The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Compiled and Edited by Virginia Ross
STRONGHURST ESCAPED SOME OF THE STORM: Considering 35 lives were lost and 100 injured in the state as a result of Tuesday’s cyclones, this community as well as many neighboring towns may consider themselves lucky that they fared so easily. Tuesday morning and afternoon quite a wind and storm passed over doing little damage. South of town the wind uprooted trees but the houses were not damaged. The wind played a few pranks on Broadway. The revolving top of a chimney of I. F. Harter’s drugstore was taken on a long journey and for all we know is still traveling. Foster Lazear‘s awning on his drugstore was badly torn.
However, the damage wrought to the Illinois Power and Light Corporation’s lines was most keenly felt by the people of this community, for it kept the town in darkness Tuesday night and without power from about Tuesday noon until noon the next day. Three poles were down between Stronghurst and LaHarpe and the wires coming together had burned. Thirteen poles were down between LaHarpe and Dallas City. With no power the Graphic was rendered practically helpless during the time of outage. The lineograph has not had much rest since the power came on yesterday noon.
FACTORY COMING TO TOWN: “Stronghurst will have a canning factory, “announced President Geo. W. Zeigler of the United Foods Co. after about twelve weeks of irregular acreage and stock sales campaigning in this community. “The citizens of Stronghurst and the farmers of the community have almost without exception been boosters for the factory and business men in many neighboring towns, especially Media and Raritan, have generously aided by purchasing stock and in some cases promising to grow produce,” continued Mr. Zeigler in appreciation…
A noteworthy characteristic of the sale of stock here was that so many people of lesser means purchased as many shares as they possibly could. President Zeigler was pleased that it was the major purpose of the stock sale to see if the community (not just a few financiers) were purchasers. The last requested amount of acreage had been pledged several weeks ago with tomatoes being the chief produce desired. One million and fifty thousand tomato plants will be shipped from the New Boston greenhouse within the next three or four weeks all of which will be used in planting the 500 acres to be grown in this community. Three hundred and fifty thousand cabbage plants will be required for fifty acres of cabbage to be raised for the factory here. A small acreage of cucumbers and pumpkins will also be raised.
Preparations are being made for planting. Hot beds are being constructed in a field just southeast of the Del Dixson residence in the east part of town. Transplanting machines have been ordered. Cabbage plants will be set out as soon as the ground can be gotten in shape. Tomatoes should be set out by May 15th.
Mr. Ira Mooris, traveling freight agent from Ft. Madison, representing the Santa Fe Railroad, made arrangements with President Zeigler for the factory to be located on the company’s right of way about two blocks west of the depot and just southeast of the C. H. Davis residence. Three factory buildings, one story in height, constructed of concrete blocks and with cement floors will be built. The process building will be 50 x 140 feet and will run north and south. Just west will be a warehouse of similar size but with the length parallel to the track running east and west. A power house 30 x 40 feet will be constructed too and a construction date of the first of July is hoped for to allow ample time for the installation of the complicated machinery as the factory must be operational by August 1st this summer. All is to be actively engaged in canning about nine months out of the year, which is longer than the operation period of the average cannery. This is brought about by the manufacture of a few special products such as catsup, chili sauce and tomato puree in addition to the staple products of canned tomatoes, sauerkraut, pumpkin and pickles. About 85 men and women will be employed during the nine months of operation and a few laborers will probably receive employment year-round.
Biggest Election Ever Held in Dallas City: The biggest election ever held in Dallas City was the last Tuesday according to the Dallas City Review. There were 624 votes polled and the only difference between this and a big metropolis election was said to be in the absence of gun men, drinking and raiding at the polls. The issue was the sewer question. The sewer system had been outlined by two Chicago Civil Engineers and approved by the State Engineer, Andrew Kirby, favored the sewer as outlined but W. F. Anguish sort of stood on the fence and the opponents of the sewer hailed him as their champion. Anguish was elected by 172 votes majority. Of the four commissioners elected two were for and two against the sewer. Although the sewer proposition was defeated at the polls, many believe that Mayor Anguish will favor the proposition upon taking office.
