I did not take into account the very first hotel accommodations (if they could be called that) such as the one started by J. P. Short...
Walnut Valley Times, September 8, 1871.
J. P. Short is about to refit the Walnut Valley House, at Winfield.
Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.
WALNUT VALLEY HOUSE, JAMES P. SHORT, PROPRIETOR.
WINFIELD HOUSE, Corner Main Street and Eighth Avenue, Winfield. M. P. DALE, Proprietor. This house has just been built, has all the modern improvements, is well finished, and newly furnished. Stages leave daily for the north and south, and tri-weekly for the east. There is also a good stable connected with this house. Our table will be supplied with the best the market affords. Charges reasonable.
Winfield Messenger, October 11, 1872.
The Bradish House has changed hands. Mr. Peyton, the present proprietor, says that his list of boarders has increased from one to twenty-seven. We wish him success.
From Sid Majors starting it all by changing the name of what was evidently one of the first hotels [Lagonda] to Central House or Central Hotel, confusion exists.
1) Central. [Turns out there was the "Old" Central, which burned down. Then later Majors comes up with the "New" Central from the Williams House/J. S. Mann store.]
2) City Hotel. [Turns into Anderson/American Hotel or House [J. H. Olds]. Then it becomes the Lindell Hotel. Later referred to as the "Olds House" only. (I listed the house of Mrs. Olds at the very last. Gather it was a huge rooming house.)
3) Winfield House. Turns into Lindell Hotel.
4) Williams House, which as I stated earlier becomes J. S. Mann store, then the new "Central" under Sid Majors.
5) Brettun Hotel or Brettun House.
6) Ninth Avenue House [Weitzel followed by F. M. Freeland] seems to disappear when Freeland takes over the Commercial Hotel.
7) Commercial House or Hotel [Weitzel/others such as Williams/Freeland.]
8) Stewart Hotel.
9) Olds House [remnants of City/Anderson/American???].
CENTRAL HOTEL OR CENTRAL HOUSE.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.
NOTICE the card of the Central Hotel in this issue. Sid Majors has changed the name of the old Lagonda, and will now run it as the "Central House." We liked the name of Lagonda. It has been "music to our ears" for four years, but we don’t object to the change. Sid will make it the best hotel in the Walnut Valley.
CARD: CENTRAL HOTEL,
SID S. MAJORS, Proprietor.
Winfield, Kansas.
This House, formerly the Lagonda, has recently been thoroughly renovated and remodeled, and is furnished throughout with brand new furniture.
GOOD SAMPLE ROOMS.
Stages arrive and depart daily.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.
The Central Hotel has been refitted and repainted from top to bottom. New furniture, new beds, new carpets, and new everything meet the eye of the visitor as he traverses the halls and rooms of this house. The walls have been hung with bright colored paper from cellar to garret. New silverware decorates the dining room tables; the parlors have been newly furnished; in fact, the house has been remodeled from one end to the other, as only an experienced Boniface like Sid Major can arrange one. A good hotel is what Winfield has long needed. We have one now, and are proud of it. Can’t you give the young folks a little "house warming," Sid?
Winfield Courier, October 12, 1876.
The "Grand Opening Ball of the Central Hotel" came off at the courthouse last night. It was well attended, the music excellent, and the supper, at Majors’, superb. Everyone enjoyed themselves to the fullest capacity. It was a decided success.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1877.
One night last week at a late hour some person entered the dining room of the Central Hotel and possessed themselves of a set of silver tablespoons. The drawer of the safe in the room contains something near sixty silver and silver-plated spoons, from which the bold intruder selected a half dozen fine silver tablespoons. Time and pains were taken to select spoons belonging to the same set.
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1877.
A bill of new furniture was received at the Central Hotel yesterday.
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1877.
Last Sunday evening a coal oil lamp which was left burning in one of the rooms at the Central Hotel caught on fire; but fortunately, before it exploded, one of the family entered the room and gave the alarm when it was immediately carried to an open door and thrown into the street, thereby saving any damage.
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1877.
On yesterday morning, just about daylight, the oil in a coal oil lamp at the Central Hotel caught on fire, but before any damage was done either to person or property, it was carried through two rooms and thrown into the yard.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877.
Notice the change in the card, on the first page, of the Central hotel. The house will continue business under the firm name of Major & Vance, and in the same first class style as it has in the past. The house has a commendable reputation abroad as well as at home, which will be retained through the skillful management of the proprietors, Sid and Jim.
CARD: CENTRAL HOTEL,
MAJOR & VANCE, Proprietors,
Winfield, Kansas.
This House, formerly the Lagonda, has recently been thoroughly renovated and remodeled, and is furnished throughout with bran new furniture.
GOOD SAMPLE ROOMS.
Stages arrive and depart daily.
Winfield Courier, June 28, 1877.
At a special meeting of the city council, held on Tuesday evening last, Messrs. Townsend & Carrol, of Independence, secured license for a saloon and billiard hall. They have ordered a bran new saloon outfit, consisting of a billiard table, a fifteen ball pool table, large mirrors, glassware, etc. They are fine appearing young men and propose running a first class saloon. The corner building, south of the Central hotel, is being repaired and fitted up for their use.
Winfield Courier, August 2, 1877.
Since the last issue new arrivals at the Central Hotel number 74 and at the City Hotel 45.
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1877.
Hotel arrivals for the week ending August 8th: Central Hotel, 65; City Hotel, 53.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1877.
Hotel arrivals for the week ending August 15th, numbering as follows: Central Hotel, 78; City Hotel, 55.
Winfield Courier, August 30, 1877.
Hotel arrivals in this city for the week ending August 29, 1877: Central, 97; City, 47.
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1877.
The Central Hotel registered 65 names last Saturday, the City 56, and the Williams House 49.
Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.
The Central Hotel has a new bell.
Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.
John W. Smiley is building a new wagon shop just east of the Central Hotel.
Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.
We met Mr. James Vance and lady, of the Central Hotel, at Wichita enjoying the fair. They returned on Friday.
[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]
Winfield Courier, November 8, 1877.
PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY BY MILLINGTON & LEMMON.
[From the K. C. Journal of Commerce.]
SOUTHERN KANSAS.
Interesting Reminiscences of the County Seat of Cowley County.
How they Surveyed Its Streets by the North Star and Located
An "Organ" by a Resin Weed.
Winfield’s Proud Position as Queen of the Walnut Valley.
From our own Correspondent.
