as pencil sketched by Architect Ritchie, show a structure whose magnificence can’t be discounted in the state. It is full a hundred and forty feet deep, ninety feet of which will be used for the bank and its private offices, and the remainder will be three store rooms forty-eight feet deep, extending on Col. Alexander’s lot, who will build at the same time. The building is full three stories high, with large windows and modern relief clear along its Ninth and Main fronts. The stairway will lead up from the center of the building on Ninth. Its entire arrangement is of modern architecture, unexcelled in exterior design and interior appointments. The First National Bank folks are determined to lay everything in the shade with this structure, and the plans are proof that they will.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
The pencil sketch of the new city building, drawn by the architect, Willis A. Ritchie, exhibits a three story building, whose modern interior appointments and exterior beauty is unexcelled. It is of Gothic style, pitched Ashler stone, and will be a building worthy the personal pride of every citizen. And its capacity will accommodate our city for years to come.
Bill...introducing Uhl and Giel items...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Messrs. F. Uhl and John F. Giel, contractors for the new city building, arrived Friday from Cleveland, Ohio. They propose to make Winfield their home hereafter; and to establish themselves, made a very low bid on the city building. They are contractors of experience and their standing in Cleveland, as evidenced by recommendations, is first-class. Work on the city building will begin as soon as the weather will permit.
                                                        CITY DADS HOT.
               They Throw Out the City Building Bid of Uhl and Giel and All Others.
                                        A Wrathy Meeting.—Connor Resigns.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
The council chamber was a hot scene Tuesday night. A special meeting of the city rulers was held to approve the bond of Uhl and Giel, the Cleveland, Ohio, contractors whose bid to construct the city building was the lowest one filed and the one accepted. There were present: Mayor Graham and Councilmen Harter, McDonald, Crippen, Jennings, and Connor.
There has existed considerable dissatisfaction among home contractors ever since the awarding of this contract to foreign parties. The bid of Uhl, $8,500, was $400 lower than the next lowest, and these men were highly recommended, and signified their determination to locate in Winfield, and made this low bid to introduce themselves. The council could do nothing but accept.
Things ran smoothly until last week, when the delay of Uhl and Giel to file their bond caused a little uneasiness, and a petition was circulated, asking the council to revoke their award and give the contract to the next lowest bidder, which was Chas. Schmidt.

In the meantime, Uhl and Giel came on, had their bond of $16,000, to strictly fulfill their contract, well secured and ready to file.
Last night the fact was brought out that Uhl’s initials were wrong in his contract, which made “K. T. Uhl” the bidder instead of Fred Uhl, whom he represented himself to be. Mr. Uhl, being present, then explained that he drew the original bid himself, but had a Cleveland stenographer copy it, and that it was in this way that the mistake must have occurred. Chas. Schmidt said it illegalized the bid, and if the council accepted Uhl’s bid, he would have him enjoined.
Mr. Connor said that he didn’t propose that any foreigner should walk off with that job if he (Connor) had to do it for nothing.
And here the war began, fraud being charged to the contractors all around. Connor moved that Uhl’s bid and others filed be rejected. Harter seconded the motion. Connor and Harter voted in favor, and the rest of the councilmen refused to vote, and the motion was declared carried.
Mr. Connor tendered his resignation as councilman from the First Ward, to go into effect next Monday evening. His resignation is no doubt to enable him to bid on the city building.
The council decided to again advertise for bids, to be opened on the 8th of February. The home contractors are determined, and Uhl is determined, and some very low bids will no doubt result. It was claimed by our home men that Uhl would lose a thousand dollars on his bid of $8,500, and they predicted that he would never file his bond. He stood the racket and thus this hotness.
The council never had a livelier or louder discussion than that last night. Some of them got badly stirred up.
The resignation of Councilman Connor is much to be regretted. He has made a very efficient member of the council, his services in public improvements being specially valuable. His practical knowledge as a contractor and builder peculiarly fit him as councilman. A member of the council, however, cannot take a contract from that body, under the law.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Architects Willis A. Ritchie and S. A. Cook left Sunday evening via the S. K. to attend the State Architects Association, which convened today in Topeka.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Willis A. Ritchie returned Tuesday from the State Architects’ Association at Topeka. The meeting was well attended and one of much profit to architecture in Kansas. Mr. Ritchie was accompanied home by Otto H. Weile, a first-class draughtsman from Cleveland, Ohio, who will be a valuable addition to Mr. Ritchie’s architectural rooms. Mr. Weile is a graduate of the architectural schools at Heidelberg, Germany, and is one of the finest architects in this country.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 4, 1886.

The G. O. Club gave one of the most pleasurable parties of the winter series in the commodious home of Misses Nellie and Kate Rodgers, Thursday evening. It was a bad night, but with the excellent hack facilities of Arthur Bangs, the elements were conquered and by nine o’clock the following very jolly crowd were present: Mrs. M. Hite, Mrs. A. D. Hendricks and Miss Laura, Misses Sallie Bass, Ida Ritchie, Mattie Harrison, Nona Calhoun, Bert Morford, Ida Johnston, Lizzie and Margie Wallis, Leota Garry, Nellie Cole, Maggie Harper, Anna McCoy, Mary Randall, Eva Dodds, and Mary Berkey; Messrs. G. E. Lindsley, F. and Harry Bahntge, Frank N. Strong, P. S. Hills, A. F. Hopkins, R. E. Wallis, Jr., Will E. Hodges, Everett T. and Geo. H. Schuler, Lacey Tomlin, Wm. D. Carey, and Frank H. Greer. For novelty, all were accompanied by a sheet and pillow case, and the first half hour witnessed only ambling phantoms, whose ghostly presence was weird and mysterious. But a little of the ghost business was enough, and soon all were happily mingling in their natural array. Music, the light fantastic, cards, and various appropriate amusements, with an excellent luncheon, filled in the time most enjoyable until 12 o’clock. The Misses Rodgers are very admirable entertainers, graceful and jolly, and made a genuine freedom among their guests most acceptable.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 4, 1886.