NOTED SPEAKER COMING TO TOWN: Many people are planning to hear Dr. Shannon deliver his wonderful lecture on “The House of a Human” tomorrow night and the community, for the most part, is looking forward eagerly to his arrival here. Why shouldn’t they? Dr. Shannon, pastor of Central Church, Chicago, Ill. is an unusually talented speaker and his fame has spread far and near as a result of his lectures and especially his Sunday sermons being broadcasted by station KYW at Chicago.
(This front page includes a listing of nineteen births in the first three months of the year by the name of parents, date of birth and child’s name.)
WHITE ANTS DID IT: Word on the street was white ants in several nearby towns had wrought havoc, but the first local case was noticed recently. For the past three or four years, ants had been noticed in the spring on the floor just back of the big window in the front part of the First National Bank building. About six months ago it was noticed that the floor was becoming unstable. Last week a considerable section of the old floor was discovered to be badly eaten and infested with ants. The old boards were removed and new ones put in place. The ants may still be seen on the new boards as some think that water dripping from the big window onto the floor was the cause of the boards rotting, but it seems to be the opinion of many that the insects with which they were infected were white ants and that they had destroyed the wood. As white ants are very destructive, it is hope that these insects are of a different species.
OQUAWKA NEWS: Everett L. Werts was elected president of board/mayor of the town. A 7 ˝ pound baby bow was born to Mr. and Mrs. Hobart Osborn April 15th. Mrs. Osborn was formerly Miss Lenora Barnes. Supervisor William Hartgrove has purchased a new Chrysler sedan of Devore Brothers.
CARMAN CONCERNS: The following pupils from the Carman school went to Lomax last Saturday to take the final examination: Edith Lord, Lucile Vaughn, Alice Rehling, Lillian Vaughn, Lucile Rehling, Mildred Gillis, Cecil Good, Keith Bundy, Chester Bunday, Clifford McIntire; they were accompanied by their teacher, Mrs. Jennie Cassell. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Dowell are the parents of an 8 ˝ lb. baby girl born to them April 18th. Mrs. Maggie Rebelle of Sheridan, Iowa, is visiting at the home of her brother, Thomas Dixon and family. Mr. Dixon’s health has been quite poorly. Master Rederick Rehling who has been a measle victim is much better. Marcellus Clover spent the weekend at the home of his daughter, Mayme Cartwright in Burlington, Ia. Walter Dannenberg is a measle victim this week.
BIGGSVILLE BRIEFS: A pleasant surprise dinner part was held last Sunday in honor of Edom Dixson’ 78th birthday at the home of his nephew and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Branson Kelly. A large birthday cake with lighted candles served as a beautiful center piece for the dining table. Those present to help him celebrate were his sister and brothers: Mrs. J. H. Milligan of Kewanee, Mrs. Myrtle Holmes of Burlington, Mrs. Ed Kelly and Mr. J. W .Dixson of Biggsville. Dr. and Mrs. Don Lee motored from Peoria to spend Sunday with her mother, Mrs. John McKee and sister, Mrs. Jessie Glenn. Sam Claybaught of Stronghurst called on his parents here Sunday and reports his daughter, Winifred, ill with the measles. Mr. Dave Shook became ill in church and still remains very ill.
RARITAN REPORTS: (Curiously, the following was in this column.) Travelers and explorers are always finding some new kinds of trees, plants and birds as they penetrate deeper and deeper into little explored countries. Recently, Samuel J. Record, professor of the Yale School of Forestry found a remarkable tree in British Honduras and Guatemala known as the cowtree and which actually gives milk. The thick, milk sap fairly gushes from the tree when a cut is made through the thick bark. In describing it the professor said, “It looked so much like real milk and was so free from stickiness that I found I could not resist the temptation of tasting it. I found it sweet and palatable and my only regret was that I had no way of taking back a quantity of it to try on a dish of bananas.”