WINFIELD, KAN., Oct. 22. Seven years ago next December, a party of emigrants camped on the banks of the Walnut River, about twenty miles above its confluence with the Arkansas, in a beautiful bend of the stream where a prairie about two miles in extent lay environed by gently receding hills and a dense growth of forest bordering the river with a
DIVERSIFIED LANDSCAPE,
stretching far way beyond, and pleasant breadths of sunshine. It was not only a place to camp, protected from the breath of the winter winds and convenient to wood and water, but it was worthy of a habitation for more than a day, and the emigrants took this view of it as they discussed their supper around the log fire.
There are half a dozen hotels in town representing all degrees of excellence, from the Central Hotel, creme de la creme, down to a twenty-five cent hash foundry. Sid Major and Jim Vance are too well known as successful landlords to lose a wink of sleep over any threatened competition in this town.
Winfield Courier, November 29, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday noon, November 28th, 1877, number as follows: Central Hotel, 51; Anderson Hotel, 89.
Winfield Courier, December 6, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday noon, December 5th, 1877, number as follows: Central Hotel, 54; Anderson House, 45.
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.
Major & Vance, of the Central hotel, are having a big run now. The house if full every day and night. They have recently put another table in their dining room, making in all, five large well furnished tables. The silver and table ware are the best the market affords.
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.
The people of Winfield were surprised and startled last Saturday evening. Many were the questions asked, loud and strong were the cries of "circus!" "circus!" by the small boys, and great was the excitement. About 6:30 o’clock p.m., a wagon, loaded with a dozen or more happy boys and drawn by four fine horses, was driven upon Main street from 7th avenue. The street was brightly illuminated by the lanterns held in the hands of the boys and suspended from the wagon box. When opposite Mr. Lacy’s residence, time was called, and as they passed on down Main street they favored the wondering people with the familiar piece of music, "The merriest girl that’s out." They then passed up one street and down another furnishing free music to the citizens of Winfield for about two hours; and landing at the Central hotel about half-past eight o’clock, called for supper for the Oxford Silver Cornet Band, eleven in number. After partaking of a good supper, they again started out and serenaded each and every business house in the city, besides calling at several private houses. The boys have good strong lungs and make good music. Drop us a line previous to your next coming, boys.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
Hotel arrivals in this city, for the week ending September 19th, 1877, number as follows: Central, 57; City, 66; Williams House, 38.
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1877.
The Central Hotel registered 65 names last Saturday, the City 56, and the Williams House 49.
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1877.
Hotel arrivals, in this city, for the week ending September 26th, 1877, number as follows: Central, 121; City, 91; Williams House, 70.
Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.
Hotel arrivals, in this city, for the week ending October 3rd, 1877, number as follows: Central, 70; City, 55; Williams House, 48.
Winfield Courier, October 11, 1877.
Hotel arrivals, in this city, for the week ending October 3rd, 1877, number as follows: Central, 55; City, 42; Williams House, 43.
Winfield Courier, October 25, 1877.
Hotel arrivals, in this city, for the week ending October 24th, 1877, number as follows: Central, 70; Anderson House, 44; Williams House, 44.
Winfield Courier, November 1, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday evening, October 31st, 1877, number as follows: Central, 56; Anderson House, 48; Williams House, 49.
Winfield Courier, November 8, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday evening, October 31st, 1877, number as follows: Central, 72; Anderson House, 50; Williams House, 59.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday evening, October 31st, 1877, number as follows: Central, 74; Anderson House, 51; Williams House, 57.
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday noon, December 12th, 187, number as follows: Central, 65; Anderson 39.
Winfield Courier, December 20, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday noon, December 12th, 1877, number as follows: Central, 65; Anderson, 39.
Winfield Courier, April 11, 1878.
Nineteen arrivals—all strangers—at the Central last Thursday.
Winfield Courier, April 18, 1878.
B. F. Baldwin and E. A. Clisbee had a home made telephone stretched from Frank’s store over to the Central Hotel last week. The phone was made by Clisbee and was a perfect success. Any person talking in one end in a common tone of voice would be distinctly heard all over the room at the other end.
Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.
The Central and American hotels have new, elegant registers.
Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.
See the new stage office sign at the Central Hotel. It is the handsomest one in town.
Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.
Arrivals at the Central and American hotels for last week number 135; Williams House, 66.
Winfield Courier, May 23, 1878.
W. A. Hart, from near Douglass, is fitting up the Robert Hudson building on the corner south of the Central Hotel for a restaurant.
Winfield Courier, June 20, 1878.
The Central Hotel wants a good dining-room girl.
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
Mrs. Campbell accompanies the Judge and will stay at Winfield during court. They are domiciled at the Central Hotel.
Winfield Courier, November 14, 1878.
The splendid new hotel between the Central and the American hotels is nearly completed.
[COURIER ADVERTISERS.]
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
The Courier feels proud of its list of advertisers. No county newspaper in the state can boast a larger list or one made up of better, more honorable or more enterprising men. Here they are in alphabetical order.
CENTRAL HOTEL is a popular resort for the weary traveler, and under the auspices of Mr. Sid Majors and J. Vance, two experienced hotel men, and their estimable ladies, this house has become popular among traveling men. The stage and express offices are kept at this house.
[HOTEL CARDS. (WINFIELD ESTABLISHMENTS.)]
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
CENTRAL HOTEL, MAJOR & VANCE, PROPRIETORS.
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
CENTRAL HOTEL, MAJOR & VANCE, PROPRIETORS, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
This house, formerly the Lagonda, has recently been thoroughly renovated, remodeled, and furnished throughout with new furniture. Stages arrive and depart daily.
Winfield Courier, February 27, 1879.
Ashton’s tin shop has just turned out a couple of fine street lamps. One will be put up in front of the Central Hotel and the other on the corner just south, occupied by Rogers & Santford’s billiard hall. These lamps add greatly to the appearance of our streets, and it would be a paying investment if the merchants on all the principal street corners would follow the example of these gentlemen and "let their light shine."
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1879.
Mr. E. C. Seward is building a large two-story frame building, 25 x 80, on Main street, opposite the Central Hotel. This will be the largest frame store-building in town.
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.
The stage and express office has been removed from the Central Hotel to Smith Bros. boot and shoe store, next door to "Jo’s."
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.
Mr. J. F. Witherspoon has ordered a lot of new buggies and intends, in a few weeks, to put a first-class livery stock in his barn, just back of the Central hotel.
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.
