USA > Missouri > Caldwell County > History of Clinton and Caldwell Counties, Missouri > Part 12
USA > Missouri > Clinton County > History of Clinton and Caldwell Counties, Missouri > Part 12
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Order of Eastern Star .- Vashti Chapter No. 63, Order of Eastern, Star, of Lathrop, was instituted Aug. 6, 1896, by Miss Daisy Eakin, dis- trict deputy grand matron, and several members of Ada Chapter No. 17, of Cameron, Mo.
The meeting was held in the old Masonic Hall, on the site where the Klepper Building now stands. The following were charter members: Mesdames Minnie B. Martin, Ella B. Gilchrist, Carrie M. Owen, Alice Townsend, Rachel Simonton, Theodosia Kendall, Lizzie Brown, Kate Logan, Mollie Dougherty, Misses Edna Moore, Ella and Alice Ecton, Mary Lindsay, Mildred Doherty, Messrs. L. D. Townsend, N. E. Owen, Z. T. Martin, P. M. Gilchrist, Joe T. Doherty.
The first public installation was held Dec. 29, 1896. Miss Eakin was the installing officer and these officers were installed: Worthy matron, Mrs. Minnie B. Martin; worthy patron, Mr. N. E. Owen; associate matron, Mrs. Estella D. Seaton; secretary, Mrs. Ella B. Gilchrist; treasurer, Mrs. Alice Townsend; conductress, Mrs. Carrie Owen; associate conductress, Mrs. Kate Logan; Adah, Miss Alice Ecton; Ruth, Mrs. Gertrude Maret ; Ether, Miss Mildred Doherty; Martha, Miss Ella Ecton; Electa, Mrs. Lizzie Brown; warder, Mrs. Terissa Boring; sentinel, Mr. L. D. Townsend ; marshal, Mrs. Sophia Loeb; chaplain, Mrs. Theodosia Kendall.
Having outgrown their present quarters, the Masons had under con- struction a fine lodge room on the third floor of the Masonic Building. Vashti Chapter held their first meeting in the new Masonic Hall Jan. 25 1897, with a full attendance. One of their first acts was to purchase over 100 yards of carpet to cover the floor, having it laid when the hall was
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dedicated June 29, 1897. S. H. Black, of Liberty, Mo., acted as grand master. Addresses were given by Dr. W. F. Kuhn, grand high priest of Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and Dr. George, grand chaplain of Grand Chapter of Missouri, a very large assembly of Masons and their families being present.
During the first few years Vashti Chapter was very busy in buying equipment necessary to carry on the beautiful work of the order and to add convenience in serving elaborate luncheons, for which they are noted. Time and space does not permit mentioning the many fine people who were initiated into the order, or even hint at the wonderfully good fellow- ship which prevailed during these 22 years of existence.
The chapter at one time had 100 members, but removals and various reasons have caused Vashti to suffer in like measure with other secret organizations in Lathrop. The present membership numbers around 40 of the community's best men and women. Mrs. Carrie M. Owen, in 1900, represented the State of Oregon in Grand Chapter of Missouri. Mrs. Georgia Kennerly was appointed district deputy grand matron for 1903. Miss Mildred Doherty acted in the same capacity for 1904. Mrs. Estella D. Seaton served as district deputy grand matron in 1917 and 1918 over the chapter in Clinton and Clay Counties.
The government and prosperity of the order has depended greatly upon these sisters who have served as worthy matron for the following years: 1896-97-98-1900, Mrs. Minnie B. Martin; 1898, Mrs. Carrie M. Owen; 1901, Mrs. Margaret Miller; 1902, Mrs. Georgia Kennerly; 1903, Mrs. Lizzie Brown; 1904, Miss Mildred Doherty; 1905, Mrs. Ella B. Gil- christ; 1906, Mrs. Emma Courtney; 1907, 1912, Mrs. Estella D. Seaton ; 1908, Miss Kate Shepherd; 1909, Mrs. Lena Jones; 1910, Mrs. Helen Smithers; 1911, Mrs. Harriet Baker; 1913, Mrs. Lillie Johnson; 1914, Mrs. Georgia Gwathmey; 1915, Miss Josie Douglass; 1916, Mrs. Christena Hussey ; 1917-1919, Miss Gertrude McCord; 1918, Mrs. Malinda Schneider ; 1920-21, Miss Nela Trice; 1922, Mrs. Myrtle Wilson.
