USA > Iowa > Marion County > Pella > Souvenir history of Pella, Iowa : contains a concise story of the founding and life of Pella, Iowa > Part 21
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LIST OF MAYORS WHO SERVED PELLA FROM 1874 TO 1922 INCLUSIVE
It was our intention to give the city administrations in full from the begin- ning to the present time, but owing to the failure of the copy to reach us in time, we can only give the list of Mayors from 1874 to 1922.
E. F. Grafe, 1875; H. Neyenesch, 1876; H. M. McCully, 1878; N. J. Gesman, Sr., 1882; G. Van Vliet, 1887; H. Kuyper, 1889; G. Van Vliet, 1891; T. J. Edmand, 1895; G. Van Vliet, 1897; J. H. Stubenrauch, appointed in 1900 and elected in 1901; D. S. Huber, 1903; W. L. Allen, 1905; S. G. Van der Zyl, appointed in 1906 to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mayor Allen, and elected for a full term in 1907; N. J. Gesman, Jr., 1909; H. J. Van den Berg, appointed to fill the unexpired term of Mayor Gesman, who resigned, 1912; H. F. Johnson, 1913; H. J. Van den Berg, 1917 to 1923.
A group of Pella's young ladies dressed in Holland costume during the Fiftieth Anniversary. Standing-Mrs. Dena DeBooy-Paige, Mrs. Mary Howell-Stuart. Sitting-Mrs. Hattie Bousquet-Eagan, Mrs. Anna Lankelma-Wheeler.
Incidents of the Last 25 Years
Pella Booster, May 31, 1911:
G. A. R. MEMORIAL DAY A GRAND SUCCESS
Fully Three Thousand Spectators Witness the Unveiling of the Beautiful Eighteen Foot Monument Erected by the Ladies' Circle, G. A. R., in Honor of the Departed Heroes of '61-'65-Gen. J. B. Weaver of Colfax De- livered the Oration of the Day-Parade Five Blocks Long
Last Tuesday morning commenced with a gray and gloomy sky, but at about 10 o'clock the clouds lifted and the sun came out in all its splendor. In the morn- ing a line of autos filled with the city officials and citizens drove to the morning train to meet the speaker of the day, Jas. B. Weaver of Colfax, and that gentleman was shown the city for about an hour after which he was taken to the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Wormhoudt, where he was to be entertained. Early in the morning the business men began to drape their places of business in the Stars and Stripes in honor of the heroes in which the day has been designated and by noon almost every place in the city was beautifully decorated and the American flag played the prominent part. In the morning a committee of old comrades of Major Hobbs Post went to the cemeteries where they appropriately decorated the graves of their deceased comrades with beautiful flowers.
At about 1 o'clock the G. A. R. Post and the Ladies' G. A. R. met the band at the city hall where they formed a line of march to the college where short services were held and the Memorial Slab was dcorated in the Stars and Stripes and gar- landed with flowers, after which the line of march was formed and the school children and students of the college was formed and the procession, headed by the band, marched to the park, where the program was to be rendered. The un- veiling ceremonies consisted of voeal and instrumental music, after which the program was opened by prayer by Rev. Van der Werf, after which the unveiling address was made by Helen Hunt. After the unveiling address Mrs. J. W. Todd, who by the way is one of the first settlers of the community, made the presenta- tion speech in a manner that was touching and was felt by everyone in the large audience. The Mayor then accepted in a very interesting speech in behalf of the citizens and officials. After these preliminary speeches the speaker of the day, Hon. Jas. B. Weaver, was then introduced to the audience and made the speech of the decoration of the monument, which was delivered in a manner that only Jas. B. Weaver can do. In his talk he emulated the hero of those many battles who had passed away as well as those who were among the audience. He also spoke very highly of the patriotism shown by the citizens of Pella in their as- sistance in erecting such a beautiful token of respect and regard for those who fought and died for the principles of freedom. Many were the tributes paid to those whose honor the day had been devoted to, and how richly they deserved all that the people of America were honoring them with, and that it was only an incentive of patriotism in the causes of the country.
