The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Stronghurst Graphic, Sept. 9, 1920
WOMEN IN POLITICS: That a new era has arrived in the political history of our country was made evident to the people of this community last Tuesday evening when an audience composed largely of men sat in the Lyric Theater and listened attentively to a discussion of political questions and to advice as to the selection of political candidates presented by two lady orators. The meeting, which was held under the auspices of the Henderson County Republican organization, was not as largely attended as had been expected, the ladies of the community especially, being rather conspicuous by their absence so far as any great numbers were concerned.
At the request of Mrs. Ivabelle Stewart, chairman of the Women's county organization, Judge J. W. Gordon of Oquawka presided over the meeting and introduced the speakers: Mrs. Alice O. Curran of Macomb, chairman of the 14th Cong. District Women's organization and Mrs. Rachael McCann of Chicago, a representative from the speakers bureau of Women's State Republican organization, who came to take the place of Mrs. Fletcher Dobyns. (A long article of what was said is included in this issue.)
While there were some in the audience who were inclined to regret the fact that Mrs. McCann had devoted nearly her entire address to the presentation of one side of the bitter factional fight which is in progress within the Republican party in this state, she received the close attention of her entire audience and was accorded generous applause at the conclusion of her speech
MRS. BELL GOES HOME: The ladies of the Stronghurst Women's Club entertained at the club rooms in honor of Mrs. Ruby Crenshaw Bell, who had been here for several weeks and who took her departure for her home in Seattle, Washington. Mrs. Bell very ably and efficiently filled the position of editor of the Graphic during the five weeks when its management was in the hands of the Women's Club. In recognition of this service and as a token of remembrance and esteem, she was presented with a twenty dollar gold piece enclosed in a handsome case. The presentation was made by Mrs. W. C. Ivins in connection with the reading of an original poem in which the entrance of the club into the field of journalism was alluded to in a clever and humorous manner.
In her response, Mrs. Bell said that it had been a source of pleasure to her to be able to serve in the capacity referred to and that she had derived much real benefit as well as enjoyment in the work. She read two selections, one humorous and the other descriptive of the energy which characterizes the western country which is her home. The evening's program also included several songs by club members and a few briefs remarks by the Graphic editor. Following the program a delicious luncheon of sandwiches pickles, ice cream, cake and coffee was served. Guests expressed their regret that Mrs. Bell[s visit was so soon to terminate and hoped that she might have a safe and pleasant homeward journey.
1895 Graphic: A Santa Fe passenger train brakeman took a shot at Harry Putney one night. The bullet from the revolver struck Harry in the back part of the neck and came out through the left cheek. In its course, the bullet missed the jugular vein by scarcely more than a hair's breathe. The shooting occurred at Hurdland where Harry and Lute Adams had left the passenger train after riding the "blind" for about 6 miles and were standing near the track when the train pulled out. (Trainmen, what is "the blind?") From Olena came this news: Sam Black and Gid Bailey are attending school in Burlington. The latter has purchased a bicycle and was doing the town Saturday evening to the amusement of the villagers. About 25 business men of Stronghurst met in the village hall and took preliminary steps toward the organization of a business men's association. (Is the forerunner of the Booster Club?) Miss Lilly Suydam of Media and Mart Murray of Missouri were married at the home of the bride's parents, Sept. 4th. The tax levy for the village called for the assessment and collection of $2,500 for all corporate purposes. Stronghurst High School opened with an enrollment of 36 students and the grade school had 145. The largest crops in the history of the western country were being harvested In Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma and many from here were taking advantage of the low excursion rate by the Santa Fe Railroad to visit that section. (Some moved West but soon realized that farming there was not the same of Illinois and returned.)