City Engineer Ritchie is making estimates of the cost of the Ninth Avenue and Bliss & Wood bridges, and bids will be advertised for in time for the letting of contracts for early spring work.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.
The rulers of the city met in adjourned session Monday night to look into the bridge building question and to let the contract for the city building—Mayor Graham and Councilmen Jennings, Harter, Myers, Baden, Connor, and Crippen, present; with city clerk, Buckman; city attorney, Jos. O’Hare, and city engineer, Willis A. Ritchie. The bridge committee and city engineer had conferred with various bridge builders and determined on prices and plans, but it was determined best to consult with the Vernon officials before taking final action, as that township was equally interested in the Ninth Avenue bridge. The meeting with Vernon was set for Wednesday next, the city clerk to notify the Vernon Board. There were four bids for the complete construction of the City Building.
Chas. Schmidt: $10,765
Joe Reeves: $9,700
John Q. Ashton: $9,330
Uhl & Giel, Cleveland: $8,880

The bid of Fr. Uhl and John F. Giel being the lowest bid, with ample bondsmen and recommendations, the contract was awarded to them. This is the Cleveland, Ohio, firm whose bid, $380 lower than this one, was accepted by the council before. Owing to a slight technicality, which could easily have been lawfully remedied, and the assurance that home contractors would make lower bids if given another opportunity, the bids were all thrown out and bids re-advertised for. This little miscue cost the city $300. But the council is not altogether to blame. They did as their best judgment dictated, backed by a petition of 300 citizens who were dissatisfied with foreigners getting the contract, and with the declarations of home contractors. Messrs. Uhl & Giel will locate here permanently, at once, and begin the erection of the city building as soon as the weather will permit. They are contractors of experience and first-class standing in Cleveland. They enter into a bond of $8,880 to complete the work, strictly according to plans and specifications, by the first of August. The council ordered the Fire company to rent the old foundry building for its departments, until the city building is completed. The fire marshal was instructed to examine the various fire plugs and see that they are in working order. The street and alley committee is to have Dr. Mendenhall’s sidewalk, fronting his residence on Millington Street, raised above the high water mark.
Bill...Uhl and Giel...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.
Frank Uhl and John F. Giel, the Cleveland contractors who came out to bid on the city building, returned to Cleveland Friday afternoon.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
The First National Bank folks have accepted the plans of Architect Willis A. Ritchie for their magnificent bank block on the McGuire corner, and have employed him as architect and superintendent. This will be one of the very finest blocks in the city—as fine as any in the State. It is full three stories, 140 feet deep, with very artistic fronts on Main and Ninth. It is modern and imposing in every particular. The first ninety feet will be occupied by the First National Bank and its private offices, appointed and furnished in metropolitan style. On the rear will be three store rooms, extending fifty feet back, on Alexander’s lot. Col. Alexander expects to build at the same time. The stairway leading to the second and third floors will be eight feet wide and located at the building’s center on Ninth. The old rookery will be moved off by March first and the excavation begun, when the construction will be pushed rapidly.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
Certainly there could be no happier occasion than that at the elegant and spacious home of C. F. Bahntge, Thursday. It was the bi-weekly party of the G. O. club. The popularity of Misses Bert Morford and Nona Calhoun and Messrs. Chas. F. and Harry Bahntge as entertainers was fully sustained—warm-hearted, graceful, lively and free, a manner that completely banished all restraint and made supreme gaiety unalloyed.
The guests were: Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, and Mrs. B. H. Riddell; Misses Ida Ritchie, Mattie Harrison, Sallie Bass, Jennie Hane, Anna Hunt, Mary Randall, Mary Berkey, Emma Strong, Leota Gary, Nettie and Anna McCoy, Ida Johnston, Nell and Kate Rodgers, Nellie Cole, Hattie Stolp, Eva Dodds, and Lizzie and Margie Wallis; Messrs. J. L. M. Hill, P. H. Albright, G. E. Lindsley, Will E. Hodges, Byron Rudolf, Everett T. and George H. Schuler, Ed. J. McMullen, Lacey T. Tomlin, Tom J. Eaton, Willis A. Ritchie, Harry Sickafoose, Wm. D. Carey, Frank N. Strong, Frank F. Leland, Ivan A. Robinson, Addison Brown, and Frank H. Greer.
The appointments of this richly furnished and very agreeable home are splendidly adapted to a gathering of this kind. The Roberts Orchestra was present with its charming music and the joyous guests indulged in the “mazy” to their heart’s content, mingling cards and tete-a-tete. The collation was especially excellent and bounteous. Nothing but the ancient “wee sma” hours abridged the gaiety, when all departed with warmest appreciation of their delightful entertainers.

