USA > Iowa > Shelby County > Past and present of Shelby County, Iowa, Vol. 2 > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38
On July 4, 1886, a celebration was held at Irwin in the beautiful grove just south of the town.
The invocation was by Rev. H. B. Turner; reading of Declaration of
458
SHELBY COUNTY, IOWA.
Independence by J. H. Dudley ; address by Rev. Geizer. of Des Moines : bene- diction by Rev. B. Farrell. The committee on arrangements was as follows : E. J. Trobridge, W. J. Wicks and J. R. Stephens.
FOURTH OF JULY AT KIRKMAN.
July 4, 1886, was celebrated by a dress parade of "the royal dudes" at 10 a. m .; music by the Manning Cornet Band and Kirkman Glee Club. The celebration was held in a grove near the depot. The orations were by Hon. Cyrus Beard, A. N. Buckman and S. H. Lauck. Sports included pony races, foot races, sack races, egg races, climbing greased pole, pie-eating match, cake-eating match and balloon ascensions in the evening. There was a grand bowery dance in the grove both in the afternoon and the evening. The com- mittee announced "all persons in town, from 10 a. m. until close of exercises, will be allowed a full day's work." A. N. Buckman was president of the day, M. H. Woods. marshal, and M. Larson, vice-president.
Thanksgiving day seems to have been observed in Harlan so early as 1874. the Shelby County Record of December 2, 1874, containing this de- scription of its observance: "The day was properly observed in Harlan by an appropriate sermon delivered by the Rev. A. C. Smith in the Baptist. church at eleven o'clock. A majority of the business houses were tempor- arily closed and a good audience was well entertained. The dining hall of the hotel was then cleared. and the violin, accompanied by the patter of many feet whirling through the mazes of the waltz, the schottische and the polka, could be heard until the witching hour of three o'clock in the morning. As far as we can learn, the day was observed all over the county by social gatherings and dancing parties, remembered for its true merits. Disorderly conduct was below par, and every one stood on his good behavior and good humor."
The observance of Thanksgiving, happily. continues, and in Harlan at present consists of a joint meeting of all the churches of the town and of others who accept the invitation, which is extended generally to all to come together. At this meeting a sermon is preached and church music rendered.
GOOD TEMPLARS. 1
During the decade between 1870 and 1880, and to some extent immed- iately before and immediately following. the organization of Good Templars was established at many different points in Shelby county, including Manteno,
459
SHELBY COUNTY, IOWA.
Harlan, Shelby. Hacktown. and perhaps elsewhere. These local lodges often presented literary and dramatic programs and sometimes held spelling con- tests.
In May, 1875, there was held at Harlan a Good Templars' festival. at which. after music. there was a spelling contest. The captains were Messrs. McIntosh and Reynolds. The McIntosh team was composed of the follow- ing named persons: Hattie Brazie. H. L. Wood. Belle Cass. Katie Berg- stresser, J. V. Brazie, Adelia MI. Swain. A. L. Griffith. Fannie Worts, Lettie Swain and Carrie Harvey. The Reynolds team was composed of the follow- ing named persons: Mary Griffith, G. D. Ross, Theophilus Fulghem. Ella Smith. W. O. Townsend. Annie Burke, David Lang. Cicely Chatburn, Emma Nance and Ella Burke. All went down until the two sides were represented by A. L. Griffith, Carrie Harvey, Miss Griffith and G. D. Ross. Miss Carrie Harvey received the prize. a handsome bound copy of Byron, and Mr. Fulg- hem a pictorial copy of the alphabet, which brought forth many cheers. They then voted as to the prettiest lady present. the only candidates being Miss Cecily Chatburn and Miss Emma Nance. Miss Chatburn won by a moderate majority. They then voted on the homeliest man present. the vote finally standing : McIntosh, sixty-five, and Wood, seventy-eight. Wood was the editor of the paper. The receipts amounted to thirty-three dollars and fifty cents.