Rebekahs .- Hope Rebekah Lodge No. 29, of Lathrop, Mo., by Mrs. Estella D. Seaton.
On March 23, 1889, C. A. Ewing, deputy grand master, instituted Hope Lodge No. 29, Daughters of Rebekah. The following members were duly obligated: Sisters Arzilla Ewing, Maria Leabo, Lucy Paige, Matilda Mandlestein, Luck Eckert, Ella McKee, Lucy Hussey, Christena Hussey, Dora Ewing, Sarah Stevens, Maggie Poston, Brothers C. A. Ewing, Oscar
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Leabo, H. E. Paige, Levi Mandlestein, George Eckert, J. R. McKee, J. T. Parshall, J. E. Burk, C. A. Poston, F. P. Frisbie, S. R. Helms, J. I. Coulson, W. N. Wears. Of this number, only three remain members to the present day, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Leabo, Shreveport, La., and Mrs. Christena Hussey, of Lathrop. The first noble grand was Oscar Leabo. The largest membership is accredited to the year of 1898, which was 59. Mrs. Ewing, Mrs. Maria Leabo and Mrs. Pet Hall were district deputy grand master for several years. Members of Hope Lodge helped institute Rebekah Lodge at Plattsburg, Mo., in 1897.
In 1898 they went to Holt, Mo., and organized Clover Lodge. In 1903, on invitation, they visited Kearney, Mo., and helped in the institu- tion of the lodge at that place.
Present officers are: Noble grand, Mrs. Ida Ritter; vice grand, Miss Allie Reece; secretary, Mrs. Kate Parsons; treasurer, Mrs. Christena Hussey.
Women's Cemetery Improvement League .- A number of ladies met at the home of Mrs. T. G. Klepper, March 18, 1909, for the purpose of organizing a club to devise plans for the improvement of the Lathrop Cemetery. In previous years little or no care had been given to the place, being no uncommon thing to wade through shrubbery and high grass to find the graves. Altogether, it had an unkempt appearance. The con- stitution and by-laws were drafted, and with this corps of officers the good work began: President, Mrs. T. G. Klepper; vice president, Mrs. N. M. Perry; recording secretary, Mrs. T. J. Seaton; corresponding secre- tary, Miss Mildred Doherty; treasurer, Mrs. C. E. Bickel.
A sexton was hired for five months during the summer season, who mowed the grass, cut weeds, unsightly growth, and cleaned the cemetery up in general. In 1914 the fences were removed and the cemetery was thrown together, the space between serving as a little park, planted with flowers and shrubs. Each year the league employs a sexton, who mows the lots. The money to finance this is raised by optional subscrip- tion.
These have served as president of the league: Mrs. T. G. Klepper, Mrs. E. D. Martin (deceased), three years; Mrs. Walter Hussey, four years ; Mrs. H. P. Thompson, Mrs. N. M. Perry, two years; Miss Estella Young, three years.
Present officers are: President, Mrs. Walter Hussey; vice president, Mrs. S. N. Henderson; recording secretary, Mrs. Margaret Seaton; cor-
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responding secretary, Mrs. T. J. Seaton (12 years) ; treasurer, Mrs. M. A. Gilchrist.
P. E. O .- Chapter S of Missouri State Chapter of P. E. O. Sisterhood was organized in Lathrop May 20, 1901, at the home of Mrs. Georgia Kennerly. There were eight charter members, three of whom are still active members of the chapter. The following were the first officers: President, Mrs. Georgia Kennerly; vice president, Mrs. Matilda Cross; recording secretary, Mrs. D' Joy Fagin; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Mary Forman; treasurer, Mrs. Margaret Miller; chaplain, Mrs. Cora Rehard; journalist, Mrs. Sophia Loeb; guard, Mrs. Minnie Bosworth.