And right here we can’t quell the remark that the young ladies have made a brilliant success of the G. O. Club. It is one of the most pleasurable sources of amusement yet inaugurated in the city—one giving the young ladies ample scope to exhibit their superior qualities in the entertainment line. It is a very pleasant and successful alternate to the Pleasant Hour Club. Of course the P. H. has long since delivered the prize to the G. O.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
No dance affords as much well-bred hilarity and genuine enjoyment, for an evening, as the German. It is purely a social arrangement, mingling novelty most acceptable. Highly pleasurable indeed was the “German” reception of Miss Ida Johnston last night. The appointments of this richly furnished and truly elegant home, for such an occasion, was perfect. The large double parlors, with their canvas-covered floor, gave ample scope for the many amusing figures of the German. The figures were admirably led by Willis A. Ritchie and Miss Mattie Harrison, assisted by Frank F. Leland and Miss Ida Ritchie, and, though some were quite intricate, went off without a break. Besides those mentioned, the guests were: Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Matlack, Mrs. B. H. Riddell; Misses Jennie Hane, Sallie Bass, Lizzie and Margie Wallis, Nellie Cole, Nona Calhoun, Anna Hunt, Bert Morford, and Maggie Harper; Messrs. Byron Rudolf, Chas. F. and Harry Bahntge, Addison Brown, M. J. O’Meara, Will E. Hodges, Everett T. and George H. Schuler, Lacey T. Tomlin, Tom J. Eaton, Ed. J. McMullen, and Frank H. Greer. The ladies were all in beautiful costume and the gentlemen brought out the swallow tail for the first time this winter. Master Archie Olmstead furnished the piano music and his excellent time elicited much appreciation. The favors were numerous, “cute” and appropriate. The excellent collation formed a very interesting supplement. Miss Johnston is an admirable entertainer, easy, genial, and graceful, and, agreeably assisted by her mother, afforded all one of the pleasantest evenings of the winter. This home is one of the most complete and commodious in the city, giving splendid opportunity for receptions. This was the first German of the winter. It proved such a delightful novelty that others will likely be given before the “light fantastic” season is ended. To those familiar with the various “round dances,” the German is the acme of the Terpsichorean art, fashionable, graceful, and gay.
Bill, I need to introduce you to the Knights of Labor in Winfield...
                                            STONE WORKER’S MEETING.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
The Stone Cutters and Stone Masons will meet at the Knights of Labor Hall over Cohen’s store, on Saturday night at 7 o’clock.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
The Vernon authorities have employed City Engineer Ritchie to look after Vernon’s interest in the new Walnut bridge at the end of Ninth avenue.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
Mrs. W. J. Wilson entertained a small tea party at her residence, on East 11th St., on Saturday evening. Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Nixon, Mr. and Miss Ritchie, and Mr. T. J. Eaton were presented together with Miss Jennie Hane, who ably assisted Mrs. Wilson in making a pleasant evening.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
                                                Notice to Bridge Contractors.

SEALED proposals will be received at the office of the City Engineer, of Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas, until noon of Thursday, March 4th, 1886, for the erection and completion of a wrought iron truss bridge across the Walnut river on Ninth avenue, Winfield, Ks., and connecting with the J. F. Martin County road, in accordance with the general plan and specification for the same, prepared by the City Engineer, copies of which will be sent to any parties wishing to bid on said bridge. Proposals will be received on the three parts of the work separately as follows: First, on the super-structure. Second, on the sub-structure of iron. Third, on the sub-structure of Cowley County stone. Proposals to be accompanied with a detailed plan and specification of the bridge contemplated in the bid, also with a bond in the sum of One Thousand dollars with Cowley County sureties, for the faithful entering into of a contract in case the work be awarded to them.
The above to be enclosed in a sealed envelope and addressed to “W. A. Ritchie, City Engineer, Winfield, Kansas,” and marked “Proposal for 9th avenue bridge, Winfield, Kansas.
By order of the Winfield City Council and the Vernon Township Trustees.
The right is reserved to reject any or all bids.
                                                W. A. RITCHIE, City Engineer.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
                                                Notice to Bridge Contractors.
SEALED proposals will be received at the office of the City Engineer of Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas, until noon of Thursday, March 4th, 1886, for the erection and completion of a wrought iron bridge across the Walnut river, at Bliss & Wood’s mill, Winfield, Kansas, in accordance with the general plan and specification for the same, prepared by the City Engineer, copies of which will be sent to any parties wishing to bid on the said bridge. Proposals will be made for the bridge complete, and to be accompanied with a detail plan and specification of the bridge contemplated in the bid, also with a bond in the sum of One Thousand dollars with Cowley County sureties, for the faithful entering into of a contract in case the work be awarded to them.
The above to be enclosed in a sealed envelope and addressed to “W. A. Ritchie, City Engineer, Winfield, Kas., and marked “Proposal for the Bliss & Wood’s mill bridge, Winfield, Kas.”
The right is reserved to reject any or all bids.
By order of the Winfield City Council.
                                                W. A. RITCHIE, City Engineer.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
Walter J. Ritchie, brother of Willis A. Ritchie, arrived Saturday on the S. K. from Ohio. He will locate here, going into business with his brother.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
Architects W. A. Ritchie & Co. received the contract Tuesday morning for drawing plans for three business buildings to be erected at Arkansas City this season. Frank J. Hess, The Johnston Loan and Trust Co., and Mr. Johnston are the parties who will build them. Ritchie & Co. will open up an architectural office in Arkansas City within the next two weeks, a branch to their Winfield establishment.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.

City Engineer Ritchie received his new engineering outfit from the east Tuesday. It consists of a transit, level, rods, poles, chains, steel lines, arrows, etc., all of the very finest make and is as complete an outfit as can be found in the state. He has rented another office room in the Winfield Bank extension for this branch of their business, which can thus be kept separate from their architectural rooms.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
Architect Ritchie is just finishing plans for a large schoolhouse at Kellogg. A new district has been formed and bonds voted for a new schoolhouse. ’Rah for Kellogg.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
Our City Fathers met in regular session Monday night. Mayor Graham and Councilmen Connor, Jennings, Crippen, and Harter, and Clerk Buckman were present.