LOMAX LINDERINGS: Mrs. Chas. Davenport of Colorado was called here by the sudden death of her brother-in-law, Chas. Smiddy. Chas. Smiddy, a well-known farmer of the east county, passed away Tuesday morning, April 12th from leakage of the heart. He was born near LaHarpe, Feb. 24, 1872, aged 55 years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters: Mrs. Louie and Mrs. Adam Echardt both of Lomax. The funeral was held at the Christian Church with interment in the Crane Cemetery.
Robert Pence is working at Rock Island. Robert Crane who has rheumatism is slowly improving. Mr. Ed Belland and wife and Bill Messsicher and family spent Sunday at the Newt Williams home. Miss Helen Logan of Niota, Ill. is working at the Forest Wyatt home. Mr. Clarence Ramsey and family have moved into the property vacated by A.B. Smith’s. Charley Worley is in training at Great Lakes Naval School Miss Madeline Smith was badly burned last Saturday morning.
WHAT IS IT? Mr. Edwin Crapnell, manager of the Benteco store brought a giant bird, insect or animal to Graphic office Monday morning. Whether a Kansas jack rabbit with wings or a grasshopper with an extra-long jump, it was difficult to determine. Experts were summoned and it was termed a grass hopper. It is an extra-large one, found in front of the store and the first one seen in this community. It is a sign of summer—if not here probably somewhere else.
LOCAL AND AREA NEWS: Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Davies moved their household goods from the Morgan bungalow into the George Dixson residence. The men who have been busy digging a cellar under the Estel Mudd residence are now laying tile for a drain to the main tile. Mrs. Omah Spiker is also having tiling laid to the main tile from her residence now occupied by the Russell Cadle family. The Citizens party ticket won the local village election. Glen Marshall for village president received 64 votes. For village trustees Chas. E. Fort, Jr. received 88, G. W. Worley 79 and Gilbert Simpson 67. Harry Painter left by train for Peoria to serve on the Federal Grand Jury; he said he was the only juror summoned from this part of the country. The fire department was called to the home recently purchased by Mr. J. B. Milliken at the east edge of town last Saturday morning to extinguish a chimney fire. Dale Davis and family have moved from the George Dixon residence to the Dr. Henderson home. Dale has employment in Burlington.
Miss Lucile Parish has a clerical position in Macomb. Gene Graham of San Diego, Calif. came for a visit with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Graham, north of Stronghurst. Miss Dorothy Mae Moore, a Senior in Stronghurst High School has been employed to teach at the Allison School, east of town, this coming school term. Miss Esther Lind, who has taught there for three years, will teach the Stanley School near her home next year. Mrs. Frances Harbour has taken the place of night operator at the local switch board at the telephone office. Mrs. George Shafer left Wednesday for Creston, Iowa to visit her sister, Mrs. Ema Gallager and mother, Mrs. Germanicus Bowen. Misses Margaret McElhinney and Irene Kershaw are students of the College of Commerce, Burlington, Iowa. Attorney W. C. Ivins and State’s Attorney Chas. E. Fort, Jr. will move their office furniture in the near future into the two corner upstairs apartments in the Harter building.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Weddington are the proud daughter born to them at their home on Easter morning. The little miss has been named Aletha Mae. Mr. M. E. Roe of Vancouver Wash. and sister, Mrs. M. J. Phelps of Galesburg are visiting the home of Mr. Roe’s daughter, Mrs. John Wasson. Edward Logan returned from Davenport, Iowa where he attended a Fada Radio School of Instruction and an Exide battery dealers meeting. The Loyal Women’s class took in over $100 at their annual bake sale, bazaar and supper. The tables were prettily decorated with Easter decorations and their fine eats were greatly enjoyed. The Easter service under the leadership of Mrs. C. S. McClure given at the M.E. Church last Sunday evening was greatly appreciated by the large audience which was present. The decorations were most beautiful. The “Illuminated Cross” with banks of blooming house plants, Easter lilies and the four young ladies dressed white at is foot presented the Easter story in pantomime and with the choir singing, “They Rolled the Stone Away,” and a number of other Easter selections rendered by a male quartette composed of W. C. Regan, W. C. Ivins, Ernest Walker and L. O. Dawson; the service was very impressive. Will Tavey and family have moved to the John Peasley tenant house and will farm for Mr. Peasley this ear.