Since the organization of the chapter 59 women have been initiated into its membership, and the present active membership numbers 32. The following women have served as president: 1901, Mrs. Georgia Kennerly ; 1902, Mrs. Georgia Kennerly; 1903, Mrs. Nannie Henson; 1904, Mrs. Lula Stuckey; 1905, Mrs. D'Joy Fagin; 1906, Mrs. Ella Gilchrist; 1907, Miss Kate Shepherd (Trice) ; 1908, Mrs. Elgia Porter; 1909, Mrs. Myrtle Scott; 1910, Mrs. Minnie Doherty; 1911, Mrs. Rena Porter; 1912, Mrs. Nina Cross; 1913, Mrs. Gertrude Brown; 1914, Mrs. Gertrude Brown; 1915, Mrs. Helen Smither; 1916, Mrs. Dorsey Fagin; 1917, Mrs. Ruby Long- field; 1918, Mrs. D'Joy Fagin; 1919, Mrs. D'Joy Fagin; 1920, Mrs. Ida Grant; 1921, Mrs. Eva VanBuren; 1922, Mrs. Kate S. Trice.
In 1905 Chapter S received her only state honors. Mrs. D'Joy Fagin was elected first vice president of Missouri State Chapter in June, 1905.
Since 1908 this chapter has been contributing each year to the P. E. O. educational fund. This fund is loaned to worthy young women who wish to complete their higher education. It has grown from $800.00 in 1906 to $158,494.12 in 1922, with the goal set at $200,000.00 in 1923.
Chapter S hopes to continue to do her share to bring this to pass. Missouri State Chapter at their meeting in June, 1922, donated $3,064.59 to this fund. So far 600 girls have been helped on their way to earn a better livelihood.
Chapter S has since 1910 sponsored three lyceum courses and as- sisted with one other. Has also brought a few other entertainments to the town.
This chapter has donated a drinking fountain, a picture, and a set of "The Book of Knowledge" to the public school, some money to the library fund. Has helped to organize a parent-teacher association, also assisted with some other enterprises connected with the school. For several
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years the chapter assisted "The Good Fellows" with their Christmas fund. During the war they gave up their programs and devoted one day each week to the Red Cross workroom, and also gave to a war fund and the Red Cross fund. They donated to the United War Work Committee, and closed the war work with a dinner in the park for our returned soldiers on the day of the Woodman picnic in 1919. They also donated to the Armenian and Syrian relief fund.
The Lathrop Commercial Club .-- Lathrop Commercial Club was organized at a banquet given by the Methodist ladies, May 26, 1922, in the Masonic Hall. George W. Catts, commissioner of agriculture for Kansas City, Mo., Chamber of Commerce, was present and spoke. War- ren Kimsey, field representative of the International Kiwanis Club, pre- sided. Harry Graham, of Chillicothe, Mo., Chamber of Commerce, was on the program. Organization was effected with 100 members. The officers: R. M. Harrington, president; Dr. E. E. Hufft, vice president ; Fred Brawner, secretary, and Joe T. Doherty, treasurer. Directors: G. K. Fagin, George Steeby, R. H. Palmer, P. W. Goodson, Dr. O. E. Schoen- feld, F. L. Porter, and J. A. Sellars. The original committee was led by Warren Kimsey, and consisted of Dr. O. E. Shoenfeld, Rev. Alva L. Rags- dale, Rev. R. G. VanRoyen, Fred Brawner, P. W. Goodson, H. F. Brown, Dr. E. E. Hufft, R. M. Harrington, R. H. Palmer, Dyer Greer, and C. S. Reed. .
The officers and directors are mostly connected with the history of the city's civic and community undertakings. The movement augments much good for Lathrop and surrounding country. During the summer the club visited neighboring towns to encourage closer relations between Lathrop and other points. The park was taken into account for the accommodation of tourists and improvements made. A delegate, Joe T. Doherty, was sent to Jefferson City to meet with the Good Roads Com- mission. The club in July entertained the Commercial Club of St. Joseph of 100 members on their cross-country trip. In the fall 130 new members were added. The club hired the band leader for the summer, the home men giving their services every Wednesday night in a concert enter- tainment.
