Bill, Kay always loved to torment me when he typed up items on his own. At least I believe that is the reason why the following was so garbled. I cleaned it up for the most part...quit when I got to Appendix section. This was one of the last projects he tackled on his own, so it may be he was really too sick to handle properly. MAW
The following is copied from a original manuscript that is held by the Cowley County Museum in Winfield, Kansas, by Richard Kay Wortman. September 27, 1996.
FOREWARD.
This sketch of the history of Winfield is the result of a class project of the Fourth Hour
Senior American History class, in the spring of 1924. The idea was to give them some conception of the work required to make a historyC and this particular subject was one which had not been touched since the beginning of the century.
The students are deeply indebted to the ACourier@ history of Winfield, published in
1901 for the early history, and to the courtesy of the Courier management for much help at all stages.
Thanks are also due to a host of Winfield citizens who furnished the material of which
the history is made.
The time spent on it, six weeks, was far too short, for nearly a quarter of a century of
our history had never been written before.
Miss Edith Stewart was the editor-in-chief and she was assisted by Miss Leona Denton, Miss Edna Murray, Mr. Clurel Watts, and others.
The next year, the American History classes were eager to take up work on the same subject so in the spring the Fourth Hour class undertook to revise and complete the story.
Miss Dorothy McManis was Editor-in-chief and she was assisted by Miss Ruth Benedict, Miss Lois Lei Van and othersCchairmen of the various committees.
The result is, of course, a mere outline, but those who worked upon it, gained a new
interest in and knowledge of their own town, as well as some insight into the problems of historical writing.
- Miss Maude Andrus -
Instructor of the American History Class.
HISTORY OF WINFIELD
Table of Contents
Page
I. Early History
1. Traditions 1
2. Early comers 3
3. Opening of Osage Territory 5
4. Organization of Cowley County 6
5. City Government 8
II. Disasters
1. Grasshopper Year 9
2. Windstorm - 1893 11
3. Flood of 1923 11
III. Churches
1. First Methodist 13
2. First Baptist 14
3. First Christian 15
4. Grace Episcopal 15
5. First Presbyterian 16
6. Church of the Holy Name 17
7. Bethel A.M.E. Church 17
8. United Brethren 18
9. Baden Memorial Lutheran Church 18
10. Colored Baptist 19
11. Grace Methodist 19
12. The Church of Christ 20
13. Latter Day Saints 20
14. Salvation Army 21
IV. Education
1. Public Schools 22
2. Southwestern 24
3. St. Johns 28
4. Commercial College 30
5. City Library 31
V. Fine Arts
1. Painting 23
2. Public School Music 33
3. Southwestern College Fine Arts 35
4. St. Johns College of Fine Arts 37
5. Winfield College of Music 38
6. Winfield Municipal Band 39
7. Artist=s Series 42
8. Chautauqua Assemblies 43
VI. Inter City Transportation Page
1. Railroads 44
2. Bus Lines 46
VII. Public Welfare Institutions
1. State Industrial School 47
` 2. Lutheran Home 48
3. Hospitals 49
VIII. Municipal Improvements
1. County Court House 52
2. County Jail 52
3. City Building 53
4. Paving 53
5. Water Works 53
6. Lights 54
7. Fire Department 55
8. Street Railways 56
9. Parks 57
10. Homes 59
11. City Beautiful Club 60
12. Cemeteries 61
IX. Social And Business Clubs and Fraternities
1. Women=s Clubs - Social and Study 62
2. Men=s clubs and Fraternal Organizations 67
3. Red Cross 69
4. Boy Scouts 70
5. Y.M.C.A. 71
6. American Legion 72
7. Grand Army of the Republic 73
8. Chamber of Commerce 75
9. Retailers= Association 76
10. Country Club 76
X. Business Development
1. Hotels 77
2. Department Stores 79
3. Ready To Wear - Ladies - Men 79
4. Shoe Store 82
5. Five land Ten Cent Stores 83
6. Millinery Shops 83
7. Beauty Shops 84
8. Green Houses 85
9. Photographers 85
10. Book Stores 86
11. Newspapers 87
12. Jewelry Stores 89
13. Theaters 90
14. Confectionaries 91
15. Drug Stores 93
16. Retail Groceries 94
17. Meat Markets 95
18. Wholesale Groceries 95
19. Packing Houses 97
20. Creameries 97
21. Lumber Companies 100
22. Furniture Stores 100
23. Hardware Stores 101
24. Electric Shops 101
25. Motor Companies 101
26. Stamp Works 105
27. Cleaners 106
28. Oil Development 107
Page 1
HISTORY OF WINFIELD
by the
Fourth Hour American History Class (1924)
C
EARLY HISTORY
Traditions
The site of the city of Winfield, Kansas, in the fertile Walnut Valley was once included in the large Osage Indian reservation. This region is rich in legends and traditions, many of which, however, have no foundation. The beautiful Indian legends told by Margaret Hill McCarter in her book AThe Master=s Degree@ were found to be wholly fictitious, as were many others.
The story is told that in 1542 Coronado, in his search for the Seven Cities of Cibola,
crossed the Walnut River at Kickapoo Ford and camped for several days where Baden=s Mill
now stands. Broken arms and old utensils, among them an old rusty sword, have since been
plowed up. Those lend to the belief that the story, although possibly exaggerated, may be true.
The territory around Winfield was first held by two strong Indian tribes, the Osages and the Kickapoos. An old tradition says that a treaty made in 1850 between these two tribes
provided that in case either tribe was attacked, the other should send aid.
About this time the Pawnees attacked the Kickapoos. The Osages responded to their call for aid, true to the agreement, and the Pawnees were driven off.
Shortly afterward, the Osages were attacked by the Tonkawas, a tribe hated and feared by all others because it was the only cannibal tribe known in America. The Osages appealed by messenger to the Kickapoos, who fearing the Tonkawas, refused to come to their aid. After
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a hard struggle the Osages succeeded in defeating the Tonkawas without help. A part of the
Osage tribe also refused to fight the Tonkawas and so were named Kaws which means ACowards@ and they were driven out of the Osage territory. They settled in Kay County and lived there for many years in poverty and disgrace.
The Osages then attacked the Kickapoos to punish them for the broken treaty. The
Kickapoos had anticipated an attack and had hidden in what is now known as the Kickapoo
Corral, located a short distance south and west of town. This proved to be an exceedingly fine place to hide, as the Corral is protected on the south by a high bluff, and on the north by the Walnut river. There are but two means of access to the Corral, one by an old trail south of Winfield, which follows the river bed around the Mausoleum Hill; and the other, a shallow ford across the Walnut River between the dam and the Tunnel Mill, this entrance is guarded by a whirlpool a few hundred feet below the ford. The Kickapoos are supposed to have used these two points of egress as means to leave the Corral in search of food and supplies. And so the trail and the ford came to be called and are still known as the Kickapoo trail and the Kickapoos ford.
The Osages laid siege to the Corral for some time, but the Kickapoos were well supplied
and successfully withstood the siege. The Osages became impatient and contrary to all methods of Indian fighting they silently crossed the river one stormy night to do battle with the treaty-breakers. The Osages were taken completely by surprise and in the terrible battle which ensued the entire camp, with the exception of one man and a woman was massacred. It has been said that in trying to escape these two were caught in the whirlpool and drowned, but it is generally believed that they escaped drowning
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land was originally given to the Indians they claimed a strip of land 20 miles wide and 200 miles long, extending west of the Mississippi River. Later this grant was limited to more definite boundaries by which it was greatly diminished.
Out of the diminished Osage Reservation, Cowley County, containing 33 square miles, was made. Cowley County is named for a brave young lieutenant, who died during the Civil War at Little Rock, Arkansas.
In January, 1870, the government offered the land in the Osage Reservation for sale, the restrictions on the sale of this land were: that no man should buy more than the 160 acres at $1.25 per acre. And if after that time he had made all possible improvements the land would become his.
At the beginning of the year 1870 there were probably 200 or 300 settlers in the county. After the Indians relinquished their claims, many other people moved in, >squatting,= on all the unimproved land.
The first 160 acres purchased was to include the land on which the Winfield Courthouse now stands.
COWLEY COUNTY
Early in 1870 a bill was introduced into the State Legislature which provided for the
organization of Cowley County. The name ACowley County@ was given to this territory in honor of Matthews Cowley, a first Lieutenant in the Ninth Kansas Calvary, who enlisted from Butler County, Kansas, and died while in service at Little Rock, Arkansas.
Cresswell (Arkansas City) was made temporary County seat by
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the State Legislature. The influence of the Emporia founder of Cresswell in the Legislature,
made this motion almost certain. As soon as the news reached Winfield, measures were taken to Ahead it off.@ C. M. Wood, A. A. Jackson, and J. H. Land took a census of the County. The population proved to be over six hundred. E. C. Manning swore to the correctness of this statement before H. C. Land, justice of the Peace. He then took the census returns, made out the necessary papers, hurried to Governor Crawford in Topeka. The Governor at once issued an order proclaiming Cowley County organized with Winfield as County Seat.
A meeting of the temporary Board of County Commissioners was held in the log cabin of W. W. Andrews, northeast of Winfield on March 23, 1870. W. W. Andrews was elected chairman. At this meeting it was decided to call a special election, May 2, 1870, for the election of County and Township officers, and to decide the location of the County seat. The county officers elected in the first election were: County Commissioners - Morgan Willett, T. A. Blanchard, and G. H. Norton: Sheriff - Frank A. Hunt: County Clerk - H. C. Loomis; District Clerk - John Devore; County Treasurer - W. E. Cook; Registrar of Deeds; - T. B. Ross; Probate Judge - E. P. Hickok; County Surveyor - S. R. Graham; Coroner - W. G. Graham.
Arkansas City laid claims to the County seat, declaring that they were nearer the center of the county. Asserting that the State Line was sixteen miles south of their city. Most of the settlers wished to live near the County Seat, and Consequently Arkansas City boomed while Winfield Dwindled.
A survey was made by Governor Deputy Surveyors, to settle the
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boundary dispute, and it was four and one-half miles from the south county line, and six miles from the west line. As Winfield was found to be only eight and one-half from the center of the County, it was evident that Arkansas City could no longer maintain the claim.
