USA > Kansas > Marshall County > Blue Rapids > Blue Rapids centennial, 1870-1970 > Part 6
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Mr. and Mrs. Charles V. Land
Kay Alisyn Comer Jay E. Comer
Mrs. Laura Swigart
Mrs. Ruth Conaway Janet Lee Craft Jeanette Sue Craft
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Craft David Osborne Coleen Osborne
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Marshall Mr. and Mrs. Matt Stoffel
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Stuart Cecil Whiting
Bonita Southerland
John Schindler Tom Tillotson Althea Paige Philip Paige Wilbur and Vera Paige Mrs. Lola Smidt
Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Parsons Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Brake Robert Bruce Brake Eugene M. Arnott Mrs. Frank Flower Frank Flower D. S. Brake Cletus Fortier Claude Stowell Mrs. Claude Stowell
Connie Banaka Mark Weeks Julie Weeks Susan Weeks Mrs. Warren Weeks Lacy Donald Weeks Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Blaske Maude and Oscar Harris Charles Wagoner Melinda Persell Dan Persell Andy Persell Jeffery Thornton
Ronald Thornton Donald Thornton Mr. and Mrs. Edward Klein
Mr. and Mrs. Glennes Schuh
Mrs. Helen Miller Rodney A. Gallup Donald R. Gallup Charles J. Mosher Keith L. Williams
Margaret Johnson Mrs. Matilda Kotapish
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence White
Janet Meyn Jerry N. Banaka James B. Crabb Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Boyd
Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Spunaugle
Mrs. Geneva Stauffer
Mr. and Mrs. Leo Behrens
Mr. and Mrs. John R. Marcy Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hays Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Reed
Mrs. H. H. Wanamaker
Mrs. Minnie Knudsen Mrs. Wille Hunt Mrs. George Reinecke Mr. and Mrs. Dale Comer Mr. and Mrs. Dennis L. Osborne R. B. Faulkner
Mrs. Fred Smerchek
Mr. and Mrs. Arlin Moehlenbrink Mr. and Mrs. Russell Stryker Mr. and Mrs. Loren Knapp
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Dammann Alice Richards Elizabeth Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Alfred J. Carlson C. and C. Auto Sales Dummermuth Implement Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Craft Mr. and Mrs. Basil McKee Frank and Eileen Sedlacek Lloyd Markley Teal Dederick Kent Wayne Dederick Mr. and Mrs. Joe Warders Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Kittner
Mr. and Mrs. K. M. Hill
Mr. and Mrs. Loren Press
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon K. Rogers Phoebe Bender Mrs. Ed Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Ben Veesart Byron Guise Louise M. Foltz
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hattan. The power house was rebuilt, and retaining wall built on the west side of the river. This company sold to the United Power and Light Company of Abilene, which also owned the plant at Rocky Ford near Manhattan. At one time the company was owned by the North American Light and Power Company of Chicago, but of late years the ownership has been the Kansas Power and Light Company.
NATURAL GAS
A pipe line company brought natural gas to Blue Rapids in 1931. This utility was installed without subsidy or other favor. The Company spent thousands of dollars in piping the town for delivery of its products in a very satisfactory manner.
Familiar "Early Day" street scenes. These two means of transportation were not so fast but quite dependable.
WATER
One of the first enterprises set on foot in the spring of 1870 was the sinking of a public well on the public square but no water was found.
Subsequently the people accepted a proposition submitted by C. E. Olmstead to supply the city with water from the Blue River by the Holly system of water works and this proved successful.
In 1909 to 1911 the first pumping station on what are now the Fair Grounds was built. Soon the second station at the west end of the grand stand was constructed and furnished the necessary supply of water for many years. The last station was installed in 1934. In 1912, meters were placed on all service pipes and sale of water to consumers at a flat rate was discontinued. In later years many extensions of the mains were made until now most of the area of the city is served by the system. A big improvement was made with W. P. A.
funds by the construction of a water main on Main Street, thus finishing three routes for the water to travel in on its way to the reservoir.