During the day there were many that visited the cemeteries and sprinkled the flowers over the graves of loved ones and the little mounds which covered the remains of many near and dear were made pillows of roses and everybody observed the day.
The beautiful eighteen-foot shaft which decorates the Garden Square is a piece of workmanship that does honor to those who so kindly assisted in giving it a place in our midst, and as the years pass by it will be a daily reminder that
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INCIDENTS OF THE LAST 25 YEARS
those who so nobly fought and gave their lives for freedom have not been for- gotten, and never will as long as these shafts of memory dot the various com- munities in which we live. Our people should feel proud of their accomplish- ment as it speaks well for the American spirit shown.
Fully three thousand people witnessed the unveiling ceremonies, and it was the largest crowd that has ever been out on an occasion of this kind in our city. The parade was fully five blocks long and made a very fine appearance.
HOME FOR THE AGED
One of the institutions of which the citizens of Pella are justly proud, and that has more than justified the judgment of those who were instrumental in its erection, is the Home for the Aged; or as it is commonly named, "The Old People's Home.
From information that we consider reliable, it is evident that the credit for originating the plan that finally led to the building of this splendid and useful addition to the comfort and well being of so many of our citizens, belongs by right to our public spirited townsman, T. T. Bakker. Not only did the thought originate with him, but he took an important part in the preliminary work that is always necessary to promote any improvement of that nature.
The Home is under the control of an organization known as the Christian Benevolent Association, which was incorporated on April 30, 1907. Article three of the articles of incorporation sets forth that:
"The object and purpose of this incorporation shall be to erect and provide a comfortable house, which shall be named 'Home for the Aged,' and to that end it shall have power to raise money by subscription, and to acquire title to real estate and personal property of whatsoever nature, by gift, purchase, bequest or devise, and to hold and dispose of the same for the benefit of the corporation and to borrow money and execute notes and property therefor. The object is
Home for the Aged
248
SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
also to acquire title to the 'East Market Square' in the City of Pella, Marion County, Iowa, according to the plat thereof recorded June 12, 1848, and to erect a 'Home for the Aged' and other buildings thereon for the use of those who may become its inmates under the provisions of its by-laws."
Title to the East Market Square was acquired and before the close of the year 1907 a building was erected thereon for the "Home," at a cost of $12,000. Sub- sequently a $4,000 addition was built, the money for the original building and for the addition having been raised by subscription. The institution is under the management of a board of twelve directors-eight men and four women- but is under the immediate supervision of a "Father and Mother," who are sub- ject to certain rules and regulations.
The annual election of directors is held on the first Tuesday in May. Every person who contributes one dollar or more annually is entitled to vote. A life membership in the association may be obtained for twenty dollars, and the direc- tors have the power to issue stock, not exceeding $10,000 at any one time, for the purpose of perpetuating the institution. Persons sixty years of age or older are cligible for admission to the home, upon payment of a certain sum and agreeing to abide by the rules and regulations laid down by the board. The institution has been so popular from the beginning that it has been kept filled to capacity, with a number of applications for admission on file.
The result of this is that the contracts have all been let for the immediate construction of an addition to the present building on the east side. This will be forty by eighty feet in dimension and will furnish room for a hospital, rooms for nurses, the kitchen and other features. This will add materially to the con- veniences of the institution and make it possible to accept a number of new in- mates, many of whom have had applications filed for some time past. The con- tracts have all been let, at a total cost of $24,163.20.
The present officers of the Board of Directors are: John van der Ploeg, President; A. Waechter, Vice President; J. S. Rhynsburger, Secretary; G. H. Worm- houdt, Vice Secretary; N. Van Vliet, Treasurer.
The other members of the board are: N. Boogaards, A. Van Duren, J. Braam, Mrs. J. Braam, Mrs. A. Kempkes, Mrs. A. Boogaards and Mrs. W. Verros.
