What Stocktonites Were Doing 98 Years Ago
(Ed. note: A very long story is found on the front page of the Rooks County Record, dated January 12, 1922, in which the Supreme Court sustained the School Board in its purchase of ground for a new school building, reversing the decision of J. C. Ruppenthal, in which he deemed the purchase of the site for a new school was invalid and entered a judgment permanently enjoining the school board from paying for the site, receiving deeds for the same and also taking possession of it.) The tract of ground in dispute was “a tract in the west part of Stockton, Kansas, commonly known as blocks A and B of McNulty’s Addition to the City of Stockton, Kansas, as an additional site for a school building and to authorize the board to acquire said site and to erect thereon a school building.” In Chief Justice Johnston’s decision, he stated, “We conclude from the findings and undisputed evidence that the action taken by the district at the special meeting authorizing a purchase of a site for a school building was legally taken...; and that under the law an additional site may be purchased by the board when authorized by a majority of the votes in a meeting legally called and held.”
Now that the school site question is settled, once and for all by the decision of the supreme court, the building of the new high school can go forward as soon as a definite procedure is decided upon. Fifty thousand dollars were voted last year, which will furnish all the funds needed for a long time. Undoubtedly much more favorable terms can be secured now than a year ago, building material having lowered in price, as well as labor. There is a general feeling of satisfaction in this happy ending of the controversy, as the way is open for having a building completed by the opening of the fall term in September.
Dan Miller, living on the Griffith place northwest of Stockton, was cutting wood with a power saw on the Doak place, across the river to the southwest. While feeding the log with his right hand, his left assisting, the saw cut more than half of the left hand off, leaving only the forefinger and thumb. He was brought to the office of Dr. Book, who with the assistance of Dr. Richmond amputated what was necessary Sunday afternoon and dressed the wound. Though lacerated it is hoped the forefinger can be saved.
Mrs. J. C. Edwards invited a number of friends to celebrate with Mr. Edwards the joy of being sixty-four years young. The actual birth date was January 4, but Mr. Edwards was in Kansas City and the event proved fully as pleasurable on the following day. Mr. Alva Graham undertook to keep Mr. Edwards away from his home until the guests had assembled and talked land values and bargains in such a fascinating manner that the plan succeeded perfectly. The honored host found his home in darkness and he stumbled over a chair, then was greeted with laughter from about thirty persons. The lights were switched on and a lively time ensued.
Among the fine institutions of Stockton is the Free Public Library, which is open for five hours every day except Sundays and holidays. A courteous librarian is always ready to assist in the selection of the right books. During 1921 a large number of parties began using the library regularly for the first time, and there are many others who would enjoy the privileges if they would only become regular patrons. There are now 3,211 books on the shelves and 15 magazines are taken regularly. Nine daily and weekly papers are kept in the reading room, which was used by 3,710 persons during 1921. Over 420 of the books are classed as historical and about 150 as religious, the others being reference books, and other non-fiction and fiction. The librarian issued 6,919 books in 1921; 6,459 of which were fiction and 460 non-fiction. Also 1,485 magazines were issued on cards to patrons. There were 184 books purchased or donated.
The baby of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Jones of Sugar Loaf township was badly scalded by hot water when its mother accidentally let the tea kettle fall. The burns were mainly on one hand and quite severe.
Little Charley Allen has had a bad case of tonsillitis, but is getting along fine now. As a precaution against diphtheria city health officer McMillen had the boy innoculated and the house quarantined, but so far there have been no developments of that kind.