FASHION NOTE: A DARING COMBINATION OF COLORS: A simply made evening dress in which a daring combination of colors appears, producing an effect that while sounding a bit lurid is made in this way: a lavender underslip is barred with very narrow purple velvet ribbon in the form of a lattice work, with here and there red roses caught in the lattice. Veiling this gay slip is a simple frock of old blue tulle made with a full skit and sleeveless bodice having a V-shaped d colletage. A sash of dull blue girdles it at the normal waistline. (No doubt, the fashion items would be eagerly read and perhaps, even cut out to take to a local dressmaker if one was so daring.)
CARMAN CONCERNS: Quite a few attended the Labor Day celebration at Burlington and report never seeing such a crowd in that city. The Ellison Valley School commenced with Miss Frye of Lomax as teacher; the Stewart school with Miss Mona Dixon as teacher; the Kirby School with Mrs. Minnie Wiegand; and the Bluff Dale School with Walter C. Howell. The new Peasley Bridge being built by Fowler and Co. of La Harpe will soon be completed. This is one of the new bridges built to replace those torn out by the big flood of summer storm. Rain is still badly needed; roads are very dusty and rough from ruts.
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: Mrs Catherine Johnson visited her son, Aaron Johnson and family. Wilfred Johnson had spent his vacation there and returned to his home in Abingdon with his mother. Mr. and Mrs. Max Sanderson are the happy parents of a fine young son born Sept. 6th. The Stronghurst Lumber Co. has the construction of a residence well under way on the lots they own on the north side at the corner of Broadway and Maple Streets. Mr. and Mrs. William Bailey of Stronghurst will make their home in Burlington this winter in the Wesner home on the corner of Summer Street and West Avenue. Mrs. Bailey was formerly Miss Helen Riepe. Mrs. J.A. Monteith stopped here enroute to her home in Olathe, Kans. after a vacation of four weeks which she and Rev. Monteith enjoyed with their son Charles and family of Toronto, Can. Harry C. Tutewiler and family departed for their home in Red Oak, Iowa.
An invitation is extended to everyone to attend a social at the Stronghurst M. E. Church; the administration price will be 4 cents per foot in height for each individual and an additional one cent for each inch over the last foot. There will be booths provided for the serving of refreshments. Miss Evelyn Fort will teach in the Monmouth public schools while continuing her musical course at Monmouth College. Labor Day was generally observed as a holiday here this year more than ever before. Nearly all the business places were closed in the afternoon and a large proportion of the population of the village and surrounding country attended the baseball game at Calvin's field. This is one of the most hotly contested games that has been played on the local diamond this season-a lead of four runs which the opposing Gladstone team secured through loose playing and errors by the home team at the outset of the game being gradually reduced until at the close of the game the score stood 12 to 11 in favor of Gladstone. Miss Martha Davis will attend Hedding College this year taking a special course in Kindergarten work and music.
P.N. Wallin left for Chicago on a business trip.
TO BE MARRIED SOON: "Yesterday afternoon 50 friends and neighbors gathered at the Milton Funk home in Kernan and surprised Miss Anna Goenewein with a variety shower. Miss Goenewein will be married to Ralph Reynolds in the near future. She received many beautiful and useful gifts, including linen, cut glass, silver, aluminum and pyrex ware. During the afternoon a mock wedding was held in which Miss Laura Pederson was the bride, Miss Marie Wolfanger the groom, Miss Grace Needham the minister, Miss Ida Riss the best man and Miss Nora King the bridesmaid. Mrs. Dorothy Voights played the wedding march and Mrs. Bertha Chatham sang "I Love You Truly." Dallas Spierling and Gwendolyn carried the bride's trailing veil and little Ruth Stevenson acted as flower girl. The bride's bouquet of wild sunflowers was caught by Miss Groenewein.
Miss Goenewein has made her home with the Milton Funks since she was a little girl and is practically one of the family. The young man she is to marry is a carpenter and the young couple met when he was working on the new houses in Kernan. His home is in Stronghurst where he has built an attractive bungalow for his bride. The date of the wedding has not been announced, but will occur some time in September.-Independent-Times of Streator, Ill.