Mr. and Mrs. A. Bliek have been the efficient and devoted "Father and Mother" of the home from its beginning until March, 1922, when Mrs. Bliek was compelled to give up her part of the work because of ill health. Mr. Bliek is still at the active head and is assisted by Miss Maria Doedyns, in the capacity of matron. The great popularity which this institution has enjoyed from the beginning is largely due to the able, diplomatic and unselfish work of the "Father and Mother,' to whom this has been a labor of love.
PRINCIPAL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS SINCE 1890
Cement walks, thirty miles. Paving, eight miles.
First water system, constructed in 1892; present water system, constructed
in 1909; total cost to date ..
$150,000
Sewer system, constructed in 1910; cost to date. 58.300
Electric light plant, installed 1909; cost to date. 57,000
Municipal office building, purchased 1915; cost to date. 16,000
Paving put in 1914. 76,500
Paving put in 1921. 360,500
Public library building, constructed in 1906, cost. 18,000
Permanent grading, cost. 40,000
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INCIDENTS OF THE LAST 25 YEARS
Park improvement, 1922.
$ 10,000
$687,000
Total assessment value of real and personal property
. $5,270,183
City property-Parks, buildings, fire apparatus, etc. 378,983
Indebtedness 112,000
Moneys on hand. 40,000
Light department, outstanding bonds.
6,000
Money on hand to meet obligation.
13,034
City tax levy for 1922, 66 mills.
Showing Central Park and the Scholte's home in the '70's. Notice that the park had nothing but small trees. It was at this time that F. W. Brinkhoff became the father of the park. The beginning of his work may be seen by the small trees planted.
The World War Roster
When the country called for men to resent the insults to America, Pella fur- nished her full quota. A number are buried in the soil of France. Below we give the list of those who wore the khaki in 1917-18:
Edward Den Adel
Henry Edmand
Frank Den Adel
Carl Van Emmerick
Leonard Den Adel
Fred Faassen
Carl F. Aschenbrenner
Ray Fox
Harry N. Awtry
Paul Grundman
Carl Beyers
Louise Gaass, Nurse
Jacob Bogaards
Wilbur P. Grandia
Henry Van Buren
Alfred McCoombs
Tunis Ver Beek
Jacob De Groot
Miss Marie Bogaards, Nurse
Stephen De Geest
Bertha Brunia, Nurse
Edward Gezel
William A. Den Burger
Henry Gezel Arie De Geest
Will De Bruyn
Leo Van Gorkom
Arie Bloem
George Gosselink
Gerrit H. Vanden Berg
Mathew Van Gilst
Marion Boot
Paul Buwalda
Herman Bogaard
Joe Bogaard
John Breuklander
Gerard M. Gosselink
Rube C. Brand
Marion S. Gosselink
Vernie De Bruyn Andrew Brower
Antonio W. Gysen Archie Hoke
Joe Boyd
Martin Hoeksema
George Van Buren
J. B. Van Hemert
Henry Burggraf
Harry Van Hemert
Kenneth L. Byram
Martin van der Heiden
Andrew Buwalda
Ed Hoeksema Walter Halbert
Jacob De Bruyn
Wm. C. Den Hartog
Peter Beintema
Joe Van der Heiden
Henry Carson
Henry Den Hartog Yelle Heerema Dick Hessing
Ruby Clark, Nurse
Win. S. Van Hemert
Eugene M. Dennis
Gerrit Van Hemert
Frank Demicolo
Neil Van Hemert Andrew Huyser
Ward E. Dillon
Teunis Hoogenakker
John W. Van Doorninck Dick Van Dusseldorp Arthur J. Donai
P. G. Van Houweling
Gysbert E. Van Houweling
Edward A. Donai
P. W. Hugen
Albert P. Dykstra John Durham Arthur Van Essen