The founders of Arkansas City formed a town company with a charter bearing the date June 13, 1871. This company immediately proceeded to lay claim to all the land in the vicinity of the geographical center of the County. The Winfield Association had been waiting for just such a move and they were on the ground with claimants and loads of lumber almost as soon as their rivals. Winfield did not win this time. The Tisdale people could steal more lumber during the night than Winfield people could bring in during the day. Finally the play was given up, as it was too expensive. The settlers proceeded to lay out a town; erected buildings, started a store, a blacksmith shop, and hotel, at the same time circulating a petition for an election to relocate the county seat was brought forward.
The election was to be held August 22, and a lively canvas preceded it. The result was that 721 votes were cast for Winfield and 523 for Tisdale. It was charged that many illegal votes were cast, particularly in Winfield. There was, no doubt, much ground for this belief, but there were undoubtedly no more illegal votes cast for Winfield than for Tisdale.
CITY GOVERNMENT
On February 12, 1873, Winfield was incorporated as a third class city. T. B. Ross, the first Probate Judge of Cowley County, and Colonel Manning drove after midnight to Augusta, shows Mr. Manning=s great interest in the growing city, and how Judge Ross although a strict observer of the Sabbath, was in for putting Winfield to the
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WIND STORM.
The most destructive wind storm in Winfield=s history occurred in the summer of 1893.
The storm arose about seven-thirty, one June evening. A dark cloud formed in the
northern skies and a fierce gale swept southward through the city, damaging all buildings and residences for a width of two hundred yards.
The Frisco Railroad bridge was first swept out. The gale continued southward to the
center of town where the Opera House, the Episcopal Church, and the Carriage Factory were
almost totally destroyed. Also numerous residences were caught in its path and left in ruins.
The total loss resulting from the storm was conservatively estimated to be twelve to
fifteen thousand dollars.
BREAKING OF THE RESERVOIR.
Early in the spring of 1916, a rather peculiar accident occurred which caused considerable damage. The city reservoir, located on a hill east of St. John=s College, had been enlarged but the sides had not been strengthened in proportion to the increased capacity. Early one morning, the west side gave way. Water came rushing down, filling the basements of the houses in its course.
Most damage was done to St. John=s College and to basements in which the water stood.
During the next year, a better and larger reservoir was constructed. This removes the
danger of such a thing happening again.
THE FLOOD OF 1923.
One of the worst disasters in the history of the town was the flood of 1923. Immense
rains raised the Walnut River far out of its banks. On June 9, 1923, the water rose at the rate of one foot per
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hour. In some places this body of water was three miles across. The people in the north and
south parts of town had to move from their homes, as the high water was flowing across East
Ninth Street, down Loomis, Bliss, and Andrews Street. The business districts and parts of the residents were surrounded by water.
The flood made living conditions for a time very undesirable. The electric light plant
was disabled, leaving the city in total darkness. On June 11, nearly all railway service was
crippled. The drinking water became unhealthful and had to be purified before it could be used.
The Damage done was conservatively estimated at one million dollars. The basements of stores, houses, and churches were filled with water which damaged much furniture, dry goods, and other articles. Many people=s homes were almost ruined by the high water. Farmers= crops near the river were badly damaged. The loss was heavy for the mills near the river and many of the business houses.
One tragedy occurred during the flood. While attempting to cross the corner of Andrew and Sixth Streets which were overflowing, Wesley Brown was swept under the fatal current. He was a student attending Southwestern College from Leon, Kansas.
During the time of the flood, four hundred Epworth League delegates from other towns were in Winfield. They had to stay until the flood was over and railway service resumed. The Chautauqua which had been in progress had to close because Island Park was under water.
The Red Cross made a drive for three thousand dollars ($3,000) to help the refugees. They had no trouble in getting the desired amount. The National Red Cross donated $1,000.
On June 13 and 14, people began to return to their homes, but
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the effects of the water were to be seen for months after. The water level just reached the floor level of the court-house and was over all but the last step of the 1916 unit of the high school building.
This flood was the largest in the history of Winfield. In 1904 Dutch Creek over-flowed. The water in 1923 was five feet higher than in 1904, the greatest height being thirty-six feet, two inches. This flood goes down in history as a great disaster, long to be remembered.
III. CHURCHES.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church
In 1870, the first Methodist congregation in Winfield was organized. Rev. B. C. Swartz and family moved to Winfield in 1869, and after the founding of the church, he became the first pastor. The first congregation consisted of three members, but six more were added by the end of the year.
In September, 1870, a small wooden church was erected on the corner of Tenth and
Millington. It was twenty-two feet wide and thirty-four feet long. Dr. Graham and wife, two of the first members of the church, furnished the lumber for its erection, as well as giving much time and labor to help complete it.
The first parsonage was built in 1873, at a cost of $600. Due to the fine social spirit
shown by the members of the church on all occasions, as well as the influence for good of the church itself, the membership grew to fifty-six by June 1, 1876.
By November, 1876, the Sunday School membership had increased until over ninety
were enrolled. To care for the rapid growth, the members voted to erect a new building. The
parsonage was moved and in December of the same year, work began. A few weeks later, the corner-stone was laid by the Masonic Lodge, and construction was well under way. On September 28, 1877, opening services were held in
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the new church.
By 1905, the congregation had become so large that the members foresaw the need of still larger quarters. Subscriptions were raised for a new building, and in August, 1906, the contract was made and work started. Two months later, the corner stone was laid, and in April, 1907, the church was completed. On May 12, the new building was dedicated by Bishop D. H. Moore. In 1924, including the parsonage, was valued at $61,000. The church continued to grow, maintaining its position among the leading churches of the city.
The First Baptist Church.
In the autumn of 1870, Rev. Winfield Scott of Leavenworth, a Baptist and former
chaplain in the army, came into this community on a hunting trip, and was invited to preach a sermon. The services were held in an unfinished store building on Main street between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues. Boards were laid across the joists at the end of the building for the minister to stand on; a dry goods box served for a pulpit. The joists were also used as seats for the congregation.
From this meeting, the first Baptist Church of Winfield was organized, Nov. 27, 1870. A meeting followed in which a committee was appointed to solicit funds for the erection of a church. By spring, 1872, the building was erected at a total cost of $2,260.25. It was built of stone and situated between Seventh and Eighth Avenues on the west side of the street. The lots were donated by the Winfield Town Company.
This building was never formally dedicated. The first pastor was E. P. Hickok. Due to the steady increase in membership, the building soon proved to be inadequate, and a new
building was built.
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It was completed in 1882 and dedicated in May of that year.
The membership has increased from eleven members on 1870 to five hundred and fifty-five in 1924.
Various members have gone out from this church as religious workers, ministers, and
missionaries. The church is at present supporting two of its members, Rev. and Mrs. W. H. Hutton in the mission fields at Assam, India.
The First Christian Church.
J. H. Irvin, one of Winfield=s most worthy citizens, preached the first sermon for the
Christian Church. Having discovered there were a few members of the Christian Church in the new town of Winfield, Mr. Irvin preached on various occasions which resulted in the
organization of the church, September 22, 1872. A. L. Womack was one of the principals in the organization and he became the first pastor of the church.
A store room was utilized as the first church building, but services had previously been held in the Baptist Church. The first real service edifice was a small frame building located on Millington Street between Eleventh and Twelfth Avenues.
The church prospered from the beginning, until the panic and hard times swept over the country. Religious work, like everything else, was retarded. This, with the loss of the church building by fire, with no insurance and a mortgage, caused great discouragement. However, a new brick building was built on Eighth and Millington, and the work went on.
The following have gone out from this church into the ministry or the mission field; W. E. Harlow; W. W. Burk, Mrs. L. F. Jaggard, M. Lee, Storey, Guy H. Findley, and Miss Lena Williams.
The Grace Episcopal Church.
Before 1877 the church services were held in the old court house,
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and were conducted by an army officer who was sent down by the government. Bishop Vale
was the church=s first Bishop. (1877) The parish was taken the following year by Rev. Colton.
In 1887 Rev. DeLong took the parish and held it for several years. Bishop Vale died and then Bishop Thomas took the pulpit.
In 1888 the frame church was erected on the present site, but in 1893 this structure was destroyed by a tornado. When the wreckage of the church was cleared away, it was found that the illumined chancel window representing the Savior as the Good Shepherd, the gilt cross, and the marble Baptismal fount were in perfect condition, untouched by the falling timbers of the church.
Bishop Thomas died at this time and Bishop Millspaugh took his place. He induced Rev. Carpenter to come from New York and take the parish, and it was Rev. Carpenter who laid the corner stone of the present church in 1898; it was completed and dedicated the same year. In the same year, Rev. Talbot became pastor, and spent nine years with the church.
The First Presbyterian Church.
The First Presbyterian Church was founded in the fall of 1872. Rev. A R. Naylor
came to Winfield in November, having been sent by Dr. Timothy Hill, who was Superintendent of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Churches of Kansas.
The first meeting was held in the Baptist building on the third Sunday in November. In 1873, the First Presbyterian Church was formally organized with thirty-five charter members. In April, Rev. Naylor was called back to Indiana.
Early in 1877, the church started to build its own building. In September it was dedicated by Rev. James E. Platter, pastor of the church at the time. In 1924 Dr. W. C. Templeton was pastor, and there were about seven hundred active members with a reserve roll
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of one hundred fifty.
The (Catholic) Church of the Holy Name.
Winfield, in the 70's was one of the many stop-over places of Father Pouzigilane, a
Jesuit missionary. He would leave his headquarters in a buggy driven by Indian ponies, and
traversed all of southern Kansas and Western Oklahoma, as far as Texas. In 1877 Father Schurtz began coming regularly from Wichita.
Mr. Fuller, following the example of his father, donated a plot of ground to the church, and it was there that the first and present churches were built.
Gregory Kelley was the first resident priest, in 1880. He started a school in the church with him as teacher. Another fortunate provision of his was the well located St. Mary=s cemetery.
In 1887, the building of a new church was started, and after the construction was
completed, and the Sisters of St. Joseph were engaged. In 1904 the Sisters of St. Joseph took
charge of St. Mary=s Hospital, to the great satisfaction of Dr. Emerson.
In February, 1921, the church was destroyed by fire and in September, 1923, the new
church was completed. The total cost of the church was $80,000 and the present membership is two hundred and fifty.
Bethel A. M. E. Church.
The Bethel A. M. E. Church was organized in 1880 by Rev. Haley at the home of Mrs. Childs on Lowry Street.
The first trustees were Mrs. Works, Mrs. D. E. Douglas, and Mrs. Andy Smith. The
first members were Mrs. Work and Mrs. Douglas.
