USA > Iowa > Carroll County > Manning > History of Manning [Iowa] a true record of the early surveys municipal history, and the business enterprises > Part 9
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The state census of 1885 showed Manning to have 954 inhabitants, and the taxable property is said to have been $104000. If the popula- tion was below 1000 in 1884. three per cent on the taxable property would be $3120, the largest amount for which bonds could have been issued legally.
At the present time. the case has bean set for trial, and demurrers have been submitted to the court and taken under advisement, while the case is so far from a final disposal that the final decree is too uncertain for one to venture an opinion as to what it will be. Even should the
H. D. RADELEFF
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town win the case, yet, it could never point with pride to its past history and say- that we as a corporation have been strictly honest and upright in all of our dealings, for the stigma of refusing to pay a just debt shall re- main as long as the town exists. And the town can never join a church and praciice hypocrisy to mask its past and brighten its future. .
Christian Church. Law and Order League.
In 1886, intemperance and disorder became so repugnant to the welfare of the town, that a league bearing the above name, was organ- ized at the G. A. R. hall, August 30th. The object of the league was to lend their influence in reducing the prevailing disorder and intemper- ance. In this, they were quite successful: as were they, also sucess- ful in a more rigid enforcement of the prohibitary law which was in force at that time.
It might have been well had this league continued its good work up till the present time, especially, from '94 to '97, when one of the saloons was turned into a gambling den and drugging counter, a sort of a notorious Bender's resort. It appears that the proprietors of this joint stooped so low as to not only permit gambling, but, pocket pick- ing, hold ups, drugging and other crimes which are practiced by foot pads, highwaymen and genteel thieves of the slums. The principal vic- tims seemed to be trancients. One old gentleman was enticed into the saloon, drugged. and an attempt was made to overpower him anb take
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his money by force. This attempt, however, was frustrated. In an- other instance, a drummer was enticed into the saloon, drugged, reliev- ed of $200, and sent on his way rejoicing, in the buggy of Asmus Boysen, the team being tied to a post in front of the Park Hotel. They were turned loose and started towards home with the semicomitose victim for a driver. The carriage capsized a few miles out of town spilling its occupant into the ditch, and parting company with the team left them to complete the journey alone.
Manning never has been free from light fingered shop lifters; over- coats, money and jewelry still disappear, occasionally, through the mysterious, magnetic touch of local talent, and ofttimes the coarseness and boldness displayed ought to be sufficient ground for at least a reprimand by the peace officers before whom some of these magicians have been summoned to appear. but a return of the property squared the matter, while the culprit was set at liberty to perfect his art. The writer, by the way, has had a little grievance in this line, to complain of, as have many other victims living in Manning, some of whom, have become so of very recent date. The writers new overcoat, only three days from the store, was apparently spirited away through the ticket window of the Germania Hall, or perhaps through the door, admission, through which, might have been gained by means of a skeleton key. The suspected magicians were seen during the evening, snooping around-places where they were not supposed to have business-and it was, only, some one well acquainted with the premises, that could have taken the goods, without being discovered. Numerous other cases could be brought home to one of the same parties. It is too bad that officials get so precarious of their position that they will hesitate to protect the public against such impositions.
Game Cocks.
In 1892, the sporting spirit of some of our citizens demonstrated itself, when there appeared at the express office, a pair of young game fowl. and shortly after, another pair, and then, still another. The young cocks. for some time after this, were fully occupied in becom- ing acclimated, and dieting, so that their fighting faculties might be thoroughly developed. Their preparation, after the challenge and the -acceptance thereof, was followed by a couple of weeks of thorough scientific training-consisting of runs before breakfast, baths, rubbing down, hurdle racing, spur practice, thrusting, dodging, advancing, re- treating, posing and saluting, and a few hours in the afternoon-prac- ticing new manoeuvres and studying tactics. Their breasts, also, had to go through a thorough system of development, to harden the skin
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sufficiently to resist a thurst, of an adversary's spurs. They expanded their lungs and increased their wind by the famous and most rigid of military tests for heart failure-hopping around the yard while taking only one breath. They also, practiced the long deep breath exercise used by great vocalists-this was to develop that deep sonorus tone cap- able of producing great volume and scope which would be necessary in producing a great effect in the crow of triumph.
