What Stocktonites Were Doing 98 Years Ago
Miss Edna Berger, a school teacher in Nebraska, was happy in anticipation of the holidays and had arranged to spend time with her family at their home at Waldo. Her mother sent a young man, aged 18, in his Ford car to meet Miss Berger at Smith Center. On their way to Waldo, about three miles west of Portis the driver attempted a sharp turn. The car went beyond the road and crashed down into Florence Creek which was dry. The car doubled together, then flipped over. Miss Berger was killed instantly and the young man who was driving was seriously injured.
Services along all lines last Sunday at the Congregational Church evidenced the spirit of the day, with a feeling of good cheer reflected from the Christmas program Saturday night. Fine audiences at all services and the special program given by the choir gave us encouragement to face the responsibilities of the coming year with a large degree of optimism.
Much sorrow is felt by the community at the quick passing of our worthy citizen Edwin D. Hunter, which occurred shortly after midnight Monday. He was widely known and highly respected by a large circle of friends in this neighborhood. Some years ago his health, and that of his good wife, failed while living on their farm north of Webster, and they were compelled to sell it and move into town where they could obtain medical treatment more readily.
The Washburn Men’s Glee Club gave one of the best amateur concerts ever heard here at the Opera House. Though there was a good-sized audience it was far short of what the town would have done if it had not occurred so close to Christmas and if the weather had been pleasanter. Their music was rich in quality and volume. Seldom have we heard so many male voices, 17 in all, blending so perfectly, and so vibrant with the marvelous melody and captivating charm of youth.
Wednesday morning the well-known colored man, Bert Howard, died at home near the elevator section. He had been sick for two years, but was confined to his bed for only two days before his death. The funeral was held Thursday afternoon in the colored Baptish church. He was born in Knoxville, Tenn., but no one knew his exact age. He was brought to Kansas with the family of a white man named Bolle, in the late 70s, and lived with them near Alton. He came to Stockton in 1880 and worked for the old gentleman Calvert in whose house he died. Bert was of gigantic frame and in his time possessed great physical strength. He has been seen lifting barrels of salt straight from the ground and putting them in a wagon. Bert was always smiling and good natured, and enjoyed a large degree of popularity among colored and white people.
The Stockton National Bank as usual puts out the largest and nicest scenic calendar of this community. For several years the officials have given splendid panoramic views of the Rockies from paintings by Moran, Bierstadt and other famous artists. Mr. Hughes put up in our office last week a calendar for the new year 1922 containing a grand view of the Shoshone Rapids. These are in great demand by those who appreciate the truly artistic, and when the year is over they generally save the pictures which never get out of date.
S. A. Barnes, who carries the mail to and from the depot, has been provided with a big pistol by the government to defend himself if attacked by bandits. He doesn’t think it necessary as his work is all done in the daylight and there are no suspicious parties around here. The bulk of the mail is of a character no bandit could get away with. One day before Christmas he had 51 sacks on one load and none of it was stuff that a bandit would care to tote off even if he had a clear field.
Olmer Adams drove with Mrs. Adams to Phillipsburg Sunday night when she took the train east for Belleville to visit relatives. Olmer noticed four marines on the train, heavily armed, two of whom were relieved by a couple waiting at the burg. Uncle Sam is going to stop train robberies!
Postmaster Adams has been supplied with a formidable Smith & Wesson revolver to furnish protection from bandits. As J. Q. is a little slow on the draw, having always been a peaceable citizen, whenever you find him missing you will know he is down in the grove practicing on a tin can.
The Record takes a half holiday this week by issuing a half-sized paper. We don’t feel like working our heads off while everyone else is taking life a little easier in this betwixed and between holiday week.