The Church was first located in the fourth block on Manning Street, but in 1916 it was moved to Sixteenth and Manning.
A new church was constructed in 1924 with a membership of fifty-eight.
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The United Brethren Church.
The United Brethren Church was organized in the spring of 1882, by Colonel Loomis, with sixteen charter members. It was conducted as a mission school for some time, their meetings being held in the court house. The United Brethren church held their services one week, and the Episcopalians the next, alternating each Sunday, so that both might have use of the Court House.
The first church was built in 1890, and was dedicated in December of that year by Bishop Weaver. The first pastor was Rev. J. H. Snyder; the first Superintendent was J. G. Meyer; the first secretary was Mrs. Miller and the first presiding elder was P. B. Lee.
Mrs. C. L. Garver was head of the ladies work in the church for twenty-five years, and during this time solicited nearly all of the money for the new church. The new church was built in 1923, replacing the old and much too small structure.
The church membership in 1924 was two hundred fifty and the Sunday School membership was one hundred eighteen.
The Baden Memorial Lutheran Church.
The Lutheran congregation was organized in 1884 through the instrumentality of J. P. Baden, who secured J. N. Ehlers as the first pastor.
The stone church was built in 1888 on the corner of Seventh and Andrews. It was dedicated by Rev. A. W. Meyer of Rader, Missouri, who was pastor from 1888 till 1896, and is, today, the president of St. John=s College.
In 1888, Rev.C. S. Spannth became pastor, and was followed by Rev. A. W. Meyer. Succeeding pastors were Rev. Luecke, Rev. Ranh and John Lindermeyer.
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In 1905, a new church was built by Mrs. J. P. Baden in memory of her husband; hence, it was given the name, ABaden Memorial Lutheran Church.@
The number of members in the Sunday School was one hundred and eighty in 1924. The church membership, including the out-of-town students, was four hundred and fifty.
There is a parochial school located at Seventh and Cherry.
The Colored Baptist Church.
The Second Baptist Church was organized in 1885 with twelve members and Mr. Lewis Lluans as first minister.
The church was located at Sixteenth and Main Streets. It was remodeled in 1924, having then a membership of seventy. At that time, Mrs. Ralph Franklin was the only living charter member.
The Grace Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Grace Methodist Episcopal Church had its beginning in the year 1888. A small band of faithful workers organized a class and requested the Annual Conference to send them a pastor. This request was granted and Rev. E. H. Vaighn was appointed to serve what was known as AThe Second Church of Winfield.@ Later it became known as the ACollege Hill Church,@ and finally took the name of the Grace Methodist Church.
For some time they met in the college chapel for worship. In 1902 under the leadership of J. N. Roberts, the church was built.
During the year 1912, under the leadership of Rev. R. L. George, the church was enlarged, making it possible to seat seven hundred.
Grace Church has meant much to Southwestern College. Many of the students have been converted at her altar. During the school year, the prayer meetings are held at seven o=clock in the evening and many
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Southwestern students attend.
As years went by, the membership increased greatly, and after the church burned in 1917, a new building was erected at a cost of $65,000.
In 1924 the membership was eight hundred, seventy-five, an increase of three hundred ninety-six members since 1920.
The Church of Christ.
The Church of Christ was organized in 1888 with fifteen members. They met at the home of Mrs. T. R. Oliverson for nearly two years. Services were then held in the public hall and the city building for two years more. The first minister was Judge J. D. Gans.
A small frame church building located in the five hundred block on East Seventh was then purchased and regular services were held in the new location. Elders, J. H. Irvin, W. W. Schick, and J. C. Frazee were the ministers of the church at this location.
In about five years, the church building was moved to the corner of Seventh and Andrews. A few years later a brick building was built on the same location. This is the present location of the church, whose membership numbers two hundred.
Bible studies are held frequently at the church. These are conducted for a period of twelve weeks, during which time the Bible is read and explained. The minister in charge is Elder A. M. Morris, now a resident of California.
J. H. Irvin has been a elder of the church ever since it was organized thirty-six years ago.
The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ - The Latter Day Saints.
The church was organized in 1915 with J. W. Hughes as minister. They first met in a rented room in the two hundred block on East Ninth by the Robinson Second Hand Store. They then moved to a hall above the Watson Grocery Store at two hundred and five and a half East Ninth.
In 1923 they built a church at 1315 Stewart Street. The ground for building this church was donated by Mose Derusha. The members made payments and had cooked food sales to raise the money for building the church. They did not solicit from the town, but paid for it entirely from their membership.
The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army was organized in 1887, and with its industrious membership, was soon put on a sound basis. The meeting place was for several years, in a stone building between Sixth and Seventh Streets on Main.
In 1920, the new Salvation Army Citadel was built in the one hundred block on East Seventh Avenue, by a popular subscription of the citizens of Winfield. Captain Nevitt was the first captain. The building, which is valued at $14,000, contains a large auditorium and a gymnasium for the children.
There are about twenty soldiers in the Army at present, and about forty members in the Sunday School. Mr. Greer was the Salvation Army Commander in 1924.
Besides Sunday School work, the Salvation Army does a tremendous amount of work among the poor, especially at Christmas time. They also rendered a great service after and during the flood of 1925.
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IV. Education
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The very first school, that was near enough (to) Winfield to benefit her students, was a little school house located on the prairies just west of town. Because of the great inconvenience of the prairie school, the first public school was located in Winfield, in 1870 in an old log store on North Manning. Miss Alma Marks had the honor of being the first teacher.
In two years time a larger building was needed and $10,000 in bonds were issued for the purpose of building what is now known as the North Wing of Central, located in the 400 block on East Ninth Avenue.
As each year saw a big increase in the enrollment for the school, it was decided in 1884 to erect Bryant and Webster Schools; Bryant more commonly known as West Ward; and Webster, East Ward; Lowell, South Ward; and Irving, North Ward; were built in 1893. Later in 1923, Stevenson was erected six blocks east of north ward. Stevenson teaches only the first four grades while the other schools teach the entire six years. An addition of one story will be made to this building making a two story building.
The only parochial school in Winfield is St. Martin=s Lutheran School. It was organized in 1887 by Rev. Carl Spannuth for the purpose of developing Christian character for the students. It was first held in the Lutheran Church but in the fall of 1989 a building was erected at the corner of Seventh and Andrews.
After the building of the grade schools the old Central building was given completely to a high school course; Mr. Hickok was first principal. The first class graduating from the high school was in 1878 with two members, Mr. James Lorton and McClelland Clingman.
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The three story addition to old Central was made in 1880.
In the year 1910, a three story brick building was completed. It was located in the block east of Central.
Later in 1916 the Manual Arts Building was completed. This was an addition directly to the east of the building completed in 1910. Also another addition to this building was completed in 1924; its location was north of the old 1910 building.
The Junior High was first formed in 1917, Miss Helen Pritchard was the first and only separate principal. The Junior High School first consisted of only the seventh and eighth grades until 1923 when the ninth grade was put with these two.
Each year brought about new ideas and the following departments have been introduced in later years; Normal training, 1911; Dramatics, 1922; Public Speaking Department, 1923; and Music Department, 1923.
As well as the educational phase, the recreational side must also be developed. In the fall of 1905 the three literary societies were, Alpha, Philomathean, and Die Beste. They were organized within the school. This developed a keen competition among students.
Athletics were first known in Winfield High School in 1907 when Principal J. W. Bowans, later Superintendent of Schools, organized a basketball team. Due to so much enthusiasm over basketball, a football team was organized in 1920 and a track team in 1913.
The first Christian Organization was the Boys= Club formed by Mr. T. H. Vaughan, in 1917. The name of Hi-Y was taken up after the war and its purpose is the development of the Christian side in a boy=s life.
The Y. W. C. A., the girls= Christian Association, was organized in 1919 under the leadership of Miss Florence Stone.
Winfield has won several honors that should be credited to the students. Among the State and National honors in the school are;
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second place in the National Basketball Tournament in 1920, State Championship Track Team in years of 1919, 1920, 1921, 1923, 1924, 1925; A State Championship Team in 1926 in debate; Junior High School State Basketball Championship team in 1925.
One of the greatest honors bestowed upon Winfield is the one Thousand dollars prize for being the best town in which to rear children. The basis for awarding this honor was upon moral, physical, social, religious and reductional training. A great amount of this training is received in our public schools.
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE
At its third annual session, which was held in 1885, the Southwest Kansas Conference of the Methodist Church decided to establish a new institution of learning within its boundaries. A committee was appointed to select a location; El Dorado, Hutchinson, Newton, Peabody, Wellington, and Winfield being the locations considered. Winfield won, having offered $60,000 in cash, forty acres of land, stone for the building, a free water supply for use in erecting it, and all lumber and hardware at cost.
As the building was not completed by the fall of 1886, the second story over Baden=s general store was rented. This building was located on the corner of Tenth and Main and the assembly room opened onto a rear alley in which a poultry business was carried on. The view from the present site of the college offers a striking contrast to its earlier environment.
The enrollment at the opening of school was forty-three, and John E. Harp was the first president.
An academy offering four years of high school work, formed a part of the school for many years. At one time, its enrollment numbered six hundred. In 1916, this academy was discontinued.
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The first college building completed is known as North Hall or Science Hall. It was completed in 1887. There was a question for some time as to how this new hall was to be heated. They decided this by closing the large south entrance which had been planned. The furnace room was located in that section of the building now occupied by the domestic science department.
All the water used in chemical experiments in this new science hall, was carried from a well, on the side of the hill north of where Smith Hall now stands. A windmill furnished the means of drawing the water, and it was the president=s son, John Harp, who had to keep this windmill well oiled. When there was not sufficient water in the well, it was carried from Dutch Creek.
The second building built on the campus was a girls= dormitory. It was a wooden structure and was located in nearly the same place as was the scene of many interesting happenings. Sunday evening services were held there and were led by the matron of the dorm, Mrs. McBride.
The first society in the college, Cadmus, was organized while classes were still being carried on in the rooms downtown. This was replaced in 1890, by the Athenian Society. A little later, a girls= society, Belle Lettres, was started. When first organized, this society admitted only the girls staying in the dormitory. However, this was soon changed and all the college girls were allowed to join.
Societies which have been organized since that time and that are now equally as important as the first ones are: Sigma Pi Phi, Delphi, Alpha Beta Alpha, Beta Gamma Epsilon, and Delta Kappa Chi.
A chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity at Lawrence, Beta Kappa, was founded in 1892, by Alva J. Graham. This was soon forced out of existence, however. As a result, several men left school and there was
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no graduating class that year.