When the appointed day for the match came, a goodly audience had assembled to witness the combat, each having a choice, and back- ed it up with a few duckets. For a time the contest was heated and close. Each combatent did his share towards extracting the feathers of his opponent, and ocassionally drawing a little blood. The first few rounds were consumed in manoeuvering, passing, posing, saluting and feeling for weak points; but Dwight's hero reserved his strength and by a well directed thrust, planted his spur in his adversary's ear injur- ing the drum so that the latter perspired and expired shortly after with the earache.
Among those who indulged in these fowls were :- Probert, Light- foot, Loes, McMurry, Norris, Patton and others whose names we were unable to obtain. Although, there are still a few of these fowl in the town, game fights are a thing of the past.
Grip- The Fighting Dog.
In this same year that the craze for the Cock fights took the town, J. A. Mills developed some fine fighting stock in a young Bull Terrier, named Grip. The sire of this famous fighter was Dick, now belong- ing to D. W. Patton. The mother was also a thorough bred Bull Terrier named Fannie, and belonged to Mr. Mills. Grip and a full brother of the same age and belonging to Mr. Mills of Manilla were matched and fought a four hours battle, Grip being the victor. This gained for Grip a reputation, and he was sold soon afterwards, to a party in Council Bluffs, for a large sum of money. Soon after he changed masters, he was matched against a wildcat, and succeeded in killing it in a very short time. He was then matched against the champion light weight fighter of the United States and again came out victorious. So, now, the sporting element in Manning can boast of having had the champion light weight fighting dog of the world, for the United States leads them all.
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The Wolf Chase.
In the Manning Monitor, published May 5, 1894, appeared the following article :- While the snow was vet a flying, every now and then one could observe a small group of old timers gathered together in some accustomed place discussing a wolf hunt. With each succeeding gathering the desire to start out. grew more intense as Joe Wilson. in his own peculiar way. told the boys how easily that band of braves could march out to his pasture and slay this prowler of the prairie. It took all forenoon to get properly clad and armed, but at 1:30 the band was ready for organization. The question of who should act as commander next bobbed up. with a choice between Ed. Ives and Col. Sutherland. To settle the matter Henry Hoffmann flipped up an old iron dollar and the Colonel was declared the lucky man.
Headed by Wilson on his charger. the company proceeded to the scene of battle. The Colonel -with rusty sword in hand- jumped upon an old wagon. and. after assigning each man to a place, proceeded to give the boys a genuine Kelly talk, which was received with much en- thusiasm and shouts "on to the wolf". Every man marched to the place assigned him. Wilson started for the creek, followed by Dr. Williams. who had a pocket full of stones. Then came A. T. and Fred Bennett with their guns. On the east stood the invincible Fry holding an old army repeater, while a short distance south was station- ed Henry Hoffmann. He, too. was armed to the teeth. About half a mile north were Ed. Ives, Ben. Brookfield, Wilson Rugg and Will. Heitman. Ed. Ives was loaded for thunder bumpers, but not for wol- ves. Ben. Brookfield had an ax. while Rugg and Heitman carried con- cealed weapons. brobably gatling guns. Soon Wilson had his wolf on the run. and. immediately gave chase. The canine started up the hill. but Joe's horse got tangled up in the weeds and thus lost too much time to ever catch up. Fry fired and wounded Mr. Wolf. but as his repeat- er was loaded with bullets no longer than a thimble, he could not ex- pect the animal to fight the dust. Though Ives was half a mile distant he saw the wolf limp and had it not been for a thunder-bumper ob- structing his vision. would have fired the fatal shot. As it is all of the braves returned home unharmed. and will soon file their applications for a pension.
