The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Stronghurst Graphic, Feb. 23, 1922
HOMES QUARANTINED: The R. W. Upton, Jas. Dobbs, Geo. Hoffeditz and L. E. Morey homes in the village and the P. J. Johnson home in the country have been placed under quarantine by the Health officials on account of the existence of a malady amongst the children which physicians have diagnosed as scarlet fever. No serious developments have appears in any of the cases. As a precautionary measure, however, a temporary ban has been placed upon public gatherings in the village and the schools have been dismissed for the week. The public gathering ban will be in place until next Sabbath and there will therefore be no services of any kind held in the various churches in the village until that date.
A WAISTFUL AFFAIR: The Loyal Women's class of the Christian Church held their regular meeting at the home of Mrs. L. A. Wilson with a full attendance. During the social hour delicious refreshments were served by the hostess. The date marked the close of the apron contest which was started several weeks ago. A small apron with a large pocket was sent out to friends with the request that they place pennies to the amount of their waist in the pocket and return it. The first division of the class under the leadership of Mrs. Mary Kern turned in $70.22 while the second division with Mrs. LM. Wilson as captain had $88.80 which above that they have a lot of big waisted or big hearted friends. As per agreement, the losing side will put up a feed in the near future. The ladies wish to thank all who responded so generously with their "waist" money.
DEATH OF MISS GOLDA BOOTEN: Miss Golda Booten died at the home of her mother, Mrs. Wm. Booten of Olena at about 11:45 o'clock Tuesday night, Feb. 21st after a lingering illness.
FIRE PROTECTION MEETING: A citizens meeting called by the Stronghurst Commercial Club to discuss better fire protection for Stronghurst was held at the village hall. John A. Raab of Dallas City was present by invitation and addressed the assembled group telling them what has been accomplished in his city in the way of securing fire fighting equipment and appliances. He stated that an electric siren had been installed on a 60 ft. tower at the expense of nearly $1,000 and that a chemical engine costing around $1,800 had provided supplementary assistance to the pressure system afforded by the water tower and mains.
The siren and chemical engine had been secured without appropriation of any city funds, the firemen's organization assuming the obligation of paying for same from funds raised by popular subscription and money raised in other ways. He said that at a recent union Sunday evening service held in the city something like $560 was subscribed toward the fund. Another way in which the fund was augmented was by the collection of the 2% tax which the state laws provide may be collected from foreign insurance companies on the premiums paid by their policy holders in cities and villages which have properly organized and regulated fire companies and fire fighting equipment.
A Mr. Chamberlain, representing the Fire Equipment Co. of Chicago, was present and on request explained the working of the Federal electric siren handled by his company and which he stated could be purchased for around $375 for the siren along and to which would have to be added the cost of installation including wiring and switches. He gave some probable costs of exchanging the horse drawn fire engine now owned by the village for a modern motorized fire truck and equipment.
The meeting did not result in any definite action, but before adjourning a motion prevailed that another citizens meeting be called to consider the proposition of organizing a fire company which would meet the requirement of the law under which provision is made to collect the 2% tax on insurance premiums.