The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
NEW BOSTON CANNING FACTORY: Chas. E. Fort, Jr.; G. C . Rehling and A.E. Jones motored to New Boston where they inspected the canning factory of the United Foods Co. which is endeavoring to establish a branch plant here. The gentlemen bring back very favorable reports. The plant runs about three months out of the year canning tomatoes, pumpkin, cabbage and corn and employs some 80 laborers. A large greenhouse operated by the company furnishes the young vegetable plants. The main building is a large concrete structure which has just had a recent addition of a building 50x 150 feet. The factory seems to be a great benefit to New Boston has products have a ready sale and plentiful money is in circulation…Sale of stock and the pledging of acreage is progressing as rapidly as could be hoped for considering the bad condition of the roads which has made it almost impossible to solicit outside of town here in Stronghurst.
KILLED BY A TREE: Clyde Anderson was instantly killed Wednesday after Feb. 16th in a sad accident which occurred in the Evans’ timber southwest of Stronghurst. He and several other men were engaged in cutting down a tree. As the tree began to fall, the men stepped out of its path, but it hit another tree knocking a huge limb from it which descended and struck Mr. Anderson on the head, unawares, fracturing his skull; he died instantly. Coroner W.J. Emerson of Lomax was summoned and a jury called which found the death of Clyde Alva Anderson to have resulted from accidentally being hit on the head, fracturing his skull.
The deceased was the son of Mr. Alva Anderson and Mrs. Emma Murray Anderson, who now reside on the M.L. Evans farm southwest of town. The deceased leaves to mourn his loss his wife, Maggie Dixon Anderson, a four-year-old son, his father and mother and three sisters. Clyde Anderson was a man of many good characteristics, was always cheerful and willing to help anyone in need. Funeral services will be held Saturday at the Maple Grove Church.
SURPRISE!! On Monday afternoon, Feb. 14th, the teacher and children of the school taught by Miss Esther Lind stole a march on the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Allison, two miles east of Stronghurst. They came to honor Mr. Allison who was 81 years of age on that day. They brought their Valentine box along and an exchange of Valentines was made. Mr. Allison received his share and birthday greetings with the rest. Each visitor and some others who could not be present on account of sickness, had made him a hand painted valentine done in watercolors.
An hour of social time was enjoyed by all followed by birthday cake and fruit salad served by Mrs. Bessie Allison Fort, who was in on the surprise. To say Mr. Allison was pleased with the visit would be putting it very mildly as he is a man who likes children very much. The thoughtfulness of the children in thus showing their respect for their aged friend is certainly fine, especially in this day and age when lack of respect for the ages is too common.
FINAL MEETING: The Evening Poultry School which has been meeting each Wednesday night for the past seven weeks came to a close Wednesday night. Farm Adviser Walker gave an interesting talk using slides on marketing poultry products. He explained marketing methods and emphasized the importance of marketing a high-class product…
RALLYING SUPPORT: Through what seems to have been a fortunate circumstance, Stronghurst has the opportunity of securing an industrial enterprise, which promises to be mutually advantageous to both the town and the surrounding farming community. Every live Community in the state of Illinois is looking for an opportunity to secure enterprises that will provide additional employment and give more people a chance to earn a living. More employment means more people and an increased population on a sound basis means increased property values and increased prosperity.
A committee composed of A. E. Jones, C. E. Fort, Jr. and G. C .Rehling has just made a careful investigation of the reputation and business methods of the men now proposing to locate these enterprises in Stronghurst and their report is a favorable one. In order to install another plant additional capital is needed, and it is believed that having the people of a community financially interested in a local enterprise will naturally contribute to its success. The amount asked in $20,000 ($36,280+ in today’s values) and about one third of this amount has already been subscribed. Not a penny is being solicited as a contribution. Every dollar received will be accepted as an investment, and it will be invested in an enterprise which should pay good dividends…If you are unable to take a large block of stock, it will show the right spirit if you will strain your resources to purchase a few shares. The territory is now being canvassed and no doubt the solicitors will come to interview you and ask your help. In most cases the individual who helps his community will be helping himself. Think it over. Another such opportunity may not come to this place in years. If the prompters meet with success, it will mean that many families now residing in Stronghurst will be afforded means of earning a livelihood, whereas, if they fail, it means that these people will be obliged to seek other locations where such opportunities are provided. If it wins, it means much. If you are a property owner you are vitally interested. If you are a renter, you should be interested and, in most cases, can afford to help put the enterprise over. When the solicitors come to see you, give the proposition your earnest consideration and give whatever help and encouragement you can.