Red Cross .- During the stress of war times Lathrop women set themselves nobly at the task of Red Cross work, under the supervision of Mrs. J. L. Hall, who devoted every possible hour to the work, Sundays not excepted. She was always at the appointed place, peculiarly gifted and
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adapted to the work and to the relations of woman to woman in this task. No Lathrop resident who lived there during the war can ever see a Red Cross without remembering her and her energy at that time, and her devotion to the splendid organization ever afterward until her death, April 8, 1922.
American Legion .- After the World War and the return of the boys, American Legion posts were organized over the whole country. There are four in Clinton County: Elmer Ellis Post, at Cameron; Rufus Kin- caid Post, at Lathrop; John Callahan Post, at Plattsburg, and the Maurice Fallis Post, at Gower. The post at Holt, just over in Clay County, is named for a Clinton County boy, Clinton Marsh. The posts are regularly organized and are parts of the national organization.
CHAPTER XV.
CLINTON COUNTY STATISTICS.
Land area, 423 square miles.
Land in farms, 255,448 acres.
Value of land and buildings, $44,080,307.
Population 1910, 15,297.
Population 1920, 14,461.
Number of farms in 1900, 2,024.
Number of farms in 1910, 1,956.
Number of farms in 1920, 1,576.
Number of farms owned in 1920, 1,098.
Number of farms rented in 1920, 478.
Number of home heating plants in 1920, 203.
Number of bathrooms and sinks in 1920, 299.
Number of barns having water in 1920, 78.
Corn, average bushels per acre, 43; total, 3,759,490.
Wheat, average bushels per acre, 22; total, 520,000.
Oats, average bushels per acre, 34; total, 748,680.
Average cost of production of oats in 1921, 63 cents. Average cost of production of wheat in 1921, $2.26.
Clinton County is one of 16 counties in Missouri to produce over 3,000,000 bushels of corn. Missouri the world's third greatest chicken state, Clinton County holds up her part in poultry production. Clinton County mules average the highest price of any in the state.
Number of mules per farm, 1921, 2.4; total, 3,900; average price, 1921, $193.
Number of horses per farm, 1921, 3.9; total, 6,280; average price, 1921, $93.
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Number of hogs, 32 head per farm; average price, $14.15; total, 51,880.
Number of sheep, 4 head per farm; total, 6,950.
Number of milk cows, 10 head per farm; average price, $69; total, 6,040.
Number of other cattle, 15,800.
Potatoes, 10-year average, 1910-1920, 96.9 bushels per acre.
Apples, less than four trees planted per year to the farm.
Fruits of all temperate zone kinds do well here when weather con- ditions are normal, but it does not receive the interest and proper care given to the staple crops and live stock. The small home orchards, as first put out, have been allowed to decline until there are not enough apples produced for home consumption. There have been some large orchards in the county: Dr. Keith, 40 acres; Boston McGee, 40 acres, near Holt; T. E. Turney, 40 acres, near Turney. William Crow now has the largest and most productive orchard near Plattsburg.
In earlier days many farmers had their own cider mills, made their own vinegar, and great brass kettles of apple butter were "stirred off" every fall, a boon to the large old-fashioned families of those days.
Indeed, a Clinton County lady said to the writer, "I don't love apple butter. When we were children, there were so many of us to put up lunch for, we couldn't afford anything else on our bread, and I got all I wanted, and more, too."
Strawberries do fine here, and it is remarkable how few people put them out. The lack of permanency in residence governs largely such commodities as this. But the tenant with a purpose and with fencing furnished can easily have grapes, peaches and berries at small outlay.
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CHAPTER XVI.
MISCELLANEOUS.
PLATTSBURG CHAUTAUQUA ASSOCIATION-FIRST BICYCLE-FASHIONS FIGURE IN HISTORY.