The Eclectic State Board of Examiners will meet for examination of Physicians and Diplomas at the Central Hotel, Winfield, Kansas, on Tuesday, May 13th, at three o’clock in the afternoon. H. OWENS, M. D., Member of Board.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1879.
Several small boys created quite an excitement, running against "time" from the Central Hotel to Timber creek, half a mile and return. One little fellow ran a mile in five minutes and ten seconds.
[COWLEY COUNTY: FROM THE TOPEKA COMMONWEALTH.]
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.
The hotels of the city are the Williams House and the Central. Both of them do a large business.
Winfield Courier, September 4, 1879.
The Central Hotel is receiving a new coat of paint.
Winfield Courier, October 16, 1879.
Scovill & Co. have a new advertisement in this paper. This firm has lately opened here and have a splendid stock of goods. Call and see them.
AD: SCOVILL & CO., are receiving one of the largest stocks of CLOTHING, HATS, CAPS -AND- GENT’S FURNISHING GOODS, Ever brought to Southern Kansas. NO OLD STOCK OUT OF STYLE, but fresh from the largest manufacturers of Clothing in the United States, and Sold at Prices to Suit the Times. In Quantity, Styles and Prices will Compare with Any One!
Remember the One-Price, Square-Dealing Store opposite Central Hotel, Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, November 27, 1879.
Next Monday the Central Hotel changes hands, Mr. Vance retiring, and Mr. Harter taking his place. The new firm will be Majors & Harter. The house is to be enlarged and remodeled; and if completed under the proposed plan, will be one of the most commodious hotels in the country.
Winfield Courier, December 11, 1879.
The new proprietors of the Central Hotel are pushing the proposed addition as fast as possible. The street around the hotel is already filled with lumber, stone, etc.
Winfield Courier, December 18, 1879.
The addition to the Central Hotel is being pushed forward in spite of the inclemency of the weather, as the room is badly needed.
Winfield Courier, January 15, 1880.
CAPT. C. L. HARTER has vacated the office of Sheriff of this county, in which position he has served for two years with honor and urbanity. These qualities he will transfer to the Central Hotel, and add to its already wide popularity.
Winfield Courier, February 12, 1880.
SCOVILL & CO., are receiving one of the largest stocks of CLOTHING, HATS, CAPS, AND GENT’S FURNISHING GOODS, ever brought to Southern Kansas. NO OLD STOCK OUT OF STYLE, but fresh from the largest manufacturers of Clothing in the United States, and Sold at Prices to Suit the Times. Remember the One-Price, Square-Dealing Store
OPPOSITE CENTRAL HOTEL, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Winfield Courier, February 19, 1880.
The Central Hotel is occupying its new addition.
[CENTRAL HOTEL: NEARLY A CONFLAGRATION.]
Winfield Courier, March 18, 1880.
About five o’clock last Thursday evening the Central Hotel was discovered to be on fire. In a few minutes after the alarm sounded, and before the fire had got fairly under way, several hundred men were on the ground with buckets and the "Little Giant" fire engine, and in a short time had it completely under control. A good deal of unnecessary damage was done to the furniture by reckless parties, who tore down window curtains, smashed the sash, and did many other things entirely uncalled for. The fire has served to show the utter inefficiency of the means provided to extinguish it. The wells and pumps on which has been squandered a large amount of money were useless, some of the wells being dry and others, where the hose was attached, the force of the pump was too weak to raise the water as high as the building. It is very certain that had the fire occurred at midnight, instead of in daylight when hundreds were on the streets to help extinguish it by hand, a large portion of the business part of our city would now be but a mass of ruins. Let us take this as a warning, and at once cast about for some effective means of protecting ourselves against this devouring demon.
Winfield Courier, March 25, 1880.
The Central Hotel is now fully repaired and ready for another fire.
Winfield Courier, April 15, 1880.
We clip the following from the Topeka Commonwealth. It is from the pen of Cliff Baker, who accompanied the Board of Assessors on their recent visit here.
"The rest of us went to the Central Hotel after supper on the car and secured rooms and went out to see Winfield by night. We visited the offices of the Winfield Daily Telegram, published by Mr. W. M. Allison, and the COURIER, published by Mr. Millington. They are each well fitted and well supplied offices. Mr. Allison is doing a good thing for Winfield, in the publication of his morning daily with the Associated Press dispatches, and it must be at great cost to himself.
Winfield Courier, April 22, 1880.
A fellow at the Central Hotel last week created quite a scare by the announcement that he had taken poison, and that if a doctor wasn’t immediately forthcoming, he would die. The doctor came—he still lives.
[COMMENTS: ARKANSAS VALLEY PRESS ASSN. MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880. [Various comments: Different Editors.]
About forty members were present at the Arkansas Valley Press Asociation meeting held in Winfield April 17th along with a large number of visitors from different parts of the state.
After the meeting adjourned, the guests were shown around the city by the citizens, in carriages. In the evening a grand ball was given by the citizens at Manning’s Hall, after which a banquet was served at the Central Hotel, which was a superb affair, the elite of the city being present, and speeches, toasts, and responses by leading citizens were the order of the evening.
The evening was spent very pleasantly in dancing and social converse at the opera house. Promptly at 12 o’clock the music ceased, and the friends were invited to the Central Hotel where three forty-foot tables were groaning under a weight of good things and decked with evergreens and flowers. At 3:40 a.m., the party were safely seated in the cars, their faces turned in the direction of home, everyone wishing they could stay in Winfield forever, etc.
The ball in the evening which was attended by the editors, visitors, and many citizens of Winfield was a brilliant success. The fine hall was built by Col. Manning, and is well adapted to large parties. The landord of the Central House deserves special mention for the large variety, excellent character, and great abundance of the good things prepared for his talbe at the banquet announced at 12 o’clock at the conclusion of the ball. Prof. Lemmon, who was master of ceremonies, succeeded in seating the guests, numbering about one hundred and fifty. Major Anderson, Judge Hanback, and irrepressible Pangborn opened the trouble by singing "Carve dat Possum." Short speeches were made by various parties and the best of feeling prevailed. At 2 o’clock the party broke up and the "good-byes" were reluc-tantly said by the visitors, most of whom left for their homes on the 3:40 morning train.
We were escorted to the Central Hotel, the headquarters of the association, and where was assembled the majority of the editors of the valley. Here was assembled as fine an array of genius, wit, and intellect as graced any hotel. The association held three sessions, namely, in the forenoon at 10:30; in the afternoon, and then again in the evening. During the afternoon session the monotony of business transactions was relieved by a very pleasant incident. Miss Mollie Devendorf, a daughter of Mr. H. X. Devendorf, of Topeka, was adopted as the "daughter of the Arkansas Valley Editorial Association." She is a young lady of very pleasing manners, as "bright as a button" and as "smart as a whip."
