The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
STRONGHURST HIGH IS BIGGEST WINNER IN BI-COUNTY MEET: Stronghurst proved an easy winner in the 18th annual track and field meet of the Henderson-Warren Secondary School League held at Kirkwood Friday, May 14th. The Stronghurst athletes amassed a total of 42 ½ points, a sum which is over one-third of all the available points in the meet. Stronghurst placed in all but two events, the mile and the 440 yard dash and won four first, six seconds four thirds and tied for one third place with three other schools. Stronghurst closest revival was Alexis, who taking five first places, one second place, one third place and tying with three other school for another third place, accumulated a total of 29 1/44 points, 13 less than the Stronghurst score… Stronghurst won the literary contest with Alfred Shallenberger placing first in the oration. Gladys Lant winning second in the declamation and Sarah Brook taking second place in the essay…
A very good showing was made in a number of events. Worden of Roseville threw the discus 110 ft. 7 inches approaching the record by 10 inches. Harold Smith of Stronghurst tossed the Javelin 152 feet, 9 inches. Cordy of Alexis stepped the 800-yard run in 2 minutes, 16 1/5 seconds. LaGraw of Roseville ran the 220-yard low hurdles in 27.1 seconds. The records for that event in 27 seconds. Edward Beardsley of Stronghurst ran and broad jumped 18 feet, 6 ¼ inches. Max Veech won the high jump with a leap of 5 feet 7 ½ inches (listing of field events included in the article) …
OBITUARY-H. G. KING: Henry G. King, for many years a resident of this community and a pioneer business man of Stronghurst, passed away at the hospital in Forest Grove, Oregon. May 8th. Friends were not surprised at his passing as he had suffered for more than a year from cancer. Mr. King was a native of Michigan, having been born at Holland, May 31, 1856 and thus lacked 23 days of living his allotted three score and then years.
He came to Illinois at an early age, residing for several years near Olena. On September 8, 1881 he united in marriage with Miss Amanda, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Nicholas, who owned part of the land on which the town of Stronghurst now stands. For several years Mr. King engaged in farming, but after the founding of the new town of Stronghurst, he engaged in the lumber business in partnership with R.C. Henry. Disposing of his interest in this partnership, he connected with various local enterprises in the village.
In 1901 Mr. and Mrs. King removed to Forest Grove, Oregon where they had continued to reside with the exception of two years spent at Lodi, Calif. Mrs. Kings’ death occurred July 26, 1922. On July 23, 1923 he married Miss Nettie V. Wilsher of Stronghurst. Mr. King is survived by his wife and the latter’s brother, Frank Wilsher, who has been making his home with them for the past two or three years; his half-brothers, Ed King of near Forest Grove; Will King of Wadena, Minn.; his sister, Mrs. Anna Francen of Galesburg.
Mr. King had been active in business affairs and had been honored by the people of his adopted city by election to positions of responsibility. For a number of years he had been engaged in the real estate business and owned a small farm where he resided near Forest Grove. Funeral services were held at the First Methodist Church with burial in the Forest Grove Cemetery beside his first wife.
PICNIC AND TOUR: The members of the Central County Calf Club composed of girls and boys around Biggsville and Gladstone had a fine time Saturday afternoon May 15th when they held their club tour and picnic. At noon the club and their parents gathered at the home of Mr.and Mrs. George Curtis where they spread the contents of their baskets and enjoyed a fine picnic dinner.
The tour was made at the homes of all the club members where they inspected their calves. The animals appeared without exception to be doing well and promise to be real beef animals by October 1st when the County Club show will be held at Stronghurst. Members of the club are Marie Malmberg, Lillian Malmberg, Kenneth Whiteman, William Gibb, Frederick Gibb, Ruth Lant, Boyd Stevenson, Kenneth Stevenson, Wane McGaw, Clark Curtis, Webster Sandy, and Robert Bigger. Page Randall is the leader.