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LEWIS & GRAU'S DRUG STORE
MANNING BASE BALL CLUB, 1894
Frank Salmon H. W. Pollock C. S. Bennett W. D. Sweesy R. R. Barber John Jenson A. L. Freelove D. W. Patton R. M. Pollock
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Base Ball.
The first ball played by the Manning team 'was at Gray, in July of '82 We again catch a glimpse of the boys, playing ball with Audubon, a the District Fair, in 1885. The score was 12-19, in favor of Audubon.
It appears that Manning never took much interest in base ball till the spring of 1893, when it came with a vengeance, and Manning soon developed a nine that was to gain for themselves an enviable record. The record of the games played as taken from the score sheets, show only the scores of the respective teams and their batting record. There was no fielding record kept. In 1895, the team was broken up-Henry Pol- lock, the pitcher, moved to Illinois and D. W, Sweesey resigned his posi- tion in the First National Bank and also moved to Illinois, where he made an enviable record in one of the crack teams of that State. John Jenson, Ist base, and A. L. Freelove, 2d base and left field, also left about this time to attend college. So, with half of the team gone the club was compelled to disband. The score record of this team is given below.
Score sheet of the Manning Base Ball Team from 1893-94 as described on page 87.
Position
ABC DE
FGHI
JKLM N O P Q
H. Pollock
P
ยท531 02 614 641 431 623 514 403 734 842 715 412 402 732 514 452 722
D. W. Sweesey 2B:C 522 22 632 824 422 513 513 403 716 841 752 513 412 724 512 724 712
Geo. Gregg C 533 04 713 613
D. W. Patton 3B
505 04 641 604 522 504 512 202 613 834 632 412 404
503 733
C. S. Bennett LF:SS
531 11 532 510 431 513 514 112 721 844 724 532 412 604 322 760 742
R. R Barber LF
513 13 633 603 412 520 412 312 633 761 615 404 404 422 422 734 724 404 04 623 504
744 632 743
R. M. Pollock
RF:SS:C
715 623 403 512 502
631 843
413 404 505 504
F. Salmen
RF
404 522 505 303 531 741 641 404 303 402 412
O. R. Judson
LF:RF
Manning .
14
4
20
11
14
9
28
41
24
2
8
8 33
32
visiting team
3
9
9
26
8
6 20
6
8
3 16
11
26
10
4
1 14
Key to above table.
A
Manning
Audubon
at
Manning
1893
B
VS
Perry
at
August 18, 66
C
66
V8
Defiance
at
Manilla
24,
66
D
VS
66
at
Manning
28,
E
VS
Manilla
at
at
Manilla
May 3,
66
H
Carroll
at
Manning
66
17,
I
VS
Denison
at
J
60
Coon Rapids
at
66
66
31, 7, 6 6
L
66
Conncil Bluffs 66
at
66
M
VS
Defiance
at
66
VS
Glidden
at
66
66
24;
Audubon
at
66
July
4,
VS
at
Audubon
8,
The first figure in the left of each column indicates the number of times at bat. If there are only two figures in a column, then the times at bat is not given. The second figure in the column indicates the number of runs or scores made by that player during the game.
The last figure in the right of the column indicates the number of put outs made by the player during the game.
The two lines of figures at the bottom indicates the scores made by the respective teams.
