USA > Kansas > Sedgwick County > History of Wichita and Sedgwick County, Kansas, past and present, including an account of the cities, towns and villages of the county, Vol. II > Part 2
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"That Hurricane Bill was the worst scared man I ever saw. After the trial he said that he felt, when looking down the bar-
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rels of that shotgun, that it was the biggest thing that he had ever seen in his life. He declared that each barrel was as big around as a stovepipe. He declared that as he looked down the barrels of the shotgun he counted eighteen buckshot in each bar- rel, and all of Tucker's argument could not convince him that the eighteen shot was in both barrels and not in one. Well, that ended the depredations of the Texas gang in Wichita. At that time the town extended as far west as the river. Crossing to what is now the west side was a toll bridge. Everybody wanting to come into town from that direction was required to deposit all arms at the toll house. This was done because there were a couple of dance halls on the west side which were congregating places for desperate characters. Shooting affrays and murders were common there. You bet there was always something doing in the good old early days," concluded the narrator, as he stepped into his automobile.
MATHEWSON'S PASTURE.
One of the historic spots in Wichita is Mathewson's pasture. This contains five city blocks, and is today as it was sixty years ago. The same buffalo grass that fed the buffalo years before he ever sniffed the approaching prairie train coming across the Arkansas river still grows. The tract has never been built upon, and offers now one of the best building tracts in the city. The pasture has always been and is now the playground of the chil- dren in the east end. Ever since the game of baseball struck the West, a well-worn diamond has been one of the ornaments of the pasture. Until a few years ago there was a large fruit orchard on the tract. Those who lived near the pasture then will plead guilty to having made secret trips after night to the orchard. Uncle Billy Mathewson, who lived on the place at that time, was always on guard to see that no one entered his fruit domain. He and his two dogs were often too much for the boys. In case he did catch some luckless youngster a-straddle a bough of a well- filled apple tree, something happened right then that the boy remembered. Uncle Billy had a habit of shooting fruit swipers- with bacon rind and salt. That old musket he carried could shoot like a "son of a gun," and maybe that bacon didn't show an affinity for the seat of a boy's trousers.
Mathewson's pasture for ages, by habit, custom and worth, has
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AN EARLY INCIDENT OF WICHITA
been logically the only circus ground of which Wichita can boast. In the earlier days, for the citizens of Wichita to journey out to the pasture on circus day seemed like a trip in the country. When the street car track ran along Third street as far as Hydraulic ave- nue, the spot was ideal for a circus. The pasture has served in other capacities. What was probably the only juvenile golf links ever made in the state was laid out in this pasture by some enterprising youngsters who attended the Washington school. A course of eight holes was made and there being no bunkers or cuppy lies, it was not much trouble for the followers of the canny game to green the course in good style. At that time there was a hedge row along the north side of the pasture, where the very finest "shinny" clubs could be found. One club did the work of seven with those boys, and all they knew about the game was to hit the ball as hard as they could. It was always contrary to Uncle Billy Mathewson's moral code to permit any teams to practice in the pasture, but they did it. Uncle Billy was always on hand in time to break up the football game or base game at an interest- ing point. But there was no playing when he started. The boys would get frightened, and, not stopping to gather up coats or hats, would climb over the fence out of the danger zone as quickly as possible. Uncle Billy would then have a great deal of fun out of the boys by telling them that he would not give them back their coats and hats. He always did give them back, however. The pasture was part of the original tract deeded to Mr. Mathew- son by the government, in the sixties. It has been the scene of many adventures, and to the boys-men now-who have partici- pated in them, it will always remain a pleasing memory-long after it is filled with residences, as it will soon be.
CHAPTER XXXVII
THE PRESS.
THE FOUNDING OF THE BEACON.
By
D. G. MILLISON.
In July, 1872, D. G. Millison advertised to exchange a suburban home in the city of Topeka, for a newspaper plant in a county- seat town in the state of Kansas. The first response to the adver- tisement came from the Rev. Mr. Perkins, editor and proprietor of the "Wichita Vidette," which brought Mr. Millison to Wichita.
Not succeeding in making terms with Mr. Perkins, Mr. Mil- lison hunted up Mr. F. A. Sowers, founder of the "Vidette," and at that time the most popular editor in Southwest Kansas, and laid before him a proposition to establish a simon pure Demo- cratic paper in Wichita.