The bill of W. A. Ritchie & Co., services as architects for $150, was referred to finance committee.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
Monday Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Miller entertained, in honor of Mr. Miller’s forty-fourth birthday, a large number of old folks. Last evening their pleasant home was again open, on behalf of Joe C. Miller and Jno. R. Brooks, and was the occasion of a very happy gathering of young folks. Those whose presence contributed to the gaiety of the evening were: Misses Anna McCoy, Minnie Taylor, Leota Gary, Anna Hunt, Josie and Lulu Pixley, Mary and Eva Berkey, Ella Randall, Nellie McMullen, Mattie Reider, Ida Ritchie, Mattie Harrison, Margie and Lizzie Wallis, Jennie Hane, Maggie Harper, Hattie Stolp, Bessie Handy, Bert Morford, Nona Calhoun, Ella Wilson, Sallie Bass, Alma Smock, Carrie Christie; Messrs. Elder Vawter, W. E. Hodges, Ed J. McMullen, Lacy T. Tomlin, Thos. J. Johnston, Willis A. Ritchie, Addison Brown, Everett T. and Geo. H. Schuler, Jas. Lorton, Frank H. Greer, Chas. Slack, Eugene Wallis, J. W. Spindler, Geo. Lindsley, Phil. Kleeman, F. F. Leland, C. F. Bahntge, Harry Bahntge, Dr. Stine, and A. L. Schultz.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.
Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Doane opened their agreeable home Thursday to one of the gayest gatherings of young folks. Receptions by this popular and very social couple are always marked by the freest and most acceptable enjoyment. Their graceful entertainment admits no restraint: all go in for a genuine good time, and they always have it. Those experiencing the free-hearted hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Doane on this occasion wee: Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Horning, Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Kretsinger, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Doane; Mrs. E. H. Nixon, Mrs. B. H. Riddell; Misses Nettie and Anna McCoy, Margie Wallis, Nellie McMullen, Ida Ritchie, Leota Gary, Jennie Hane, Sadie French, Anna Hunt, Jennie Bangs, Ida Johnston, Hattie Stolp, Eva Dodds, Lena Oliver, Nellie and Kate Rodgers, Nellie Cole; Messrs. W. C. Robinson, Chas F. and Harry Bahntge, Lacey Tomlin, James Lorton, W. A. and Walter Ritchie, Tom J. Eaton, Ed J. McMullen, Byron R. Rudolph, C. E. Vosbourgh, Addison Brown, Harry Sickafoose, Frank F. Leland, Wm. D. Carey, Ivan A. Robinson, Will E. Hodges, and Frank H. Greer. Indulging in the ever popular whist and other amusements, with the jolliest social converse, until after the serving of the choice luncheon, the music began and the Terpsichorean toe turned itself loose. The evening throughout was one of much delight, and all bid adieu fully realizing that Mr. and Mrs. Doane are foremost among the most admirable entertainers of social Winfield.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.

A large and jolly crowd was out last Thursday for a horseback ride. The move of the column was like a cavalry charge, and the sound of the hoofs of the high-stepping chargers resounded on the evening air in a way that attracted everybody, and made lots of fun and invigorating exercise for the participants, who were: Misses Ida Ritchie, Nellie and Kate Rodgers, Jennie Bangs, Mary Berkey, Ida Johnston, Mattie Reider, Nellie McMullen, Margie Wallis, Messrs. Addison Brown, Lacey Tomlin, F. F. Leland, Will E. Hodges, Chas. F. Bahntge, Ward Day, Ed J. McMullen, and Tom J. Eaton. The party raised the wind, which began to hurl clouds of dust, as the evening advanced, being the only alloy to the event’s pleasure. Winfield has some fine riders, especially among the ladies, who are rapidly acquainting themselves with the fact that no more healthful or enjoyable pastime has ever been inaugurated.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.
The Board of Trustees of the Methodist College of the Southwest Kansas Conference met in Winfield Thursday, in the lecture room of the M. E. Church. All were present except Rev. Hodgson, of Wichita, who is in New Orleans. Those here were: Dr. D. W. Phillips, of El Dorado; Rev. W. H. Cline, of Arkansas City; Rev. J. D. Botkin, of Wichita; Rev. H. Waite, of McPherson; H. H. McAdams, of Newton; Rev. B. Kelly and W. C. Robinson, of Winfield. The Board organized by electing as permanent officers: Dr. D. W. Phillips, president; Rev. J. D. Botkin, secretary; M. L. Read, treasurer. The Building Committee are: B. Kelly, M. L. Gates, T. B. Myers, and N. S. Buckner, of Winfield; and W. H. Cline, of Arkansas City. N. S. Buckner, formerly M. E. pastor at Arkansas City, was elected Financial Agent of the College and directed to proceed at once to raise endowment and other funds for the college and take charge of its entire financial business. Rev. Buckner will move to Winfield at once, occupying at present the Laycock residence on east Tenth and building later in College Hill, where he owns lots. Architect Ritchie was instructed to advertise for bids at once for the completion of the College building. The Board resolved to open correspondence with a view of selecting a first-class College man to take charge as president, who will probably be elected at the Board’s April meeting. The Board also resolved to be satisfied with none but the best material and to make this college second to none in the west. The Board, as well as the entire conference, are a unit in the determination to spare no effort to make this college a grand success. No Methodist college in the Union ever started out with more flattering prospects than the Southwest Kansas M. E. College. It is a plant that means great things for Winfield. The trustees are gentlemen of the highest integrity, energy, and ability, and will manage the affairs of the college in a manner eliciting the greatest pride and satisfaction of the conference and the people of Winfield. The building, beyond a doubt, will be done in time to open the various departments, a full-fledged college, in September. The Board adjourned to meet April 20th, when the contract for the remaining construction will be let. There is not a voice in this conference that objects to location of this institution to Winfield, and all are enthusiastic in the desire to make it an honor to its founders and the whole State of Kansas. The trustees examined the basement and first story, now almost completed by contractor J. Q. Ashton, and found the work to be exceptionally well done.
