The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Stronghurst Graphic Oct. 5, 1923
PLANTS BLACK SAND: The sandy land of Henderson and adjoining counties is not usually considered good corn land when compared with the black land of the prairies, but the facts are that this blow sand land can be made to produce corn almost equal to the average black prairie land. On the Oquawka Experiment Field on blow sand treated with limestone and sweet clover turned under as green manure, the corn in 1921 yielded 56 bu. per acre. On the Carthage Experiment Field located on good black prairie soil which received the lime sweet clover treatment, the corn yield for 1921 was 54 bu. per acre. The soil treatment on the Oquawka field was begun in 1914 and during the past years has shown some remarkable gain for corn, rye, wheat soybeans, alfalfa and sweet clover.
A PARTY ON THE STREET: The Murad Grotto of Burlington paid Stronghurst a visit last Monday night and entertained the local Masons. They were accompanied by the Grotto band, a high class and well balanced musical organization, who gave a concert on the street that was thoroughly enjoyed by all present and each number was heartily applauded. Arrangements were made with Boyd & Wheeling to serve the hot weenie sandwiches and coffee to take care of the crowd. Tables were placed out on the sidewalk and everybody on the street was served with all they could eat and drink. The visitors were a lively bunch and kept things going all the time. After the concert several solos were sung by different members of the party. It was a late hour when the last of the contingent left town and we look forward to their coming again. On account of the short notice of their coming, the best of arrangements were not made to receive them, but we'll give them a rousing reception the next time if they decide to return.
ANOTHER BARN BURNS: Shortly after 11 o'clock Sunday night a large barn and implement shed on the Tobe Butler farm south of town burned to the ground and practically all the contents were consumed. Flames had already eaten its way up the side of the building and to the roof and left damage beyond repair. Valiant work on the part of neighbors saved another large barn close by from being destroyed by the flames. The barn destroyed was one that was used chiefly for storing and no stock was kept there. If contained about four tons of hay and some grain and other miscellaneous articles. The implement shed contained a mower and many parts of other machinery, all of which were destroyed. The fire of unknown origin seemed to have started in the top of the barn as that is where the blaze first burst forth. Mr. Butler, in taking out a new wagon out of the barn, was severely burned on the head and neck, the burn, while not of a serous nature, were very painful. Insurance was carried on the buildings which will practically cover the loss.
BREWER BARN LOSS PAID: On Sept. 21st I lost my barn and contents by fire. Today ( Oct. 2nd) the Aetna Fire Insurance Co., by its agent, A. F. Kaiser, handed me a draft for the full amount without discount. I cheerfully recommend the Atena to those who which reliable insurance and courteous treatment. James Brewer
MELONS STOLE: Mat Hulet informed us that a few days previous while he was absent from home, thieves entered his watermelon patch and hauled away several loads of his best melons. He has a pretty good idea who the miscreants are and says if they do not settle with him in a short time, he will have them placed under arrest. Any one that would steal from a man trying to eke out an honest living down on the sand bottom should be tarred and feathered and run out of the country. This is about the only source of revenue he has and it is all hard work under adverse conditions.
RUM RUNNERS FINED: Mr. and Mrs. Louis Schachel and O. Fisher, all of Burlington, were arrested at Media last Thursday night and 3 ½ gallons of liquor were found in their possession. They were taken before Judge Gordon Monday and at a hearing plead guilty to a charge of transporting liquor. The judge fined the woman $200 and costs and the men were given a fine of $100 and costs and 90 days in jail.
INJURED AT GAME: Clarence (Buck) Hartquist, playing with the Blandinsville football team at that place last Sunday in a game against Bushnell, was struck on the back of the head and serious injured. On account of the injury affecting his nervous system, it was not deemed advisable to bring him home and he was taken to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Roberts. Last reports state that he is getting along nicely.
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: The ladies of the Christian Church will hold a sale of homemade bread, pies, cakes, etc. at Logan's Meat Market on Oct. 7th. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Steffey and Mr. and Mrs. Otto Steffey left by auto for Maysville, Mo. to attend a family reunion at the home of Mr. Steffey's sister, Mrs. Ada Winter. Mrs. Joe Huff was the principle of a pleasant surprise when a number of ladies called at her home to help her celebrate her birthday. A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Highfield, but the child was still born to the sorrow of parents. It was taken to Dallas City for burial. J.F. Farley, Opal Dodds, Dale Dodds and Elizabeth Ewing who have been motoring through the South and East returned home.
RARITAN REPORTS: F. L. Wells had the misfortune to fall last Thursday evening and break his leg near the hip. He was painting the roof of the hotel and just as he was quitting for the evening, the ladder slipped causing him to fall from the high part to the low part of the roof. Dr. Hoyt was immediately summoned and Mr. Wells was taken to the Monmouth hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cameron are the proud parents of a baby girl born Sept. 30th and has been named Lucille. The mother was formerly Miss Mabel Cavins. A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Cook, on Oct. 1st.