Mr. Sowers had extensive acquaintance in Southwestern Kan- sas and was popular with the leading spirits of Wichita. To- gether they interviewed many of the more prominent business men and met with substantial encouragement.
The field was occupied by the "Vidette," but Mr. Sowers felt confident that, with the assistance of his friends he could clear the field by the first of October, which feat was successfully accomplished before the first of September, the "Vidette" moving on farther West.
On the 6th of September Mr. Millison, with his family and his foreman, Mr. Frank B. Smith, afterwards sole proprietor of the "Beacon," landed in Wichita with a complete newspaper plant.
Many of the business men were desirous that the "Beacon" should start out as a daily during the cattle shipping season of that year, promising extra liberal support, but Mr. Sowers was afraid to venture so bold a scheme. Mr. Millison was in favor of a daily publication and proposed to finance the enter- prise for one month as an experiment, Mr. Sowers agreeing to
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THE PRESS
do the editorial work on salary, and on the 18th day of October, 1872, the first number of the "Daily Beacon" was issued-the first daily paper published in the Arkansas valley, in Kansas.
At the end of one month Mr. Sowers added his share to the capital stock. The "Daily Beacon" ceased and the "Beacon" was issued weekly until July, 1873, when it was again issued daily and weekly for three months-during the cattle shipping season of that year, when the co-partnership of Millison & Sowers was dissolved, Mr. Sowers becoming sole owner of the "Beacon" and Mr. Millison taking the job department, all in the same office, but run separately.
Much depends on first impressions as to how we remember a circumstance. Sometimes a cool or unpleasant reception prejudices one against an individual or community, causing a feeling of antipathy that fades slowly from memory. However, I bear no malice, but the memory lingers. My love for the Peerless Princess has never waned, notwithstanding my pecu- liar introduction by one of her most prominent representatives in 1872. The princely maiden was young then, and her facili- ties for entertaining and administering creature comforts were not what they are today. In July of that year I advertised to purchase a well established country newspaper in a live county seat town in the state of Kansas. The first response to the advertisement came from the Rev. Mr. Perkins, editor and pro- prictor of the Wichita "Vidette," by personal application at my home in Topeka.
The editor was a very affable gentleman, and very modestly exhaled an air of good breeding and refinement-so much so that he was cordially invited to be the guest until host and guest might arrive at an understanding.
The host and hostess had longings to become permanent resi- dents of the town of Wichita (for Wichita, even then, was con- spicuous in the limelight) and hoped their guest might prove their good angel-disguised or otherwise-to fill the long felt want. Consequently the hostess felt much concern in regard to the culinary part of his entertainment. The worthy man had his peculiarities ; he abhorred "condiments," yet, strange to say. seemed to relish and assimilate fried chicken, broiled steak, ham and eggs, all fully seasoned; but his delicate stomach absolutely revolted at white bread. Happily, with the aid of utensils pur- chased for the occasion, the hostess succeeded in making graham
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bread to his entire satisfaction. At the end of the fourth day negotiations were suspended and the host and hostess flattered into the belief that the guest fully appreciated their hospitable efforts. They were also persuaded to believe that overburdened opportunities were awaiting the young man who might become the fortunate possessor of that magic wand-"The Wichita Vidette." Arrangements were speedily made to go and be convinced. The editor esteemed it a great favor as well as a pleasure to become host and bear his guest, free of expense- including the best accommodations the young city could afford- if the guest would but accompany him and inspect his plant. His pockets were full of railroad passes, so free transportation was assured.
The next morning found us at the railroad station a little in advance of train time. The editor proceeded to go through his numerous pockets in search of the requisite pass. The first time through without results, he said, "Huh!" A second and third reconnoisance brought down a shower of self-reproaches. He could not even recall the incident that caused the neglect of so important a privilege as the securing of a few passes over that particular road. He had one pass, but was not quite sure both could ride on the same pass-had never tried it. Being now thoroughly enthused with the spirit of the venture, and not desiring to take advantage of a helpless railroad corporation, I decided to pay my own transportation. We were now happily on our journey and would soon arrive at a dining station, my host kindly explaining where and how to secure a cheap lunch if I felt the need of refreshment. As for himself he still felt sufficiently nourished from the hearty breakfast so recently enjoyed at the Topeka home, and preferred to await a good meal at the end of his journey. Reflecting that there might be pleasure in anticipation-also desiring to be agreeable, I decided to fast with my host. At 10 p. m. we landed at the Douglas avenue depot; where our cars were greeted with the inspiring tune : "The Conquering Hero Comes," by a full brass band.