During the few years of the existence of the college, the girls were such strict Methodists, they wouldn=t go to theaters or ride in the street cars on Sunday.
At first, the tuition and board cost one hundred dollars per year in advance. In 1890-91, the board was about $1.50 per week, and girls= rooms were only twenty-five cents.
The earliest records of class fights in order to have their colors up on a certain day was around the year 1889-90. Since that time many interesting struggles and contests have been held in connection with that.
The College Senate was started in 1892, and was composed of students and faculty members. Since its beginning, this organization has increased and many problems have been solved by it.
The College Times, the first paper published by the college, was started in 1889. It contained both national and school news. Since that early day the papers which have been published by Southwestern are: College Advance, S. W. K. College Round Table, Vox Studentium, and the Southwestern Collegian. At one time when the evolution question was being hotly discussed, some of the students published a paper called, AThe Origin of Man.@
In 1910, Richardson Hall, the building that crowns the hill, was completed. That part of the hall which projects east of the rest of the building and contains the stage, was added after the cement wall had been put around the building. When this was added, a hole was cut through this cement wall about four feet from the ground and about one foot and a half by one and a half in dimensions. The purpose of this opening was to fix a passageway from the stage to the main building. This idea was abandoned and an a outside door was
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built. The hole still remains there and is used only during the initiations of the various organizations.
Plans were made for installing the boilers and heating apparatus under Richardson Hall and about four hundred dollars was spent in blasting a hole for this. This idea of placing the heating apparatus there was given up and the present plan of heating the two buildings from the same plant was adopted.
The latest addition to Southwestern is the new gymnasium. Only one section of it has been completed as yet, the library occupying the first floor. More wings are to be added to this large structure, in the future.
The other buildings belonging to the college at present are: four modern girls= dormitories, the president=s home, and the downtown studies for the Fine Arts Department.
The faculty at present consists of about fifty professors and thirty-six student assistants.
Athletics have been a large factor in making Southwestern better known, and the college holds an enviable record. From 1913 to 1920, Southwestern was never below fourth place in any sport. During that time championships were won in football, basketball, track, baseball, girls= tennis, and girls= basketball. Three state championships have been won, and a second and a third place in the National Basketball Tournament.
The grave-yard, a small plot of ground south of Richardson Hall, was made to show the different victories of the college in both forensic and athletic events. A slab of rock for each victory is placed within the low stone wall that marks its location.
Another important feature of the college is the S. This is made of many rocks which were placed in the position to make an S, standing
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for Southwestern. It was first made in March of 1918. At different times Fairmont College has been represented by a group of their loyal students who change this S into an F. The change always is soon noted by the Southwestern students and the S resumes its natural appearance. This S is located on the south side of a hill north of town. It is just west of the State Home. Every fall the Freshmen have to pull the weeds from the ground around the rocks, and then the rocks are given a fresh coat of white-wash.
The college is fully accredited and a member of the North Central Association, a privilege granted only to those colleges maintaining high standards.
ST. JOHN=S COLLEGE.
Winfield owes its educational growth to another organization widely known; namely, St. John=s College, which was founded by J. P. Baden in 1893, to which he contributed $50,000 for its erection and support.
Mr. Baden bought the block of ground on which Baden Hall was to be built for $1,200. In 1909 the Commercial Club of Winfield donated the block of ground adjoining west of the block which Mr. Baden donated, on which the boy=s dormitory was later erected.
On February 20, 1893, incorporation papers were signed but it was not until March 1, 1894, that the building was dedicated.
The building was not ready for occupancy by the following September, but classes were opened on the second floor of Mr. Baden=s store, which is at present the Calvert-Cheek Co. Store.
In May, 1893, the property was given to the English Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
On March 1, 1894, the building was dedicated with Prof. H. Sieck as President, who was the first man to hold such a position in this
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school. Then on account of failing health, he resigned and Rev. A. W. Meyer of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, succeeded him and still holds that honorable position in 1925. Since A. W. Meyer became President in 1895, the enrollment increased from fourteen to two hundred fifty. The faculty grew from two to eighteen. Classes were first opened by Prof. H. Stoppelworth, assisted by Pastor C. Luecke.
In 1896, the first class graduated, nine in number. Four of them were given diplomas for further study of the ministry at the St. Louis Seminary.
The upkeep of the college was too great for such a small synod and in 1908 the Missouri Synod took it in hand but it was not until 1911 that the general body governed it.
On account of the rapid growth of the college, Baden Hall could no longer accommodate the increasing number of students; the Synod, while in session at Chicago in 1914, authorized the erection of a fire-proof building, a boy=s dormitory built of native stone, sanitary and modern in all respects, to be built on the block which was denoted by the Commercial club of Winfield.
Before this time, Baden Hall had a dining hall, kitchen in the basement, the class-rooms on the first floor, and the bedrooms and study rooms on the third and fourth floors. Boys also slept in the dormitory.
In 1926 there were four buildings: the administration building, the dormitory, and the gymnasium. The new administration building being erected in 1925 is valued at $155,000.
A central heating plant has been installed at the cost of $45,216.56. It is fully equipped with special burners, water main, and a high power tension wiring. It has three large Pacific boilers,
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and either gas, oil or coal may be burned. The vacuum steam system is employed for heating the building and splendid results have been obtained.
The new plant has operated at a remarkable saving to the institution, the fuel bill having been reduced by more than $1,000 in one year. This is practically one half of the total expense.
A detention hospital has to be erected in the fall or spring, valued at about $20,000.
St. John=s College is not a school only for boys but also for girls. The courses which they offer are: Normal Training, Classical, and Commercial, High School, Secretarial, and Music.
St. John=s College is not well known yet in athletics as they took up football only two years ago.
In basketball the team made a wonderful showing, winning from the National Champions, Washburn College. St. John=s also has a team in both tennis and baseball.
There are forty-nine Lutheran Colleges in the United States not including the seminarian and theological colleges and St. John=s stands in the lead as students come from all parts of the United States to attend this college.
CENTRAL COMMERCIAL COLLEGE.
The Central Commercial College started in a very modest way, February 5, 1917. A Sunday School Class composed of fifty or more girls most of whom were working in the kitchen, packinghouse, telephone office, stores, and laundries, won the sympathy of their teacher, Mrs. W. S. Dalton. She offered to teach them shorthand and typewriting in the evenings, thus enabling them to increase their earning capacity.
The character of the work attracted others in and around Winfield.
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Soon, the Sunday School rooms were not large enough and quarters were leased in the A. O. U. W. Building. In a short time, this became inadequate, and the present college home, 304 East Ninth, was purchased.
Each succeeding year has been better than the one before. Students at present are enrolled from practically all over Kansas and Northern Oklahoma.
The Central Commercial College is non-sectarian. It is a member of the National Association of Accredited Commercial Schools and offers courses in all commercial subjects. The college has an affiliated relationship with Southwestern College.
It has the very best equipment, and recently an international time recording clock was installed. This checks the students in and out of class.
The social side of life is also taken care of at the Commercial College by means of picnics, parties, basketball, and a pep club.
THE WINFIELD LIBRARY.
Previous to 1911 when the Carnegie Library was established, the only circulating library was kept up by the ladies= clubs of the city. This library consisted of about two hundred books.
In order to get a Carnegie library, a city or town must agree to support it. In an election previous to 1911, Winfield declared that she was ready to undertake such an obligation.
The building site was furnished by the city of Winfleld, and Andrew Carnegie gave $15,000 toward the building.
P. H. Albright was the first president of the new library board.
At the opening of the library on New Year=s Day, 1912, a reception was held at which the literary clubs of the city gave a program each hour during the day.
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On the opening day, about seven hundred books were donated to the library. These were added to a private library which had been purchased. This private library numbered about twelve hundred fifty books. This stock of books grew until, in 1925, it numbered over twelve thousand, with sixty current magazines and papers on five. Also it has a well-stocked reference room, containing encyclopedias and reference books of all kinds.
The work has developed and grown from a loan of fifteen thousand books the first year to about forty-eight thousand in 1925. Approximately that many are used in the building each year, as the open-shelf system allows people to use the books whether they have cards or not. Now there are more than five thousand registered borrowers.
The library is open to the entire county, and there are thirteen town and villages which take advantage of the opportunity to use it. (Information given by Mrs. Houston, librarian)
V. FINE ARTS.
PAINTING
Art plays a big part in Winfield, both in the schools and in the city, itself. Before 1900, Miss Churmahorn and Mrs. Gates were the two most prominent artists.
Miss Edith Andrus ( Mrs. Robert B. Dunlevy) taught art in Southwestern from the year 1894 to 1904. She received her early training in Hillsdale College at Hillsdale, Michigan.
Mrs. George Lockwood started a studio for china painting in Winfield in 1890. For about ten years she taught in Southwestern. Teachers came from Oklahoma and all parts of Kansas to study under her. She also gives a few lessons to those who do not teach. An
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immense amount of work is done by this studio, ten thousand pieces having been turned out in one year. Mrs. Lockwood received her early training from Fran Aulic and Frank Bishoff, both of Chicago.
Miss Grace Raymond has also been an art supervisor at Southwestern for several years. This Winfield artist has won national honors, having exhibited in Corcoran Art Gallery in Washington, D. C., the Chicago Art Institute and the Water Color Club of Chicago. She received special commendation at an international exhibit in Washington in 1915. Miss Raymond received her early training in Washington Academy and in the Art Institute of Chicago. Later she studied under the famous French artist, Clase, and other foreign masters. Miss Raymond has also traveled in Europe extensively and has just recently returned from a trip around the world.
PUBLIC SCHOOL MUSIC.
A systematic study of singing was established in the Winfield Schools in 1887. The first instructor was Mr. J. B. Snyder, who continued his work for two years. Following him, Mr. L. M. Gordon took charge of the work and continued in that position either part of full time, until 1920, excepting a period of seven years. This interval was supplied by the following instructors, one or more years each, Mr. Leach, Miss Young, Miss Caroline Williams, and Miss Gertrude Hale.
In the early days of music in the schools, the entire high school composed the chorus which practiced the easier choral works published for the purpose, usually culminating the year=s work with a public recital.
As the schools grew in numbers a select chorus of the best
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readers was formed to study more pretentious works and by this group some very interesting choral cantatas were put on. Later, the Glee Club, supplanted the general chorus. At the same time, interest in band and orchestra came to the front and opportunity for study of the various small instruments was offered those who were thus inclined; many of the pupils availing themselves of the opportunity. This beginning doubtless accounts for the wide spread of this type of music study and efficiency in and about Winfield.