The quality of the city water is first class as tested by frequent and periodical examinations by the state authorities.
SOME HISTORY OF THE WATER WORKS
Of all the cities in Kansas, if not west of the Missouri River, Blue Rapids enjoyed the distinctive favor of possessing the Holly system of waterworks in the 1870's. These were introduced here about four years after the town was located by C. E. Olmstead, who attached a pump to his Flouring Mill machinery and laid the main pipe from the river to the public square. . . over a half mile distance. Side pipes conducted the water to the residences along the route taken at the low figure of $1.00 a month. In the center of the square was placed a fountain which sent forth a cooling stream of water through the summer months. Hydrants were located at convenient points on the square for attaching hose in case of fire.
Through the hot weather the streets were sprinkled regularly to afford comfort and health at no cost to the community.
CHICAGO FIRE TOUCHES BLUE RAPIDS
The pump and other fixtures for the waterworks here, not yet received, were destroyed by the burning of one of the depots during the Chicago conflagration. They were manu- factured in Rochester, New York for Mr. Olmstead and Co. and designed expressly for use here. Every family in town will regret the loss and consequent delay though we are informed it is still the intention of getting a supply of water on the square this fall.
Times, October 26, 1871
INTERESTING SITES AND FACTS FOR TOURISTS
Hale Smith, grandson of Joseph Smith, founder of the Re- organized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) conducted services at the Mormon Chapel at 4th and Genesee.
In April, 1898, burglaries were committed at Vermillion and Blue Rapids by the James Dalton Gang. They were appre- hended and jailed at Marysville where they killed the under- sheriff and escaped. They were captured and sent to the peniten- iary by Sheriff S. Claire Guthrie Sr.
The river junction can be seen from the bluffs north of town and is truly a beautiful sight.
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Independence crossing was a ford across the Big Blue River. It is located in section 31, Elm Creek Township, just a short distance from Alcove Springs. It derived it's name from the wagon trains that crossed it on their way from Independence, Missouri, to the West.
Alcove Springs is situated east of Independence Crossing in a small steep canyon. The bed of the canyon is a hard limestone and the area makes an ideal camping ground. This grassy plateau, sloping toward the river was a favorite camping spot from 1830 to 1860 for settlers on their way to the west. The cool spring was known from New York to San Francisco. One of the first groups of white men to make use of Alcove Springs and the vicinity was General Fremont and the famous Kit Carson. They spent about a week at this historic spot. Before General Fremont and Carson came, Indians made use of this place as a kind of health resort and a base for their hunting operations.
The springs did not get their name until 1871 after thousands of Mormons had passed over the spot as well as caravan after caravan of emigrants had surged by in their mad rush to get to the goldfields. The spring was named by John Denton, member of the famous Donner Party, which stopped at this spot in May, 1871 while enroute to the Pacific Coast. Grandma Keyes, a member of the party, became ill and died there. She was buried May 19, 1871.
The spring is about 12 feet below an overhanging cliff which presents the appearance of an alcove. Denton saw this likeness when he gazed at it and he named it Alcove Springs. Denton carved the name upon a rock and the letters are still distinct. He called this spot the most romantic place he had ever seen. When one visits the area, you can still see the deep cut ruts left by the wagon wheels.
Blue Rapids is the home of "Campgrounds Unlimited,' a publication which lists the exact locations, camping, and recreational facilities, for the thousands of public campgrounds throughout all of North America. It is the "Campers Bible" and the first of such publications.
THE ALBION.
THE ALBION.
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"Rock Hounds" enjoy going out to the numerous sand pits and rock quarries to look for semi-precious stones and fossils. Clubs from all over Northeast Kansas come to look for rocks.
Our old fashioned limestone buildings would be of interest to many tourists. The library and bank buildings being some of the oldest in the state.