Peter Vander Heiden Henry Il. Hunziker Odell Jackson
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Francis Cole Bernard Croll
Peter Bloem
Adrian Goehring Andrew De Goey Jacob Van Gorp Ralph Grundman
Jerry Bontekoe
251
THE WORLD WAR ROSTER
Arthur B. De Joode Ben Kuyk Harry Koopmans Gerrit H. Klein B. F. Keables
Samuel Van Rheenen
Fred Rhynsburger George W. Reis
Harry DeReus
Casey Van Rees Gerald Rysdam
Gradus G. Klein Everett Kruseman
Mark Rillahan
Teunis Kooiman George Kaldenberg
David Van Rees
Reuben Schakel
Herndon Sadler
Arthur J. Renaud
Louis Kuyper J. Van Klootwyk Arthur Kaldenberg T. Kempkes Jay Kempkes
Chris Rus Harold Sack
Henry A. Klyn
Robert Scholte
Jacob de Koning
John Schakel
Jas. Koopmans Cornelius Kool
Frank Simonse
Henry Kuyper
Gerrit A. Van Setten
Freeman Lankelma
Arend Sevenbergen
Dr. George Lankelma
Leonard Sevenbergen
Robert Lautenbach
Jerry Stuureman
John De Leeuw
Roy A. Van Skike John J. Slot
John N. Vander Linden
Edward L. Vander Linden
Samuel Ver Steeg
Herman Van Lint
Harold Ver Steeg
Wm. J. Lubberden
Paul Ver Steeg
Louis B. LeCocq
George Ver Steeg
Frank L. Vander Linden
Henry Ver Steeg
Paul Lautenbach
Carl Ver Steeg, Y. M. C. A.
Adrian A. Lubberden
Raymond Stuureman
Edward Van Loon
Joe Schippers
Cornie Muilenburg Barney Mench
Will Silvanus Carl F. Sweigard
Joseph Milledge
Wm. Van Sittert
Mark McWilliams
David O. Thomas
L. A. Thomassen Fred Thomassen
Ben Van Nimwegen John Nash
George H. Valkenberg
Oren Van Niewaal
John Van Veen
John T. Verros
Seth Niemandsverdriet Herbert Oostrum John Onstine Martin Paardekooper
Dick Vander Ploeg W. H. Vander Ploeg Nicholas Vander Ploeg Peter Pippel John Popma Leonard Popma Joseph Porter
Wm. M. Verros Carl De Vries John Valkenberg Phillip DeVries Warner Vander Voort Cornie Vroom Will Vander Voort
Gary Vogelaar James M. Van Vliet Lester C. Welle
Jacob J. Moll W. J. Monster
Edward Vos Dingeman Van Vark
Elmer Grandia
Harriet Sipkema, Nurse
John Rillahan
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
David Welle Joe Vander Werf Gerrit Karl Van Waardhuizen Richard Weichart Overkamp Wormhoudt Alfred Wormhoudt Marion Wormhoudt John DeWinter Paul DeWit
Henry Wittkowski Gerrit J. Van Wyk W. A. Young Wm. Zuidema Dick C. Van Zante Teunis Van Zante Andrew Van Zante Rus Van Zante Dr. J. J. Sybenga
SOLDIER DEAD
John Van Veen, died of wounds in battle, July 29, 1918. Gerrit Van Hemert, killed in action, Sept. 15, 1918. Freman Lankelma, died in France, influenza, October, 1918. Henry R. Tysseling, died at Ft. Riley, Kans., influenza, Oct. 10, 1918. Herman Van Lint, died in camp, influenza, October, 1918.
Gerrit Van Setten, died at Camp Pike, October 4, 1818, influenza. Teunis Ver Beek, died at Camp Dodge, Oct. 12, 1918, influenza.
Gerrit De Kock, killed in action, Oct. 6, 1918.
Edward Beintema, died of disease in France, Jan. 19, 1919. Harry Koopmans, died of typhoid at Pella, August 3, 1920. Rube C. Brand, died of typhoid at Pella, August 19, 1920. Louis Le Cocq, died in auto accident at Indianapolis, May 30, 1920. Henry Schurer, Cordova, buried in Oakwood cemetery, died 1919 of disease. Sjoerd Van Buren, died March 5, 1921, at Denver, tuberculosis. Jacob De Bruyn, died at Denver, tuberculosis, April 21, 1922. Dick Van Dusseldorp, died at Pella, disease, August 2, 1922.