WEDDING BELLS-RUTH & MUDD: On May 18th at the Baptist Church in Logansport, Ind. occurred the marriage of Miss Marie Mudd on this place and Mr. David S. Ruth. After the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Ruth left for Walton, Ind. to visit their newly purchased home. As they will not be able to get possession of their home until Aug. 1st, Mrs. Ruth will be engaged in Chautauqua work until then. Mrs. Ruth is a popular young lady of this vicinity and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. L. Mudd. The groom is a stranger here, but is a highly respected citizen of Walton, Ind. being a prominent business man there.
(In this issue: a long article about the upcoming Sunday School training program sponsored by the Henderson County Bible Association-a 2-day event. Another long article concerning the League meeting, a Christian group of young people form Monmouth, Kirkwood, Biggsville, Smithshire and Roseville.)
LOMAX LINGERINGS: The Lomax Industrial Corporation has begun planting their pickle crop. Several acres of onions and melons have been planted by the company. The Lomax grade school closed on Friday and the picnic was held on Saturday. The high school will close within two weeks. Born to John Eckhardt and wife a daughter. Louis Lant left for Kansas where he has employment in a factory; his wife will not leave until fall.
SPECIAL BOY SCOUT MEET: Scouts held a gala meeting as a climax to an efficiency contest which had been going on since Feb. 23rd. Most of the Scouts were present. Herbert Brook, high point scout, received a scout axe as an award given by Mr. F. O. Tweed. Myrle Myers stood second and received two bar pins. Richard Myers was highest in his patrol and received two bar pin. The three highest scouts in efficiency points in the latter semi-finals were Joseph Earle Dixson, Everett Upton and Lester McKeown each receiving a bar pin award. A new patrol will be organized with Herbert Brook as Patrol Leader. .
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: Phil Chant has returned home from Agro, Illinois for in indefinite stay. J. W. Opie of Trivoli, Illinois, the owner of the Stronghurst Feed Mill was a business caller. Miss Alice Hicks has closed her school at Ormonde and returned to her home here. G. E. Gerling of Burlington spent last Sunday at the A.E. Wetterling home south of Stronghurst. Orville McKeown has accepted a position at the Stronghurst Grain and Merchandise Co. W.A. Keener left for Burlington where he joined an excursion to Florida. A report says that George Foote of Chillicothe, Ill. will return to Stronghurst soon and take charge of the large Foote farm south of town. (This is the grandson of the original George Foote.) Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Jenkins of Terre Haute have returned from a visit with their daughter, Mrs. Cecil McCoy of Pittsfield, Illinois. The Senior Class is enjoying an educational picnic at Nauvoo and Keokuk with Prof. Dawson. Dr. F. M. Henderson is using “the Safety first” method by having the roof of his residence covered with asphalt shingles. A. E. Moore and his force are doing the work. Little Ross Dowell, the seven year old son of Mr. and Mrs. W. K. Dowell living on the Harter farm five miles west of town, fell from a horse he was riding and fractured his arm. Dr. Wm. E. LeCroy and daughters Mary Helen and Margaret drove to Peoria where they met Mrs. LeCroy who had been visiting her parents at Champaign. The Stronghurst Feed Mill will be in charge of the E. G. Lewis Seed Co. for one year. Mrs. Helen Burrell returned home after spending a few months in Galesburg. Her daughters, Misses Leone and Garnett Burrell are staying at the Catherine Club in Galesburg. Miss Hazel Kirby was hostess to a party of Stronghurst friends who spent the weekend at the cottage about four miles south of Keithsburg owned by her aunt, Mrs. James Milligan. The party was composed of Miss Kirby, Miss Mary Adams, Miss Ethel Seaton, Dixson Jones, Albert Nicholas, Mr. and Mrs. Orville Boyd and Mrs. Johanna Wheeling.