In the early history of the town the streets became impass- able and a "mud boat" was built to take the people up and down the streets. It was a flat structure with runners attached underneath. It was horse drawn. This boat took the salesmen or "drummers" to and from the depots in bad weather. A replica of the boat would be an interesting attraction.
LARGEST TREE IN KANSAS
A large Cottonwood tree located at the northwest corner of the fairgrounds is 23 feet 4 inches in circumference and probably here before the city of Blue Rapids ever came into being. It is very possible that the tallest tree in Kansas might also be in our Riverside Park. Records are being checked and measurements are being verified before definite claims are made on this tree, which is north of the shelter house.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS CHICAGO WHITE SOX VERSUS NEW YORK GIANTS
The world tourists, the Chicago White Sox and the New York Giants, winners of the National League Pennant, started on a tour in Cincinnati and it was announced they would play in Blue Rapids on October 24, 1913.
The town began preparing for the great day. The Omaha Bee carried the headline "The Only Town with the Nerve -- Blue Rapids". Blue Rapids, a little town in Northern Kansas, was the only town on the Union Pacific Railroad that had the nerve to put up the guarantee for the Giants -- White Sox Game. It was the only place in the state that had the famous players.
On October 24, a warm Kansas day, Blue Rapids was favored with a ball game between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Giants. The roads were good and the autos came for miles around. The automobiles and trains brought in a crowd that made the town look like a city.
At 1:30, Mayor Wanamaker and the Blue Rapids Band, followed by the two ball teams, marched on to the field. For an hour the teams were warming up and the band gave frequent selections.
At 2:30 Umpire Klem called the game and announced the batteries -- Denz and Daly for Chicago and Wiltse and Wingo for the Giants.
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INTERIOR VIEW PEACOCK'S BAKERY
YARDS OF THE BLUE RAPIDS LUMBER COMPANY Established 1903.
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ANKI MARVIN
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FRANK MARVIN'S SHOE, BOOK, MUSIC AND NOVELTY STORE
LUMBERAND COAL
JESSE AXTELL AND CO. - Established 1886
BRADY & ROGERS AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS
BUGGIES.
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BRADY AND ROGERS Agricultural Implements and Vehicles
BARRAELOUCH'S VARIETY STORE
The game consisted of fast and classy playing but Chicago took an easy lead and the game was not an exciting contest. Benz pitched a magnificent game and Chicago won 8 to 5. The Chicago sluggers made four home runs but there would not have been but the auto line interfered with the fielders.
Players for the giants were Weaver, Schaefer, Chase, Crawford, Mattick, White, Daly, Rath and Benz. For the Giants, Thorpe, Magee, Lobert, Doyle, Merkle, Doolan, Donlin, Wingo, Eiltse, and Meyers.
Under the terms of the contract, the World Tourists had the choice of taking the $1,000 guarantee or 80 percent of the gate and grandstand receipts. They chose the latter. The take totaled $2,366.00. The ball clubs received $1,892.80 and the boosters of Blue Rapids $473.20 (from tickets). Parking, concessions and other sources saw a good profit for the people of Blue Rapids.
Chicago White Sox vs. New York Giants played ball in Riverside Park in 1913.
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Parades were held around "the Square" when the Chicago White Sox and the New York Giants ball teams came to Blue Rapids.
The day was a big success and all the work in preparing for the big day was worth it.
Manager McGraw said he never saw such a large crowd handled better in a small town. It was estimated about three thousand people witnessed the ball game.
BLUE RAPIDS CHAUTAUQUA HELD IN THE EARLY 1900'S
The first chautauqua in Blue Rapids held in July of 1908 ran from the 16th through the 23rd and was reported to have over-flowing crowds at every show. The tent seated 1200 people. There was a rest tent nearby where mothers could leave their babies and refreshment stands located handily, for those who desired to patronize them.