The Plattsburg Chautauqua Association .- This association was organized some time in 1906. The officers the first year were: President, C. E. Jones; treasurer, M. J. Trimble; secretary, B. D. Weeks; superin- tendent, J. R. Howey. Executive Committee: C. E. Jones, M. J. Trimble, Rev. B. D. Weeks, R. L. Eberts, H. B. McIntyre, F. B. Ellis, Rev. I. T. Nash, C. E. Boxx, Thomas F. Downey and F. M. Riley. Platform Com- mittee: Rev. J. P. Pinkerton, chairman; Edmond McWilliams, secretary ; Claude Funkhouser, Rev. H. P. McClintic, J. F. Shepherd. Rev. W. S. Neeley was platform manager.
The assembly of Aug. 25-Sept. 2, 1906, was held in Birch Grove, on South Main street, as also were those of 1907 and 1908. In 1909 the asso- ciation bought the college and grounds and began holding the assemblies there. Surplus buildings were moved away, the building and grounds improved, a great porch with concrete floor built on to the old college, new walks made, electric lights installed, a substantial stage, sounding board, and dressing rooms built up.
The grounds, always important historically and educationally, are associated now with only the cultural and social programs of the county. They are open to any gathering held for the welfare and pleasure of the community.
In early days a great field was needed for teams, wagons and buggies. ·Street oiling was unheard of and dust was rolling everywhere unless for merciful showers. Electricity was in use from the first.
From the beginning on down through, the program are men and women of international reputation and national fame who came to give their best-preachers, scientists, educators, statesmen, musicians, and
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other entertainers. There are whole companies of musicians and other entertainers who come and go.
The platform managers have been: Rev. W. S. Neeley, 1906; Ralph Bingham, 1907; Maynard Lee Daggy, 1908; Rev. J. P. Pinkerton, 1909- 1914 ; Dr. Edwin S. Stucker, 1915; Dr. Asa D. Thibodeau, 1916; Dr. Wilbur R. Keesey, 1917; Dr. Wirt Lowther, 1918-19-20; Charles A. Briggs, 1921; Dr. Newton C. Carpenter, 1922.
Three men have been continuously on the board of officers since the beginning: C. E. Jones, president; R. L. Eberts and E. L. Shoemaker. George T. Winn and M. J. Trimble have sold tickets continuously at the gate. The first year Capt. W. A. White and F. M. Riley assisted. The biggest day ever had before 1921 was when Private Peet spoke on Sunday afternoon, 1917, when 3,178 tickets were sold. The next was in 1921, when 3,199 tickets were sold the last day. The biggest day ever had was the last day of 1922, when 3,246 day tickets, beside the 1,050 season tickets, were sold.
Dr. J. W. Ellis, who was president of the college from 1880 to 1897, the campus of which is now Chautauqua Park, furnished the first sugges- tion and encouragement toward the building up of the association. It took several years to get action, but the results have more than fulfilled the brightest possible expectations, for the chautauqua is the largest single unit for the social pleasure and edification of the people of the county.
The First Bicycle in the United States was ridden in 1868 by W. A. P. McDonald, a native of Plattsburg. The machine Mr. McDonald owned was built in France and was exhibited in this country in the East by Hanlon Brothers, acrobats. The press of the country gave much space to the novelty. When Mr. McDonald read in the papers that the acrobats were returning to France, he wrote to a cousin in Philadelphia, John Reeves, who purchased the machine for him for $125. The wheels were like those of a light wooden buggy. The hubs and spokes were of wood, as was the rim, which was covered with an iron rim. The drive was a plain crank, mounted on the front wheel. To pedal the machine, one was forced to rear backward. Wheels about 34 inches, front one slightly larger. The machine weighed between 125 and 150 pounds.
The machine was such a novelty the fair association believed its appearance would be a great attraction, and offered him $50 to ride it around the track. It proved their faith in it, and Mr. McDonald rode it
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when in sight of the crowd. When out of sight he confesses he dis- mounted and wheeled the machine the rest of the way. Mr. McDonald was born at Plattsburg, in 1848, and moved to St. Joseph when 20 years of age. In 1921 he was president of the Stubbs-McDonald Insurance Agency since 1914, and secretary and manager of the. St. Joseph Clear- ing House Association for the past 15 years, and vice president of the St. Joseph Gas Company for 25 years, and held many positions of honor and trust. His father, D. M. McDonald, emigrated from Scotland by way of Philadelphia in 1839, and later came to Plattsburg, where he and his wife had charge of the Land Office. He was also postmaster for nine years at Plattsburg, and surveyor of the county, deputy county clerk, and deputy circuit clerk.
