The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Information in this book was obtained from interviews from Dr. and Mrs. I. F. Harter and Joe Long who were among early settlers living in Stronghurst at the time. This book was written in 1936 by the 7th Grade at Stronghurst School District #30, as a CIVIC's PROJECT of Mrs. Marie Swedlund.
Such good old times were held in Stronghurst so many years ago that we might wish to go back a few years and visit some.
The park was the main center of interest for the village. Long lines of trees were set out by Mr. Miller in a very picturesque way for looking from all angles a straight line of tall elm trees were seen. Then for more beauty a white picket fence surrounded it with turnstiles at each corner. A wonderful amusement for children. The huge cannon was commemorated to Hugh Evan, the first to die in the Battle of Pea Ridge of the Civil War.
George Morgan, leader of Evan's Cavalry dedicated it on May 30, Memorial Day, 1912. At present date a band stand (1936) and amusements for children such as swings, slides, and teeters afford great pastime.
It seemed the people of olden days enjoyed pleasure as much as we do today for many festivals and parties stirred the town. The first annual horseshow was held in Stronghurst on December 6, 1912. It displayed fine horses as well as dexterous riders. The amphitheater for this affair was a hay barn. Imagine the sweet odors from the drying clover added to the excitement of the race.
An opera house furnished shelter for many plays as well as operas and minstrels.
Then the men thinking they hadn't enough to do planned for a baseball field which was very successful, but a softball diamond was even more so, for often crowds of a hundred came out to watch the player's skill.
A fair grounds now provided for many a gala day of merriment, including acrobatics, horse racing, and circuses.
People liked to have their pictures taken or printed or something. Why? Because Stronghurst once boasted of two skylight photograph galleries, both of which, have now been burned or destroyed.
Last, but not least, was the Fourth of July celebrations. These were held in the "Grove" where picnic suppers, fireworks, and entertainment helped to pass the day. A few of these holidays were passed in Soldiers reunions to observe the dead ones of the past who helped to make our country free.
But, wait, what about our generations today. Truth of it is that we have fairs and picnics, etc, but I do not believe we have such festivities as the latter generations had.