The Honorable Warren G. Harding was one of the first noted speakers and at that time was serving the state of
Ohio in general assembly and as lieutenant governor. Other famous speakers were W. J. Bryan, the great commoner, his daughter, Ruth Owen; W. H. Taft, Opie Read, the author; the Schildkrets orchestra from Vienna; the Royal Hungarial orchestra, The Italian Marina Band, Neapolitan Grand Opera Singers and the Royal Italian Guard's Band.
Blue Rapids was the smallest town in the United States to put on a Class A Chautauqua. These series of entertainments continued for 15 years.
People came with team and wagon, either brought their tents or rented them and stayed the week, enjoying a program of Bible Study, Lectures, Instruction, Addresses, Plays and Music.
CHAUTAUQUANS"
BLUERAPIDS, KANS,
Sunday at the Chautauqua could very well be the title of this picture. In the early 1900's, it found most all citizens of Blue Rapids, the surrounding communities and from distant places in attendance, at the mammoth tent show, arriving by train, horseback, horse and buggy, walking and some even by boat to get to this great entertainment held at Riverside Park for a number of years running.
A Chautauqua was for everyone. It was a staple article in entertainment, in amusement, in education and inspiration. The program was so varied that there was something for everyones liking. Animal acts, singing, dancing, plays, orations, illusions, lecturers, funny men, contests and all enjoyable amusement.
The first Chautauqua in Blue Rapids was held in the year 1908 and was announced as a huge success.
Boosters for the Chautauqua were out all over the county and into adjoining counties prior to the opening of the tent show.
This scene is taken at Axtell. It shows 25 elegant Blue Rapids autos lined up in the street. Approximately 4 to 6 passengers for each auto went along to advertise the Chautauqua.
GUIDELESS WONDER
The "Guideless Wonder" was quite a horse. He ran on the Blue Rapids Race Track in the year 1909. It is said that he took in over $5,000 in a season.
The races in 1909 were all interesting but the one that held the most interest was "Guideless Wonder" a handsome horse which, without a rider or driver, went around the track twice at a good speed. It had been intended to send a running horse around with it to set the pace, but the horse selected wouldn't work and another horse that started couldn't begin to keep up.
An experienced horse trainer, Mr. Amos Castleberry, of Denver, brought a number of fast horses together to entertain the crowds. Purses amounted to over $400.
Dog races were held in Riverside Park as a special attraction.
Cart races were part of the Marshall County Fair amusements
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Crowds were attracted to Riverside Park for the Fairs and other forms of entertainment.
RIVERSIDE PARK
The Town Company provided the area of 36 acres for a park. For many years not much use was made of Riverside Park. In the northeast corner there was a cluster of fine trees standing, known as "Mill Grove" which was utilized for public gatherings. Some improvements were made to the park. A boat landing was constructed, observation platform was built out over the river and a bridge built over the creek. In 1902, a barn was constructed by the Blue Rapids commercial club for the use of the Marshall County Hereford Association and here for about ten years sales of purebred cattle were held that drew buyers to Blue Rapids from all over the United States. The building is now the cattle barn at the Fair Grounds. In 1908, the first of a series of Chautauqua assemblies was held in the north end of the park which was often referred to thereafter as "Chautauqua Park."
These continued for about 15 years and it is worthy of note that Blue Rapids was the smallest town in the United States to put on a class A Chautauqua. In 1916 the Marshall County Stock Show and Fair association was organized and most of the present improvements in the park were constructed includ- ing the building, race track and grandstand and the fair has ever since been an important annual event for the county. In 1935, development of the southeast corner of the park as a recreation center was begun and shortly thereafter a swimming pool was built through the generosity of Mr. F. G. Begert. A scenic drive was laid out through the woods, a shelter house erected, a rustic bridge thrown across the creek, and other improve- ments made and it has become one of the most popular resorts in this part of the country.
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BLOC RAPID'S K
FAIRVIEW
Scenes from school parades during the Marshall County Fair
THE PIONEER
ER
OF KAN
A scene from a school parade. In the foreground is Paul W. Kirkpatrick (on the right) a former County Superintendent of Schools.