Fashions Figure in History .- Linsey Woolsey was a home-made stuff, plaid or striped, in any home-dyed color you chose, for there was walnut brown, copperas yellow, indigo blue, the shades of red and green, something colored with crabapple; analine was not in much favor, as it would fade easily. Skirts were invariably full and long, and many starched, heavily tucked or hand embroidered. White underskirts made the laundry work in the heavy wooden tubs or half barrels at home or down at the spring or creek a burden indeed. Ladies often made their own starch for caps and frills by scraping raw potatoes and putting the pulp into water.
The universal powder puff of today was the little white flannel starch bag of yesterday. Hair was bobbed by the grown girls of the seventies, and the same long, dangling "ear-bobs" were worn then. Shoe heels have gone from high to low and back again at pretty regular intervals, "side- lace" and button, half shoe and high top, but always the front lace holding the favor of a majority; stockings, home knit of yarn, in stripes or solid color, for winter, and of a white cotton thread for summer. The girl of the old time would not have mentioned "stockings" in polite society. They belonged in the strictest sense to the category of "underthings" as we say today, when they are so few. Even when horseback, dear, demure daughter must have an extra yard or so of skirt gracefully if dangerously floating in billows and dust from the near side of her saddle, or splashing with mud, as conditions would govern.
There came the large hoop skirt with the tiny waist, sometimes the corset made of home-made hickory stays. The small hoop that flopped the wide ruffle of the dress skirt as the wearer moved along. Then the
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act of sitting down became a new and venturesome feat until practice reduced it to a fine art. The wearer must take a hitch at the wires in the rear so the slant to the floor from the knees would not assume the propor- tions of an emigrant wagon facing a Kansas breeze.
And the tilter! It tilted the skirt from side to side, having about the same effect and structure as a banana crate fastened beneath the back folds of the skirt, that too required especial act of disposal when a chair was used. Hoops were worn much through the horseback riding period, and there again caution must be used for safety, modesty, and grace, at once. And the bustle made of wire, crinoline, or stuffed with cotton, wool or newspapers. This style accompanied the tight much whale-boned basque with tight sleeves-some ladies put on their hats and then buttoned the waist clear up to the chin, then encased the throat in tight bands with rusches of "crepe lisse" or lace. "Hands up" would have been next to an impossibility.
We were somewhat in awe of any one who was so expensive in tastes as to pay $5.00 for a pair of shoes; $3.50 got a very nice looking shoe, of good brand and durable make, and 40 cents to 50 cents bought lovely lisle hose to go with them. The skirt was plaited, much paniered and draped, and of "walking length," which meant it reached the instep. Trains came and the gallant must mince his steps, look away from charm of face and manner to keep clear of this surplus of finery dragging around at his and her feet. The much gored skirt, bell shape, the sheath skirt, the im- mense crinolined sleeves that went with this flared skirt, the whole en- semble finished with a tiny hat fastened somehow ridiculously but squarely on the top of the head.
Then arrives the good old "shirtwaist," tyrannical at first, with the stiff collar and cuffs, but it came to stay in some form or other for 30 years, easing down as to collar, up at the sleeves and off as to general texture, coming to the Georgette, the nets and others until the observer's experience was far from that of "seeing through a glass darkly," and now called a blouse.
Somewhere around the nineties she had taken her place at telephone switchboards, typewriters, at stenographic duties, telegraph stations and even as railroad station agents. She has always taught school. At the close of the Civil War there were twice as many men teachers as women. In 1922 there are five times as many women teachers as men in the state.
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In the early eighties she began to clerk in the stores, which also has con- tinued in increasing numbers and satisfaction.
The World War came on in 1914, women were filling many new and untried places, suffrage was gaining in favor-she was "manning" autos, elevators, even street cars in some places, so the skirt shortens, and shortens, until knee length was not uncommon, and the old poetical line, "Her feet, like little mice, steal in and out," were hardly understandable; they were always out, and are at this writing.
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