In August. 1886, a lodge of the order of Good Templars was organized in Shelby at the Methodist Episcopal church. The order started out with twenty-nine members and with good prospects for a large increase in mem- bership. The meetings were held weekly.
In June. 1877. the Good Templars of Harlan gave a literary and musical program at the Masonie hall. Music was furnished by the Harlan Cornet Band. A new song, entitled "Mary's Promise. or Pledge Me. Love. in Sparkling Waters." was rendered by Miss Ella Burke. There was also pre- sented a drama, entitled "Pretty Piece of Business." A comedy of one act followed. the cast of characters being: "Capt. Felix Merryweather," J. H. Chrisman: "Dr. Lancelot Shee," J. V. Brazie: "Miss Charlotte Shee," Cicely Chatburn : "Dobson." Miss Kate Wright : "Mrs. Fanny Grantley." Miss Etta Jackson .. The program was closed with a song, "Merry Heart." given by the double quartette, composed of the Misses Ella Burke. Emma Nance, Ida Weimer, Letta Swain and Messrs. J. V. Brazie, George D. Ross, D. D. Downs and Henry Carl. George D. Ross, D. D. Downs and Henry (W. H.) Carl are yet residents of Harlan.
460
SHELBY COUNTY, IOWA.
DANCING.
From the earliest times dancing was a favorite amusement. The Shelby County Record of November 5. 1874, says: "The house of Jonas Baker last Wednesday night was made to echo to the sound of the musical catgut and the heels of No. II stogas and No. 6 gaiters. Heavens, but they made things jingle. It is the terpsichorean headquarters for those who desire to attend."
A Harlan paper of March, 1879. says: "Never have Harlan's pleasure lovers enjoyed a greater social feast than at Long's hall Monday night. About twenty-five couples, inspired by the sweet melodies of the Northwest- ern Quadrille Band, of Clinton, tripped the light fantastic and vied one with another in making everybody happy until the wee small hours, only admitting a short delay at twelve o'clock, when all repaired to the Harlan House, where they were bountifully refreshed. It had never been our good fortune to secure this favorite band before. but having once listened to the enchanting harmonies we shall speak for the boys from Clinton to furnish us music. In addition to our own pleasant social circle the following joyous friends from a distance were present : From Avoca, Thomas Ledwich and wife, Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Kerkson: from Shelby, A. C. Autin and wife. W. C. Atwater and lady. Quite a number were intending to come from Avoca and several couples from Hacktown, but the train failed to put in an appearance. We hope to have the pleasure of chronicling another blow-out by the Harlan Coterie be- fore the season closes."
In December. 1877. a dance was held at Long's hall until half past three in the morning. At twelve the dancers partook of supper at the Har- lan House. It seems there were skirmishes outside of the hall.
The author has been told by several pioneers, residing here at the time. that when Chatburn's mill was completed. in 1867. there was great desire among the leading spirits of the town to have a church building erected in Harlan. Accordingly, a dance was held in the newly-built mill and the pro- ceeds received therefrom were devoted to help build the First Methodist Episcopal church in Harlan. The author does not vouch for this story, but it appears to be based upon credible authority.
In early times it was often expressly advertised in handbills that at publie dances "good order will positively prevail." In later years an affirma- tive showing of this sort has not seemed so often necessary.
In the early eighties the masquerade ball seems to have been attractive . to the people. A paper of the time contains the following reference: "Last
461
SHELBY COUNTY, IOWA.
Thursday night one of the most enjoyable masquerade balls of the season took place at Long's opera house. The attendance was about forty couples en masque, besides a large audience of spectators. The masks were excellent. by far the best that have ever been in the city. We understand the cos- tumes were from Des Moines. The most complete surprise was to the musi- cians, Henry and Emery Potter. The boys left home at eight o'clock, and the ladies were very sleepy and should retire immediately. When the masks were removed Henry's eyes dropped upon the familiar face of Mrs. Henry. Emery was giving directions about a difficult figure, and grasped a girl by the arm to place her in proper position, when, to his surprise he found his partner to be J. F. Huntzinger, fully equipped in all the furbelows of the latest French agony of female apparel. The two clowns, with the poodle, bothered the multitude and made fun for the hosts. Our wooden shoes knocked a whole acre of flesh off our left toe and our 'dicher' proboscis melted down and smothered uts. The lovers of the dance enjoyed themselves after unmasking for several hours, under the inspiring music of the best orchestra in western Iowa, and retired to their homes well satisfied with the entire evening's pleas- ure."