Many family reunions have been held in the picnic area of Riverside Park.
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Scenes from the Marshall County Fair and School Parades during the Fair.
Livestock play a tremendous roll in the Marshall County Fair held at the Fair Grounds near Riverside Park.
May 30, 1907
A grandstand was built in Riverside Park this week under the direction of G. W. Fairbanks. It is 12 feet wide and 48 feet long and will seat 200 people. A wire screen has been put up in front of it to protect it's occupants from "fouls". As it is put up by private parties the tickets to the ball grounds will not admit to the grandstand, but a small fee of 10 cents additional will be charged.
Hereford Sale Barn, May 30, 1907, Blue Rapids is the largest Hereford Center in the United States. The sale barn was erected by the Blue Rapids Commercial Club.
FOUNTAIN PARK
When Taylor Holbrook prepared the plot of the city as it is today he planned Fountain Park in the center of the Public Square as the "hub" of the city. The fountain was installed in 1876 and a row of cottonwood trees were planted around the circumference of the circle. They were cut down in 1888 and new trees were planted. Sidewalks were laid, hedge planted, flag staff and soldiers memorial erected. Three different bandstands have been erected. The last one was then remodeled and made into the City Clerk's office. Blue Rapids citizens may well be proud of this park, which is unique among the towns of northeast Kansas.
SCENES FROM "FOUNTAIN PARK"
MEMORIAL TABLET
The bronze Memorial Tablet was erected on a boulder in Fountain Park on April 22, 1920. The upper portion of the tablet depicts a battle scene and is of high relief, below which are the names of our soldier boys. It is a fitting and worthy tribute to our heroes.
MEMORIAL TABLET
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SCENE OF FOUNTAIN PARK
WINTER SCENE OF FOUNTAIN PARK. WEST ENTRANCE
OLD BANDSTAND IN FOUNTAIN PARK. OLD ALBION HOTEL IN THE BACKGROUND.
Successful reunion of the Old Settlers of Marshall County held in Blue Rapids, August 21-24, 1907. W. P. Brown, Presi- dent; J. L. Hamilton, Vice President and H. C. Lathrop, Secretary.
The unanimous opinion of the people, visitors and citizens is that the twenty ninth reunion of the old settlers of Marshall County held in Riverside Park was a grand success.
The first two days were quite cool, which pleased everyone but the dispensers of cold drinks and ice cream. The last two days were hot enough to please them. The people came by team and by rail for miles around, and on Friday the attendance numbered several hundred.
The following program was arranged and carried out. Wednesday, J. G. Strong, presiding with H. C. Lathrop as Marshall for the body. A welcome was extended by Mayor ' F. A. Train. A free barbecue of free beef and free bread. 4:00 p.m., a ball game - Atchison and Blue Rapids. 6:00 p.m., Balloon Ascension. 7:30 p.m. Campfire for old soldiers and settlers with Caleb Hulburt presiding.
Thursday, August 22. H. A. presiding. 10:30 a.m. basketball game - Blue Rapids and Frankfort; 4:00 p.m. baseball game - Barnes and Blue Rapids; presiding at the camp fire at 7:30 p.m. was Captain M. Norton.
Friday, August 23, C. J. presiding with a basketball game; baseball, balloon ascension and George S. Emmert presiding at the campfire.
Saturday, August 24, C. D. Smith presiding with an annual business meeting and an address by Honorable Tom McNeal followed by the ball game and balloon ascension.
A good band was featured each day. This reunion was an annual affair.
1854 OLD SE
ALL CO
TLERS' REUNION
BLUE RAPIDS, KAN. AUG. 21-24,
1907.
The Marshall County Old Settlers and Pioneers Association was organized at a meeting in Blue Rapids, September 12, 1879.