At Monmouth, Mr. Chester Brooks and sister, Miss Ruth Brooks, and Mr. E. D. Walker were present at a musical given by Barrere Little Symphony sponsored by the Monmouth Music Club. Brick ice cream is available at Worley’s Drug Store. Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Evans of Emerson, Iowa have been visiting their son, Marion Evans the past week. A new oak floor is being laid in the kitchen and pantry of the M. E. Parsonage. The Ladies’ Aid will do the rest. Mrs. Alice DeAtley of Kansas City, Mo. came for a short visit with her mother, Mrs. S.S.Slater and sisters, Miss Grace Slater and Mrs. W. C. Ivins. Dr. Albert Britt, the newly installed president of Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois has been secured to deliver the commencement address this year. Mr. I.F. Harter and Mrs. Zula Allison entertained the King’s Daughters at their home Thursday afternoon. A delicious lunch was served.
BARN BURNS: Last Tuesday, May 18, at about 2:30 am the people of the village and surrounding community were awakened by the piercing cries of the fire siren. Before many realized what it was all about, the fire truck was heard rushing on its way to the east part of town where the large barn on the Miss Lucretia Bruen property was found to be rapidly becoming demolished by flames. Soon a large crowd had gathered to watch the fire which made the vicinity within a radius of some 50 to 60 yards almost as bright as day.
The fire was discovered too late for the firemen to extinguish and a steady eastern wind blew the sparks across the alley and set the barn on the Mrs. Ells Griffiths property ablaze. However, the firemen were able to extinguish this blaze using water for first time in Stronghurst since the new fire truck was purchased. The firemen report that the Tuesday morning fire was one of the hottest they have yet fought. Fireman L. E. McAndrews, while directing a stream of water into the blaze had a hole burned through his heavy rubberized fireman’s coat; a lumber jack sweater which he was wearing underneath it caught on fire and his brother firemen were forced to turn a stream of water on him in order to extinguish the blaze.
Two Ford touring cars in the Bruen barn were destroyed: one belonged to Robert Shafer and the other to his father-in-law, Mr. McKune. The Bruen barn was completely demolished, but insured for full value. The roof of the Griffith barn was destroyed, but that building was also insured. The origin of the fire is unknown. Undoubtedly, much more damage would have been done if it had not been for the speedy action of the firemen. Stronghurst is to be congratulated when having such a well-equipped fire department and praise is due to all of the fire fighters.
From the Media Broadcaster: Graduation-The graduation exercise took place Friday evening May 14th at the Media Public School with Rev. Wm.Cross delivering the address, “The Triumphant Arch.” Mrs. Mildred Beall presented the diplomas and certificates with a few gracious words….Thomas Reese, having made an average of 98 % in his examinations, was awarded the Media Township State Normal Scholarship. The following students were presented pins for perfect attendance during the past term: Carolyn Beall, Lawrence Pogue, Thomas Reese, John Voorhees, Harold Powell and Margaret Eberhardt. Jasper Shoemaker, principal, wishes to state that this term of teaching has been one of his most successful and he sincerely appreciates the fact that it is the desire of the directors, patrons and students for his return next year. The Baccalaureate sermon for the class of 1926 will be held Sunday evening, May 23rd at the United Church. The members of this class are Lillian Mink, Gwendolyn Hixson, Frances Drain, Goldie Heap and William Pogue.
LOCAL MEDIA NEWS FROM THE BROADCASTER: The Men’s Bible Class from Lomax will be guests at the church next Sunday morning. The men are welcoming an exchange of ideas which will benefit both organizations. The Freshmen and Sophomore Classes enjoyed a picnic supper at Crapo Park in Burlington. The big invitation track meet held at Burlington Saturday, Media came out with high honors by producing the high point man, Charles Vaughn. Vaughn took first place in both the 100 and 220 yd. dash. Miss Anna LaVelle and pupils of South Prairie School hiked to the woods to enjoy a picnic dinner. Mrs. Ethel Pogue recently purchased the property in town owned by John Sudam.