                                                      Notice to Contractors.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.

SEALED bids will be received at the office of W. A. Ritchie & Co., Winfield, Kansas, until Saturday, April 10th, at 12 o’clock m., for the erection and completion of a frame school building for the village of Kellogg, Kansas, according to plans and specifications prepared by W. A. Ritchie & Co., Architects. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids.
                                                    H. H. MARTIN, Director,
                                                J. M. HOUSEHOLDER, Clerk,
                                                  W. A. MURRAY, Treasurer.
Bill: Uhl and Giel...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.
City Clerk Buckman has been ordered by the city rulers to draw an order in favor of Uhl & Giel for $584.00, 80 per cent of the first estimate of City Building. An order was also made for in favor of W. P Hackney for $1,000, to be paid to him upon delivery of a warranty deed to lots 17 and 18, block 168, the city building site.
The $10,000 in city building bonds will be issued this week and turned over to Jarvis, Conklin & Co., the purchasers, on receipt of $10,200.
Back to Ritchie...
                                                     NEW OPERA HOUSE.
                     One of the Final Blocks in Kansas.—A Metropolitan Theatre.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 8, 1886.

Winfield is getting to be a metropolis in every way. Her people are enterprising, intelligent, and fashionable. One of her needs that must and will be supplied soon is a new opera house—one capacious, finely furnished, and in every way suited to a people of our style and ambition. To fill this want Judge Albright is now figuring. Architect Ritchie is now working on plans for as fine a block as ever went up in Kansas, on the four lots of P. H. Albright & Co., opposite the Court House. The building will be 100 x 140, with perhaps the 20 foot alley added to the depth, which would give 160 feet, and will cost seventy-five or a hundred thousand dollars. The plan is to make business rooms of the first sixty feet, with offices in the second story, and throw the entire rear, 100 x 160 feet, into an elegant opera house, with a twenty foot entrance from Ninth Avenue, admitting a stairway to the gallery. The stage will stand to the east; the north and east sides will be continuous folding doors for ventilation and exit. Clear around the parquet, which will have an agreeable incline to the stage, will be a roomy, open hallway. The stage will be 40 x 80 feet—twice as large as Manning’s. The ground floor and the gallery will easily seat fifteen hundred people. The furniture will be finely upholstered, the floors nicely carpeted, the scenery the best, and the whole house on a scale that will be appropriate to Winfield’s onward march to the great center city for this part of the continent. One of the front business rooms will be fitted up for the immense business of Albright & Co., who will likely establish the western branch of the James W. Moore & Co. Loan and Insurance Agency, Hartford, Connecticut, here. Of course, so far, the Judge is only figuring prospectively, but with proper encouragement, backed by the magnificent outlook for Winfield, will settle on the project. He is thinking seriously of such a structure. The location would be the most admirable location. The jam of our principal thoroughfare could then be most happily avoided in entertainment going. One thing sure, our present opera house is not up to the city’s dignity and enterprise. We must have a better one this year. Somebody will put it up, and Judge Albright is the right man. His plan is a good one and we think he’ll carry it out.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
                                                          THE G. O. CLUB.
The elegant and spacious new home of Senator and Mrs. W. P. Hackney was a most pleasurable scene, last night. It was a reception in honor of the G. O. Club. The unavoidable absence of the Senator in Topeka was the only regret. It was one of the happiest meetings in this history of the club. Mrs. Hackney was very gracefully assisted in entertaining by Miss Eva Dodds. This was the first opening of this beautiful home and the guests found delight in wandering through the richly furnished and capacious apartments. Everything exhibits cultured taste and modern fashion. The entire remodeling of the interior and exterior, with its bright new furnishings, has made one of the most elaborate homes in the Queen City, if not in the whole state—elaborate in all that pertains to elegance and comfort. There is no gaudy display. All is in perfect taste from the first floor to the third. At eleven o’clock the west parlors were cleared, miniature tables spread, and the gay party sat down to a luncheon exceptionally fine, many choice delicacies with a sprinkling of the substantial. The rain storm brought out the hacks for the home-taking, and all departed with highest praises of this grand home and the delightful entertainment afforded on this occasion. The guests were: Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Brown, Mrs. D. L. Kretsinger, Mrs. B. H. Riddell, Mrs. B. W. Matlack, Mrs. Spencer Miner, and Mrs. Alice Bishop; Misses Nettie and Anna McCoy, Millie and Kate Rodgers, Leota Gary, Nona Calhoun, Bert Morford, Hattie Stolp, Ida Johnston, Jennie Hane, Ida Ritchie, Mary Berkey, and Nellie McMullen; Messrs. Wm. D. Carey, Tom P. Richardson, A. F. Hopkins, Willis A. Ritchie, Lacey Tomlin, Will E. Hodges, Chas. F. and Harry Bahntge, Ed. J. McMullen, Tom J. Eaton, J. L. M. Hill, Harry Sickafoose, Frank N. Strong, G. E. Lindsley, Ivan A. Robinson, Geo. H. Schuler, Addison Brown, and Frank H. Greer.
Bill: Ritchie, Uhl & Giel...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
The city rulers met last evening to canvass the city vote on the special Bridge Act and for city officers. The result corroborates the report THE COURIER has already given. The new city officers will qualify Monday night this week. The following bills were ordered paid: Judges and clerks of election, $52; G. B. Shaw & Co., coal, etc., $45.10; B. McFadden, sundries, $20; H. L. Edwards, crossings, $3.50; J. C. Woodle, stone, etc., $53; W. A. Ritchie, city engineer, $11.50; H. L. Thomas, crossings, $3; Ramsey, Millet & Hudson, supplies, $50; Uhl & Giel, city building, $528.40.