STATE BANK OF BLUE RAPIDS
DENTIST
One of the most important events in the history of Blue Rapids was the opening for business, early in the spring of 1871 of the "Bank of Blue Rapids" now the State Bank of Blue Rapids. The building was erected during the preceding winter by J. L. Freeland and D. Fairbanks, an uncle of G. W. Fairbanks. In its inception it was a private bank owned by a partnership composed of Carlos E. Olmstead, J. S. Freeland and H. B. Olmstead, the latter a nephew of Carlos E. Olmstead. Carlos E. Olmstead, before coming here, had made a fortune in the flour milling business in New York state and as the head of a brokerage firm in Chicago that dealt in grain, flour and feeds on commission. He was reputed to be worth a quarter of a million dollars. In addition to becoming the head of the banking firm, he built the first mill at the dam, in later years erected the Masonic Building, the Public Library and at his own personal expense installed the water system works.
CITIZENS STATE BANK
The Citizens State Bank on the southeast side of the square was built in the year 1904. It opened for business in February of 1905. In a years time the average deposits went to $25,000. On its 7th anniversary, February of 1912, the average deposit was over 100,000.00.
Picture shows where the Citizens State Bank was located. Far left side of the picture shows the Arlington Hotel, next to it is Grangers General Store, now the Gamble Store. To the far right of picture is the Hy-Klas Store. At one time the telephone office was over the bank.
BANK
CITIZENS STATE BANK
BLUE RAPIDS LIBRARY
Blue Rapids public Library, monument to pioneer women's inspiration, energy, talents has served the city continuously for 80 years.
Believed to be the oldest library in continuous operation in the same building in Kansas, is the Blue Rapids Library, now 80 years old.
Conceived by a need to promote moral and intellectual improvement in a new town and born during a depression resulting from a grasshopper invasion, the library association matured in spite of adversity.
After the members of the Genesee Colony arrived from New York State, March 8, 1870, and erected Colonial Hall for a town center, their wives and families began to arrive. It was not long after the homes had been established that the women accustomed to the cultural advantages of their former home towns, felt the need of a library.
By April, 1874, a notice appeared in the issue of the Blue Rapids Times that "All those ladies of Blue Rapids who feel an interest in the establishment of a public library here are invited to meet in the parlor of the LaBelle house next Saturday afternoon at three o'clock".
Interest was high and in answer to the call many ladies met in the parlor of the LaBelle House and formed themselves into a society called Blue Rapids Library Association, accord- ing to the early files of the Blue Rapids Times.
"They hoped to be able before winter to open a library and reading room. They are now ready to receive donations of books or money and still more they desire everyone's God Speed," said C. E. Tibbets, editor, on May 7.
At the first meeting officers were elected and a constitution discussed and revised. Mrs. J. E. Ball was elected the first president and other officers were Mrs. J. I. Wright, vice president; Mrs. C. E. Tibbets, secretary; Mrs. M. E. Reed, corresponding secretary and Mrs. C. L. Rodell, treasurer.
The executive committee included Mrs. C. E. Ball, Mrs. G. B. Stocks, Mrs. J. M. McPherson, Mrs. C. F. Beech and Mrs. A. E. Sweetland. At the next meeting in Coulter Hall, six more directors were added, Mrs. C. F. Mussey, Mrs. A. W. Stevens, Mrs. J. W. Davis, Mrs. H. H. Goodland, Mrs. S. E. Dawes and Mrs. A. M. Armstrong.
However acquisition of the necessary books to open a library moved slowly and pleas were sent by printed circulars to their old friends in the East and distributed locally, telling the need of a library and asking for reading material.
By June a charter had been secured from the state and on June 27, 1874, the library was opened in D. W. Hinman's store with a total of 143 books. Two girls, Mary Wright and Lizzie Hall were the librarians according to the Blue Rapids
Times. Here was a great demand for books and often two librarians and one or two helpers were necessary to check out books on Saturday afternoons.
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