The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
Stronghurst Graphic, May 29, 2018
DIVIDE FIRST HONORS: In the final meet of the season Stronghurst High School with Frank Wilcox high point man tied for first in the Henderson County Meet at Biggsville. Terre Haute with Aebal Shumate, their leading point winner, and Stronghurst both scored 34 points. Stronghurst won the relay race by a wide margin, setting a new record for the 660 yard distance of 1"14 2-5. In spite of the fact that it was a chilly, windy day, competition was so keen that six records were broken and two tied.
Wilcox and Shumate were the stars of the day, each winning 15 points. Frank took first in the 50, 100 and 220 yd. dashes while the Terre Haute boy won the quarter mile and half mile and placed in the 50, 100, 220 yd. dashes. (Look at this issue at the Henderson County Public Library for all of the placing.)
THE SENIOR CLASS (this was written by class reporter and offer insight to these people):John Simonson Brook enjoyed the English class most of all. He seemed very much concerned about a certain "red English book" of Miss Seaton's John's favorite flower is the yellow daffodil, I wonder why? William Roderick Butler, otherwise known as Bill, is the class poet. We Seniors think he's fine so have bestowed upon him the name, "Shakespeare." James Benjamin Curtis, commonly known as "Jimmie" (the sheik of the Senior class-Rudolph Valentino, a Hollywood actor was a big romantic star known for his portrayal of the sheik) is a well known actor, having appeared in several plays known throughout the world. Oh, Yes, he and Malcolm are great photographers in English class. Very few have escaped their watchful eyes and mirrors. Chalmer Clyde Gittings is known to the Seniors as Aristotle, Chalmer claimed that he went home on weekends because his parents wished him to work, but we know that it was because of the belle of Lomax. Raymond Francis Johnson is just Olie to the Seniors. He seems to be very bashful yet he forgets his bashfulness in the presence of a certain dark eyed beauty. Frederick William Kershaw is really just Fred. Although Freddie throughout most of his high school career has been a confirmed bachelor, we note with regrets that he has fallen for Maggie, the long haired Senior beauty. Ralph Theodore Knutstrom has bewitched the dignity of the Senior Junior through this last year. Helen Graham Lant, probably as a reward for not having her hair bobbed, is sporting a beautiful new wrist watch. Margaret Blanche McElhinney is the girl who makes Mary Pickford (Hollywood star) jealous with her beautiful raven curls. Maggie is one of our two horse and buggies. Lois Bernice McKeown is our "Wild Irish Rose." Lois had a fine time at the Latin club picnic. Did John? Morgan Dale Parish, or rather Rick, wants the public informed so that there will be no mistake when the class appears at graduation that he is an honest to goodness Senior, not a mascot. Lloyd Dale Rankin is the Senior with a glowing top knot. Red is on the road to fame in the movie production line and will soon rival Griffith. Ray Norwood Salter is another who forgets his high estate and looks with favor on a junior. Ray's hands may be cold for the ice that he juggles, but his heart is not. Sarah Helen Shaw is the optimist of the class, seemingly always happy and care-free. One of the arts that Sarah is truly proficient in is the art of laughing. Malcolm Isaac Smith is known to the public by the name of Talc. Poor little Malcolm is so very much abused and is always getting the worst end of the bargain. Talc's eyes aren't especially keen, however, he's able to distinguish a shot gun in a garage in the early hours of the morning. Russell Carothers White is the renowned orator of the Senior class. Few people appreciate the nickname Winnie, but to Russell it has a new meaning all of its own. Agnes Marguerite Findley, otherwise known as Aggie, is the shingle haired Belle of the Senior class. Romantically, she sighs for one who is far away. It is said that "Hold the Fort" is her favorite song in Sunday School.
SHE'S HIKING THE ACROSS THE US: Miss Payne, a resident of California, started to hike across the continent from San Diego to New York January 2, 1924. At the same time another hike started from New York to San Diego. They expected to meet somewhere in Illinois. Last Monday, Miss Payne stopped at the Calvin home south of Stronghurst for a night's rest. In recounting her experiences she said that she had worn out seven pairs of shoes in coming this far. She said that a reward of $1,000($14,356 in today's values) had been offered to each of the hikers and that an additional prize of $500($7,180 in today's values) would be given to the one crossing the continent first.
SOCIAL LIFE-THE LATIN CLUB PICNIC: The Latin Club, sponsored by Miss Adams, Miss Landon and Miss Seaton, held a picnic at Crapo Park in Burlington last Saturday afternoon. The members of the club met here shortly before 4 p.m. They were assigned to their respective cars and started for Burlington about a half hour later. The roads in the park were found to be closed and they were forced to leave the cars at the entrance. Although the weather was rather chilly, the picnic supper was held in the customary place on the picnic grounds. Afterward the different groups separated and attended shows downtown. Returning home later they were attracted by the music of fiddlers and stopped to watch the weekly dance held at Olena. They arrived in town around 11 o'clock well satisfied with their evening's entertainment.
JUNIOR-SENIOR BANQUET: The annual banquet given by the Juniors of the high school to the Seniors will be held at the Community Club room at 6:30 o'clock Saturday evening, May 31st. Judging from the size of the program the juniors are having printed, an excellent meal will be served and fine entertainment provided for the Seniors.
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: Mr. M. H. Petersen of the Illinois Agricultural Association will talk and explain the area plan of tuberculosis eradication at the Palace Theatre in Biggsville on the evening of June 4th at 8 p.m. Mrs. W. L. Spiker spent a few days last week in the home of her brother, Charles Charter and family of the Olena neighborhood. While at the Charter home, she tripped and fell on the cement walk but fortunately no bones were broken but sustained a severe shaking up.