Franklin Street Looking West from Geelhoed's Corner
Central College
The recent burning of Old Central Building, virtually the last golden link between the New Central and the Old, makes it all the more imperative that friends of the college remind themselves again and again of the days that are gone. The foundation laid by the fathers, a foundation of sacrifice, prayer, and tears, is largely responsible for what Central is today, and for what she will be tomorrow. Few institutions of learning have a history quite so unique, and therefore it is well that in a volume of this character a few lines should be de- voted to Central's history.
Pioneer days call out the best in men, and make the best of men. Still such days are attended with great disadvantages, especially for children and young people. In the days when Iowa was still a territory the Baptists within her borders felt keenly that something had to be done to provide for their children the posisibility of a higher Christian education. With none of the modern con- veniences for travel it was necessary to educate children, if at all, at or near their homes. In September, 1851, definite action was taken by the Baptist con- vention by the appointment of a committee, "whose duty it shall be to make in- vestigations, solicit proposals, etc., with reference to the immediate establishment of a denominational university in this state." The committee reported at the meeting in April of the following year, and recommended Burlington as the place for the university, although the proposal was by no means unanimously accepted. A few months later the same convention met at Marion, where the action taken the previous spring was reconsidered. However, no definite conclusion was reached. The following year in June the convention was held at Pella. The delegates were so impressed with the character and prospects of the little town that it was decided to locate the college in the city where for seventy years it has had a friendly home.
Rev. Henry P. Scholte, the recognized leader of the Hollanders, threw his whole soul into the new movement. By donating land for the campus, helping to solicit funds and by inspiring others he made it possible for work on the new building to begin at once. There was little money, so progress was slow at best. However, instruction in the Academic Department was begun at once in a two- story brick building, still standing on Washington street. Dr. Scarff with three assistants was placed in charge of the work. In September, 1856, the school was moved into its own and new home.
The Collegiate Department was opened in 1858. At the June board meeting of that year Dr. Elihu Gunn was elected to the presidency, and Mrs. Stoddard was made principal of the Ladies' Department. In spite of adversities, severe financial trials, the college experienced unexpected growth. By 1860 there were 300 students enrolled, and the faculty had been increased accordingly. Many colleges far older than Central had been unable to weather the financial storm of 1857, but Central's doors were not closed for a single day. However, a still more severe testing time was at hand. In April, 1861, when the first college class was looking forward to graduation in June, the civil war broke out. If such times test the souls of men, they test the soul of a college as well. Every friend of Central knows how the college literally emptied itself of its young manhood. One hundred and twenty-six of Central's sons answered the call to the colors. Twenty-six of those brave lads never returned. Truly Central poured out the last full measure of her devotion.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
When the boys were sacrificing all, if need be, on the field of battle, un- paralleled sacrifices were made at home to keep the college going. The heroism of those who remained at home was worthy of the heroism of those who went to the front. By 1864 a debt of $12,000 had accumulated, and the future looked very dark indeed. By efforts that were almost superhuman this debt was paid off in 1866. The war was over, and the college manfully addressed itself to the task of reconstruction, and in the coming years provided for the church and the nation the type of leadership needed in days of crisis.