CHURCHI SOCIALS AND OTHER FUNCTIONS.
Church festivals or "socials" were frequently held for the purpose of raising funds for various church purposes. At these meetings, depending upon the time of year, strawberries, ice cream, etc., were served and occasionally various articles, usually of home manufacture, were offered for sale. The reader will recall the "necktie" festival held by the Young Folks' Literary 'Society of Harlan, for the purpose of raising funds to help the Methodist Episcopal church.
The festival also sometimes centered about local organizations, such as fire companies, cornet bands, etc. At these festivals numerous were the devices for inducing those in attendance to part with their money for the "cause." The people of the time were very fond of having at these festivals voting contests of various sorts. Perhaps this voting is best illustrated by the "Firemen's Fair and Festival" held in the latter part of October, 1881, at Long's hall, Harlan, described in a Harlan newspaper of the time. The young men and women worked very diligently to make this event successful. Many people from Avoca seem to have come to Har- lan to assist in making the affair enjoyable. The first of the voting contests was on the question of the most popular lady in Shelby county. The two young ladies receiving the highest votes were Miss Bechtel, who
462
SHELBY COUNTY, IOW.S.
received one hundred and eighteen votes, and Miss Carrie Harvey, who re- ceived one hundred and ten. The prize offered was a riding bridle, donated by Harp Wilson, mayor of Avoca. The next contest was as to the most deserving young man in Harlan. Sam Hunt got eighty-two votes and E. D. Potter seventy. On the second night of the fair there was a spirited contest for the purpose of deciding who was the most popular old bachelor of Harlan. Every person voting paid ten cents for each vote cast by him. The prize was a pin-cushion. donated by Mrs. J. T. Jack. E. D. Potter received forty- eight votes, and Cyrus Mentzer, thirteen. The next contest was for the prize of a camp chair, donated by Carl & Graves, for the most popular married lady in Harlan. Mrs. D. M. Wyland received a vote of fifty-six to forty-seven for Mrs. Steinhilber. The next ballot was for the purpose of voting a cradle, donated by Mr. Steinhilber, to the most deserving man in Harlan. D. M. Wyland received one hundred and thirty-seven and one-half votes and O. F. Graves one hundred and thirty-four. The amusing thing about this vote was that neither of the men then had or ever had the slightest personal use for a cradle. Undoubtedly this added to the zest of the voting. The next contest in which the persons present participated was for the pur- pose of deciding who was the most popular young lady in Harlan. The prize was a cake stand. Miss Bessie Bechtel received one hundred and thirty- nine and one-half votes and Miss Ella Noble one hundred and eighteen and one-half votes. Messrs. Robinson and Rockafellow had donated an album for the most popular officer in the fire department. In this contest O. F. Graves received thirty-five votes and Thomas Ledwich, thirty. \ set of jewelry, donated by Pryor Tinsley for the best girl in Harlan, went to Miss Ella Burke by a vote of fifty-nine, to fifty for Miss Badan. The last contest. involving, of course, more or less horse-play, was for a chromo, donated by Mr. Steinhilber, to the ugliest man in Harlan. Mayor Thomas Ledwich re- ceived twenty-five votes, Ed Parmelee, twenty votes, and Billie Ramsey, five. leaving no one with a majority, but since a plurality took the chromo, Mr. Ledwich won.