F
VS
G
Denison
at
Denison
66
24,
66
K
Manilla
at
65
June
12,
66
13,
66
N
66
22,
66
A. L. Freelove 2B:RF
523 03
531 302 631 770 632 403 403 411 504 733
M.C. Harford CF
Jno. Jenson 1B
422 04 422 512 404 513 514 312 642 752 615 404
17
302 3
531
404 403 413 641 735 7
April 29, 66
8,
66
at
VS
VS
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In the spring of 1897, base ball enthusiasm was again revived; and a supscription was raised to defray expences, and to hire the Coon Rapids battery, which consisted of Morrison, pitcher and Strawser, catcher. The first game of the season was with Denison, May 8. The score was 13-4, in favor of Denison. This game was lost through a fake pitcher from Council Bluffs. The next game was with the Drake University Team, the score being in Manning's favor. June 23, the team was matched against Glidden, at Manning. The Manning team consisted of,- Sisson. r. f .; Strawser, c .; Parkerson, 2nd b; Burgett, c. f .; Morrison, p .; Triplet, s. s .; Patton, 3rd b .; Sutherland, l. f .; Bennett, Ist b .; this was the most interesting game of the season. The score was:
I
2
3
O 2 4 I 5 3
O 6 I
I 8 O
9 IO II
Manning O O O
O
O
O
I 3 7 5
Glidden
O
Soon after this, a game was played with Carroll,
on the home ground. The score resulted in a victory for Manning in 8-1 time. The return game played at Carroll was won by that team to a time too fast for the band as it was played in 22-0 time, however, the Manning team consoled themselves with the fact that their regular battery was not with them. With a few other un-important games the season was closed, as the result of the game did not warrant the support of the citizens.
HOW THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL MEN DO IT.
When it comes to Inoculating Science, Philosophy, Logic, Drama, Theology, Comedy, Tragedy, Chorustry, and "Tricks of all Trades" into base ball,-The Leaguers are "Not In It".
Probably one of the most enjoyable games of the season took place between the business and professional men of Manning, on June 9. The game originated out of a conversation on base ball, followed by the usual number of bluffs etc., till. at last, the date and representat- ive teams were selected, who then elected their captains, managers, presidents, secretaries, treasurers, etc., etc. The scrappers, kickers, and bouncers were self appointed. The respective positions were given to the players, who immediately began to train, diet and practice for the coming event, and by the appointed time for the game, every one had acquired perfection in playing their position. Peter Stephany is said to have almost deserted his post, so ardent was his training-runn-
89
ing half mile heats and repeat, then a bath at the lake followed by a couple of hours at the grindstone in order to acquire the proper swing for a hot upper. Henry Hoffmann was compelled to turn the manage- ment of his business over to his clerks, on account of his other pressing duties so severe was his training. Resner spent much time, driving spikes into a tree with a wagon rod-he had read the first part of "Kelly at the Bat", his wife also got much good service out of him by having him handle hot flat irons without a holder, however, this avail- ed him little in holding sky scrapers; he says that his hands never were adapted to heat and that was the hottest ball he ever saw. Rogers was too fully engaged lining up his team to practice much, however, he held down third better than he held the ball. He said that "to catch Stephany's under toss was sure death, and he would rather be a coward for five minutes than a coward the rest of his life". He displayed great tact, however, in interpreting the rules. Sam Boylan was always at his post when he was not chasing those compound worming ins and outs, and cork screws. Stephany's final and supreme effort, while in the box, won for him the applause of all lovers of the national game. The twisters he sent in seemed to puzzle Captain Hansen and two strikes were called on him by the umpire-quid erat ecclesiastic. Then he cracked the ball feebly, Tom Boylan bumped his lip against it and Hansen got to first. Pitcher Stephany struck out the next man amid loud cheers from those who were holding down the empty kegs, and the out field, while Tommy started to throw a handspring, but only got half way, changed his mind and spit on his hands vigorously as Henry Hoffmann came to bat. Henry thought that he had solved the mystery. By this time the supreme moment had arrived for Pitcher Stephany, as hits had been scoring against him, and he stirred himself for a coup. He twined his left leg all around his right, doubled half way over and with a majestic swing of his arm sent in the ball. Henry ducked, the sphere caroned off his bat and caught the umpire where it didn't do him any good.