In the early days of the schools, it was their practice to call in some of the town musicians to furnish music for commencement occasions, but a little later, the graduating class was made responsible for the musical portion of the program, a duty they assumed but not without fear and trembling. This condition did not last, as a little later, the large chorus furnished the music for Commencement, occupying a large chorus platform of raised seats filling the entire opera house stage. With further development, it became possible to intersperse these choral numbers with solos by members of the class.
Mrs. Frank Siverd, then Mary Wirt, a member of an early class, rendered a solo with a violin obligato. This was very popular and resulted in a growing demand for this type of music until in 1920 the musical numbers for commencement consisted of four solos, one each of violin, voice, flute, and piano, while the platform held over one hundred graduates. This was a remarkable growth.
The steady growth in interest in the grades as well as high school can be attributed partly at least to the chorus festival, held for several years, in May at Island Park, in which six hundred young people participated and were greeted by an audience of from
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two to three thousand. This demonstrated that music was liked by the people in general and not the few; therefore music became popular with children, and it was no longer necessary for parents to urge their children to sing.
Much credit is due to the regular grade teachers, for their very willing and efficient help in training the youth in music.
FINE ARTS OF SOUTHWESTERN.
The Fine Arts Department at Southwestern was established in 1886, with the beginning of the college.
The first faculty was headed by Mrs. E. G. Harp from 1887 to 1891, who was the wife of Southwestern=s first president. There were ninety-four students enrolled the first year. W. B. Strong was the next director and he held the position for one year.
Violin and Strings.
The violin department was developed rapidly from the beginning because the instructors secured were unusually efficient in their work. Edgar Gordon, now the head of the Bureau of Community Music and Drama at the University of Wisconsin, taught violin for several years and was musical director of the entire school for the year 1910 and 1911.
Professor Altvater, who came to Winfield in 1920, organized a violin choir composed of twenty members, which is a valuable addition to the department. In connection with the choir is the violin quartet which is chosen from the members of the choir. Programs are presented by this organization which are enjoyed and greatly appreciated by the community.
The Winfield Symphony Orchestra, with Professor Altvater as
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conductor, plays a vital part in the life of the college. It has a total membership of fifty. It serves as an accompanist in the performances of vocal work and participates in instrumental concerts.
Voice
The voice department has always been a part of the Southwestern School of fine Arts; but it has made its greatest development within the last five years. Mr. Marshall was dean of this department from 1911 to 1919 and he was followed by Mr. Royer, who was dean until 1921. Mr. Achille Fioramonti, Mrs. Fioramonti, and Mrs. S. D. Stout have been responsible for most of the development within late years. The Glee Clubs, both men=s and women=s, as well as quartettes are formed annually. The singers give concerts locally and throughout the state.
Piano
The Piano Department has had rapid growth along with the others. Gertrude H. Hale was instructor in piano and director part of the time between 1892-1899. Archibald Olmstead was head of the Piano department and director for the entire school of fine arts from 1903 to 1905.
Professor Stout was dean of the school from 1919-1924, and one year before he was professor of piano. Professor Burkholder took the place of Professor Stout as Dean. He is also professor of piano. During this time the school has enjoyed phenomenal growth, the faculty and equipment have been effectively increased, until today, it ranks as one of the best in the country, with an enrollment of over two hundred fifty and a faculty of sixteen.
Elocution
Professor F. S. Gilson, who is the head of the department of Public Speaking at Emporia State Teachers College, was the first to
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pay marked attention to the elocution department. Professor Gilson remained in South-western from 1902-1913 and the department advanced rapidly under his supervision. During his last year the work was divided into two departments: one of public speaking, oratory and debate; another of expression.
Miss Helen Graham has built the expression department up to one of the best in this state. Miss Graham is an alumnus of Southwestern College.
FINE ARTS OF ST. JOHN=S COLLEGE.
In the early history of St. John=s College no regular music department was main-tained, but soon arrangements were made whereby students who wished to take work along this line might do so at the Winfield College of Music under the direction of Professor Archibald Olmstead.
In 1910, the Piano Department was organized, with Miss Hildegarde Scaer as head of the department. This department has grown steadily, and in 1925 had a large number of college students enrolled.
Later, voice, violin, and elocution were added to the music department. The school also maintains an orchestra, band, male chorus
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boys= octette, girls= octette, and quartettes, both boys= and girls=.These organizations are much in demand for school activities and give public concerts each season.
THE WINFIELD COLLEGE OF MUSIC.
On July 25, 1889, several prominent Winfield men applied to the State of Kansas for a charter granting the power to organize and maintain a college of music for the purpose of offering instruction in music and its allied subjects and to grant certificates, diplomas, and degrees. This charter was granted August 12, 1889.
The name selected was the AWinfield College of Music,@ and it was a privately owned, self-supporting institution.
The faculty of twelve members in the various departments has taken care of three hundred pupils each season for several years.
The curriculum covers all branches of musical instruction including piano, voice, violin, viola, cello, organ, wind instruments, ans well as teachers= normal courses and all branches of musical theory and history of music.
Miss Gertrude Hale was the first President and musical directory of the school and served in that capacity until 1902.
The graduates of the College of Music are scattered throughout the country and many of them are engaged in professional musical activities.
The Barsololm Trio, composed of faculty members, was organized in 1917. Its personnel at that time consisting of Archibald Olmstead, Marguerite Waste, and Hobart I. Barbour; piano, violin, and cello, respectively. Later, in 1922, Orvin A. Sale took Miss Waste=s position in the Trio as violinist. The euphonious name, Bar Sal Olm,
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was then given to the organization, it being suggested by Mr. Olmstead. In it were used the first three letters of the last name of each of the members. Since Mr. Olmstead=s death, Mr. Barton Bachman has the position as pianist. However, the name Barsalolm has been retained for the organization. They have appeared in public many times not only locally but also in other cities of Kansas and have received commendation from both press and public.
The Winfield College of Music Junior Club was organized and federated both in the state and national federation, in March, 1923, it being the first club in Winfield to federate, as well as being the first Junior Music Club in the State of Kansas. Kansas was the second state in the Union to have a Junior Music Club, Missouri being first. It is sponsored by the Winfield College of Music, but its membership is not restricted to students of the school.
All young people of the country are eligible, its purpose being to promote greater interest in all things musical in the community at large.
Also in the school there are a Boys= Juvenile Music Club and a Girls= Juvenile Music Club, for the children of the community. All of these clubs have regular meetings, elect their own officers, have programs, and do choral work.
THE WINFIELD MUNICIPAL BAND.
For forty-three years Winfield has been the proud possessor of a band. The first one was organized in 1879, and was known as the Courier Band. Mr. Cripton was the first director and was followed by Frank McLean. In 1887, the Knights of Pythias Band was organized by A. L. Blankmeister, who acted as director. About two years later, Mr. Blank-meister directed the ASunflower Band@ which was composed of girls. The band did not last long but while in existence, played for the county fair and several city functions.
In 1889, Harry Caton organized a band, composed of boys, known as ACaton=s Dozen.@ George VanDeWater, Herbert McGregor, and Walter Martin were members of this organization. The ACitizens Band@ was also in existence at this time, and was directed by Frank McLean. These bands went out of existence in a few years, and with the exception of a colored band, directed by J. W. Singleton, formed in 1892, Winfield was without a band until 1895.
Winfield=s Present band was organized by H. A. Caton, B. F. Sadil, and H. Shivvers during the summer of 1895, out of a group of young men, mostly school boys, whose experience in band work was slight. The standard of music was set high from the start, and has always been kept so. Harry Caman of Wellington was hired as director. At present the band is composed of representative business men of the city and students of the high school and Southwestern College.
From the beginning, the band has been doing very beneficial work. Every year has brought some important engagement for the band, which may be classed as one of the best existing advertisements for Winfield. For many years it has been one of the most enjoyable attractions at the Chautauqua Assembly.
In 1896, the band was engaged for the Priests of Palace Parade at Kansas City, and the same year won first prize in a inter-state contest. In 1897, it was given the honor of leading the Priests of Palace Parade. In 1898, an engagement as an official band for Kansas Day took the band to the Omaha Exposition; and in 1903 it was the official Kansas Band at the National G. A. R. Encampment at Washington, D. C. In 1903, the band again led the
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Priests of Palace Parade.
In the winter of 1905, the band made one of the most pleasant trips of its long experience; a tour of the South with the Long-Bell Lumber Company, on excursion to inspect the lumber camps of Southern Louisiana and Texas. This was a six day trip in a handsomely equipped special train, personally conducted by Mr. R. L. Long, the head of the company. In 1906 another trip was taken to the south with the same company. A day and a night were spent in New Orleans during the Mardi Gras Carnival. During that year, 1906-1907, miss Katherine Strack, now Mrs. P. W. Gibson, assisted the band as soloist.
The major part of these trips were taken after H. A. McGregor became director in 1906.
Besides these prominent engagements, the band has played hundreds of minor engagements in all parts of Kansas and Oklahoma. It is sought for constantly but being composed of business men, to whom the band is but a pass time, they can only choose a few of those which are offered them.
The band is not maintained as a moneymaking proposition, but as a means of recreation and pleasure for its members, and with the idea of the study and promotion of better music in Winfield.
In 1915, H. A. McGregor resigned and Fred Kryer became director. He held this position for several years. After his resignation in 1919, the band was held together by Charles Black, who acted as director for a few months.
In October, 1920, the band was reorganized by a committee of the Chamber of Commerce, who hired Frank McLean as director. In September, 1922, C. O. Brown took over the band, and he is the present director. During all the years of its existence, the band
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has not missed giving an annual concert.
Three members of the present band were originally members of Caman=s Winfield Band.They are J. O. Spoon, H. A. Caton, and George VanDeWater. However, J. O. Spoon is the only one who has been with the band continually in its twenty-nine years of existence.
The band shell, the present home of the band, was created in 1915, and was first located at Island Park, but was later moved to its present location west of the court house. The money was raised by the band men themselves for its removal.
Another event in the band=s history was the consolidation of the Winfield, Arkansas City, and Wellington bands in an organization known as the Tri-city band, alternating in three concerts during the summer of 1923. The season was opened June 4th at the Winfield Chautauqua with an aggregation of over one hundred men.