Presuming they were welcoming my host, I threw out my chest and marched boldly by his side, falling in at the rear of the procession and feeling that the young city knew how to receive and honor her worthies, when my host veered to the right, motioning me into a path or trail through tall weeds lead- ing in a northwesterly direction, while that fool band went
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THE PRESS
straight ahead, following a wagon track in the direction of the Douglas Avenue Hotel, while we emerged from a jungle of weeds about midway of the third block on North Main street, in front of the "Vidette" office. Somewhere along that trail in the weeds we lost that "good meal" so fondly anticipated on the train, and my considerate host forebore to mention it ever after in my presence.
On approaching Wichita he had urbanely explained that he and his son lodged in the office, having a bed in an inner room, and as he did not expect his son to be at home, would his guest object to sharing the bed with him. No objection being made, that incident was closed until arriving at the office, when, to the utter amazement of mine host, the son was there. This fact was revealed on entering the outer office by the son opening the bed- room door, flooding the room with a glare of light. Nonplussed, but being a man of unlimited resources, a few minutes only were necessary to solve the difficulty. Turning until his eyes rested thoughtfully in the northwest corner of the room, the editor's face lighted with benignant smiles, which assured me my com- fort was abundantly provided for-that nothing of importance occupied that corner of the room, except a few newspaper exchanges, and even they might be utilized in making me more comfortable; and as the night was well advanced the accommo- dation would probably be equal to anything the hotel could afford at that hour of the night. So saying, he bid me a cheery good night and retired to his bedroom, politely closing the door that I might not be disturbed by the light.
Being a resident of Kansas years before she became a state, I was used to roughing it and had acquired the habit of carrying a blanket when going on uncertain excursions; and had, from a force of habit, exercised the same precaution on this occasion, which my host seemed to have noticed, as he observingly remarked: "The exchanges, if properly distributed, would afford a clean field on which to spread a blanket." I had pre- viously had considerable experience with newspaper exchanges, but cannot recall an instance of as much difficulty in selecting a sufficient quantity of soft ones as in that dark and lonesome office room ; and, as I remember it now, that night was not restful, nor needed I a rude awakening when "the dawn whitened and the dusk grew clear."
Promptly at 9 o'clock the editor entered his sanctum-face
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beaming with smiles of welcome and a small package under his left arm, and from his mouth issued the glad tidings: "Now, Mr. Millison, we will have some breakfast-just draw up that box you are sitting on!" Seating myself in his easy chair, in front of his editorial desk, he untied the package, drew from his trouser's pocket a three-bladed pocket knife and proceeded to slice a delicious loaf of bakery graham bread into two artistic piles-one for me and one for you-and, after sufficient pause for silent, solemn thought, the feast began. Exercising his pre- rogative as host, the editor challenged to a discussion on the waste and extravagance of the American nation, winding up his introduction to the interesting subject by saying there were millions suffering the pangs of hunger in consequence of the extravagance of the very rich; and that it would be his greatest pleasure to divide with any one of them his humble breakfast, which, he felt, he had honestly earned by the sweat of his brow.
Coinciding with all his views, and not wishing to be out- done in generosity, I declared my willingness to donate my entire share of the sumptuous spread to the unfortunate down- trodden, but as there seemed to be no probability of an imme- diate transfer, I ventured to suggest that a cup of some mild beverage would greatly assist in its mastication. "So it would, Mr. Millison; so it would! Why didn't I think of that? Say! there's a pump just outside that front door, across the walk. And, say! Mr. Millison, bring in a cupful with you!" And- just then nothing more was said.