"That ain't my style," said Henry. "Strike one," the umpire said. With a smile of Christian charity brave Henry's visage shone; He stilled the rising tumult, he made the game go on; He signalled to the pitcher, and once more the spheroid flew; But Henry still ignored it. and the umpire said "Strike two." The sheer is gone from Henry's lips, his teeth are clinched in hate He pounds with cruel vengeance his bat upon the plate; And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go, And now the air is shattered by the force of Henry's blow.
90
Oh, somewhere in this frigid land the sun is shining bright.
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light; And some where men are laughing, and the ladies sing and shout, But there's no joy in Hoffmann's store, for Henry was struck out.
Stephany had an arm of steel but it heated and warped before the game was through. Robb pushed the ball after that- when he touched the ground long enough to make a delivery. Sam Boylan resigned and Wood's magnetism came into good play, however, his stem winders to third, made it somewhat dangerous in the loafers gallery at the left of the diamond. The rotary motion of his arm preparatory to a stinger for third, made it rather difficult to judge the course that the ball was likely to take. Such was the case, when the tangent to the circle he was cutting with the ball, lead in the direction of one Dilling- ham reaching a point of contact on his bump of combativeness and re- duced it, for the time being, to a minus quantity. Tommie Boylan made an elegant censor and chased the ball rapidly. A. T. Bennett grinned and split the air with his bat, frequently cracking the ball and making two circles of the diamond before it lit. Robinson and Boos kept an eye out for cavaties and broken teeth. Kemp was as busy as a bee and always in front of the ball. Sutherland's rubber arm did good service, but stretched before the end of the game, however, his objec- tions increased with the opposition's scores. Old steady Joe stamped first, gritted his teeth and 'pounded' sand. Kenyon intersected many balls, but his feet and arms seemed to be more numerous than his hands, however. his faculty. for interpriting the rules made up for this deficiency. Hansen made a crack third on account of his intimidating faculties, most of the time he was in the air raised by the force of the wind and the objection to an adverse ruling. Grau and Rober surprised the band with their long reaches and high jumps for the ball. But Ruge is the bat- .ter! ! ? ?- the air was fairly red and blue, and he fanned so fast, that sun strokes were impossible. He run out of puff in the fifth and the business men were doomed. The game was well patronized and applauded, every body having a choice and taking more or less part in the discussions at the end of each side out. The umpire Blakeslee and Steele did treble duty-making rulings, sustaining rulings and dodging balls. The band rendered music in the grand parade and during the progress of the game, their station was at one end of the empty kegs. The score was 43-36 in favor of the professionals. The business men claim that the bright reflection from Pitcher Stephany's checkered bloomers dazzled their eyes while at bat, and it was difficult to see the ball.
A LADY'S CLUB was organized soon after this, however, only two games were played. It appears that the victory did not depend so
1
MANNING GERMAN BAND
J. P. Arp Hy. Blocker C. J. Larson
Fred Blocker
Fred Wendel Emil Brunnier Thos. Payson Fred Miller Charles Schmidt Hannes Mundt
LADIES' BAND
Millie Blair Kate Phillips Maud Rogers Effie Lathrop Adora Smith Gertrude Bell Clara Branson Mabel Benson
Edna Lathrop Jennie Blair
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much on the fielding as it did on the side that had the fastest sprinters and best wind. It is vouched for, by several young men, who paid fifty cents admission fee, that the ladies as a class are sprinters.
Ladies as Foot Ball Enthusiasts, made a good record in 1887, when they used J. W. Gardner's meadow as a practice ground. Mr. Gardner soon became aware that the top boards on his high board fence was more or less splintered or loose and bore evidence of feme shoe heel marks. He was compelled to pass restrictions on such destructive amusement, thus, putting an end to the sport. Hen parties are resorted to, for such gymnastics, now.
Bennett Bank.
Music Organizations.
The first brass band was organized in February, 1882, under the management of Fenner Blocker, of West Side, Iowa. They met with a number of adversities, but dwindled along till in 1883, when the Schutzen Verein organized a band of ten pieces, with the following members : - Henry Hoffmann, John Hoffmann, J. P. Arp, John Albert, Charles Schmidt, August Kuhn, Fred Schrum, August Schroder, Chris Tank and Albert Funken.
