USA > Kansas > Marshall County > Blue Rapids > Blue Rapids centennial, 1870-1970 > Part 4
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In 1873 a two-story brick building, thirty by fifty feet, was erected on the corner lot at Sixth and Chestnut. C. M. Brydges, the first teacher in the new school, was credited as the one who really started the school. Increased enrollment necessitated the construction of a frame building near the brick building. Two early day teachers in the school were Mrs. L. S. D. Smith, mother of Mr. C. D. Smith, city, and Miss Jessie Burr, sister of the late Mr. W. J. Burr. Mrs. Smith taught from 1874 to 1879 and Miss Burr taught kinder- garten. Mrs. Smith also taught in the grades from 1892 to 1900.
The original school grounds area consisted of two full blocks bounded by Fifth and Seventh Streets and Chestnut and East Avenue. There were visions of a college campus in the minds of the early pioneers.
The grade school building of brick facing, which was recently razed, was started in 1892 and was occupied in the fall of 1893. At that time there were two grades in each room on the first
floor and the high school occupied the second floor. About 1910 an addition to the north provided three more rooms. The older building was then referred to as the "Ag Building" and several high school classes were held there. Its last years of usefulness were for the Manual Arts classes. In 1954 the building was torn down and in its place was erected the auditorium - Gymnasium at a cost of approximately $122,000. This included kitchen facilities used for the hot lunch program.
The building was dedicated April 26, 1955. In 1917 the high school building, of red brick, was constructed. This provided badly needed rooms for the older pupils and eased the crowded conditions in the lower grades.
The history of kindergarten, (early references called it "primary"), had its beginning in the early 1870's when Miss Jessie Burr taught in the little frame building. Miss Irene Preston assisted by Mrs. Dena Wanamaker, nee Liscom, taught the primary class of ninety children in the 1912-1913 term. The primary, or kindergarten, was still a part of the school system in the 1916-1917 term. Of this, one reference stated that "At the present time Blue Rapidsis the only school in Marshall County that maintains a department for beginners below the first grade." In more recent years a local club organization sponsored a kindergarten. In 1966 the kindergarten became part of the regular school system.
Blue Rapids was the first school in Marshall County to establish a standard four year course for its high school. The first graduating class was in 1884 with three members. The class of 1885 was the smallest with two members. In 1888, 1889, 1892 and 1905, there were no graduates. The larg- est class to graduate was in 1936 with forty members.
As the years move on, changes have been made in school organizations. The little one-room rural schools are memories of the past. The first to consolidate was Fawn Creek, west of town. Other rural schools in the area which closed their
doors were Game Fork, Prairie Ridge, Patterson, Elm Creek, Gallup, Fairview, and the last, Pleasant Valley.
The Irving High School joined Blue Rapids in the fall of 1957. The Irving grade school moved to Blue Rapids in the fall of 1960 with the coming of Tuttle Creek Reservoir. With the unification of Waterville-Blue Rapids schools, the Blue Rapids High School came to a close with the class of 1966, the last graduates. The total number of graduates is about 1390 for Blue Rapids, from 1884 to 1966.
Many teachers served the school system long and faithfully. Those putting in the most years include the late Mrs. S. E. S. Vawter who taught continuously in first grade for 28 years, from 1913 to 1941 when she retired. Mr. E. B. Weller came to the school system as principal and eighth grade instructor in 1919 and taught that term. In 1923 he finished a term for a teacher who resigned. He continued teaching until the spring of 1953. During the 1932-1933 term he coached high school athletics and again in 1944-1945, along with his duties as principal and eighth grade teacher. His school service totaled thirty-two years. In the fall of 1947, Mr. Edwin Brychta joined the high school faculty and has served as instructor in several areas some of which are Manual Arts, Driver Educa- tion and Sciences. His years of service to date in this depart- ment total 23 years, 19 of which were for Blue Rapids High School.
Even though the era of the "Pirate" and B. R.H.S. has passed the recalling of school days -- happy days -- occurs each year as the alumni members and guests meet again to renew acquaintances and join in singing;
"Our hearts are light along the Blue
The stars at night are peeping through
And gently swaying with the swell, We sing the song we love so well.