In 1900, the band had six hundred dollars invested in uniforms and over one thousand dollars in instruments other than those owned by individuals, also a library representing an expenditure of nearly four hundred dollars. At present, they have invested over a thousand dollars in uniforms, and a library of standard and popular music equal to any in the state.
THE WINFIELD ARTIST SERIES.
The Winfield Artist Series opened October 27, 1920, under the auspices of the Winfield Chamber of Commerce and Walter A. Fritchey. Contracts were signed by Mr. Fritchey of Kansas City, Missouri and H. L. Snyder, President of the Winfield Chamber of Commerce for that year. Also a guarantee was carried by Mrs. Alfred Deischler so no deficits would occur.
Subscriptions for the first concert series were obtained by twenty women under the direction of Mrs. Fred C. Clarke. Mrs. Clarke was captain of the group of women who sold the subscription. The Community Council was organized in 1921 and it assisted materially with the success of the Series. In the second year of the concert series, Mrs. Charles Roberts of the Community Council conducted the sale of the seats, assisted by Mrs. Oscar Spoon. Mrs. B. E. Sells had charge of seat sales and she contributed a great deal of her time and effort toward the success of the concerts for 1921, 1922, and 1923.
Mrs. Alfred Deischer continued the Series for 1921-22-23. The concerts were held in the Grand Opera House. Such notable artists as Spaulding, Casals, Case, Thiband, Breslen, and the St. Louis Symphony appeared in the series.
In the spring of 1923 the Series were taken over by Southwestern, Homer S. Meyers assuming charge, Mr. Meyers still having charge.
The Winfield Artist Series were started for the schools and colleges. Up-to-date there have been eighteen concerts given. The subscriptions have been worked up so that one-fifth or one-hundred of the subscriptions are from out of town.
The aim has been to get as much variety as possible but still to get the best outstanding artists of his or her branch.
CHAUTAUQUA ASSEMBLIES.
Winfield has long been noted for its very entertaining Chautauqua assemblies.
Dr. M. L. Gates was the leader of this movement. Destined to become a permanent institution in Winfield. This movement was started in 1886, and the session was held in 1887. In the early days each session lasted from ten to fourteen days.
Only one year until 1923 did the Chautauqua fail to give a
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program; this was in 1904 when the park was under water due to the flood.
The programs given each year at the Chautauqua were especially fine, some of the best speakers and musicians in the United States appeared before its audiences. Many people came from various parts of the state to attend, pitching their tents in the park.
Until 1923 Winfield still held its annual Chautauqua. Some of the departments which added to its fame such as Sacred Literature, Art and Science classes, and musical depart-ments, have been dropped, leaving only the platform attractions.
In 1923, a new plan was tried in the program. Chautauqua of the past had built and encouraged in Winfield wonderful home-talent. This was so greatly appreciated and enjoyed by the people that they decided to use home-talent in place of the regular Lyceum Course. The first few nights met with the enthusiastic approval of the audiences, but the latter half of the program had to be given up due to the high mark of the flood waters.
During 1924 and 1925 there have been no Chautauqua assemblies, but no doubt this form of entertainment will regain its popularity in the future.
INTER-CITY TRANSPORTATION
Railroads.
There was once a time when Winfield, a small struggling village, carted its supplies overland from railroad points upstate; when passengers traveled in a rickety stage, and slept in roadside inns before they reached their destination. When railroads finally reached Wichita, that point became the place of distribution.
The day of stage coaches and overland hauling passed in 1879, however, for in that year, the Santa Fe completed their line to Winfield, extending to the Gulf. This line was a God-send to the struggling village, and with the coming of this road, it prospered
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greatly.
But Winfield, destined to become a large railroad center, was not left to be a one railroad town. Even when the Santa Fe was completing their line to this city, the Cowley, Sumner and Fort Smith Railway Company was doing likewise. Several other roads had proposed to build a line to this city, but all plans were abandoned. However, in 1878, the county voted $144,000 in bonds to aid the Cowley, Sumner, and Fort Smith road, and it was finally finished through Winfield by October 1,1879.
In April of the year 1878, Cowley again voted bonds to the amount of $68,000 to aid the construction of the Southern Kansas and Western, a branch line of the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Gulf. This road was extended to Winfield by February 17, 1880, and became known as the Southern Kansas.
While these lines were being completed, the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad was building a branch line, passing through Winfield, and on south into the cotton belt of Oklahoma. The Asteel belt@ of the Frisco reached Winfield the latter part of 1884, and opened up the great southwest, making Winfield a distribution center for that section.
Still another railroad was to reach Winfield. This was a branch line of the Missouri Pacific System. In 1887, this line entered the county at Dexter, passing diagonally across the county, through Winfield, and out of the County at Oxford. This line was a great benefit to Winfield, and Cowley County as a whole, because it opened up new trade possibilities.
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There is a story concerning an early struggle connected with the coming of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, which shows the interest created among the pioneers of Winfield. George Robinson wanted the new track to be built past his farm so as to increase the value of his property. J. B. Lynn, who lived north of Mr. Robinson, desired also to popularize and sell his lots. The two gentlemen had quite a heated argument over the proposition. As a result, the Missouri Pacific finally built the railroad near Mr. Lynn=s property, causing Mr. Robinson to lose his point.The road was laid on Sunday so that it would be impossible for Mr. Robinson to secure an indictment to stop the construction.
In 1881, the Southern Kansas line purchased the Cowley, Sumner and Fort Smith Road; later that union was bought by the great Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe system. This left the Santa Fe in control of practically all the roads of southern Kansas, and Winfield became a railroad center, as practically all of the important lines terminated, or passed through Winfield. The Santa Fe immediately began to improve her newly acquired possessions, and it soon became the dominant line of the southwest.
Today, the Santa Fe, the Frisco, and the Missouri Pacific are outstanding in the southwest, and even in the nation. The rapid growth of Winfield has undoubtedly been due to the building of these great railroads to this city.
Bus Lines.
Due to the rapid development of the oil industry around Winfield it was necessary to establish bus lines, both for the use of the citizens and the oil men. For several years there has been an independent bus running between Winfield and Wellington.
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In September 1924, the Arkansas Valley Transportation Company started running three cars from Wichita to Arkansas City via Winfield. These cars are of the most modern type found in any part of the country. They are hugh coaches costing from $8,000 to $20,000.
In February 1925, a line was started to Independence running twice a day. There are also lines running to Augusta, El Dorado, Wichita, Arkansas City, and Wellington all owned by private individuals.
PUBLIC WELFARE INSTITUTIONS.
State Industrial School
On September 1, 1881, in the old University building at Lawrence, there was opened a school which was known as the State Asylum for Idiotic and Imbecile Youth. H. M. Green was Superintendent and Mrs. Green, matron. There were only twenty enrolled during the first year, as only those under fifteen years of age were admitted.
There was a great deal of trouble in securing funds for the school, but in 1885 the state Legislature appropriated $25,000 for this purpose. Whether this school was to be situated at Winfield or Arkansas City was the subject of heated dispute between these two towns. Both wanted it because of the financial influence the institution would have upon the business interests of the town.
It was finally located at Winfield through the influence of Hon. E. P. Green, who was at that time serving in the State Legislature. Necessary land was donated, buildings erected, and in March, 1887, forty inmates were brought to their new home and divided into groups according to their mental conditions.
There was room in the institution for only one hundred inmates and it was soon crowded to its capacity. In 1900 many needed improvements
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were made. In 1911, the administration building, valued at $100,000, and many valuable records were destroyed by fire.
From time to time as they were needed, buildings were added until now, the institution includes a large group of modern buildings, along with a hospital, custodian=s building, modern dairy barn and horse and mule barn.
Educational courses are offered covering the common school branches as far as the fourth grade. Music and Manual Training are offered to some. The pupils of the institution are assigned daily tasks about the grounds and buildings.
The number of patients has increased from twenty in 1881 to seven hundred in 1924.
The Lutheran=s Children Home.
The Lutheran Children=s Home was organized in March, 1902. This home is supported by the Lutheran Children=s Friends Society.
When first organized, the headquarters were in Topeka. Since the Children=s Friends Society did not own any property there, they rented quarters in the main part of the city, which were used as a receiving home and office.
In the spring of 1907, they decided to build a home and locate it in some convenient town. This honor going to the town which made the best offer. The towns contending for the honor of having the home were Topeka, MacFarlane, and Alma; however, they could come to no agreement. Finally, Mrs. J. P. Baden told the Board of Directors that she would donate a piece of property for that purpose, if the home would be placed in Winfield. This offer was accepted and thus the location of the home was changed from Topeka to Winfield.
Mrs. Baden bought the property, then known as Highland Park Sanitarium, more commonly known to the pioneers as the Jaquines
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property, and donated this to the Children=s Friends Society. It was one block of ground including a large building, which was used until fall of 1920. After a time the building became too small and a new one was completed in 1921 on the same block. It was a three story building, which when completed, cost $40,000. Mr. Weinrich has been superintendent since May, 1907. The first Superintendent was Rev. M. Senne, who was succeeded by Rev. Eggert, Mr. Weinrich succeeding him. Mrs. Weinrich has been matron of the home for the last thirteen years.
About 565 children have been cared for during the twenty-three years of the Society=s existence. The majority have been placed in Christian families.
This organization is controlled and supported by the people of the Lutheran Church, but the children are cared for regardless of religious affiliations.
ST. MARY=S HOSPITAL.
Dr. George Emerson built Winfield=s first public hospital in December, 1899. The institution was known as the AWinfield Hospital@ and at that time, it was situated on Ninth Avenue at the Observatory Hill.
The building was a frame structure and consisted of ten rooms, one operating chamber, and a reception chapel.
The first Board of Directors included Mr. A. E. Baden, Mr. P. H. Albright, Mr. W. T. Naden, Mr. W. H. Somermier, and Mr. H. T. Trice. The Winfield Hospital had a staff that consisted of doctors George Emerson, L. A. Jacobus, and P. H. Guy, and employed three nurses and one matron.
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The Sisters of St. Joseph took charge of the institution the latter part of December, 1903, and dedicated it as ASt. Mary=s Hospital.@
The sisters of St. Joseph were responsible for the first addition that was made in 1904 and in June, 1905, another similar addition was made. In 1916, the hospital added one of the best heating plants in the state at that time. Along with this heating plant, there was added a laundry, equipped with steam boilers and other modern additions, which amounted to a total cost of $20,000.