The ball at the Opera House, owned by our old friend. E. C. Manning, was a perfect success. The music was perfect, better than we have heard on similar occasions for a long time. The attendance was large, but not so much so as to be over-crowded. For elegance of dress and appearance, the ladies of Winfield are fully equal to those of any of her sister cities in Kansas. The banquet, which was served at the Central Hotel, was excellent.
[THE EDITORIAL CONVENTION: MIAMI REPUBLICAN.]
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880.
We availed ourselves of a kind invitation to attend the meeting of the Arkansas Valley Editorial Association at Winfield, Kansas, on the 17th inst. It was a large gathering of the editorial fraternity of the Southwest. We there met the old veteran editors of the Kansas press: F. P. Baker, Geo. W. Martin, C. G. Coutant, J. H. Folkes, Judge Muse, A. J. Hoisington, Mr. Millington, and younger members of the craft with a great deal of pleasure. It was an assemblage of unusually fine looking men. To the editors of Winfield, Messrs. Millington, Allison, and Conklin, the members of the convention, and invited guests, our obligations for their personal attention. Saturday night there was a ball in Manning’s hall, and the beauty of Winfield was there in matchless loveliness, and at midnight the assemblage sat down to a splendid banquet at the Central House, the introduction to which was given by Tom. Anderson, of Topeka, with the song of "Carve dat Possum," and then full justice was done to the magnificent supper.
[THE EDITORIAL CONVENTION: GREAT BEND REGISTER.]
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880.
We arrived at Winfield about noon and were met by a committee of citizens, with half a dozen busses and full a score of carriages in waiting, and were escorted to hotels and private residences, according as the guests had been assigned by the deputation that met us on the train. It was my good fortune to become the guest of Bretton Crapster at the Central Hotel. Messrs. Millington, Conklin, and Allison, the three publishers of the town, as com-mittee, were assiduous in their devotion to the guests. In the afternoon the busses and carriages took us about the city to see the sights.
After midnight a banquet was served at the Central House, and participated in by about 150 persons. Supt. Lemmon was master of ceremonies and commenced by inviting Major Anderson to "Kyarve dat Possum," which was soon done, the company joining largely in the chorus. Speeches were made by other gentlemen, and altogether the occasion was a very enjoyable one.
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880.
Major & Harter have sold the Central Hotel to Mr. A. H. Doane. He takes possession May 1st. Mr. Doane is one of our largest property owners and a son-in-law of W. L. Mullen.
[CENTRAL HOTEL.]
Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.
There is but one Central Hotel in the Walnut valley, and that is run by Charlie Harter and Sid Majors. There could not be two like it in one community. The house itself could be duplicated, but you could not find another Harter by a large Majority. Clay Center Dispatch.
Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.
Mr. Frank Finch was severely burned while trying to get some of the furniture out of the Central during the fire last week. He was in the east wing of the building and the roof fell in on him. He is recovering rapidly and will be out again in a few days.
[THE FIRE.]
Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.
Last Thursday night, between 11 and 3 o’clock, Winfield was visited by the most disastrous conflagration yet happening within her borders. The fire started in the old log store, one of the landmarks of the town, and for years occupied by the COURIER, but was now being used by F. Leuschen as a cabinet shop. The fire is supposed to have originated from the old rags, oil, and varnish in the shop. The alarm was given before the fire was thoroughly underway, and had those first on the ground been furnished with decent appliances, it might have been controlled, saving thousands of dollars worth of property. The old log building was like a tinder box and made a very hot fire. Next to it on the east were two buildings, one belonging to C. L. Harter and occupied by the moulder at the foundry, the other owned and occupied by Robert Hudson. These buildings were both destroyed, but the contents were saved.
Immediately west of the log building, across the alley, was an old livery barn belonging to Hackney & McDonald, which was the next to go.
From this the fire was communicated to the Central and Lindell hotels. As soon as it was evident that the hotels must go, the work of getting out the furniture began. Carpets, bedding, crockery ware, and furniture of all descriptions were tumbled promiscuously out of windows and doors into the street, much of it being broken and smashed. The hotels being dry, pine buildings, burned rapidly, sending up large cinders which fell in different parts of the city, making the utmost vigilance necessary to keep them from igniting buildings three blocks from the fire.
When the two hotels caught, everyone turned their attention toward saving the buildings on either side of the street. They were covered with men who handled buckets of water and barrels of salt, and by their exertions prevented the fire from spreading and destroying the larger part of the business portion of our city.
The old part of the Central Hotel was owned by Jas. Jenkins, of Wisconsin. The new part of the Central Hotel was owned by Majors & Harter. They had sold out to A. H. Doane, and were to have given possession Saturday morning.
The Lindell Hotel was owned by J. M. Spencer, and was leased by Jas. Allen one month ago.
Our citizens generously opened their homes to the homeless people, and accommodations were offered for more than was needed.
The following is a list of the losses and insurance.
Captain Stevens, store, loss $1,000; no insurance.
Fred Leuschen, furniture store and dwelling, loss $1,200. Insurance on stock, in Home, of New York, $300.
C. L. Harter, tenant dwelling, loss $300; no insurance. Tenant had no loss except damage.
Robert Hudson, dwelling, loss $800. Mrs. Hudson removed most of her furniture. No loss except damage. No insurance on either house or contents.
Hackney & McDonald, livery stable occupied by Buckhart, loss $800; no insurance.
Central Hotel, main building: James Jenkins, loss $3,500; insurance, $1,500 in the Atlas.
Central Hotel, Majors & Harter portion: loss to building, $2,500; insurance, $2,100, as follows: Weschester, Springfield Fire & Marine and Hartford, $700 each. [Their insurance was on building and furniture.] The loss of Majors & Harter in excess of their insurance will be upwards of $3,000.
PUZZLING! $2,100-INSURANCE...AND YET $700 EACH ($1,400)...DOES
NOT COMPUTE WITH $2,100 INSURANCE...COULD BE THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN $2100 AND $1400 WAS INSURANCE
ON CONTENTS!
J. M. Spencer, Lindell Hotel, loss $2,500; insurance $1,000, as follows: Fire Association, $500; Phenix, of Brooklyn, $500; James Allen, loss $1,000; insurance, $800.