At an early date the young people entertained themselves and their friends by giving amateur plays. In November, 1873, Prof. M. Gibney, of Des Moines, Iowa, was then in Harlan, making a local cast of characters for Shakespeare's comedy. "The Merchant of Venice." The Shelby Station Dramatic Club, in the seventies, gave an entertainment at the hall under the auspices of the Good Templars lodge of that place. The troupe was com- prised of the following named ladies and gentlemen: Miss Kate Trusdel.
463
SHELBY COUNTY, IOWA.
Miss May Baird. Mrs. O. W. Baird, George Kiefer, Frank Ramsey, O. W. Baird. Chan. Baird, E. J. Heath and John Morton.
Early in January, 1880, a company of Harlan amateurs rendered the comic opera, "H. M. S. Pinafore," in Long's hall, the net proceeds derived from which being divided between the Harlan Library Association and the Cornet Band. The dramatis personae in this play were as follows: "Sir Joseph." W. M. Oungst : "Captain Corcoran," W. H. Kridler ; "Ralph Rack- straw," J. W. Lehman: "Dick Deadeye," C. R. Pratt : "Boatswain," J. I. Myerly: "Midshipman," L. P. Benedict? "Josephine." Mrs. W. W. Girton; "Little Buttercup," Mrs. E. S. Burgin : "Hebe," Mrs. L. M. Bechtel; Sisters, Cousins and Aunts, Misses Bessie Bechtel, Lettie Swain. Ella Swain. Mag- gie Coenen. Mollie Coenen. Clara Sweat, Ella Burke : Sailors, H. C. Munger, J. C. MeManima. A. K. Riley, Will Stutsman, U. S. Brown and R. W. Robins : pianist, Miss Louise Todd.
In 1879 Billy Marbles' theatrical troupe gave plays in Long's hall, on November 10, 11, 12, and in 1882 played in what was then the new opera house. Among the plays at that time presented were "The Poor Factory Girl" and "Under the Gas Light." This company seems to have been very popular at that time.
In 1882 "Above the Clouds," a drama, was given, the first entertainment by local talent in the Harlan opera house. The cast: O. F. Graves. J. F. Huntzinger. S. K. Pratt, W. C. Campbell, J. M. Kingery and C. R. Pratt. In 1889 "The Turn of the Tide" was presented by home talent, consisting of S. K. Pratt, W. T. Shepherd. Frank W. Parker, L. M. Kerr, Jay Wyland, Herman Noble, Pearl Swain, Amy Cook, Lina Platt and Fannie Long.
The dramatic talent of the present day is developed to some extent by the giving of occasional amateur plays in the opera houses of the county, for the purpose of raising funds to support various public enterprises. A number of the high schools of the county now have the custom of giving a play an- nually by the graduating class of the year. One of the men who has given largely of his time, with much success to the training of young people along these lines, is Editor W. C. Campbell, of the Harlan Tribune.
The young people of Earling have continued to take great interest in amateur acting, and for a long period of years have presented plays that gave them excellent experience and offered the people pleasing entertainment. So early as April, 1888. Earling had a'dramatic club. On each evening comedies were presented in German and in English. The company seems to have been well received by the people.
464
SHIELBY COUNTY, IOWA.
The young people of Portsmouth and of Panama have also shown inter- est and talent along the same lines.
During the seventies and eighties, especially at Harlan, a great many lec- turers and entertainers appeared before the people. In the seventies Miss Ella May Dwight, at Long's hall, gave a number of readings. Among the selections were "Creeds of the Bells" and "High Tide." In January, 1876, ITarlan had a visit from Professor Owen, the phrenologist. He gave four lectures on phrenology, physiognomy and mesmerism. Both local editors had their heads carefully examined and estimates made. In connection with his lecture on the subject of matrimony from the phrenological point of view a vote of the audience was taken to ascertain the handsomest lady and the homliest man present. These voting contests, by the way, in the early day were very popular on all possible occasions. Miss Cecily Chatburn was voted to be the most beautiful lady and was given a phrenological chart as a prize. Attorney J. E. Weaver received the other prize. In November, 1877, the Harlan Lecture Association met at the clerk's office and made arrange- ments to have a lecture course in Harlan for that winter, the intention being to have one lecture each month. One of the persons considered for a lecture was Susan B. Anthony. The officers of the association were: President. D. M. Wyland : vice-president. George D. Ross : secretary, C. M. Robins; treas- urer, Thomas McDonald. every man of whom made his impress upon the life of Shelby county during his time. On the evenings of July 25, 26, 27, 1877, Col. J. P. Sanford delivered three lectures in Harlan on these topics : "My Travels in Japan and China," "Old Times and New" and "Arabia and Mohammedanism."
