What Stocktonites Were Doing 98 Years Ago
Mrs. Noah Myers of this city recently received a clipping from the Colorado Springs newspaper, giving a description and photo of a large boa constrictor in which her son, Harry Laird, had a part in the story. Harry is the head baker in the Federal Baker, and on October 1st the janitor of the building went into the basement and discovered the constrictor had taken charge of the room. He immediately called for assistance from the owner and employees and, in time, had the snake in their control. The monster was six inches in diameter and escaped from a show company, which had quartered in the building during the winter.
O. C. Finch of this city has purchased from the Stockton National Bank the Webster Elevator building and the scales and office building of the former Bigge Grain Company located southwest of Stockton. Mr. Finch plans to erect a strictly modern elevator on the site of the old Bigge building, destroyed by fire some weeks ago. Robert Brittain will assist Mr. Finch in tearing down the structure, and the new elevator here will be under the supervision of Robert, whose constructive ability is well-known throughout this section of Kansas. Mr. Finch, too, is well known to the populace of this county, having been in the grain and lumber business in Woodston since 1906 and will retain his grain interests in that thriving little city. Much of the success is attributed to his sterling business qualities, and he has been successful in all his undertakings. He recently purchased property in Stockton to make this his home. Mr. Finch’s vast experience with his pleasant and congenial manner in dealing with the public should bring him his share of the grain business in this county.
John McNulty of Atkinson, Nebraska, and W. L. Chambers of Stockton worked up a trade the past week whereby the former receives the Chambers’ Oldsmobile car, and the latter gets one and a half lots on west Main facing Main Street. This tract is located just east of the Crowell Blacksmith Shop, and as this part of the business section is being revived in matters of building, it may prove a good investment.
Jack Dryden has moved his drilling outfit to the James Bartos place, northeast of Zurich, and will sink a water well for Mr. Bartos. Sherman Dyke, a driller for Mr. Dryden, came in Friday from Concordia to assist in drilling. Wade Thompson of the Stockton Produce Company was in the Palco vicinity Tuesday afternoon, gathering a load of turkeys for his concern.
Running his Ford car over a dog last Sunday evening proved a severe matter for Frank Muir and his wife when they both received broken collarbones. The right bone of each was broken and almost at the same point. Mr. and Mrs. Muir and their three children had spent the day with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Muir, north of Stockton. On returning home that evening, northeast of Stockton, they drove on the Jim Creek Ranch, Frank having some business matters to transact with M. McMichael, who resides on the ranch. Entering the driveway at the McMichael home, the Muirs discovered Mr. McMichael’s car gone, so Frank whirled their Ford around to leave the premises, and in so doing, struck and ran over a dog. The car turned over, inflicting the mentioned injuries and bruises on Mr. and Mrs. Muir. The three young children were riding in the rear seat. Two escaped injuries, while one was severely scratched and bruised.
George Beckley, George Martin, and Emmett Gallagher of Osborne left Monday morning for Goodland. At that place, they will pick up Harley Bronson and Karl Baumgartner to complete the party and go to Wray, Colorado, on a big hunt for coyotes. The fellows had expected to make this trip one week ago, but the snowstorm held up their plans.
Last Sunday, O. O. Osborn, Dr. J. W. McMillen, and Olmer Adams, three of Stockton’s best golf shooters, went to Natoma to play in a tournament. Our boys, considered the best in this part of Kansas, failed to realize their best shooting and consequently failed to bring home the spoils of the contest. However, Mr. Osborn received the second money on a long putt; Olmer split the money on the second for a short putt and the third on a long drive. The doctor failed in his attempt to score any money but was satisfied in giving his opponent a close run on his winnings.
Attorney Duffie Hindman and Jim Fleming were in Tribune, Greeley County, several days the past week. Duffie attended district court there, and Jim looked after his land interests in that county. Political circles say that Duffie will be the next county attorney.
Last Friday evening, Mrs. B. F. Shively and Mrs. Rollan Cassett hosted a miscellaneous show at the former's home, which was complimentary to Mrs. Melvin Reeder, who, until a few days ago, was Miss Maisie Henderson. The ladies spent the evening making a recipe book and playing games, and the hostesses served dainty refreshments.
Mr. and Mrs. Asa Ives were given a pleasant surprise last Sunday when a company of friends and neighbors gathered at the Ives' home and informed them that they had come in honor of their 28th wedding anniversary. The evening was delightfully spent in music and fun.
From The Woodston Argus….. We understand that F. W. Higgins is not quite so well as usual at this writing…..Wilford Macy brought a truckload of sweet potatoes from the eastern part of the state last week…..Ernest Williams could ride downtown last Friday for the first time since his operation. Ernest says he is feeling fine and regaining his strength rapidly….. Again, the barbershop changed hands. W. T. Smither is now the owner, having purchased it from H. E. Pauley in the latter part of last week. This will not change the shop's management, and Robert Marple will remain our barber.
