The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Stronghurst Graphic, July 27, 1922
CHAIN LETTERS AGAINST THE LAW: Quite a few people of Stronghurst have been victims of the old "chain letter" fake and as usual the old threats of dire misfortune for the one who breaks the chain are made. Reports from widely scattered cities show the letters have gained national circulation and postal authorities have started an investigation.
Circulation of chain letters of any kind through the mail is absolutely prohibited by the postal laws and severe penalties are provided for all who lend assistance in this propagation. A few years ago religious fanatics of various denominations restored to this method of spreading ideas of their beliefs and the practice became such a nuisance that the post office took action to end the practice.
BUSINESS CHANGES: Gilbert Simpson is moving his battery service station into the P. W. Wallin Building and has formed a partnership with his brother Perry and will carry an accessory line of tires and other automobile equipment along with their battery service and electrical repair work. They have also taken over the gasoline station and will handle greases and oil Geo. Widney will continue in the garage department and will handle all automobile parts. P. W. Wallin has a sales room space reserved for the sale of Hudson, Essex, Lexington and Gardner cars. (The automobile industry was in its infancy stage and all kinds of vehicles were being sold.)
SURPRISED THEIR FRIENDS: The many friends of Phillip M. Staley and Miss Rhoda Edmunds received a surprise when it became known that they had quietly slipped away to Galesburg last Friday and had been united in the bonds of wedlock by the Rev. Wakefield, Pastor of the Galesburg M. E. Church. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Mary Edmunds of Terre Haute. She was educated in the Terre Haute schools and later attended and graduated form Hedding Academy in Abingdon, Ill. The groom is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Staley of this city. He was educated in the Stronghurst schools and is a graduate of high school. He is a valued employee of the State Bank; his diligent service and exemplary character has won him a position of trust and responsibility.
APPLY NOW: A large number of veterans through the country, probably thousands, who have neglected to apply for a certificate of injury, need to do so now. Failure will militate against the veterans in making application for compensation under the Veterans' Bureau in the event that he fails to apply for compensation within 5 years from date of discharge. The Director of the Bureau, Col. Charles R. Forbes, is urging veteran organizations to advise their members of the necessity of securing such a certificate (Paper contains a long article about this topic.)
***OBITUARY*** WILLIAM BEST: William Best, oldest son of James and Sarah McCoulough Best was born March 9, 1839 near Olena and died July 19, 1922 at the old home where he has lived for over 80 years. (Aged 83 years, 4 months and 10 days.) His father, mother, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister Isabella Best. Rev. Kyle of Media conducted the funeral service and burial in the Olena Cemetery. (Olena was founded about 1833 so, indeed, here was an old pioneer.)
RARITAN REPORTS: Marguerite Stilwell of California is visiting her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Eldert. Her mother was former Maud Eldert of this town and is expected to arrive soon; it has been 13 years since she has seen her parents and visited the old home town. A nine pound daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Rice on July 24th. The Misses Opal White and Bertha Payne, who took a week's course of Bible study in Shurtliff College at Upper Alton, arrived home.
OLENA OBSERVATIONS: Mrs. Leslie Lyons is making some improvement. Mrs. Peyton returned from David Dobbin home and is expecting to do nursing near Terre Haute. The Peterson brothers are threshing for Will Hicks who has grain on the George Fort and John Lant farms. Wheat is said to be making a good average and is of an excellent quality. Gossip says that Mr. and Mrs. Frank Veech and daughter are riding in a spick and span new Dodge car. The Burlington Gazette records the wedding of Mr. Wm. Brown and Mrs. Ollie Dalton which took place in that city. Miss Hazel Hicks spent the last week in Burlington. The Misses Violet Lant, Audra Marsden and Vera Deitrick spent Friday and Saturday in Oquawka taking the teacher's examination. Miss Headly has been employed to teach the Hopper school. Remember all road lead to Olena for the Homecoming on July 29th.
LOMAX LINGERINGS: Mrs. Nellie Ogburn has returned to her home at Los Angeles, California. Born on July 15th to Herman Cartwright and his wife, Ruth Whiteman Cartwright, a 8 1/2 lb. daughter. James Farren's hay and stock barn burned with most all of its contents including hay binder and other implements. The origin of the fire is unknown.
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: Mrs. Harry Ross will entertain the King's Daughters at her home. Miss Lura Speck and Miss Emma Marshall will give an account of their trip through the East. Master Charles Peasley entertained about 18 of his little friends with various games and amusements. One novel feature was "taking horseback rides." At five o'clock refreshments were served with dainty favors for each child.
BIGGSVILLE BRIEFS: A Knoxville, Tenn. Glee Club will give an entertainment Thursday evening at the United Presbyterian Church. Rev. Wm. Lormier and family will leave soon in their big Hudson car on their annual trip to Indiana and Pennsylvania; they expect to be gone three weeks. The tennis court on the Presbyterian lawn is proving to be quite a play ground; the favorite time is from 6:30 o'clock until dusk. A goodly number will arise at four o'clock in the morning in order to get in some play time. Mrs. A. H. Van Tuyle of Culvert City, Calif., who has been visiting her daughter, Mrs. Edgar Bergreen, left for Mt. Union, Iowa to visit.
MEDIA MEANDERINGS: Ernie Spiker of Stronghurst has been employed by the ladies of the U.P. church to redecorate the interior and will begin work soon. Farmers are in the midst of the threshing. Norman Grossman has two machines and Heap Bros. have one. A delegation of 30 cars for the drive given by the Greater Burlington Association accompanied by the Orchard City band stopped a short time. The band furnished some good music and members of the association distributed advertising in the form of fans, caps and balloon to the kiddies and citizens who had gathered to greet them. Several races among the children were held. The E. G. Lewis Seed Co. served lemonade and presented them with some of their souvenirs. Miss Faree Mathers is home after spending six weeks at the Illinois Teachers' College in Macomb. Elgie Rhea who is the mail carrier between here and Raritan has been quite ill, a victim of typhoid fever. He is able to now sit up some each day. Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Pendarvis are enjoying some fine music, speeches, etc. which they receive by radio.
GLADSTONE GLEANINGS: Dr. and Mrs. B. L. Ditto have returned from their extended tour of the West. Members of the Stone Quarry Co. and about 14 people from Chicago held a picnic at the quarry on Sunday. The fast train No.6, which comes through at 4:30 was stopped in order to let the Chicago people return. They expect to open up the quarry next Monday and continue through the winter. John Knutsrom, Sr. had a very bad spell at his home and is under the doctor's care. An outdoor service was held at the M. E. Church last Sunday evening using electricity to light the grounds. They are making needed repairs to the church.