Of days we've spent, of rules we've bent,
Of lessons learned, of dreams untold,
Of penance done, of victories won,
To you we sing, old Blue and the Gold." R. B. Ambrose -- 1916
Certainly Blue Rapids and community can be very proud of the many graduates, too many to enumerate, who have gone on to reach their goals in their chosen fields. These graduates have taken their places as the best among lawyers, civil engineers, business administrators, farmers, bankers, scient- ists, doctors, nurses, teachers, merchants, homemakers, military, and any number of other professions -- their privilege to choose in a nation where freedom of choice was guaranteed by our forefathers scores of years ago.
With the unification of the Waterville, Blue Rapids school districts in June 1966, the Pirate, the Blue and Gold, and B. R. H. S. came to an end. In came the Mustang, Purple and White, and Valley Heights.
We look to our youth to continue to hold to the high ideals exemplified by past graduates as they take their places in our communities, our nation, and even remote places through- out the world. It is our hope that the Purple and White, the Mustangs, and Valley Heights mean as much to the present generation as the Blue and Gold, the Pirates and Blue Rapids High School has meant to those who have passed through these halls of education in the past.
RECREATION
Opera House, 1895 built by local citizens. Headed by John McPherson (December 16, 1846). Due to financial difficulties, it was later taken over by the city.
On January 17, 1907, Uncle Tom's Cabin, a stage show, at the Opera House presenting in all its soul stirring entirety and unequalled production of the grandest historical play ever written.
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Advertising was done in an odd and novel way back in early Blue Rapids when the Opera House first came into being. This picture is evident of who advertised and what they sold. The advertising was hand painted on canvas type material and was rolled up and out of the way when programs or movies were held on stage. If you tired of reading the ads you could just sit and look at the scenic view in the middle of the advertise- ment display. According to information received from some of the citizens of Blue Rapids, men traveled around the country doing this type work for movie house and opera companies. It is thought that in the back part of the theatre, can still be found one of these canvas advertisements.
George Hewitt, son of Julia Hewitt, was manager of a Roller Skating entertainment. It was opened Saturday evening, January 26, 1907. Mr. Hewitt also was responsible for stage props when shows were to be shown.
FIFTH ANNUAL FISH FRY
December 14, 1905
At 9:20 o'clock Thursday evening the annual Fish Fry Association held their banquet at the Opera House Parlors.
A pretty site greeted the eyes of the guests as they entered the room with tables decorated very pretty and set with dozens of oranges, bananas and apples arranged at frequent intervals.
President E. D. White, who acted as toastmaster called the guests together and asked them to seat themselves at the tables.
Every one of those 196 chairs were occupied and supper was served to 30 more at the second table.
Two hundred and fifty pounds of fish having been nicely prepared, supplied an abundance of fish for everyone.
Nearly three hours were spent at the tables, not all the
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time eating. As after the inner man had been filled there was an Oratorial and Musical feast provided.
Toastmaster White briefly explained the object of the banquet and said some good words for the best town in Northeastern Kansas.
He then called upon Messr's C. Coulter, C. J. Brown and J. G. Strong to say a few good words on behalf of the business men of the town.
Judge Kimble was the next speaker and made the principal address of the evening. He told his early experience in connec- tion with Blue Rapids how with other he built (on paper) the first north and south railroad and came down over the hills with the railroad (in his wagon) and landed in front of the LaBelle House where the glories of this valley and possibili- ties of his railroad were extolled to all who would listen.
The following gentlemen were then called upon for talks. Many of their responses being very witty and entertaining: Judge Loch, Marysville; Dr. E. Armstrong, Greenleaf; County Clerk, Kern, Marysville; J. C. Sample, Frankfort; G. B. Heleker, Frankfort; County Treasurer, Brubaker, Marysville; Ex-Sheriff, Guthrie, Irving; County Commissioner, Parker, Waterville; Dr. H. Humpreville, Waterville; W. P. Brown, Blue Rapids; J. N. Wanamaker, Blue Rapids; Professor A. J. Clark, Blue Rapids; Sheriff, Fred Barrett, Marysville and J. L. Barnes, Blue Rapids.
7th. ANNUAL
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FISH FRY.
BLUE RAPIDS, KANS 11.6.07
NOTES OF INTEREST
First born - Dr. R. A. Wells delivered a child to Van Dusens member of the town Colony in 1870.