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: Some farmers have been shelling their old corn and delivering it to the elevator the past week. Elmer Rambo, a resident of this place some 25-30 years ago was visiting in town. He remembered graduating 30 years ago at this time of year under W. C. Ivins. He now lives in Neb. and is engaged in the produce business. His sister Alma is married and lives on farm near him. Mr. and Mrs. AR. Brooks are having a new modern home erected on the site of the old one just west of town (on the southwest corner of Division and Nichols). Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Long left for a week's visit with their daughter, Mrs. L.L. Hill at Olney, Ill. Fishing season opens June first. Buy your license from C. M. Bell and your fishing poles and tackle from Edward Logan. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Houston of the Old Bedford neighborhood are the parents of a daughter born at their home May 17th. Harold Simonson was present at the 1st anniversary dinner and evening at the Blandinsville Masonic temple. Mr. and Mrs. A. O. McQuown of Red Oak, Ia. were called here by the death of her brother, W. A. Stewart of Carman. Mrs. L. M. Linderman of Maxwell, Ia. came to visit for two to three weeks at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. F. McMillan where she is becoming acquainted with her new granddaughter.
Mrs. T. D. Steffey wishes us to say for her that the listing of lots 1 to 4 in Thompson's addition to Stronghurst in the delinquent tax list of Henderson County for 1923 taxes was an error. Mrs. Steffey says that the taxes on this piece of property were paid early this year and she naturally objects to being listed as delinquent. Mrs. Catlin, mother of Elder Catlin of Old Bedford Church passed away at the home of her daughter in Kewanee last Wednesday, aged 74 years. The body was brought to Old Bedford where the funeral was held and interment was in the Blandinsville Cemetery. Mr. Nicholas spent Saturday afternoon playing tennis in the park. Tennis seems to be a popular game this summer as both courts are occupied every evening. Mrs. Grover Ewing of La Harpe, formerly of Stronghurst, is dangerously ill with pneumonia. The graduating class is doing their full share in paying for the Burlington Bridge these days (they are paying the toll charge to socialize in Burlington. Cars paid a toll both ways to use the MacArthur Bridge). Frances Mahaffey and Irene Kershaw returned home from the county track meet with Sarah Brook and spent the night at her home. Don't ask how much trouble they had getting home. Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Clausen have recently moved to the Twin Cities in Minnesota where they will prepare themselves for intensive religious work. Mrs. Clausen, formerly Miss Marie Larson, was for several years a highly esteemed teacher in our high school.
Mrs. A. R. Brooks was awarded the blue ribbon on one dozen light Brahma eggs which she had entered in the National Poultry and Egg Show at Purdue University. She received a prize of one dollar. Gossip says a dance pavilion on a rather elaborate scale is being erected in Olena. Drs. Henderson and Henderson left to attend the National Osteopathic Convention in Kirksville; this convention marks the 50th anniversary of Osteopathy. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer McLain of Red Oak, Ia., visited his aunt, Mrs. Hettie McLain at the C. M. Bell home. Hez Butler and wife have returned from a week's visit in the home of their son John and family on the farm where they are getting ready to build a new barn soon. Contractor, A. E. Moore and his assistants will have the carpenter work.
COMING! HONEST BILL'S SHOW: Honest Bill's Americas' Best Shows will spread its thousands of yards of canvas and give two complete performances at Stronghurst on June 3rd. This show represents more wealth than any other overland show and is absolutely the largest in America, carrying over 100 head of performing horses, mules and ponies, 70 people-tumblers, acrobats, benders, trapeze and playing performers and then those funny fellows, the clowns that keep you laughing from the opening to the closing of the Big Show-the best talent and acts money can secure.
In the Wild West Arena, you will find real contest riders and ropers, featuring Panhandle Slim, who has won more prize money than any other man in the saddle during the past eight years. Also Kid Slocum, Oklahoma Charley and Chief Eagle will be riding the best bunch of outlaw and bucking horses ever gotten together.
In the big Animal Annex you will see Elephants, Lions, Camels, Tiger, Leopards, Monkeys, Gorilla, Ape, Elk, Buffalo and many others. This collection alone cost over $50,000 ( $718,000 in today's values).
The pony with human intelligence and the undisputed champion of all champions will be on display. The only spotted Shetland pony "Cupid" actually possesses more genuine sense than lots of people.
Remember this is the 19th season for this mammoth organization, never changing only in size and splendor, bigger, grander and better than ever. The Honest Bill's Shows motto is" the same Quantity, Quality and Cleanliness." Forget the minnows and come to see the whale.
***OBITUARY***WM. A. STEWART: The funeral of Wm. A. Stewart who died May 21, 1924 was conducted by his pastor, W. M. Lorimer of Biggsville. Short services were held at the home at 10 o'clock and then at the U. P. church at Biggsville of which he had been a member since early boyhood. A large crowd had gathered to pay their respect to a faithful friend and neighbor, who was ever ready to help at every possible chance, counting duty to his fellow man first. He was a devoted father who leaves to mourn 5 grandchildren, besides the brothers and sisters. The sympathy of the whole community goes out to the family who have lost both mother and father in a little over one year and the daughter, Mrs. Hazel Hook of Colfax Wash., who had just gave birth to a son and circumstances had made it impossible for her to attend all of the funerals. The casket bearers were the nephews and the floral offerings were many and beautiful. Those in attendance from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Orr McQuown and Mr. Elmer McLain of Red Oak, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Milton Smith of Blandinsville; Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Stewart and sons Carl and Frank and daughter Madge; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Stewart, W. I. Thompson, Lee Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. M. R. Gallangher-all of Monmouth and two daughters of Oquawka;: Mrs. C. J. Anderson and son John of Ft. Madison, Ia., and son Mr. W. H. Wilson of Des Moines, Iowa.