Policies are in the agencies of Gilbert, Jarvis & Co.; Curns & Manser; and Pryor & Kinne. The companies are all first class, and the losses will be promptly adjusted and paid.
Note: See Williams Hotel ending. Sid Majors takes over and changes the name to Central Hotel. You might say that the CENTRAL HOTEL is resurrected. MAW
[CENTRAL HOTEL.]
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1884.
Messrs. Ransom, Scott, and Norman O. Allen, capitalists from Lockport, Me., have been at the Central Hotel for several days, looking over our city with a view of placing considerable money.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1884.
Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Dickie, of the Central Hotel, accompanied by her brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Smith, of Shelby, Ohio, who are visiting them, spent several days of last week in the wilds of the Indian Territory, returning Sunday.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1884.
Sid Majors has sold his interest in the Central Hotel to his partner, Mr. Dickie, and has again retired from active business. Sid can’t be "retired" very long at a time, however, and we expect to chronicle some other venture of his before long.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1884.
PROFESSIONAL NURSE. Permanently located at Winfield, Kansas. Ladies who desire to be successfully treated for local and general weaknesses, will please call upon Mrs. E. A. McCoy at the Central Hotel. Go to the Parlor upstairs. Office practice only. Hours 9 a.m. to 12 and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Consultation and medicine, $1.50. Treatments, $2.00.
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
DISSOLUTION NOTICE.
NOTICE is hereby given that the co-partnership heretofore existing between G. T. Bacastow and F. L. Crampton, under the style and firm name of Bacastow & Crampton is this day dissolved. F. L. Crampton will conduct the business at the old stand, second door north of the Central Hotel and will pay all debts and liabilities of said firm, and is authorized to collect all claims and demands due said firm. All parties owing said firm must immediately call and settle as our books must be squared up.
GEO. T. BACASTOW, FRANK L. CRAMPTON.
[Note: Courier quite often had "Backastow" rather than Bacastow.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
Corns, Bunions, Ingrowing Nails, extracted without pain, or without leaving a sore, or without using acids, alkalies, caustics, or any other injurious material. Will be in Winfield at the Central Hotel for a few days. No extra charge for visiting anywhere in the city. Charges reasonable. DAVID BREWER, Chiropodist.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1884.
J. F. Axtel purchased, last week, through Harris & Clark, the Central Hotel of this city, and after a few weeks vacation in the east, will take possession of the same.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1884.
Dick Zeale, the former clerk at the Central Hotel, has opened a restaurant on 9th Avenue, near Main street. Parties wishing oysters and general lunches or cider will do well to call on Dick.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
MARRIED. At the Central Hotel, Winfield, Kansas, Sept. 26th, 1884, by Rev. B. Kelly, Mr. Joseph Kerns to Miss Ella Holly, all of Cowley County, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
Wanted. A man to take sheep on the shares for several years. Clarence Murdock, at the Central Hotel, Winfield.
Winfield Courier, October 23, 1884.
For "Gems of the Fireside," Bibles, and Autograph Albums, call on Mr. F. Armstrong, at the Central Hotel parlors between now and Saturday night. Sold at very liberal rates, on payments of 25 cents per week.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1884.
Clarence Murdock, the popular clerk at the Central Hotel, left Friday last for a few days’ sojourn at his cattle ranch in the eastern part of the Territory.
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1884.
Lost. A pocket book containing three notes and other papers at Central House. Will pay a liberal reward for same. Noble Caldwell.
Winfield Courier, November 13, 1884.
Money to loan on collateral security. C. D. Murdock, Central Hotel.
Winfield Courier, December 4, 1884.
Mr. T. F. Axtel took charge of the Central Hotel Monday. He is an old hotel man and will have no trouble in making the Central popular among all lovers of good meals and comfortable rooms.
CITY HOTEL.
[Note: Turns into "Anderson Hotel/Anderson House" within a short time span.]
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877.
CITY HOTEL
WINFIELD, KANSAS,
ROBT. HUDSON, Proprietor.
Good Sample Rooms for the Accommodation of
Commercial Men.
The House will be run in better style than ever before.
Winfield Courier, August 2, 1877.
Since the last issue new arrivals at the Central Hotel number 74 and at the City Hotel 45.
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1877.
Hotel arrivals for the week ending August 8th: Central Hotel, 65; City Hotel, 53.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1877.
Hotel arrivals for the week ending August 15th, numbering as follows: Central Hotel, 78; City Hotel, 55.
Winfield Courier, August 23, 1877.
Mr. C. S. Thomas, of the City hotel, took a trip to Wichita the first of the week.
Winfield Courier, August 30, 1877.
Hotel arrivals in this city for the week ending August 29, 1877: Central, 97; City, 47.
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1877.
Last week Mr. C. S. Thomas took a large drove of hogs to Kansas City. He returned Tuesday evening and tells us that the trade of the City hotel is increasing daily. Mr. Thomas is a No. 1 landlord and always furnishes his customers with the best the market affords.
Winfield Courier, September 13, 1877.
C. S. Thomas has sold out the City hotel business to J. L. Bruce & Co.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
Hotel arrivals in this city, for the week ending September 19th, 1877, number as follows: Central, 57; City, 66; Williams House, 38.
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1877.
The Central Hotel registered 65 names last Saturday, the City 56, and the Williams House 49.
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1877.
Hotel arrivals, in this city, for the week ending September 26th, 1877, number as follows: Central, 121; City, 91; Williams House, 70.
Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.
In accordance with an invitation the COURIER force took dinner at the City hotel last Sunday, as guests of J. L. Bruce & Co., the proprietors. The dinner was an excellent one, consisting of the best the market affords.
Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.
Hotel arrivals, in this city, for the week ending October 3rd, 1877, number as follows: Central, 70; City, 55; Williams House, 48.
Winfield Courier, October 11, 1877.
Hotel arrivals, in this city, for the week ending October 3rd, 1877, number as follows: Central, 55; City, 42; Williams House, 43.
Winfield Courier, October 25, 1877.
J. L. Bruce & Co. have sold out their interest in the City Hotel to W. D. Anderson, who will continue the business.
ANDERSON HOTEL.
Winfield Courier, October 25, 1877.
Hotel arrivals, in this city, for the week ending October 24th, 1877, number as follows: Central, 70; Anderson House, 44; Williams House, 44.
Winfield Courier, November 1, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday evening, October 31st, 1877, number as follows: Central, 56; Anderson House, 48; Williams House, 49.