In January 1918, a campaign was organized by prominent members of the Winfield Commercial Club for the purpose of raising necessary funds for the erection of a brisk, fireproof hospital in place of the frame institution. The citizens of Winfield responded wonderfully, and the Commercial club was able to raise $33,000 by the campaign.
The new and modern institution was erected to the east of the frame hospital at a cost of $81,903.00 The new brick building has fifty patient=s beds, three operating rooms, one X-ray room, one general kitchen, and one diet kitchen on each floor. The cost of modern equipment amounted to $20,200.
The hospital at present has seven trained nurses; one registered pharmacist, one X-ray technical, fourteen pupil nurses, and is one of the best and most modern hospitals in the state.
PILCHER=S SURGICAL HOME.
Pilcher=s Surgical Home was established in 1899, by Dr. Hoyt Pilcher.
Dr. Pilcher=s records of achievement greatly qualified him for establishing a institu-tion of this kind. He served in the Union Army at Nashville during the Civil War and gained unlimited actual
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experience. Dr. Pilcher was a graduate of Ensworth Medical College of St. Louis and Washington Medical University at Baltimore. His ability to correct mental disorders in asylum inmates has rarely been equaled in the history of our country.
The hospital was located at the corner of Tenth and Manning streets. It was part of what is now the Winfield Hospital.
This institution did not depend on endowments of organizations or individual contributions for its support, but was owned and managed on strictly professional and business principles.
Pilcher=s Surgical Home was an institution equal to any in this section of the country during the time of its existence. The existence of the AHome@ was unfortunately brought to a close in 1908, by the death of Dr. Pilcher.
THE WINFIELD HOSPITAL.
The Winfield Hospital was organized by Dr. F. R. Smith in 1908. The institution until this time was Pilcher=s Surgical Home.
Immediately after the reorganization of the hospital by Dr. Smith, a training school for nurses was added. Miss Nettie Crawford was a elected as superintendent of nurses by Dr. Smith. Several hundred nurses have graduated from this hospital since its organization; each with a high understanding of that profession.
The hospital is, today, valued at $20,000 and is an institution that Winfield is justly proud.
The present officers of Winfield Hospital are F. R. Smith, President; E. O. Smith, Secretary-treasurer.
Winfield Hospital is to be consolidated with the proposed Newton Memorial Hospital as soon as the necessary arrangements have been made.
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NEWTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL.
Honorable William Newton died April, 1923, and left an estate of $100,000. His will stated that his money should be used to erect a hospital in Winfield. M. F. Jarvis was appointed administrator for this estate.
The Hospital is to be built on Lynn street back of the present Dr. Graham=s home. It will be a fireproof building and is estimated to be the finest hospital ever built in this part of the country.
Income from the oil wells on Mr. Newton=s farm north of Winfield is to be used for the upkeep of the hospital in the future.
The members of the board of trustees with their terms of office in years are as follows: W. F. Welfelt, M. F. Jarvis - 2, Josh Wallace - 3, L. N. Dunlap - 4, C. W. Roberts - 5.
Preliminary work for the hospital will probably be started soon.
MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENTS.
COUNTY COURT HOUSE
In the summer of 1873, a brick court house was built. It was erected on a half-block donated to the county by the Winfield Town Association. The court house originally cost about $11,500; later additions cost about $3,500. Six years later they purchased the balance of the block for $1,000.
County Jail
In the summer of 1873, the city of Winfield built a brick county jail, costing $2,700 which was just north of the court house near the sidewalk. In 1908-1909, a new jail was erected on the corner of Loomis and Tenth Streets.
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City Building.
The city building was built by the city, after the Hackney building was erected, in 1888. It was located on Ninth and Fuller Streets.
Paving
In 1895, the first paving was laid on Ninth between main and Millington Streets. This was very important due to the fact that it was the nucleus of Winfield=s ever increasing miles of paving. This pavement was made of stone blocks, one and one-half feet square and was taken from the quarry on West Ninth. The cost was so great that it was impossible for any other pavement of that kind to be laid. Later, Ninth was macadamized and in 1899 when rock was being hauled from the quarries the street was ruined, so in 1911 it was resurfaced with brick. Seventh was macadamized in 1899 and several other streets a few years later.
In 1909, the first brick pavement was laid on Loomis Street between Ninth and Tenth. Other pavements were laid during the next few years; Ninth Avenue was paved from Millington to College Hill in 1911 and Main Street from Sixth to Fourteenth in 1914. The first brick paving cost $484.43 for one block, while the last pavement in 1923 cost $2,600 per block.
Today (1925) Winfield has twenty-four miles of pavement, both of asphalt and brick. The annual upkeep of the streets average about $15,000.
The Majority of the streets in Winfield are named after early settlers such as Loomis, Manning, Millington, etc.
Water Works
The first water works in Winfield were owned by a private
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concern in 1880, known as the AWinfield Water Company.@ Holdings in this company were purchased by the city in 1909 for $65,000. In 1906 the Municipal Water Company began construction and in 1909 consolidated with the Winfield Water Company. Captain T. B. Myers was the first superintendent of the consolidated company. In 1910, Jack Welfelt became superintendent and has served in that capacity ever since.
The approximate yearly expense for the upkeep of the plant is about $15,000. The old Water Company supplied the city with water pumped from the Walnut River. It was necessary, in 1909, for the city to build a filtration plant. The supply was taken from the river until 1918 when a number of wells were dug five miles west of the city. On May 1, 1924, another system of wells was put into operation. These wells are on the Arkansas River, nine miles northwest of Winfield - near the Albright Gardens. The water-works puts out an average of 45,000,000 gallons monthly and the cost of the system up to 1924 was $366,000.
Lights.
The first system of electric lights in Winfield was owned by a private company and operated by means of a small steam plant.
Construction on the present plant began in the latter part of 1904 and was completed in 1905 with a total capacity of six hundred horse-power. About ten days before the plant was connected with private services it furnished the lights for the Chautauqua. At present the total capacity is 2250 horse power.
In the spring of 1925 the installation of a new Turbine began, and when finished it will increase the horse-power from about 325 to 3500. The total cost of the plant is over a half
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million dollars and it is one of the two plants in Kansas that is entirely out of debt.
The plant furnishes power to five neighboring towns.
Fire Department.
In 1882 the Winfield Fire Department was organized with a chief and twenty-four men, who volunteered, and for services rendered received one dollar a month and one dollar a fire. This constituted their wages. This system was used until 1901, when the men started drawing regular wages and working full time. Only six men were employed, as their services filled the needs of the city.
The chief, Mr. Ed. Hamm, drew forty-five dollars a month, the driver, forty, and the other four men drew seven and one-half dollars each.
Before this time the volunteer would have to leave his work when the alarm was sounded, thus causing considerable delay. At present there are seven paid men and twelve second-call men. Each man gets one day off a week so there are always six men on duty, twenty-four hours a day, seven days in the week.
When the department was first organized, they had two hose carts and two thousand feet of hose. In 1901 the department had a horse-drawn hose-cart with two horses. In 1915, the first motor driven hose-truck was purchased and by 1924 there were four.
The valuation has increased from $3,500 in 1892 to $17,000 in 1924. The fire station has been enlarged and the entire upper floor of the city building is now utilized by the department.
Prior to 1904, the fire department kept no records, but
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since that date they have made four down-town surveys and two in the residential district, and have made annual reports to the State Fire Chief at Topeka, describing the conditions of all the buildings.
In 1923 there was conducted an Interchamber Fire Drive of the United States under the auspices of the National Fire Chief through the Chamber of Commerce of the United States. Two hundred and two cities out of the forty-three states competed. Although Winfield did not enter the contest but merely filled out papers and sent them in, she was awarded seventh place among the cities of the fourth class, and the only city in Kansas to be mentioned. The average of the preceding five years was taken and the prize awarded according to the reduction in loss by fire, over the five preceding years. This indicates that the Winfield Fire Department is among the best in the state.
Street railways.
Due to the rapid growth of the city it was found necessary to obtain some method of public transportation. Thus, the street railway was organized on June 4, 1886, and the charter was granted June 7, with a capital stock of $25,000. This track started at what is now known as Island Park, and extended down Main to Fourteenth turning west and running to the South Santa Fe Depot. A few years later the tracks were extended on Ninth Street and on Main to Sixteenth Street which ran east from there to Broadway.
The officers of the new enterprise were: President, William Mathewson; Treasurer, W. J. Kennedy; who ably managed the road until 1893 when it was sold to Compton and Lawrence. The offices of the company were located at 701 North Main, and the stables at Island Park.
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In all there were seven miles of track, twenty-five men employed, twenty-one mules, and six cars.
On May 9, 1909, the mule cars were abandoned and the electric cars took their place. At this time the tracks were improved and the Interurban line was started between Winfield and Arkansas City. By June 1910, they were ready to operate, having five cars, one at Arkansas City, two at Winfield, and two operating between these cities.
The officers of this line were Kirkpatrick of Arkansas City, president; and Somermier of Winfield, treasurer. In 1923 the railway went into the hands of the Arkansas Valley Interurban Company.
Island Park.
On the north side of Winfield, a small island is formed by Little Dutch Creek running from its regular course, turning in a circle, and flowing down to the real Dutch Creek. The island was once a wild garden filled with fruits and berries. Many people crossed the creek and gathered the ripe fruit. When people began to settle in Winfield this island could not remain a wild garden. Seeing it could be used to a better advantage, Winfield=s citizens began clearing off the land. George Montgomery was appointed as the first care-taker of Island Park, as it soon came to be known. Maple trees were planted evenly throughout, and public buildings were soon built.
Later, modern improvements were added rapidly. Sidewalks, play grounds, and stands for entertainments were built. One of the most useful buildings is the large open tabernacle. It is
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used for many public meetings.
In 1923, Winfield made this park a free camping place for tourists. Camping houses, free water, gas, light, and police protection were furnished to the travelers. Winfield=s tourist park is advertised in many cities.
Plans were made to dam Dutch Creek in such a way that there will always be running water around Island park.
Winfield=s Tourist Park is a real asset to the city not only for its service to tourists but also to the people of Winfield and the surrounding country.
ALBRIGHT PARK
In 1918, P. H. Albright gave to Winfield a plot of ground which lies at the end of fifteenth street, between Hackney and John Streets. This block was given to be used as a park.
Until 1924, nothing in the line of improvements was done to this land. During that year, playground equipment was installed and two baseball diamonds were laid out. This park satisfied a long-felt need for a playground in the southwest part of town.
HIATT=S PARK.