GOING TO CHINA: Miss Mae Douglas, the granddaughter of Mrs. Geo. Deitrick of Olena and a niece of Mrs. Fran Johnson of this vicinity, will leave for San Francisco where she sailed for Shanghai to take up secretarial work at the headquarters of the Methodist board of foreign mission. While in China she will make her home with Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Main, formerly of Logan, Iowa. Dr. Main is in charge of the finances of the Methodist board of foreign missions and he and his wife have been in missionary work in China for 24 years. Miss Douglas is a member of the First Methodist Church of Des Moines and has been employed in the labor bureau at the state house.
NEW AUTO REPAIR SHOP: Wood and Berg, who have assumed charge of the repair department of the Knutstrom garage, are fully prepared and equipped to take care of auto troubles promptly and efficiently. Both have had large experience in auto repairing and may be depended upon for satisfactory service.
SNUBS A PRINCE: Mrs. O. T. Alexander, wife of an army lieutenant and resident of Great Falls, Mont., deliberately snubbed Prince Carol of Roumania when both were passengers on the Japanese liner Korea Maru. Mrs. Alexander says that the heir apparent of the Roumanian throne sent the ship's purser to her with a message that the prince would condescend to dance with her. Mrs. Alexander sent the purser back with the message that she would not condescend to dance with the prince.
BIGGSVILLE BRIEFS: The McCormack restaurant changed hands and Essex and Norton are now doing business there. Ed Stotts moved his family into the back rooms of the store having recently sold the hotel to a Mr. Simons of Oquawka.
The Biggsville Township and public schools opened with enrollment in the high school the same as last year. Prof. Hubbard will teach manual training, physics and Latin; Miss Cass-English and commercial subjects; Miss Lee-music and mathematics and Miss Jenkins-English and history. Miss Evelyn Brown of Little York is principal of the grade school; Miss Susie Simonson has charge of the intermediate grade and Miss Mildred Fagan of the primary room.
BIGGSVILLE BRIEFS: Loren Abby has returned to Springfield after a visit here with his parents. Ralph Douglass finished touring Scotland and left on the Lancaster from York, England for Egypt. A picnic was held at the home of Mrs. Otis Ervin by the Current Event Club with 15 or 16 members present. Mr. and Mrs. James Whiteman entered the Burlington Hospital for treatment. Mr. Whiteman will undergo a kidney operation and Mrs. Whiteman, who has not been well, will be put to bed for a rest cure. Miss Lizzie McKinley went to the hospital for treatment of pleurisy. Wilbur Douglass returned home from near Champaign where he has been engaged in farm work during the summer; he will enter Ames College soon. Erwin Douglass has left for Monmouth to attend high school. Misses Evelyn and Annabell Douglass returned to Monmouth College. Helen Stewart, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stewart, was brought home from the Monmouth Hospital after having her tonsils removed last week.
MEDIA MEANDERINGS: The Academy opened with an enrollment of 17 pupils: 8 girls and 9 boys. The public school delayed opening for a week on account of the small pox scare. Mr. and Mrs. Myrtwind and son moved into the Terry property. Mr. Myrtwind teaches commercial studies at the Academy. Charles Schroeder has rented a place east of Smithshire for next year. Mr. and Mrs. Haffman, who are teaching here this year, are living in part of the Dr. Riggs house.
GLADSTONE GLEANINGS: Chalmer Graham is training at Camp Grant, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Mears are the proud parents of a fine baby boy born Sunday. Miss Florence Lewis will attend school in Monmouth this year. Howard Sandy was home from Camp Grant where he is in the army services. The Misses Phyllis and Darline Freed returned home to Casper, Wyo. after spending the summer here with relatives.
Sept. 16, 1920 CELEBRATE 68 YEARS: One of the most unusual gatherings ever convened in Henderson County occurred on Sept. 9th at the home of Mr. and Mrs. P. C. Bainter when their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with a large number of invited guests from the surrounding towns and countryside met to celebrate the 68th anniversary of their wedding.