Winfield Courier, November 8, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday evening, October 31st, 1877, number as follows: Central, 72; Anderson House, 50; Williams House, 59.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday evening, October 31st, 1877, number as follows: Central, 74; Anderson House, 51; Williams House, 57.
Winfield Courier, November 29, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday noon, November 28th, 1877, number as follows: Central Hotel, 51; Anderson Hotel, 89.
Winfield Courier, December 6, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday noon, December 5th, 1877, number as follows: Central Hotel, 54; Anderson House, 45.
Winfield Courier, December 6, 1877.
The guests of the Anderson House have plenty of fun of evenings. One of the guests, Mr. W. H. Hudson, is a mesmerizer, and affords amusement by mesmerizing the boys and waiter girls.
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday noon, December 12th, 187, number as follows: Central, 65; Anderson 39.
Winfield Courier, December 20, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday noon, December 12th, 1877, number as follows: Central, 65; Anderson, 39.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1878.
Clark & Dysart is the name of the firm mentioned in another place who are about to build a machine shop and foundry in this city. They have purchased four lots on Main street, north of the Anderson house, and will build a two story stone building forty feet square.
[Note: It is possible that Anderson sold this hotel and that it turned into the "American House" hotel facility. See below. MAW]
AMERICAN HOTEL.
[Note: Gather this turns into the "American House" in a short time span.]
Somehow or other we must have not seen what happened with respect to this hotel. It either started out as the American Hotel or else one of the other hotels changed its name. There is a missing link from the old to the new. Believe this hotel or house was formerly the hotel owned by Anderson. MAW
AMERICAN HOUSE.
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1878.
We would call special attention to the new advertisement of the American House, by J. H. Olds. This house is now in good hands, good order, and good condition, and its patrons will be pleased with all its appointments. The traveling public and boarders will find it a pleasant place.
AD: AMERICAN HOUSE
Winfield, Kansas.
J. H. OLDS, Proprietor.
This house has been thoroughly repaired, refitted, and refurnished, and is open for business. The proprietor is experienced in the business and will keep a first-class house. The patronage of the public is respectfully invited.
Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.
The Central and American hotels have new, elegant registers.
Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.
Arrivals at the Central and American hotels for last week number 135; Williams House, 66.
Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.
Our councilmen, George W. Gully, Robert Hudson, and J. M. Olds lost some shirts from a clothes line at the American House one day last week, and a certain man was suspected of the theft. Deputy J. H. Finch was sent into the country to find the stolen shirts and other articles of clothing. Finch has the trunk in charge and is ready to deliver it to the owner whenever he calls for it.
Winfield Courier, November 14, 1878.
The splendid new hotel between the Central and the American hotels is nearly completed.
Not certain but what the following has reference to American hotel...it states however "American home." ???
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1878.
The M. E. social will be held at the residence of Mrs. Olds, the American Home, on Friday evening of this week. This series of socials are proving a success and will help to pay off the church debt. All friends of the church and of the city should attend and help.
[COURIER ADVERTISERS.]
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
The Courier feels proud of its list of advertisers. No county newspaper in the state can boast a larger list or one made up of better, more honorable or more enterprising men. Here they are in alphabetical order.
AMERICAN HOUSE. This popular house is presided over by J. M. Olds and his estimable lady, who furnish their guests with the most satisfactory fare.
[HOTEL CARDS. (WINFIELD ESTABLISHMENTS.)]
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
AMERICAN HOUSE, J. H. OLDS, PROPRIETOR.
Winfield Courier, October 23, 1879.
North Main street has the "boom" bad since the location of the east and west depot. In addition to the building already commenced by Manning, Kinne, and Curns, which will be of brick, 75 x 60, Messrs. T. R. Bryan, W. L. Mullen, and J. C. McMullen will soon begin the erection of a block of buildings on the vacant land just north of the American House and south of the foundry. The buildings will be of uniform size, each 25 x 100 feet and of brick. Mr. W. M. Berkey will also build a brick building, 25 x 75, on North Main street. It looks as if things are inclined to go northward.
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1879.
McNeil & Rhonimus have opened a new meat market on Seventh avenue, east of American House.
It appears that the "American House," owned by Olds, turned into the "Olds House." I have put in what information I could on "Olds House" at the end. MAW
Winfield Courier, January 22, 1880.
The spirit of improvement seems to be general on north main street. Besides the three new store buildings now being completed, Mayor Lynn has let the contract for the excava-tion and stone work on his building, and will push it forward as rapidly as possible. The excavation for Col. Alexander’s building is being done by the L. L. & G. Railroad, and the dirt is being used in filling up around their depot grounds. We also hear rumors of a new brick to be built on the corner north of the American House.
Winfield Courier, November 18, 1880.
J. F. Witherspoon, formerly of the Lindell Hotel, has succeeded J. B. Williams, of the American House, on Main street. He took possession on the 1st inst., has entirely remodeled and furnished it throughout, and it is crowded with guests. It is the intention of Mr. Witherspoon to make this one of the most popular resorts for the traveling and commercial public.
LINDELL HOTEL.
[Change of Name: American Hotel becomes the Lindell Hotel.]
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, January 13, 1881.
J. F. Witherspoon has rechristened the old American and gave it the same name as his old hotel, the Lindell. The house is practically as good as new, having been refinished and refurnished throughout. John is a popular landlord, as his house is kept filled with guests.
Cowley County Courant, February 9, 1882.
Some people in this city would like to know the whereabouts of John Witherspoon. We are informed that yesterday noon he procured a two-seated rig from Majors & Vance and informed Jim that he was going out in the country about seven miles and would be back in two hours, since which time he has been conspicuous by his absence, and several persons are interested in his welfare. It seems that he told a party to tell Vance not to be uneasy about his team as he would be back today at noon.
It is also discovered that he has mortgaged his billiard room outfit to the firm from whom he purchased his goods, sold a half-interest in the stock to E. Dunbar for a house and lot which he sold to E. C. Seward for cash. He took with him his family and it is supposed that he went north. E. Dunbar is perhaps out a house and lot and the loss will be severe for him. We hope Mr. Witherspoon will turn up all right, as there are several here on the anxious seat.
Jim Vance returned from his trip after his team and wagon last Saturday evening. He met the team about five miles this side of Douglass driven by a boy from Augusta, from which place John Witherspoon started it. Jim congratulates himself on the recovery of his horses and wagon, even if he didn’t get any pay for the use of it. Witherspoon told the boy that he was going to Wichita, and go around on the train.