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Harlan had arranged a course of lectures during the summer of 1887. Among those who lectured were Rev. J. W. Geiger, of the Congregational church, on the subject, "Our Boys and their Sisters." The second lecture was given by President W. E. Hamilton, of Simpson College, at the Methodist Episcopal church, on the "Labor Question." In 1878 there was a Harlan Lecture Association, com- posed of Mrs. D. M. Wyland, Mrs. J. B. Stutsman and Mrs. Thomas Mc- Donald. One of the persons they brought to Harlan was Rev. Sanders. In Harlan, August 13, 1878, Professor Wentworth, of Chicago, gave a reading. In November, 1878. Miss Jessie E. Wilson delivered, at the Methodist Epis- copal church, a lecture entitled the "New Bonanza." President Berry, of Grinnell College, lectured in Shelby in December. 1879. . On May 1 and 2. 1879, Elizabeth Cady Stanton was scheduled to lecture in Harlan.
In June, 1881, Col. J. P. Sanford gave a lecture in Harlan. In June,
465
SHELBY COUNTY, IOWA.
1881. Rev. C. S. Ryan gave two lectures at the Methodist church. His sub- jects were "Loiterings in Scotland and England" and "Men of the Times." On April 5. 1881. the "Artemus Ward Panorama" exhibited at Long's hall. Accompanying this was Alonzo Ward, a brother of the celebrated humorist, who delivered a lecture. In March, 1881. at Long's hall. Homer D. Cope gave a lecture, entitled ."Damon and Pythias." On May 1, 1883, Miss Matilda IJindman lectured at the Congregational church on the subject, "Woman Suffrage." under the auspices of the local suffrage association. On December 15. 1884, Ralph Bingham. then known as the boy orator, thirteen years old, appeared in Harlan. He, by the way, is on the lecture plat- form today. In 1886 the Reading Room Association of Harlan had brought Governor Cumback to Harlan to lecture, but had lost money on the course. which was made good to it by Hon. Platt Wicks. On October 20, 1887. Belle Boyd. known as the "Rebel Spy." gave a lecture at Harlan under the auspices of the Grand Army of the Republic. On the evening of April 12. 1888, Rev. Anna Shaw, since become very famous as an advocate of woman suffrage, lectured at the Congregational church on the subject, "The Fate of Republics."
From about 18;o to about 1890. or perhaps somewhat later, the coming of the teachers of the county, numbering nearly two hundred. to attend the Teachers' Institute, which usually lasted at least two weeks, and sometimes longer. was the occasion of much social activity. Almost every year there were a number of ice cream sociables, usually called "socials," given by churches or other organizations on the court house lawn on the public square at Harlan. On these occasions the teachers and their friends would assemble there in the evening and play various games, including the old-fashioned "Virginia Reel." usually, however, under other names to disguise it. A favorite exercise was "Old Dan Tucker." which was also a sort of rustic dance, although not known as such. Many a school teacher, with an excess of dignity before her pupils in the school room, was known to have taken a good deal of personal delight in the physical exercise called "Pig in the Par- lor." Sometimes the old game of "Drop the Handkerchief" was indulged in. Of course, often. formal dances were held.
In 1882 the business and professional men of Harlan organized a social club of about thirty-five members. known as the "Utile Dulce Club." This club had a ladies' day, which was on Friday afternoon and evening, on which day the members of the club were privileged to invite ladies to visit the club rooms.