THE COMMITTEE COMING TO THE COUNTY: Dr. W. W. Johnstone of Chicago, district superintendent of the American Sunday School Union, will hold a series of meetings for the purpose of presenting the work of the organization which he represents and especially its activities in Henderson County. This organization has as its aim the organizing of Bible schools in communities unreached by any organized Christian agencies. Their representative, Mr. W. . Woods, came into this county last summer and organized two Bible schools at Ellison Valley and the Crystal Lake school house…
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: Miss Hazel Smith and Harold Anders were married Feb. 11 at Tulon, Ill. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otis Smith of that place. The bridegroom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Anders, northeast of town. Emmet Milliken had the misfortune to get his foot caught in a corn sheller one day this week and as a result is walking with the use of crutches.
BIGGSVILLE BRIEFS: Jane Kilgore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Kilgore, is quarantined with scarlet fever at the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Graham. Mrs. Carrie Graham was dismissed from the Burlington Hospital and is able to be about in her home. Mrs. John Gibson has been quite ill at her home in the south part of town with appendicitis. The fire company recently received $10 ($181.40 in today’s values) as appreciation of their services when a fire on their roof threatened their home. Glenn Campbell and family have moved from their farm south of town to Burlington. Fred Galbraith and family have moved to the tenant house on the Henderson Sloan farm. Ora Rezner has purchased from Ora Smith his residence property near the high school. An interesting tractor demonstration and movie was given on Friday by E. G. Burgett, McCormick-Deering dealer here.
LOMAX LINGERINGS: Four car loads of horses which were brought from Montana were unloaded at the two yards and taken to La Harpe. The Lomax Ind. Corp. have completed one of their “Air King” aeroplanes and it will be taken to its owner in Florida. Mr. Romkey will pilot the plane via air. A number of these planes are being built and the factory has a number of orders now waiting. Quit a number attended the funeral of Dave Thornburg at Durham last Sunday. Mrs. William Sparrow still remains quite sick with but little hopes of recovery. D. L. Frye and family moved to town to the property vacated by Ivo Smiddy and family. Nelson Hunter will move to the vacated property and Ivo Smiddy moved to rooms over Hoover’s grocery
CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY: Mrs. Wm. Graham entertained in honor of Mrs. Nancy Graham’s 93td birthday with a handkerchief shower given for Mrs. Roy Green as a farewell gift. A bounteous pot luck dinner was served at the noon hour. Mrs. Graham was presented a purse and also received many other gifts. All went home that evening saying they spent a most enjoyable day and wishing Mrs. Graham many more happy birthdays. Those present were the following: Rev. and Mrs. Hubbs, Rev. and Mrs. Bourman, Rev. and Mrs. Whitmyer and son Junior, Leland Fisher, Mrs. J. L. Galbraith, Ruth Forward, Ruth Bathe, Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Graham, Mrs. W. James and daughter Alice, Mrs. G. W. Sandy, Mrs. Roy Green, Mrs. J. L. Duvail, Mrs. Wilson Steward and son, Mrs. Harry Morris, Mrs. W. Curtiss, Mrs. Mary Miller, Mrs. Chas. Ahlburg, Mrs. F. Kelly, Miss Josephine Graham, Mrs. Wm. Graham. Mrs. Nancy Graham is possibly the oldest lady in this community and is quite active for her age.
GLADSTONE GLEANINGS: Rev. and Mrs. Whitmyer enjoyed “The Messiah” at the Presbyterian Church in Monmouth Sunday. Lee Jones and Cybilla Saben were united in marriage Saturday; both are well known here. Mrs. Emma Cook has been ill for some time but is improving.