In 1871 Dr. Scarff was succeeded by Dr. Louis A. Dunn, through whose wise management the college recovered all that was lost during the war. Failing health caused him to retire in 1881, the same year that Dr. and Mrs. Stoddard re- turned to their loved work in India. The presidency was then tendered to Dr. Gardner, who, because of ill health, was ahle to give only three years to the work. Prof. Tripp became the acting president for the following year, when Dr. Reed was elected to succeed Dr. Gardner. He remained with the college for only one year. Fortunately, Dr. Dunn was able to take the helm again. He served the college faithfully until the day of his death, which took place on Thanksgiving Day, 1888. His successor was Rev. S. J. Axtell, who resigned in 1890. Dr. Stuart, then pastor of the Pella Baptist Church, followed him, and gave five years of distinguished service to the school. During his first year in office Cotton Hall was huilt to accommodate the increasing number of students. No sooner was Cotton Hall completed when plans were made for the erection of the Y. M. and Y. W. C. A. huilding, which was later generally known as the Auditorium. Owing to financial difficulties it took nearly ten years to complete this building. Dr. Stuart literally wore himself out so that he was obliged to resign in 1895. Dr. Chaffee, as his successor, made a warm place for himself in the life of town and college alike. Upon his resignation in 1899 Prof. Bush was made acting presi- dent for one year, when Dr. Garrison took over the work, and held the reins of government successfully for nine years. In 1905 Jordan Hall of Natural Sciences was erected. The following year Dr. Dunn's son honored the memory of his father by erecting Dunn Cottage as a home for the president. Dr. Garrison was followed by Dr. Beyl, whom neither the town or college will soon forget. His successor was Dr. Bailey, who at one of the most critical periods of Central's history showed himself a master of the situation.
Such is the rather cold narrative of events previous to the transfer of the college in 1916. Words at best can never do justice to Central's history. In a brief account like this much of thrilling interest must necessarily be omitted. One would like to mention some of the outstanding teachers by name, recite at great length the heroic work of the Ladies' Auxiliary, and give a list of all the alumni. One must content himself with a bare sketch.
Central has always been stamped by the ideal of Christian service. For that reason primarily her influence has been felt the whole world round. Among her graduates are those who have distinguished themselves in the halls of our state and national legislatures, several court justices, eminent jurists, skilled physicians and surgeons, leaders in the teaching profession, business men of marked ability. bankers, preachers of God's abiding word and missionaries who brought and are still bringing the spirit of Christ and of Central to the ends of the earth.
Much could be written about the various attempts on the part of the Baptists to unify their educational program. It is a pity that such plans could not be carried out without some unpleasant incidents. Suffice it to say that after much debate and prolonged discussion it was decided to centralize their educational work in Iowa at Des Moines, and to offer Central College as a gift to the Reformed Church in America. The proffered gift was gratefully and enthusiastically ac- cepted.
CENTRAL COLLEGE
255
DR. EMMANUEL H. SCARFF
DR. EMMANUEL H. SCARFF
During twenty-four history-making years, Dr. Scarff's life and work was vitally important in building Central College and in sustaining for it an unbroken record of activity during the test- ing years between 1854 and 1878. Dr. Scarff came to Pella to teach in the new school when its home was in rented rooms on Washington street, and when the great beams that were so recently burnt to ashes were still in the native forest trees grow- ing along the Des Moines river. Dr. Scarff was the second President of Central College, holding that position from 1861 to 1871 when he resigned because of failing health, but remained with the school as teacher seven years longer. He received scant pay during those years, but his was a service of love and was paid in kind by all who knew him.
DR. LOUIS A. DUNN
Dr. Dunn was the third President of Central College. He was a man of great intellectual power and of fine physical strength, and combined with these elements of leadership a gentleness and sweetness of character that won for him the re- spect and love of all who knew him. He accepted the position of President in 1871 and through the following ten years he put his life and strength into the school. Because of failing health, he re- signed in 1881, but was again prevailed upon to take the presidency in 1886. For two short years he again lead where others were glad to follow. Then Death called him home.
DR. LOUIS A. DUNN
The first year saw many changes both in student body and teaching staff. Yet to the outsider the change of control was hardly perceptible. Dr. Bailey remained with the college for the first year, and not too much praise can be given him for his wise leadership. Through the energetic efforts of Rev. Brinkman $100,000.00 was raised for the endowment fund by the end of the first year. It took faith and courage to enter upon a new venture like this, especially when such faith and courage was put to severe tests. On the morning of February 28, 1917, the Auditorium was destroyed by fire. Discouraging this surely was, but the executive committee went to work immediately with plans for the Library to replace the building destroyed.
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