First marriage - Lottie Holt to Rev. J. Williams, 1870.
First death - wife of H. S. Halbert, 1870.
First teacher - Lucy A. Palmer, 1861.
First Millinery - December 1871, Milles Knowlton and Steward.
Population - 1871, 480 people and 27 business firms.
1867 - Missouri Pacific Central Branch railroad went as far west as Waterville, Blue Rapids being the principle station along the line.
PLACES OF BUSINESS
LaBelle House built in 1870 by the Town Company offered to donate five lots facing on the Square to anyone who would erect a building of certain specifications. The proposition
was accepted by Captain McPherson on behalf of a partnership composed of his father-in-law, Clarendon Y. Reed, H. S. Halbert who was a nephew of Mrs. Reed and himself. James and William Allerdice, hired by McPherson. came to construct the hotel. The hotel was named the "LaBelle House" after a lake in Wisconsin, and was opened and dedicated with a grand ball on Christmas Night, 1870. It was long known as one of the best hostelries on the central branch. This hotel was called the Maple House when it changed hands. Later the Albion and still later the Macleod. This building was torn down in 1969.
aniversary
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THE ALBION.
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POST OFFICE A post office was established in this vicinity as early as 1858 with William Thompson the first post master. He resigned in favor of his son-in-law A. J. Palmer in 1862, the latter a settler southwest of Blue Rapids on a portion of what is now the Stocks ranch. During the Civil War, Palmer's buildings were burned by a mob. The motive for this lawless act has never been definitely ascertained. He was succeeded as post master by his sister-in-law, Miss Emma Thompson and she in turn by S. Craft who later turned the office over to John Weber. After the building of the Central Branch railway, it was discontinued but for only a brieftime, as it re-opened after the settlement of Blue Rapids by the Eastern colony.
In 1870, H. S. Parmalee, an early settler was post master. In 1872, the first mail was sent by W. H. Goodwin.
..
In 1875, Parmalee was succeeded by C. E. Tibbets, then editor of Blue Rapids Times.
In December, 1876, A. J. Loomis was post master. He remained in position until 1883.
Since 1883, the following have served: Judge William Thomp- son, Thomas Marcy, C. Coulter, John McPherson, H. C. Lathrop, Clarence Coulter, H. C. Lathrop, Dixie (Elliott) Hickman, Robert Gallup and Kenneth Fincham. -
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PRESENT DAY POST OFFICE IN BLUE RAPIDS
OLD POST OFFICE-NOW THE OFFICE OF THE BLUE RIVER SAND AND GRAVEL CO.
This picture shows how they carried the mail back when. I believe, though, even with his sturdy horse and faithful dog, rain, sleet and snow may have been hard to fight in this Rural Free Delivery Conveyance. The name on the back of the picture is Roy Arnold.
In 1949, Frank A. Estes, the oldest rural mail carrier in the state, at that time, retired after 43 years of service. Mr. Estes was the third rural carrier in Marshall County, and began his duties on rural route number three from the Blue Rapids post office, November 16, 1905. His starting salary was one dollar a day for his horses and himself to deliver the mail to rural patrons over roads that were impassible many days of the year.
NEWSPAPER HISTORY
The newspaper history of Blue Rapids has been one of many changes. The Blue Rapids Times was first published in May, 1871, by Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Tibbets. In 1877, a half interest was sold to E. M. Brice who purchased the other half interest the following year. In 1880, Edward Skinner, Jr. was a partner for a short time, then in 1894, L. B. Tibbetts bought a half interest and remained identified with the paper for 22 years. M. Brice, in 1904 sold his part to C. C. Tibbetts. L. B. Tibbetts retired in 1916 and sold his share to his son Harlow, after his return from service in the First World War. Harlow bought out his uncle when Charles moved to Longview, Washington in 1923 and continued the publication of the paper until 1925 when he sold it to G. P. Burris but purchased it back in less than a year. The paper was transferred to W. C. Coates who was editor and publisher until 1940 when he sold it to George Dean Jr. from whom Mr. Herbert Hickman bought it in 1942. This was the way the building looked then and he remodeled and redecorated it the same year.