RARITAN REPORTS: Miss Lucille Maxey was able to resume her teaching duties at Center School the latter part of last week. Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Lind of Canada after an extended visit with the Charley Lind family and other relatives returned to their northern home. The women of the Raritan Community Club met last Wednesday afternoon with Mrs. Will Bricker as leader. “Famous Women” was the topic under discussion. Ben Livermore suffered a relapse and is again bedfast. Guy Garrett, living northeast of town, had a closing out sale on the 15th; the family expect to leave the state. Mr. Roche, father of Arthur Roche of this community, died Sunday in Rock Island. Miss Anna J. Ahlers is in her second year of teaching at the Fitz School. Miss Mary Hayes, teacher of Stanley School, visited her parents at Blandinsville over the weekend. Miss Helena Barry, who is teaching her fourth year at the Cox School, was weekend visitor with her parents near Smithshire. The Corzatt brothers’ house north of town caught on fire Friday morning but fortunately, was put out before a great amount of injury was done. Dan Crist, a former resident of the Raritan had a closing out sale near Disco and is expecting to go to California. Max Veech, who is attending Monmouth College, came home to celebrate his birthday with his parents, brother and sister. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lagle, who have been living on the Ed Keane place west of town, are moving to one of the Edgar Lewis farms. Mr. Nate Hickman is coming to live in the vacated house.
88th BIRTHDAY: MRS. C.H. McCLAIN: Mrs. McLain, who makes her home with her granddaughter, Mrs. C. M. Bell and family celebrated her 88th birthday, Sunday, Feb. 13th. In her honor, a number of invited guests gathered at her home on Friday evening and helped her enjoy a good time so that when her birthday came several days later, she would be in good spirits and able to partake bounteously of the fine birthday cake presented by Dr. and Mrs. I. F. Harter. Mrs. McLain received many nice gifts, but most of all she enjoyed the conversation of the evening. Refreshments of chicken sandwiches, pickles, brick ice cream, angel food cake, tea and coffee were served.
It was just about 83 years ago when Mrs. McLain came to Henderson County in a covered wagon. No one need tell her of hard times. The land was broken up with oxen and when but a little girl she walked along behind the plow and treated the rich soil of Henderson County to its first planting of corn. Timber had to be cleared and fences made and, in the meantime, the deer chased out of the cornfield.
Mrs. McLain’s husband was in the Civil War, in which he contracted and disease and died soon after its close. Here were hard times. Neighbors had been destroying neighbors, kin had been preying on kin. There was much lamentation. Hard times. These would never again be like they were before the war—and they weren’t, thank goodness; they grew better.
Mrs. McLain has lived through a new age of invention and of all the blessings, the radio appeals to her most strongly as perhaps, it does to thousands of other aged people. It has opened a new life for shut-ins. She also lived through other wars. Again, she hears the cry, hard times, it will never again be as it was before the war. This is an old story to Grandma. Get back in the bush you calamity howlers. Henderson County has progressed and her best years are yet to come. Take the advice of one who has seen a thing or two and knows.
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: The Benteco Kash Store is being redecorated both inside and out. The Coop Shippers Association shipped one load of hogs on Monday and one load of Cattle on Wednesday to the Chicago market. Dick Billups received a nice 9 ½ pound Capon rooster from his daughter, Mrs. Jeanette Peterson of Gorin, Mo. This is sure a fine bird and a gift greatly appreciated. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hartquist are now residents of the village having moved from the Edgar Rankin farm to the W. B. Gregory property in the east part of town. E. H. Allison, a son of Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Allison of this village, arrived from Buckley, Mo. to make his home with his parents and to care for them in their declining years. His wife and son came the first part of the month. A. S. McElhinney, real estate broker has for immediate sale the J. B. Milliken residence on Broadway at the very attractive price of $2,600 ($47, 164 in today’s values). Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Carter of Montana spent Saturday with his uncle, O. J. Sanderson and family.
GO TO THE MOVIES: Manager Churchill of the Strand Theatre informs the public that the has secured an exceptionally fine picture for Saturday night when he will present the wonderful epoch picture-The Johnstown Flood. Eight towns were destroyed and twelve thousand lives lost.
VOICE OF SHS (high school paper): Just another week before the Seniors present their class play, “Ann’s Little Affair, a three-act comedy drama under the direction of Miss Seaton. SHS drew Biggsville as their opponent in the basketball tournament. Mrs. Dawson organized a girls’ glee club with 32 girls attending. She talked about the correct was to breathe while singing and each girl had to demonstrate her ability. From these the chorus will be chosen. Walter and John Dannenberg are back to school after a few weeks’ illness. Miss Winibeth Rankin entertained the Assembly with a few piano selections. The Agriculture Class elected the following officers: President-Harold Nolen; Vice President-Virgil Jarvis; Secretary-Oscar Dowell; Treasurer-LaVern Chandler; Class Reporter-Frederick Rehling and Sargeant-at-Arms-Raymond Cook.