A brand new listing of hotels...
WINFIELD HOUSE.
[LATER: LINDELL HOTEL.]
[COURIER ADVERTISERS.]
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
The Courier feels proud of its list of advertisers. No county newspaper in the state can boast a larger list or one made up of better, more honorable or more enterprising men. Here they are in alphabetical order.
WINFIELD HOUSE is a new hotel and boarding house got up in good style, and will merit a very large patronage. John M. Spencer, the proprietor, comes to us highly recommended.
Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.
We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Spencer, proprietor of the Winfield House, last week. Mr. Spencer is a hotel man of long experience, and although his house was only opened a few weeks ago, it is getting a good share of the public patronage.
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1879.
WINFIELD HOUSE.
J. M. SPENCER, Proprietor.
Winfield, Kansas.
This House has just been completed and also furnished throughout with an entire lot of new furniture.
Winfield Courier, October 23, 1879.
Col. Manning, E. P. Kinne, and J. W. Curns on Monday began "throwing dirt" for his new brick building on North Main street opposite the Winfield House. It will be of brick, 75 x 60, and will be an ornament to that part of the city.
Winfield Courier, January 22, 1880.
Mr. John Witherspoon has leased the Winfield House and is at work refitting and refurnishing it throughout. He has added an office and a wash room to the building and is giving it a new coat of paint both outside and in.
LINDELL HOTEL.
[New Name of the former Winfield House.]
Winfield Courier, February 5, 1880.
The old Winfield House is now known as the "Lindell Hotel."
Winfield Courier, February 12, 1880.
Citizens of Winfield and Cowley County! We are selling dry goods, notions, hats & caps, clothing, boots and shoes, ladies’ and gents’ underwear, etc., at 50 cents on the dollar. Auction sales each evening at 7 o’clock. C. H. LOVEJOY & CO., UNION BLOCK (OPPOSITE LINDELL HOTEL), WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Winfield Courier, April 1, 1880.
John Witherspoon has sold his interest in the Leland Hotel to James Allen. Mr. Allen will make a first class landlord and will make the Lindell one of the most popular places in town.
Winfield Courier, April 22, 1880.
A new twelve foot stone sidewalk is being put down in front of the Lindell Hotel in place of the old wooden one. This will improve the looks of North Main street.
[THE FIRE.]
Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.
Last Thursday night, between 11 and 3 o’clock, Winfield was visited by the most disastrous conflagration yet happening within her borders. The fire started in the old log store, one of the landmarks of the town, and for years occupied by the COURIER, but was now being used by F. Leuschen as a cabinet shop. The fire is supposed to have originated from the old rags, oil, and varnish in the shop. The alarm was given before the fire was thoroughly underway, and had those first on the ground been furnished with decent appliances, it might have been controlled, saving thousands of dollars worth of property. The old log building was like a tinder box and made a very hot fire. Next to it on the east were two buildings, one belonging to C. L. Harter and occupied by the moulder at the foundry, the other owned and occupied by Robert Hudson. These buildings were both destroyed, but the contents were saved.
Immediately west of the log building, across the alley, was an old livery barn belonging to Hackney & McDonald, which was the next to go.
From this the fire was communicated to the Central and Lindell hotels. As soon as it was evident that the hotels must go, the work of getting out the furniture began. Carpets, bedding, crockery ware, and furniture of all descriptions were tumbled promiscuously out of windows and doors into the street, much of it being broken and smashed. The hotels being dry, pine buildings, burned rapidly, sending up large cinders which fell in different parts of the city, making the utmost vigilance necessary to keep them from igniting buildings three blocks from the fire.
When the two hotels caught, everyone turned their attention toward saving the buildings on either side of the street. They were covered with men who handled buckets of water and barrels of salt, and by their exertions prevented the fire from spreading and destroying the larger part of the business portion of our city.
The old part of the Central Hotel was owned by Jas. Jenkins, of Wisconsin. The new part of the Central Hotel was owned by Majors & Harter. They had sold out to A. H. Doane, and were to have given possession Saturday morning.
The Lindell Hotel was owned by J. M. Spencer, and was leased by Jas. Allen one month ago.
Our citizens generously opened their homes to the homeless people, and accommodations were offered for more than was needed.
The following is a list of the losses and insurance.
Captain Stevens, store, loss $1,000; no insurance.
Fred Leuschen, furniture store and dwelling, loss $1,200. Insurance on stock, in Home, of New York, $300.
C. L. Harter, tenant dwelling, loss $300; no insurance. Tenant had no loss except damage.
Robert Hudson, dwelling, loss $800. Mrs. Hudson removed most of her furniture. No loss except damage. No insurance on either house or contents.
Hackney & McDonald, livery stable occupied by Buckhart, loss $800; no insurance.
Central Hotel, main building: James Jenkins, loss $3,500; insurance, $1,500 in the Atlas.
Central Hotel, Majors & Harter portion: loss to building, $2,500; insurance, $2,100, as follows: Weschester, Springfield Fire & Marine and Hartford, $700 each. [Their insurance was on building and furniture.] The loss of Majors & Harter in excess of their insurance will be upwards of $3,000.
PUZZLING! $2,100-INSURANCE...AND YET $700 EACH ($1,400)...DOES
NOT COMPUTE WITH $2,100 INSURANCE...COULD BE THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN $2100 AND $1400 WAS INSURANCE
ON CONTENTS!
J. M. Spencer, Lindell Hotel, loss $2,500; insurance $1,000, as follows: Fire Association, $500; Phenix, of Brooklyn, $500; James Allen, loss $1,000; insurance, $800.
Policies are in the agencies of Gilbert, Jarvis & Co.; Curns & Manser; and Pryor & Kinne. The companies are all first class, and the losses will be promptly adjusted and paid.
LINDELL HOTEL.
[Change of Name: American Hotel becomes the Lindell Hotel.]
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, January 13, 1881.
J. F. Witherspoon has rechristened the old American and gave it the same name as his old hotel, the Lindell. The house is practically as good as new, having been refinished and refurnished throughout. John is a popular landlord, as his house is kept filled with guests.
Winfield Courier, January 20, 1881.
On Thursday night last a social hop was given at the Lindell Hotel by the proprietor, Mr. Witherspoon. The Lindell, under the present management, is becoming one of the most popular hotels in the city.
Winfield Courier, March 31, 1881.
The Lindell Hotel has changed hands. Blendon & Rider are now the proprietors.