Bill: Uhl and Giel...
                                                    A $30,750 CONTRACT.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.

The First National Bank and Col. Alexander let the contract today for the entire construction of their magnificent blocks on the corner of Main and Ninth. Messrs. Uhl & Giel got the contract, their bid being lower than any of the others and less than the aggregate of any of the partial contract bids. They construct the First National block for $19,500 and Col. Alexander’s for $11,250—a total of $30,750. The contract requires completion in September. The double cellar is now finished and stone work will begin at once. Uhl & Giel also got the work, the other day, of the big hotel at Arkansas City. They are now located at Winfield permanently and their families will be here in three weeks. Already they have proven themselves contractors of superior ability. Their careful watchfulness and knowledge of detail management enable them to get their bids down to the finest point. They are thoroughly reliable and are employing, out of the three experienced foremen whom they brought from Cleveland and who will also make this their home, all resident laborers.
Bill: Ritchie and Uhl & Giel mentioned...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
The city rulers met last evening to canvass the city vote on the special Bridge Act and for city officers. The result corroborates the report THE COURIER has already given. The new city officers will qualify Monday night this week. The following bills were ordered paid: Judges and clerks of election, $52; G. B. Shaw & Co., coal, etc., $45.10; B. McFadden, sundries, $20; H. L. Edwards, crossings, $3.50; J. C. Woodle, stone, etc., $53; W. A. Ritchie, city engineer, $11.50; H. L. Thomas, crossings, $3; Ramsey, Millet & Hudson, supplies, $50; Uhl & Giel, city building, $528.40.
Bill: We now get to the “nitty gritty”...
                                                 TO THE “BOYCOTTERS.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
That the public may know the origin and cause of the “boycott,” as published in Monday’s COURIER, by the Contractors and Builders Association of Winfield, I propose to give now a history of its origin.

Last November, about the time we had completed the plans for our City Building, I received a letter from Messrs. Uhl & Giel, of Cleveland, Ohio, saying that they had passed through Winfield the former spring while looking for a location and had taken a liking to the business appearance of the place and would like to locate here, and asked me to write them of building prospects for the coming season; and if there was any work ready for figures, they wished me to send them plans at their expense that they might bid on them. I sent plans of the City Building and they bid on them; and being the lowest, were awarded the work. While at my home, in Ohio, during the holidays, I received orders from the City Council to see Uhl & Giel and have them sign a contract and file a bond sent to them. Uhl & Giel came to Lima, by request, and I gave them the instructions as sent to me. This was the first time I ever saw either of the men and had never even heard of them before their inquiry. Their coming to Winfield and trouble about contracts, etc., is well known here. I supposed when I wrote these men that Winfield really wanted to prosper and did not want to kill herself by building a stone wall around the town and shutting out any and all who wanted to locate and make this their home, and in that way build up a city here. The action of the city council and many citizens in this matter convinced me of my mistake; and though I have received over a dozen letters of inquiry from contractors and men wishing to come here, in answer to these, I recited the action in this case, which of course discouraged them. Now because these men, who are evidently “contractors of ability,” have figured closer on one or two buildings here and received contracts, the old contractors have circulated false accusations against me and, when after a repeated trial, they found that it did me no harm, they then organized an association to “boycott” me and among their resolutions passed, they say that the architect should be as much the agent of the contractor as he is the agent of the owner. This is a pretty statement for men of their standing and intelligence to make. The absurdity of the idea that the architect who is employed and paid by a man to plan his building and protect his interests from imposition by contractors should be the agent of the contractor also, and favor and protect him as against the man who employs and pays him for his work. Men who contemplate building would undoubtedly wish to employ such an architect as this association has moulded. And now because they do not take this valuable bit of advice and act upon it, but come and employ us to take charge of their work, these contractors meet and appoint a committee of three of their members (Whitney, Frazier, and Wells) to investigate and decide upon the best manner to “down the Ritchie outfit,” as they expressed it.
Last evening’s COURIER contained a list of the contractors who will “boycott” Ritchie & Co. and not figure on any plans of buildings that they will superintend because they say “we are incompetent,” and I suppose their meaning of this is that we will not act as their agents, but will insist upon acting as the agents of the proprietor who employs us.
I will now give them notice that if they wish to continue this and not figure on our plans, that we shall also superintend, we shall not complain or leave the city either for want of work more than we have in the past, but we will insert a notice to “contractors only” and in two weeks time there will be contractors here who will figure on our plans, unless they can prevail upon the city council to pass an ordinance making it unlawful for new men to come in here and do contracting, and I hardly thing the city council will do that, even at the risk of being “boycotted” also. One thing I want clearly understood by all is that I shall continue as I have in the past, “to insist that Winfield men and labor shall be employed in all cases until there are no men out of work,” and then and not before shall I favor new laborers coming in. My interests are all in Winfield and I want to see everything and everyone about Winfield prosper, but I shall not concede one inch to any firm or firms who may consider it their duty to dictate how and what I shall do. Hoping that this explanation will prove satisfactory to those who have been mislead in this matter, will reconsider their unjustified actions, and that they will look to their own interests and not to the dictation of spiteful, prejudiced minds, I am very truly yours, W. A. RITCHIE.
                                                 THE LABOR QUESTION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
We are flooded with communications on the labor question as it now exists in Winfield and have not space for them all. For that reason and for the further reason that we do not propose to shoulder any one’s views but our own in these exciting times, we decline communication on the subject unless they are subscribed by the writer’s full name. If a man is ashamed of his views on such a question, he had better not state them at all, but if he is not ashamed of them, he should father them himself and not shoulder them onto the editor by subscribing a fictitious signature of “Tax Payer,” “Citizen,” “Laborer,” or otherwise.