The boys who were in the study hall last Friday received an invitation to which an R.S.V.P. wasn’t necessary. It seemed as though some person had (quite unintendedly) set the clock up 20 minutes or else stopped the sun for that length of time. In order to make the equation balance, Mr. Nicholas kept the boys in after school. A “cross” examination failed to weaken the heart of the wrong doer. Mr. Nicholas said the one that did that on such a terrible day as last Friday should be punished (bad snow). If it was a day near the first part of June, the prank would have been overlooked.
BASKETBALL GAME: The Stronghurst High Basketball team went to Terre Haute Friday night. Because of the bad condition of the roads, only the coach and five players went in the coach’s car. They left one of the basketballs at home to make room for Everett Mc Keown, the score keeper who was taken along. The game was a good one with SHS showing much improvement. Meyers on the Terre Haute team was high point man with seven baskets and two free throws for 16 points. Smith and Leinbach threw two baskets apiece for SHS. On account of Terre Haute’s defense, the Stronghurst boys’ points were made from away out in the open spaces. Stronghurst’s defense was good and held the Terre Haute team to a one-point lead in the first quarter and five-point lead at the half. The game ended 27 to 8 in Terre Haute’s favor.
MEDIA BROADCASTER: A baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Gayle Heap on Feb. 15th; the new arrival makes a family of three daughters for the Heaps. Several members of the Melvin Schroeder family are ill and Miss Francis Worley of Stronghurst is caring for them. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ross who are in Long Beach, Calif., are planning to return home soon. Clarke takes his team to Dallas City Friday night. They will probably be forced to go on the train as roads are bad. Last home game will be with Stronghurst on Feb. 21st.
CARMAN CONCERNS: Martha Babcook is reported on the sick list. Miss Mabel Steiner returned to the Elmer Davis home Friday after helping her sister, Mrs. Jame Lord for several days last week doing house work. Mrs. Lord has been suffering with a badly sprained wrist. Mr. James Dixon still remains poorly. Mrs. Willie Wisbey of Mexico, Mo. visited her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wisbey. Mrs. James Johnson and Miss Fern Finch were Burlington having dental work done. Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Murphy and family have moved to their new location at West Point, Iowa where he will take up the work as salesman for Baker & Co. of Keokuk, Iowa. Warren Dowell and James Lord shelled corn and delivered it to Wm. H. Babcock, the grain dealer. Mrs. Charles Moore of Lomax passed away at her home Tuesday and funeral services will be held at Carman with interment in the Carman Cemetery. Also on the sick list are Charles Shook, Earl Boulyow and his sister Mary. Mrs. J. W. McElhinney received word of the death of her aunt, Mrs. Katie Nevius of Somerville, New Jersey. Mrs. Nevius was visiting at the home of her sister at Pawnee, Nebraska at the home of her death. Funeral services were held on Monday at her home in New Jersey. She was a devout Christian and known locally from her many visited here.
BASKETBALL AT KIRKWOOD: The SHS quintette plowed their way to Kirkwood Tuesday night to play their return game. The boys got all het up before they even got there, not by excitement but by pushing. (Probably stuck in the snow.) The team played very good for the condition they had to play under. It was impossible to arch shots and otherwise play as the team they were in the habit of doing. There was nothing sensational in the game. SHS jumped to the lead for a short time in the first quarter but could not hold it. M. Rusks, the captain of Kirkwood’s team, was the high point man of the game throwing six baskets. Ending score was Kirkwood-25 and SHS-16.
VALENTINE PARTY: Mrs. Drewis Kern, Miss Ethel Jenkins and Miss Audrey Marsden entertained a number of ladies Monday evening at the Kern home. Five tables in five hundred were won by Mrs. Orville Boyd, Mrs. R. K. Bennington, Miss Mildred Grandy and Mrs. Johnanna Wheeling; the consolation prize went to Miss Sarah Shaw. At the close of the evening, dainty refreshments were served by the hostesses. The quartet of tables were prettily appointed with suggestions of the Valentine season and favors were in the form of valentines.