BIGGSVILLE BRIEFS: Robert Lukens, who has made an extended stay at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Olliman and son Claire Lukens of Monmouth, returned to the home of his son Will near Gladstone last week. The high school Latin class of which Miss Grace Selboldt is teacher, enjoyed a wienie roast Wednesday evening in the orchard of Ora Smith. Members of the class present were Enid McGaw, Louise, Johnson, Hazel and Helen Sterett, Mary Eva Pence, Louise Gibb, Margaret Mc Millan, Rowena Rowley and Herschel Moffit. Prof. and Mrs. Everett, Mrs. Leon Price and Miss Edna Jamison were also present.
A reunion of some of the older people who were former pupils of the Coloma school gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Anderson who had as house guest her mother, Mrs. A. Miller of Burlington, her aunt, Mrs. Cunningham of Sandwich, Ill. and her uncle, John Beck of Eden, Ill. All had attended the Coloma School. At noon a fine cafeteria dinner was served after which school days were recalled and stories of escapades and other activities being thoroughly enjoyed by the company. A number of pictures were taken. (Anyone have a copy?) Besides those already mentioned attending were from the home neighborhood: Mrs. Jennie Martin McIntosh, Mrs. Lizzie Edmunds Rankin, Mrs. Mar Whiteman Myers, Mrs. Jennie McMillan Weir, Mrs. Carrie McMillan Graham, Frank Graham, John Weir, Will Weir, John and Robert Mekemson. (What a good list of neighbors!) Other guests Mrs. Robert Mekemson, Mr. and R. A. Hutchinson, Henderson Sloan, A. Miller, Mrs. Edgar Gray and daughter Beth and John Mekemson.
Miss Jean Mekemson returned home to Memphis, Tenn. where she has been in a hospital for hip trouble. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Boyd of Fall River, Mass. came for a visit at the homes of their nephews, John and Robt. Boyd. Jack Stevenson is getting around on crutches having a badly sprained ankle from chasing hogs, stepping on a corn cob and turning his ankle. Misses Helen, Marjorie and Rosemary Mckenna who have been at attending school at their former home at Danville, Ia., are home here now. Ted Weir and Miss Louise Wittman and Mr. and Mrs. Leon Price were some of the excursion goers last Sabbath from Burlington to Oquawka. (This form of sightseeing was quite popular in this time period.)
Mac, little son of Rev. and Mrs. F. M. Caughey, entertained on Saturday afternoon at his home in honor of his fifth birthday, pupils, teachers and superintendents of the primary department of the United Presbyterian Church, there being about 40 present. Outdoor and indoor games were enjoyed by the little people. Paper caps were given the children and forming a line, marched to the dining room led by Mac who carried a flag. Here the candle bedecked birthday cake and tall pink candles which decorated the table, formed an attractive picture. Pink and white brick ice cream and cookies as well as birthday cake and pink and white lollipops were served to the children. The little guest of honor was the recipient of several nice gifts.
CARMAN CONCERNS: Mr. Walter Lanctor of Chicago is here for a three-week vacation among relatives. Albert Runge of Chicago is spending a few days here with relative. Mr. R. Hugg of Burlington was at his farm about two miles east of the village. Mr. and Mrs. L. Davenport of Peoria spent Wednesday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rehling. Mr. Davenport is one of the head agents for writing the Federal Life Insurance. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Logan and family are moving on the Dannenberg farm about 4 miles north of the village. Mrs. A. E. Cowdry still remains quite poorly. She was a caller at the office of Dr. H. L. Marshall office in Stronghurst accompanied by her daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Burnett. Miss Ethel Irene Hoots who has been teacher in the primary room the past three terms, left for Macomb to attend Normal the coming summer tern. She will teach next term near Macomb. Mrs. Hupp who ahs been principal of the school has again been employed for the coming term. Miss Davis of Jacksonville, Ill. is employed for the primary room the coming term. Fred Clover visited his brother Harry Clover in Denmark, Ill. The Ladies Aid Society will serve a 6 o’clock dinner at their room on Thursday. The menu consists of roast chicken, ham, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, scalloped corn, pickles, lettuce salad, jelly, radishes, onions, bread and butter, coffee, home made ice cream and cake. The proceeds will help pay the minister’s salary.