Within the walls of the home which stands on the farm purchased by Mr. Bainter almost three score years ago and under the fine old trees shading the spacious lawn, friends and neighbors mingled with the family and greeted the worthy couple who welcomed us as though we, too, might be akin in blood as well as in spirit. The youngest member of the assemblage was Master Kenneth Mudd of Stronghurst who will not attain his majority until 1941 when he will doubtless go to the polls in his own private airship to cast his first vote, but it is safe to say that he will take no more interest that day in doing his part toward keeping the U.S.A. the greatest country on the globe than his great-grandparents have taken in helping to make it what it is.
From notes furnished by a member of the family we learn that both Mr and Mrs. Bainter were born in Ohio-Mr. Bainter at Adamsville, Sept. 25, 1830 and Mrs. Bainter in Zanesville on Oct. 27, 1832. The first year of their married life was spent in their native state. From Ohio they came to Illinois, traveling a part of the distance to Cincinnati on the first train they had ever seen. Taking a boat there they came down the Ohio to Cairo, Ill. where they boarded a Mississippi steamboat and reached Warsaw after nine days of travel by national highways.
Locating near La Harpe, they lived for several years among the early settlers of Hancock County and then removed to their present home which they purchased for $25 per acre. That many of the friendships formed during these early years in the Prairie State are still unbroken, was evidenced by the hearty handclasps of the many old acquaintances who came to congratulate the worthy couple whom we had met to honor.
Seven of the fourteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bainter are still living and with the exception of Mrs. Jane Navens of Brooks, Iowa, are located near Stronghurst. These are Mrs. Nancy Veech, Mrs. Delie Doak, Mrs. Addie Ross, Mrs. Olive Beckett, Mrs. Orpha Lovitt and W. H. Bainter. There are 23 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, many of whom were present to help celebrate the anniversary. The date given above formed the foundation of a short speech by W. C. Ivins which was followed by the reading of a poem written for the occasion by J. C. Coulson of La Harpe. A number of old time songs concluded the program after which the wedding cake was cut and a luncheon was served on the lawn. Some one has said: "To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom, and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living." That these two aged people have mastered this lesson no one who known them can doubt.
GOOD CITIZEN MEETING: "Fundamentals of Citizenship" is the subject to be discussed by Rev. Dr A. A. Samson of New York City at a union meeting in the Stronghurst U. P. Church next Sunday evening. Dr. Samson is the field secretary of the National Reform Association which has its headquarters in Pittsburgh and is now on a speaking tour in Illinois and Iowa.
ACCIDENT AT THE STATION: Conductor Elzbeck of the local freight was standing in front of the station Friday afternoon when passenger train No. 9 , running something like 60 miles per hours. A piece of a brake shoe flew from under No.9 and struck Mr. Elzbeck on the leg with such force as to inflict an injury with necessitated his being ordered to the hospital where he has since been confined. This accident should serve as a warning to persons who chance to near the tracks when fast trains are passing to move away to a safe distance.
1895 GRAPHIC: F. Davidson had purchased the Parsons and Kline meat market in Stronghurst. N. W. Adams and son Lute left for Milton, Ia. to take charge of a farm they had purchased. At public sale of personal property held by Charles Kirby at his residence east of the village on Sept. 14 a fine four year old draft horse sold for $41, a bunch of feeding steers for $30,25 per head and another bunch for $37.25 per head.
George K. Peasley, a brother of C. E. Peasley, was killed near Julesburg, Colo. on the night of Sept. 17 while enroute to Omaha with a shipment of cattle from Greeley, Colo. While walking over the top of the train in the darkness the unfortunate man fell while stepping from one car to another, two cars and the caboose of the train passing over him. An ordinance providing for the construction of a sidewalk along the westside of Division St. from Dixson St. to the Santa Fe right of way was passed by the Stronghurst village council. Lafe Sympson and Fred Baldwin entered bicycle races at the Bushnell fair. The Graphic closed the 7th year of its existence.