After breakfast and until the noon hour the printing plant was thoroughly inspected. Every part seemed a distinct remi- niscence of better days, and my mind was soon flooded with that apt quotation : "Distance lends enchantment," until the poetic thought came to me that I would willingly sacrifice all my chances of a bargain in the purchase for one good square meal. At 2 o'clock we partook of a substantial lunch at my host's pri- vate boarding house, which was approached by a private path, through horse weeds and sunflowers higher than our heads. The common boarders had dined and departed, leaving us a limited quantity of boiled bacon and string beans. It was here that the editor put me wise how to obtain these free lunches-editor's perquisites, he called them-by simply giving the proprietor com- plimentary notices in his paper.
The afternoon was pleasantly passed in listening to the edi-
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THE PRESS
tor's plaints of bodily ailments and physical incapacities that necessitated his parting with a bonanza so easily extracted from his valuable plant by any one able to endure the arduous duties of editor and manager. Not feeling equal to the arduous duties imposed, there seemed no prospect for a coalition of interests, and as evening was approaching, I announced my intention of relieving my host of further obligations. This was grievous news to him. But if I must go he must insist we enjoy another good meal together. As we sauntered leisurely down the east side of North Main street, in search of-as I supposed-a first class res- taurant, the odor of broiled steak and fried ham assailed our nostrils from the precincts of several restaurants, and I thought I could hardly wait until we came to the favored one; but ere we reached the coveted goal the editor stopped suddenly in front of a stack of watermelons on the sidewalk and crooking his index finger to a clerk commanded him to select the most luscious 5-cent melon in the pile. The haughty behest was instantly obeyed and the package delivered with a formal bow. Beckon- ing me we stealthily entered an ice cream parlor and quietly slid into a private booth. Again the three-bladed jack knife was pressed into service and made to perform another artistic stunt carving that melon into a tempting feast; which was enlivened by my host's generous remarks that when it came to purchasing the products of the farm he did not regard expense, as he con- sidered it every man's duty to encourage agriculture. And thus we parted.
Now all this preface may seem unnecessary and irrelevant to the starting of "The Beacon," but it is simply the naked truth-shabbily dressed-and had it not transpired the "Daily Beacon" had ne'er been born. Feeling at liberty now to follow my own inclinations, I decided to take a look at the town. Counting the business houses and the saloons, the business houses showed a majority. But the saloons made the more prosperous business showing. On the northwest corner of Main and Second streets-where the Northern now stands-flourished a billiard parlor and saloon, presided over by Madam Sage. From there to Douglas avenue, and west on Douglas to the river, all lines of business were represented-sandwiched in with saloons. The chief place of amusement was at the corner of Main street and Douglas avenue, now occupied by the Kansas National Bank, where poker, faro, roulette and keno, with many brands of beer
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HISTORY OF SEDGWICK COUNTY
and whisky, were constantly on tap. From a raised platform fronting on Main street a brass band regaled the denizens morn- ing, noon and eve, luring customers to the gambling den. Be- spurred cowboys innumerable, with gun-laden hips filled the saloons. Red and Rowdy Joe, of dance house fame, flaunted their banners in the streets.
Underneath it all was an unmistakable throb of honest busi- ness that promised better things in the near future. The business men were sociable. The glad hand was extended with a cordial grasp. Every one advised the new arrival to tarry and become a citizen. Every new enterprise was welcomed cordially and encouraged substantially. In fact, the newcomer was made to feel at home with a desire to remain. Seeking the acquaintance of Mr. F. A. Sowers, founder of the Wichita "Vidette," and at that time the most versatile writer as well as most popular news- paper editor in the Southwest, I laid before him a proposition to jointly establish a simon pure Democratic newspaper in Wichita.
Mr. Sowers had extensive acquaintance in southwestern Kan- sas and was popular with the leading spirits of Wichita, and was also enthusiastic for the venture. Together we interviewed the more prominent business men of the young city and met with substantial encouragement. The field was occupied by the "Vidette," but Mr. Sowers felt confident that, with the assist- ance of his friends he could clear the field by the first of October, which feat was easily accomplished before the first of September -the "Vidette" seeking pastures new in fields farther west.