OBITUARY-SARAH ELLEN KELLEY: Sarah Ellen Kelley was born in Knox County, Ohio on Dec. 14, 1838 and died April 14, 1927 at the age of 88 years and four months. At the age of 17 she emigrated to Illinois settling first in Knox County and in 1858 located at the village of Ellison. She was united in marriage to Enos Moore and to this union nine children were born; five preceding he in death. (Curiously, her maiden name was used in the caption.)
Thirty-five years ago the family removed to Stronghurst which has remained their home. The death of the husband and father occurred 22 years ago and was the result of a railway accident. Mrs. Moore had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since she was a girl of 18. She is survived by her son James of Roseville, daughter Margaret of Peoria, son David and daughter Mrs. Rilla Jones of Stronghurst.
Mrs. Moore was a woman of fine Christian character her life being especially devoted to her family and her church. In addition to her children, she is survived by 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and also by a sister, Mrs. Catherine Edwards of Wichita, Kans. Funeral services were held at the local M.E. church with burial in the Ellison Cemetery.
VOICE OF SHS (high school paper) A representative of the Voice made a very extensive tour of the highways and byways of our city during the weekend. He reported the finding of several Fords and larger cars parked on the byways. The most impressing fact, however, was that they contained SHS students of good standing. Even the president of one of our classes was noticed; it wasn’t a Freshman either. Our motto should be “No Parking.’ Ralph Davies is rather old fashioned. He prefers the telephone to the radio any day. The only trouble he says is that those country lines are about as private as the president’s vacation. (party lines were local entertainment and a source to find out your neighbor’s business.) The Agriculture Club with Mr. VanDyke as supervisor have completed a model brooder house and pen. The model complete with the chickens which were recently hatched in Mr. W. C. Regan’s window downtown. The measles has captured six or seven Freshmen. A few Sophomores and Juniors were also taken. Robert Mathers in the only Senior so far.
SOCIAL AND PERSONAL NEWS: A short funeral service was held early Sunday morning at the United Church for the infant child, of Mr. and Mrs. Winfield Keith,. The child lived only a few hours after its birth Friday night. Burial was in the Walnut Grove Cemetery.
OLENA OBSERVATIONS: The Easter roads were somewhat improved and a goodly number were able to get out to preaching services Sabbath P.M. Rev. Hubbs gave a fine Easter sermon. He reports his wife as being again in very poor health. His parishioners presented him with several dozen eggs and are planning a case to be sent to the Baby Fold in the near future. Rev. Hubbs announced if roads and weather are fit, prayer meeting will be held in the Olena Church Thursday evening. Miss Nellie Johnson and her sister, Mrs. Pence accompanied some of their pupils to Stronghurst Saturday to attend the play in the auditorium. Mrs. Margaret Payton’s son has recently moved from the Frank Lant place to Olena. The village school election resulted with Mr. Lyman Ross and Calvin Lant re-elected; they with Wm. Brown constitute the school board. Mr. Frank Rickles was called to Burlington quite recently to attend the funeral rites of Mrs. Longcor, who was formerly Miss Ethel Rickels of this place. (name spelled both ways) Mrs. Minne Peterson, who recently was operated on in Galesburg is making satisfactory recovery.
GLADSTONE GLEANINGS: The ladies of the U. P. church will serve a chicken pie supper and have a “Country Store” Thursday evening in Sandy’s garage. Jack Sebring of Chicago spent the weekend with relatives and friends. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Schell and daughter of Beardstown visited her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gray.
NOT EVERYTHING PASSES THROUGH THE COUNTY: Last week seven carloads of asparagus were reported to have passed through the north end of Henderson County enroute from the Pacific coast to New York City. Frequently it is heard of many other commodities passing through in carload. Last week Stronghurst Grain and Merchandise received a whole carload of molasses feed from Kansas City. Mr. Bert Yaley also received a carload of International stock feed from Minneapolis, but the roads would not permit it being transferred to his farm so on Saturday it was stored in the H. M. Allison barn in the east part of town.