We are disposed to give all parties a hearing through our columns, but they must endorse their views with their own names. Mr. Ritchie gives in his over his own signature and pays for them as local ads. We were glad to get those commendations of John A. Reed and Mr. L. Moore because they give us an idea of the views and feelings of the stone masons and sone cutters. If the Josh item headed “Affecting Winfield,” did them any injustice, it was their fault as well as ours. It treated of a certain matter as a strike simply because it has been so called by the public generally and the stone masons and stone cutters had failed to inform us. THE COURIER has given their organization ample evidence of its friendliness and willingness to help them, and if it is misinformed as to their actions and objects, they owe THE COURIER such information as will set them right. Their organization is a matter of public interest like other associations and it ought not to take any very hard pumping on the part of THE COURIER to get such information as concerns the public from them, and if they do not give it, they should not complain that we do them injustice. If they want to know the editor’s views on any subject, they need not look for them in the Josh column of the local page, which is made up of anything which is handed in or picked up and used to fill up when there is a dearth of news items.
                                        HOME VERSUS FOREIGN LABOR.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
In reference to the article in Saturday’s DAILY COURIER, affecting Winfield, permit me to say a few words. You say that several of our capitalists who proposed building this season were so badly frightened by the strike of the stone and brick masons that they ordered their architects to quit work. Now, in the first place, there has never been a strike in Winfield, to my knowledge. And, again, if the capitalists get frightened at the small sum of fifty cents per day to a poor, hard-working man, he is not the kind of a businessman that Winfield wants. You boast of your liberal citizens, where is the liberality in that. You say many of the mechanics are in debt, that I have no doubt is true, but why are they in debt? Because they were only paid wages enough to live on in good weather and, of course they had to go in debt for their winter supplies. Let the capitalist pay the laborers a fair price for their work so they can keep out of debt. You go on to say that if action should be delayed till later in the season, when large buildings were well advance, there might have been a possibility of temporary success on the part of the strikers. Now would that be right. Ask yourself if that would be the way for an honorable man to act. That would have been some better for your capitalists, to be sure, but how about the contractors, would it not be pretty hard on them? “Our capitalists,” as you are pleased to call them, could better afford to pay that fifty cents than the contractor can afford to lose it. You raised a great cry because we asked the pitiful sum of fifty cents per day, but you failed to say anything about the raise in lumber that took place about the same time. Did that affect Winfield or scare anybody that was going to build? The builder controls the labor market, you say, and if he is not satisfied with the workmen here, a four line advertisement inserted in the St. Louis Globe Democrat or Kansas City Journal will bring plenty of new men. Now, how would the businessmen like for their old customers to pool and send to Kansas City and St. Louis for their supplies? They would soon want to come to terms with the laboring men; but if we would send off for our things, how they would kick. Now, if a peddler comes to Winfield or the surrounding country, and goes to selling goods cheaper than they sell in Winfield, you newspaper men and merchants cry “old frauds,” and tell us to trade with home merchants. You had better take part of that advice and patronize home mechanics, live and let live, and protect—if you want protection.
                               A Stone Mason and Union Man, Lowman [?] Moore.
                               JOSH AND THE WINFIELD CONTRACTORS.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
In your “Josh Jottings,” in THE COURIER of Saturday, April 10th, in the article, “Affecting Winfield,” you say several things to which I wish to call your attention, and then give you a little advice. You say “the strike of the stone and brick masons so badly frightened several of our capitalists that they ordered their architects to stop work.” There was no strike inaugurated in this city by these trades that I am aware of. The Stone Cutters’ Union informed their employers that on and after a certain date they would demand $3.50 per day for their labor. The stone contractors acceded to their demands, which ended the great “strike.” I think they acted like men of honor by informing their employers of their action before spring work had been contracted, and not waiting until “large buildings were well advanced,” which would have caused contractors more or less loss. But then of course home contractors are making so much money by robbing the people, it would not effect them as it would those capitalists who got scared because mechanics who have employment not more than eight or nine months in the year, and who, as you admit, “at the end of a severe winter with family supplies well nigh exhausted and many of them in debt,” ask the paltry sum of 50 cents per day advance. I have no reference to our enterprising capitalists who erect buildings, thereby giving men employment, but these little 8 x 10 souled chaps who will not invest a dollar unless they see a big thing in it. They are always on hand when they want bonds voted for an enterprise that will enhance the value of their property. Again, you say, “The labor organizations proposed to introduce some reforms, etc.” Now you are giving the Contractors and Builders Association a slap. As a member of that Association, I say, we did, and do still intend to introduce reform, and furthermore, the “whole thing” is not “busted,” as you appear to think it is. We understand the situation better, probably, then “Josh,” as we do not depend on one party for our information. We know what is going on, and it is not in the interest of home contractors and mechanics either. You say, “A four line advertisement in the St. Louis Globe Democrat or Kansas City Journal will bring plenty of new men.” No need of going to that trouble as they are here now, brought here by the enterprise of Winfield papers. Call on the “Knights of Rest,” the organization you instituted a few days ago. As soon as that car load of Dutch and Bohemians gent in from Ohio, there will be more home mechanics hanging on the railing of the Farmer’s Bank. Now, “Josh,” who helps support THE WINFIELD COURIER? The Winfield contractors, mechanics, and laborers, and well you know it. Is it right to treat your patrons that way, or do you think you are so solid that nothing can shake you? Now, a word of advice and I am through. For the good of Winfield and your paper, talk for and not against home mechanics, as both you and the public will find out before long that the home mechanics and especially the Contractors and Builders Association are not the robbers some represent them to be. JOHN A. REED.