BLUE RAPIDS TIMES
Jos PRINTING
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Under Mr. Hickman's management the paper enjoyed a large circulation and great prosperity. He was publisher of the paper for 16 years. He then sold the Times and its printing plant to Ben A. Hart in January of 1958. In assuming the management of the Times and the printing business in Blue Rapids, he took over one of the oldest institutions of the city.
On May 1, 1964, Mr. and Mrs. Max Clawson of Frankfort became the owners and publishers of the Blue Rapids Times and are still with the paper at this time.
From time to time other papers have tried their luck but with no avail. In 1880, M. T. F. Hall commenced the publica- tion of the Blue Rapids Lantern but the Lantern soon went out. The Blue Rapids Lyre lasted only a few months in the winter of 1886 and 1887. Russell Brothers in 1890 began publication of the Blue Rapids Botor. Two years later it was sold to Hubbard and Munger who in turn sold it to Mr. George
Thompson and the latter disposed of it to A. J. Ulsh. In 1899 it became the property of L. B. Tibbetts who edited it independently for two years then consolidated it with the Times. Two new papers were established in 1908. The Blue Rapids Leader lasted only a few months. The Blue Rapids Journal was edited by Graham Brothers for two years. They leased the property to Reverend J. P. Hanson, pastor of the Baptist Church. Tibbetts Brothers next took over the lease, purchased the subscription list and good will had merged the Journal with the Times.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
In the 1880's a number of private telephones were installed in Blue Rapids. At that time the Burgner Bowman Matthews lumber yard was operated by Jesse Axtell and Co., and C. A. Axtell, a son of Jesse Axtell was in charge as manager. Several of these telephone lines converged on the office of the lumber yard where they were connected with a homemade switch board constructed and operated by Mr. Axtell.
About 1898, a company built a long distance line through the town. The system was installed in Brown Brothers hardware store.
Late in 1900 the city government granted a franchise to Dr. Elwood Armstrong of Greenleaf, Kansas, to construct, maintain and operate a telephone system in Blue Rapids. As soon as 100 subscribers were obtained in 1901 a crew of workmen came to build the system. The central office was located on the second story of the building at the southwest corner of the public square, the building recently torn down.
The telephone force consisted of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Lee. Mr. Lee did the line and repair work and Mrs. Lee operated the switchboard. This system grew rapidly as lines extended into the country in all directions and new directories had to be issued every few months to keep the patron list up to date.
In 1905, the Blue Rapids Telephone Company was incorpor- ated. It was composed largely of Czech farmers from south of town. Rev. Joseph Miksovsky, a Presbyterian minister, was president. They owned the company plant for a year or so and then sold it to the Honorable J. G. Strong. He later sold an interest in it to his business associate, H. F. Kaump and they continued to operate it for many years. In the meantime the office was moved to the second floor of the Citizens Bank building, (now the office for Mr. Bargdill's business). In 1925 the office was moved to the Burkett building (now the American Legion Hall) on the east side of the square.
After Mr. Strong was elected to Congress, he and Mr. Kaump sold the telephone business to the United Telephone Company of Abilene, Kansas. Later this company sold to the consoli- dated Telephone Company and then it was sold to the South- western Bell Telephone Company.
The dial system was installed in 1940, Blue Rapids being the only town in this area enjoying this convenience. The company built the small building at the south east corner of the square which housed the dial equipment. The latest directory (1970) lists approximately 560 names of patrons.
FAIRMONT CEMETERY
On the 26th day of June 1879, the Blue Rapids Cemetery Association was organized with the following officers. Presi- dent Festus Cooley, Vice President W. A. Barrett, Secretary M. C. Holman, Treasurer-Director C. A. Freeland. The capital stock was secured by the sale of one thousand shares at ten dollars each.
Block No. 4 of ten acres, in the northeast part of the city, was purchased and the name of Blue Rapids cemetery was changed in 1907 to Fairmont cemetery by Captain McPherson.
A charter was obtained from the state on August 13, 1879. Thus was secured to the city of Blue Rapids a most beautiful spot for use as a cemetery. Sloping gradually in every direc- tion, it commands a charming view of the Blue River for several miles. The whole plot is surrounded with a hedge, which is kept trimmed.
Board of directors consisted of A. E. Sweetland, Dr. R. S. Fillmore, John McPherson, Livy Tibbetts and A. A. Marvin.