In 1911, J. W. Hiatt opened a park on the north side of Riverside Road, near the Walnut River. The citizens of Winfield enjoyed many picnics and outings there. Splendid spring water drew people to the place for their good times.
Hiatt=s Park was sold and abandoned in 1914.
BOULEVARDS.
Winfield=s streets have always been shaded by rows of big and tall trees. These streets were made more attractive by
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boulevards of flowers. In 1925 boulevards had been laid out on Park Street, North Main, and Fourteenth street.
HILLCREST GOLF COURSE.
In 1924 some of the business men under the leadership of Goerge Waite organized the Hillcrest Golf club. They leased a piece of land from P. J. Rosecrans, three miles south of Winfield.
Membership in this club is not restricted. Membership dues are $10.00 a year. $6.00 for six months or $4.00 for four months. A fee of thirty-five cents for nine holes or fifty cents for eighteen holes is charged to all non-members playing on the course.
They have a small club house, living quarters, and a nine hole golf course.
The first officers were: President, W. S. Read; Vice-president, George Waite; and Secretary-treasurer, Mr. Toombs.
HOMES.
Only a few of Winfield=s pioneer homes remained standing in 1925. The home of W. S. Notestine at 709 East Tenth Avenue was formerly known as the Manning home. It is a two story brick house. The home of George Buckman is another old stone house located at 417 East Tenth avenue. The J. W. Hiatt house was formerly owned by Mr. Miller, father of the Miller Brothers of the Hundred and One Ranch. It is constructed of old-fashioned brick and it even has a tower.The Grant Stafford home is remembered as the Reed hospital. These are all old-style homes and constructed of brick or stone.
Winfield boasts of a great many beautiful and modern homes. Some of the most elaborate are those of James Lorton, 404 east Eleventh Avenue; Dr. F. A. Kelley, 1316 East Tenth Avenue; and
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Hal Johnson, 301 Park Street. The latter was built by Ralph Shanklin and the Kelley home was formerly owned by Lester Watrous.
Many new homes are being built or have been completed recently. Mr. Ed. Kinnimmouth remodeled his home at 111 East Ninth Avenue. The G. A. Kinnimmouth home is a new style colonial house. It is constructed of wood. Another is the home of Pete Mitschler at 302 East Eleventh Avenue.
A model home was built and furnished by the Chamber of Commerce. It is located between Lynn and Fifth Avenue of College Street. Different business houses of the town furnished the material. One of the most elaborate homes of the whole city, it is, and it is constructed of stone and is a two-story house.
THE CITY BEAUTIFUL.
The City Beautiful Club was organized in July, 1920, after a series of lectures by Ross Crane of Chicago, on AHome furnishing and landscaping.@ His inspiring lectures created a strong sentiment for a better-kept and more beautiful Winfield. The first president was Mr. Lester Watrous; Secretary, Mrs. Frank Siverd, and treasurer, Mrs. Frank Jarvis. Much was done that year to clean up the city.
In 1921, D. L. Pontius was elected president. Again, the city underwent a thorough cleaning. In 1922 a contest was held and prizes were given for the best and second best kept half-block in the city. In 1923, the club took action to rid the city of dandelions. A strict dandelion ordinance was enacted. Prizes of five, three, and two dollars were offered to the school children for the most dandelions pulled.
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Another contest was held in 1924. Prizes were awarded to R. W. James for best-kept residence, Mrs. Hugh Haynes - best kept tenant lot, Mrs. George Fielder - best kept flower garden, Mrs. Franklin - best kept of colored people=s places.
A movement by the club was under way in 1925 to erect a memorial fountain in honor of the late Archibald Olmstead.
Officers for 1924 were Mrs. George Lockwood, president; Mrs. W. T. Orr, secretary; Mrs. Frank Jarvis, treasurer.
Another project of the club is to collect flower seeds and bulbs and distribute them to people who care for them to plant. Surplus seeds and bulbs are planted along the sides of Riverside Road.
At the beginning of 1925, the Community Council assumed the work of the City Beautiful Club.
CEMETERIES.
In the early seventies, there were two cemeteries, the Highland Cemetery, south of town and the Winfield Cemetery, north of town.
The Winfield Cemetery or Graham Cemetery originally consisted of ten acres. From time to time adjoining plots of ground were added to it. The Cowley Union Cemetery Association had charge of this cemetery. In 1917 this association offered the city all the land they had for about one-third of what the lots were selling for, if the city would take charge of it.
On the grounds of the Highland Cemetery a mausoleum was erected, called Highland Abbey.
St. Mary=s Cemetery.
The Catholic Cemetery was originally situated out west of town of the Gessler Farm. The cemetery was moved later (1883) to its
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present site, out on east Twelfth Avenue. This tract of land was bought by the Catholics.
SOCIAL AND BUSINESS CLUBS AND FRATERNITIES
Women=s Clubs.
The women of Winfield have at various times felt the need of forming clubs, and as a result, social and literary organizations have been formed. The literary clubs have done the most good for the women; so the following are a list of them.
The Rossetti Circle
The Rossetti Circle, one of the most prominent literary clubs in Winfield, was also one of the first to be organized. In 1894, a group of progressive women, feeling the need of a closer relationship with literature and various kinds of arts in their homes formed an organization for this purpose.
The club was named for the celebrated English artist family, the Rossetti=s. Dante Gabriel Rossetti, himself a great artist and writer, inspired the club by his correspondence until his death.
The Winfield club elected Mrs. S. E. Ordway as its first president.
Encouraged by the benefits which its members received, the club enlarged its interests and grew to a membership of seventy-five, including some of the most intellectual women of the city.
Whenever opportunities for advancing projects in either civic or educational lines arise, the club is ready and willing to help in any way possible.
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Sorosis
The Sorosis, another of the Winfield Study clubs, was organized November 30, 1895. It was not chartered until the next spring. Mrs. W. C. Robinson was the originator of this club.
The membership limit was placed at sixteen, and as a rule, only married women were elected members. However, Mrs. R. B. Dunlevy, one of the members of the circle, was admitted to membership when she was only engaged.
Different programs are presented each time at the club meeting, and many topics are studied during the year. During all its history, the interest has been kept at a high pitch.
Unlike the other literary clubs of Winfield, the Sorosis members never serve refresh-ments. Then, at the end of the year, a banquet is held.
Entre Nous.
The Entre Nous Circle was organized in Winfleld in 1891. The charter members of the club who still belong are Mrs. Dr. Emerson, Mrs. J. H. Harter, and Mrs. B. R. Rodolf.
The object of this club is the development of the social and intellectual life of its members.
The membership is limited to fifteen, and meetings are held every Monday, from October 1 to May 1. All the meetings are held in the homes of its members instead of the club rooms.
Topics concerning classical literature and current affairs have been studied by this circle.
Sigournian Club
In 1898, an afternoon study club was organized and named after Lydia Sigourney, the American poetess. The membership was limited
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to fourteen.
The main purpose of the club is to further the study of art and literature. A different subject is taken up each year, and many interesting topics have been studied.
The club is also active in civic and educational movements of the city.
Political Science Club.
On February 15, 1896, a club was started which was auxiliary to the state suffrage association.This meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Albright, and was named the Political Science Club.
The aim of the club was to study political economy, current topics, and parliamentary law. It is federated with the District, State, and General Federation of Women=s Clubs.
The club was cooperated in several art exhibits held in Winfield, and has worked for equal suffrage in Kansas.
The political Science Club helped erect the Women=s building at Island Park with the State Traveling Art Gallery, and helped buy the site for the Carnegie library.
They give a donation each year for the scholarship fund and the third district federation.
Young Women=s Study Club.
The Young Women=s Study Club is a literary club composed of the young matrons of Winfield. It was organized in 1914 by Gertrude Robinson Harter, with eight members.
Each year, a certain subject is studied. The study club is a member of the community council and does charity work.
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The C. L. S. C.
The Chautauqua Literature and Scientific Club, or C. L. S. C. Was first organized about 1880 or 1885. The founder of this club was Bishop Vincent. It was a purely literary and scientific organization and instruction was given which would have been considered almost the same as the college course.
The first organization in Winfield, was started in 1887. It did not have a very large membership at first, but kept up its work very faithfully. For a time then, the interest seemed to die, but in 1899, there was a sort of revival of its work. Many new members were added to the list at that time.
Diplomas were awarded to the members which took the course for four years. After that time, seals were given to those who answered the necessary questions correctly.
Meetings of the circle were held at the homes of the members, and there were between fifteen and twenty members who regularly attended. At one time, there were two circles, the Park Circle and the College Hill Circle.
This Chautauqua Literature and Scientific Club met every week while in existence in Winfield, but it was discontinued about 1920. However, there are still organizations of that one large organization in other cities of this country.
The Delphian Circle.
The Delphian Reading Circle was organized in 1920 with almost sixty members. At present, there are only about twenty active members.
The Delphian Circle is national in scope and serves the purpose of stimulating interest along educational and cultural clubs.
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The meetings are held twice a month at the homes of the different members.
The Philharmonic Club.
The Philharmonic Club was organized in 1920, by a small group of students from the Winfield College of Music, for the serious study of music, and to serve the music interests of Winfield and the state.
The Philharmonic Club invited Mrs. W. J. Logan, virtual founder and the first president of the Kansas Federation of music Clubs to be its honored guests on November 5, 1921. From that time on, the club became affiliated with the Federation, and has been in the State Board of Directors from the spring of 1922 until 1924.
The first president was Mrs. A. J. Diescher and in 1925, the club membership numbered ninety.
Club dues were made sufficiently high to keep up its own activities and allowed its surplus funds to be devoted to some civic endeavor each year.
In 1925, Mrs. H. B. Allen, of Arkansas City, gave her permission to the Philharmonic Club to erect a memorial on the grave of Archilbald Olmstead. This was erected on Easter Day, 1925.
The Apollo Club.
The Apollo Club, at first a study club, was the first club to study music in Winfield, being organized in 1907 and federated in 1922. The first president and organizer was Mrs. O. P. Bargour.
At the time of organization, there were 16 active and 5 associate members. The membership was limited to ten for a time, but later changed to twenty-five. In 1915 this ban was removed, and in 1925, there were about two hundred members.
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This club is the second oldest of its kind in the state. In its years of growth and experience, its aim has been broadened and all music activities have been added.
An Olmstead scholarship is also held by this club. It is a scholarship of $100 which is given to students who wish to study music and have not sufficient finances.
The motto of the club is;