A NEW BAND was organized in August, 1884, and consisted of the following members and instrumentation :- Frank Arney, B. Frazer and W. J. Marrow, Et. Cornet; G. C. Hunt and Frank Tidd, Bf. Cor-
92
net: Paul Winter and Fred Grossman. Ef. Alto; D. W. Patton and E. Smith, Bf. Tenor; H. W. Reed. . Baritone; E. L. Ives. Tuba; Charles Coe. Bass Drum; Frank Guild. Tenor Drum.
A LADIES BAND was organized in August of 1888. with Prof. Blocker as instructor and leader. The members and instrumentations were :- Adora Smith, Bf. Cornet: Gertrude Bell, Ef. Cornet; Effie Lathrop, Ist Alto; Clara Branson. Solo Alto; Maude Rogers, 21 d Tenor; May Benson. Trombone; Kate Phillips. Baritone: Millie Blair. Tuba: Edna Lathrop, Tenor Drum; Jennie Biair, Bass Drum.
. The ladies displayed great musical talent. and gave a number of concerts that were highly appreciated. Their support was sought at nearly all public entertainments. and always received hearty applause. It appears,however, that cupid's heart was not succeptible enough of tem- pering-by the sweet cords of their enchanting art-to stay his hand that held the dart and leave their many admirers to continue in the enchant- ment of their musical environment, nor would he spray upon them the fountain of youth- that never fading blush of maidenly beauty and leave them as the one muse who vibrated the life strings that, respond in mel- odious enchantment to the soul; but with a flinty heart and a quiver full of darts, cupid waged merciless and vigorous war against their succept- ible hearts. So much so, that but few of the fair ones survived his ter- rible onsloughts. As a result, petty jealousies, and later, family dissen- tions arose and the enrollment began to increase so rapidly that disban- donment became imperative. The organization ceased in Sept .. 1890.
THE MANNING STRING ORCHESTRA was organized June 10, 1896. Following are the members and instrumentation :- C. Langer. Leader- 2nd Claronet; Charles Schmidt. Manager- 2nd Claronet; Paul Jentz. Ist Violin; Joseph Loch. Cello; Charles Lyden, Ist Cornet; John Vossbeck, 2nd Violin; Chris Larson. Ist Claronet. At the present time Charles Schmidt plays Ist Cornet and is manager. Charles Lyden plays Ist and 2nd cornet and is leader, and William Schelldorf plays 2nd Cornet. C. Langer has withdrawn. They play.
principally. for dance and opera music.
THE I. O. O. F. BAND was organized in December of 1896, with the following members and instrumentation :- John Hoffmann. Ef. Cornet: H. Claussen. Ist Alto: John Schnoor. Tuba and Tenor; John Vossbeck. Cornet: Charles Schmidt. Cornet; C. Langer. Claronet: F. Wendel. Tuba. John Hoffmann and Fred Wendel have withdrawn. The following are new members :- Louie Johnson. 2nd Alto; H. Hoff- mann. Ist Cornet; Gustave Kuehl. 2nd Cornet; H. Thompson. Baritone.
A BOYS BAND was organized in the winter of 1894. Members and instrumentation :- Graham Young. Solo Bf .; Peter Loch. Ist Cor-
93
net; Henry Opperman, Solo Alto; Guy Marnett, Ist Alto; Charles Dickson, 2nd Alto; Clarence Sprinkle, Baritone; James Sutton, Ist Tenor; Charles Signall, 2nd Tenor; Honnas Ohrt, Tuba; George Dau, Tenor Drum; Guy Jenson, Brass Drum. Owing to the expense of sustaining a band, and some of its members withdrawing, the organiza- tion did not exist more than a year, however, they acquired a good knowledge of music and displayed good musical talent. They were in- structed by C. E. Lyden, who is said by musicians, to possess great mucical talent.
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