Mr. Reed says some good things in the above, but is mistaken in many positions. He and all others must remember that THE COURIER is not the organ of the Knights of Labor, the Builders’ Association, the Capitalists, or any other class or clique. Its voice is for Winfield and her people and it aims, independently and fearlessly, to observe that course which will promote the interests of all. Without labor, capital is useless; without capital, labor is bankrupt. The interests of the two classes are one and indivisible. An unjust oppression of labor by capital is as destructive to the interests of both as are some of the frivolous and ill- devised strikes which are taking place at this time. Arbitration is the proper way to harmonize these differences and preserve the rights of all. The recent agitations have reduced the number of laborers in certain stone quarries in this city from forty to eight because capitalists in towns hear here recalled orders which they had given, preferring to wait until things were more settled.
Now to the question of “foreign labor.” THE COURIER wants to see every mechanic in Winfield employed at the highest wages paid for the same class of labor anywhere. It also desires to see labor in such demand here that hundreds of mechanics will have to be brought here from other towns with their families to build homes and help to swell our population and increase our prosperity. But we want the capitalists first to come here ready to invest their money in building and furnish work for the mechanics already here and this will never come about if you propose to say to every man who intends erecting a building, “you must employ this architect or that builder.” He will simply refuse to build, labor will have no employment, improvement will be blighted, our splendid prospects frittered away, and idle men will throng the streets until compelled to go elsewhere for work. THE COURIER would warn the mechanics of Winfield to not be rash. Remember that businessmen will not invest money in buildings here unless they can employ such architects as they choose, and contract the buildings in their own way. After a man has his money invested, he may be “boycotted,” but you can never force him to make the investment. If any contractor has received a black eye, let him poultice it and build up his constitution for the next attack. Everyone gets a black eye once in a while and if he has discretion enough to profit by it, he generally comes out all right.
                                                         TO THE PUBLIC.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
We, the undersigned contractors and builders of the city of Winfield, will not figure or give estimates on plans or specifications got up by W. A. Ritchie & Co., Architects, unless a competent man is employed as superintendent of the same outside of W. A. Ritchie & Co.
Connor & Son, J. Van De Water, Charles Schmidt, C. D. Austin, S. L. Mitchell & Son, J. H. Hetherington, Reed & Oliver, C. H. Andrews, Frazier & Harvey, I. H. Carter, J. W. Craine, Mariot Losure, Joe Reeves, W. I. Warner, D. T. Armstrong, J. K. Bates, McKay & Pettit, Roberts & Taflin, D. R. Gates, L. G. Cutting, John A. Mans, Kingsley & Barnes, Moore Bros., Wells, Willis & Kipp.
Bill: Back to Ritchie, who resigns as city engineer...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
The city council met in adjourned session Monday, with Mayor Graham and Councilmen Crippen, Connor, Baden, Myers, Harter, Clerk Buckman, and Attorney O’Hare present. Petitions for sidewalks fronting lots 10 and 11, blk 130, Main street, and blks 134, 154, 174, and 194 on Riverside Avenue, were granted, and ordinances ordered.
Bill of James Jordon, $25, rent fire department building, was allowed.
Bill of W. A. Ritchie, city engineer, etc., $41.10, was referred.
Willis A. Ritchie resigned the city engineership. This was made necessary by his commission as government architect and superintendent for the Wichita Government building. He couldn’t hold both positions.

Now to the question of “foreign labor.” THE COURIER wants to see every mechanic in Winfield employed at the highest wages paid for the same class of labor anywhere. It also desires to see labor in such demand here that hundreds of mechanics will have to be brought here from other towns with their families to build homes and help to swell our population and increase our prosperity. But we want the capitalists first to come here ready to invest their money in building and furnish work for the mechanics already here and this will never come about if you propose to say to every man who intends erecting a building, “you must employ this architect or that builder.” He will simply refuse to build, labor will have no employment, improvement will be blighted, our splendid prospects frittered away, and idle men will throng the streets until compelled to go elsewhere for work. THE COURIER would warn the mechanics of Winfield to not be rash. Remember that businessmen will not invest money in buildings here unless they can employ such architects as they choose, and contract the buildings in their own way. After a man has his money invested, he may be “boycotted,” but you can never force him to make the investment. If any contractor has received a black eye, let him poultice it and build up his constitution for the next attack. Everyone gets a black eye once in a while and if he has discretion enough to profit by it, he generally comes out all right.
                                                         TO THE PUBLIC.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
We, the undersigned contractors and builders of the city of Winfield, will not figure or give estimates on plans or specifications got up by W. A. Ritchie & Co., Architects, unless a competent man is employed as superintendent of the same outside of W. A. Ritchie & Co.
Connor & Son, J. Van De Water, Charles Schmidt, C. D. Austin, S. L. Mitchell & Son, J. H. Hetherington, Reed & Oliver, C. H. Andrews, Frazier & Harvey, I. H. Carter, J. W. Craine, Mariot Losure, Joe Reeves, W. I. Warner, D. T. Armstrong, J. K. Bates, McKay & Pettit, Roberts & Taflin, D. R. Gates, L. G. Cutting, John A. Mans, Kingsley & Barnes, Moore Bros., Wells, Willis & Kipp.
Back to Ritchie...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
Architect Willis A. Ritchie received his commission Monday as architect for the new $100,0000 Government Building at Wichita. He gets it over competition and big influence all over the state. It is a victory worthily won, and one which Mr. Ritchie can certainly be proud of.
Bill, I have not finished April 15, 1886, as yet. Reckon the next issue will really resound with comments! MAW
I will have to take out most of the Uhl & Giel items, I reckon, if I want to stick to strictly Ritchie facts. Maddening!
MAW [Late at night: January 10, 2002]