The 6th day of October, 1872, my family and foreman, Mr. Frank B. Smith-afterwards sole proprietor of "The Beacon"- landed in Wichita with a complete newspaper plant. Many of the business men were desirous that the new paper should start as an evening daily, promising additional support. Mr. Sowers did not feel inclined to so bold a venture. I favored a daily pub- lication, and proposed to finance the enterprise for one month as an experiment, Mr. Sowers agreeing to do the editorial work on salary. On the 18th day of October, 1872, the first number of the "Wichita Daily Beacon" was issued-the first daily paper published in the Arkansas valley, in the state of Kansas. At the end of the first month Mr. Sowers added his share of the capital stock; the daily suspended and "The Beacon" was issued weekly until July, 1873, when it was issued daily and weekly for three
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THE PRESS
months-during the cattle shipping season of that year. Frank B. Smith, who was the new paper's foreman, became its owner later. After his death, Mr. H. J. Hagny became its owner. "The Beacon" was purchased from Mr. Hagny by Henry J. Allen, who organized the present Beacon Publishing Company.
"THE BEACON" IS THIRTY-EIGHT.
"The Beacon" is thirty-eight years old as it moves into its new home in "The Beacon" building-Wichita's first skyscraper. In its thirty-eight years of constant growth and progress, this newspaper has occupied six different buildings-the new Beacon block on South Main street being the seventh. Two of the past homes of "The Beacon" were small frame buildings one story tall. One of them was a one-story brick building. Two of them were two-story brick buildings. The other is the three-story brick building which has just been abandoned by "The Beacon," at 121 North Market street. "The Beacon" occupied this build- ing twenty-five years. "The Wichita Beacon" was born October 1, 1872. "The Beacon's" infancy was spent in a little frame building, 24x60 feet in size. It stood on the ground now occu- pied by a two-story brick building at 241 North Main street, and used by Frank T. Culp's meat market. Surrounding "The Beacon's" first tiny office were other buildings of the same char- acter. On the south was a carpenter shop; on the north was a harness and saddlery repair shop. In the same block were grocery stores, meat markets and saloons, all occupying one-story wooden buildings. At that time there was not a brick building in the city. Only a few of the frame buildings were above one story in height.
"The Beacon" was established by Fred A. Sowers and D. C. Millison. Mr. Sowers had charge of the business and editorial end of the paper, while Mr. Millison looked out for the mechan- ical portion of the work. Both men are still residents of the city. Mr. Sowers is engaged in the real estate business in the firm of Sowers and Fisher, at 223 East Douglas avenue. Mr. Millison lives at 1900 South Lawrence avenue. He is the father of Ralph Millison, of the Millison Office Supply Company. While the experience of these two gentlemen in establishing and operating a small newspaper was similar to that of many others, and while
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there were times that were trying incidents that were annoying, both these gentlemen regard with pleasure the beginnings of the paper and love still to relate incidents that happened in its infancy. Both of them have contributed articles to this number of the new "Beacon." "The Beacon" was started as a daily, but Wichita was too small to support six issues a week, so it was soon changed to a weekly publication. During the first few weeks as a daily "The Beacon" flourished. The Texas cattle drive was on and thousands of long-horned steers were driven along a trail which is now Douglas avenue. At night hundreds of cowboys swarmed into the little frontier town and supplied plenty of news for "The Beacon." There were frequent shoot- ing scrapes, many killings, and numberless trials. But the cattle drive was finished by early winter and news became scarce. So "The Daily Beacon" became the "Weekly Beacon" and con- tinued a weekly for twelve years.
HOW THE BEACON WAS NAMED.
The naming of "The Beacon" was decided by the flipping of a penny. The two owners of the publication were divided as to a name. Mr. Sowers was determined that the paper should be called "The Beacon." Mr. Millison wanted it to be called "The Tribune." It was left to a penny. Mr. Sowers won the flip. A year following the establishment of the paper the plant was moved into another frame building on the southwest corner of Second and Main streets, where the Tapp Brothers and Han- shaw grocery is now located. This new home of "The Beacon" was a story and a half high and was one of the pretentious build- ings of the city at that day.
In 1874, two years after "The Beacon" was established, there was a change in management. Frank B. Smith and Frank Fisher, who had worked for "The Beacon" company as printers, bought the paper, paying for it on the partial payment plan out of the wages due them. In 1874 the printing plant was again moved, this time into a new brick building at the southwest cor- ner of Main and Second streets. This two-story brick structure, which is now occupied by the Sturgeon grocery, was then one of the finest buildings in the city. Shortly after the removal into this new home Mr. Smith bought Mr. Fisher's interest in the paper.
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