The officers of the association, chosen from the board of directors are A. E. Sweetland, president, and manager; John McPherson, vice president, Dr. R. S. Fillmore, treasurer; Livy B. Tibbetts, secretary and George Flower, superintendent.
PROSPECT HILL CEMETERY
The Prospect Hill Cemetery is located two miles northwest of Blue Rapids. R. S. Craft was elected President of the first board of directors of this cemetery. This cemetery covers 40 acres of ground. Only 10 acres of this are plotted. This cemetery was incorporated on June 17, 1879 with the following charter members and board of directors: R. S. Craft, T. F. Hall, Ed W. Waynant, John Brown and William Coulter.
FIRE PROTECTION
Lower part of the flouring mills contain 2 powerful Holly pumps and one-half mile of pipe laid throughout town, (first improvement of that kind in Kansas). A hose is kept in readi- ness at the flour mill and in two minutes time a stream of water can be thrown to the height of two hundred feet.
Organization of the fire department in 1889 started with the erection of a frame fire house on the site of the present Phillips 66 service station. This also served as headquarters for the city government until 1899.
The first fire chief was M. N. Cox but he was soon succeeded by Charles A. Watkins, who held the office until his death in 1929. He was followed by his step son, George W. Murrell, who remained in charge until he passed away in 1943.
The only equipment the fire department had at its inception was a hose cart. In about 1919 the first fire truck was purchased. After it had outlived its usefulness, a new and modern truck was bought.
In 1965, under a plan provided by the government, a large 4 wheel drive fire truck was given to Blue Rapids Township and Blue Rapids City Township. Another old city fire truck was loaned to these townships. Now these two townships have formed a "Fire District." Under the present fire protection plan the town and rural area is well protected.
STREETS
In the beginning, streets were very poorly maintained. Street commissioners worked by the day when he was told to
246.
Note the board sidewalks in the picture.
because of a scarcity of city funds. They would occasionally open up ditches along a portion of a street. Weeds became a problem. Unless there was to be some sort of public gathering, such as a Fourth of July Celebration, the weeds were allowed to grow unmolested. At one time the sunflowers on either side of main street between the public square and the Missouri Pacific depot were so high that the top of a buggy was barely visible above them. In 1918, sanding of the streets commenced and was continued from time to time until practically all the highways were hard surfaced. In 1930-31, many streets were curbed and guttered and a water sewer installed. In 1935, 36 and 37, a system of sewers was built with the aid of W. P. A. funds costing in excess of $100,000. In 1941, the public square was treated with oil and this work continued until Main Street and Fifth Street had been improved in the same manner.
At present, we have twenty-nine miles of city streets. Twenty blocks are black topped, six miles are graveled and three miles are dirt.
SIDEWALKS
The first sidewalks were thin rocks that settled unevenly, others were of hard pine lumber that speedily disintegrated and were often dangerous. A few of the business houses installed dressed stone walks that were excellent. In 1903, the construction of cement walks was begun and movement con- tinued for several years, giving the city an effective system of walks.
Chestnut Street (facing South) old high school building is on the right hand side of picture.
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STREET SCENE, But Ris Kir
AROUND THE "SQUARE"
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Men shoveling gravel onto the square. All citizens volunteered
Main Street (looking north) view from flour mill
West side of square when they had just finished graveling.
ELECTRIC LIGHTS
A franchise was granted the Electric Power Company in 1902 to wire the town and furnish lights to its patrons, in September. In the spring of 1903, the water power was lost for the time being because of the flood disaster. From that time on until 1912, the power was not dependable and service somewhat irregular.
In 1913, the Marshall County Power and Light Company was organized by J. G. Strong and several stockholders, and took over the system. Shortly after that a controlling interest was bought by E. A. Wharton and B. F. Byer of Man-
THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON
June 16, 1970
TO THE CITIZENS OF BLUE RAPIDS, KANSAS
It is a pleasure for me to send warmest greetings and best wishes to you for a most memorable and happy observance of your community's one hundredth anniver- sary .
In the years ahead, I know that Blue Rapids will record the same kind of determination that has characterized its past history.
The role of local government is greater than ever. And never before have the contributions of your community been so vital to the progress and welfare of your country.
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