(30)
466
SHELBY COUNTY, IOW.1.
From the earliest times the charivari has accompanied weddings in the county. This beautiful post-nuptial serenade is, and has been. long per- formed with cow bells, tin pans, shotguns, drums, etc. The persons com- posing it were, and are, of course, men and boys. They usually elect a cap- tain, who speaks for the crowd. and with whom the luckless bridegroom is obliged to treat for terms. Sometimes the serenaders receive apples. some- times cigars. or both. The institution survives in the county to a general extent.
Perhaps the earliest May party held in Shelby county was in ISSI. The Harlan Weekly Herald of May 26. 1881. describes the happy event thus : "As we sat at our desk last Saturday afternoon, racking our brains in a vain endeavor to produce from them an idea that we could work up into an edi- torial, our office was suddenly brightened and made cheerful by a happy group of young maidens who had just returned from a May party at Chiches- ter's Grove. They were brimful of fun and happiness, and, realizing the for- lorn lot of an editor who has no enjoyment in this world but is compelled to pass his time prying into other people's business and getting cursed for it. they deposited upon the editorial table a huge pile of the good things left over from the feast they had enjoyed at the grove. The party consisted of the following misses and masters: Nettie Stanley, queen : William Macy. king; Minnie Baker. Edith Baker. Ella Barton. Ada Chase, Minta Beck. Lillie Campbell, Rose Dickinson. Clara Ferguson. Addie Gibson. Anna Jack- son, Hattie Locke, Rena Shepherd, Ina Smith, Buda Stringer. May Wyland, Frank Harford. Clarence Redfield."
A unique form of entertainment was a "hide and seek" party. devised by Harlan young people in November. 18SS. The girls agreed to meet at a certain residence. If the young men discovered their hiding place. they were to he provided with a supper. One young man. who probably had a "tip." found them assembled at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. P. F. Murray. Sup- per was prepared and the girls drew lots for partners.
CENTER COUNTRY CLUB OF CENTER TOWNSHIP.
One of the youngest but most highly successful of the clubs of Shelby county, whose membership is composed of ladies in country homes, is the Center Country Club of Center township. This club was organized February 25, 1914. The charter members were Mesdames Mae Daws. Anna Errett. Gertrude Graves, Eva Graves, Carrie Hess, Cecile Hubbell. Lulu Kilpatrick,
D
467
SIIELBY COUNTY, IOWA.
Ruth Lewis, Pluma Littleton, Elizabeth Mayne, Marjorie Miller, Jennie Obrecht, Floy Ruffcorn, Trena Terkildsen. Mary Westrope.
The present and first officers are: President. Mrs. Mae Dawes; vice- president, Mrs. Eva Graves : secretary, Mrs. Lulu Kilpatrick ; treasurer. Mrs. Gertrude Graves; pianist. Mrs. Pluma Littleton.
The present members of the club are: Mesdames Margaret Black, Myrtle Carter, Mae Daws, Nancy Errett, Anna Errett. Gertrude Graves, Eva Graves, Jessie Graves. Cassie Grabill, Carrie Hess, Cecile Hubbell. Della Heflin, Lulu Kilpatrick. Ora Klindt. Ruth Lewis, Jennie Littleton, Pluma Littleton, Elizabeth Mayne. Anna Mellott, Marjorie Miller. Ermal Miller, Hazel McCord, Louisa Morgan, Jennie Obrecht, Pearl Obrecht, Demaris Pot- ter, Anna Potter, Ida Rold. Floy Ruffcorn, Trena Terkildsen and Mary Westrope.
The purpose of the clubs primarily, quoting the words of a member. "is to improve the conditions of life surrounding the women of country homes. It aims to keep them better informed on current events, to make their work easier, their homes brighter and better, to help its members profit by the progress of the world, to make a better community and to make the com- munity attractive with power to hold the young people at home, and to help each member and others, in spite of themselves, to live up to the best possible in life." The club is accomplishing much in breaking the isolation of the country and in promoting a better and happier community life.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.