[LINDELL HOTEL.]
[EDITORIAL CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
At the Lindell, six whose names Ed. did not report before he left.
WILLIAMS HOUSE.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1877.
Frank Williams new hotel will open about August 27.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1877.
The ladies propose to "strike" next Tuesday evening and get no supper. To relieve the distress occasioned by this movement, the Ladies’ Aid Society, of the Presbyterian church, will furnish supper to the famishing community at Williams’ new building for 25 cents.
Winfield Courier, August 23, 1877.
The festival given by the Presbyterian ladies, to raise funds to carpet the new Presbyterian church, came off on Tuesday evening at the new palace building of Mr. Frank Williams. Everybody was there with his wife, baby, sweetheart, brother, uncle, and mother-in-law, as Short says, "to get one good square meal." The way the loads of two-story biscuits, pressed hash, chickens, grapes, ice cream, peaches, cake, etc., disappeared was wonderful. Everyone said a great many smart things and joined in the general merriment. Altogether it was one of the most enjoyable occasions that Winfield has ever seen. The receipts reached $90.
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1877.
The Williams House, Frank Williams, proprietor, is open for business. This is an entirely new brick hotel, neatly and tastefully arranged, beautifully painted and embellished, furnished throughout with new, neat, and beautiful furniture. Altogether it is just the neatest, pleasantest, and most comfortable place to stop that can be found in southern Kansas. Frank and his estimable lady know just how to keep a hotel, as everyone who visited them at Philadelphia, during the Centennial exhibition, is ready to testify. They are affable and attentive to their guests, who will have all the comforts of a pleasant home. Excellent arrangements are provided to accommodate commercial travelers, and a fine sample room is prepared. Any description we could give of the house and its arrangements would fail to do it justice. Go and see for yourselves.
Winfield Courier, September 13, 1877.
On Thursday evening last we had the pleasure of taking tea at Frank Williams’ new hotel with a very pleasant party of guests, who did ample justice to the bountiful spread of choice viands and the finest fruits of the season. The table was richly decorated with silver plate and flowers, and the host and hostess by their polite attentions made the occasion one of delight to all present.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
Notice the Williams House card in this issue.
CARD: WILLIAMS HOUSE,
WINFIELD, KANSAS.
FRANK WILLIAMS, Proprietor.
Opened Monday, September 10, 1877. A new brick building. Everything new, clean, and attractive. The traveling public will find accommodations up to city standard.
Good Sample Rooms.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
Hotel arrivals in this city, for the week ending September 19th, 1877, number as follows: Central, 57; City, 66; Williams House, 38.
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1877.
The Central Hotel registered 65 names last Saturday, the City 56, and the Williams House 49.
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1877.
Hotel arrivals, in this city, for the week ending September 26th, 1877, number as follows: Central, 121; City, 91; Williams House, 70.
Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.
The Williams House has a new register.
Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.
Hotel arrivals, in this city, for the week ending October 3rd, 1877, number as follows: Central, 70; City, 55; Williams House, 48.
Winfield Courier, October 11, 1877.
Hotel arrivals, in this city, for the week ending October 3rd, 1877, number as follows: Central, 55; City, 42; Williams House, 43.
Winfield Courier, October 25, 1877.
Hotel arrivals, in this city, for the week ending October 24th, 1877, number as follows: Central, 70; Anderson House, 44; Williams House, 44.
Winfield Courier, November 1, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday evening, October 31st, 1877, number as follows: Central, 56; Anderson House, 48; Williams House, 49.
Winfield Courier, November 8, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday evening, October 31st, 1877, number as follows: Central, 72; Anderson House, 50; Williams House, 59.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.
Hotel arrivals (transient) in this city, for the week ending Wednesday evening, October 31st, 1877, number as follows: Central, 74; Anderson House, 51; Williams House, 57.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.
Notice the new advertisement of T. A. Wilkinson. He will furnish lumber of best quality at lowest prices. His well-known enterprise will secure him a good trade.
AD: NEW LUMBER YARD!
T. A. WILKINSON
Would respectfully announce to the people of Cowley County that he has established a Lumber Yard in WINFIELD, at O. F. Boyle’s old stand, on the corner south of the Williams House, and expects to keep constantly on hand all kinds of lumber for building purposes.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.
GILES BROTHERS, late from Palmyra, Missouri, are opening up a large stock of drugs three doors north of the Williams House. From the quantities of cases on the sidewalk, we look for an exhibition of every kind of goods usually found in their line.
Winfield Courier, November 29, 1877.
Mr. E. Bacon tells us he is doing a good business. He is a first-class workman, and is taking orders for articles in his line, of his own manufacture, for Christmas presents. His work shows for itself. Call and see him, one door north of the Williams House.
Winfield Courier, December 6, 1877.
On last Thursday evening as pleasant and select party as ever before assembled in Southern Kansas, assembled at the Courthouse in this city. The skies were cloudless and it was a most beautiful evening, though very cold—so cold and chilly that many who were invited could not attend. Notwithstanding, there were about thirty-five couples in attendance, all of whom expressed themselves as never enjoying themselves better and as being well pleased with the party in general. At 11;30 p.m., supper was called, which was served in good style at the Williams House. At 12 o’clock the party reassembled, the musicians resumed their positions, and tripping of the "light fantastic toe" was engaged in with rare vigor. The long-to-be-remembered party concluded at half past 2 o’clock with the "Scotch Real," after which about seventy-five happy persons, two by two, reluctantly wended their way homeward, regretting that Thanksgiving parties are given but once a year. The music, furnished by the Roberts Bros. and Will Marshal, was splendid.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1878.
NEW CASH DRUG STORE!
GILES BROS.,
Winfield, Kansas.
Drugs, Paints, Oils (all kinds), Varnishes, Glass, Putty, Lamp Chimneys, Patent Medicines, Fancy and Notion Goods,
Perfumery of the first class, Fine Cut and Plug Tobacco
and Cigars, Snuff, etc.
Our goods are warranted genuine, and prescriptions will be filled at all hours with prompt attention. 3 Doors North of the Williams House.
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1878.
Our readers will notice the new advertisement of Prof. C. Farringer. He is a music teacher of the first class, and as a repairer and tuner of instruments has but few equals. His music rooms will be well supplied with instruments for sale.
AD: PROF. C. FARRINGER.
TEACHER OF VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Tuner and Repairer of
PIANOS AND ORGANS
MUSIC ROOMS on Main street, south of Williams House.
(Mrs. Farringer will attend to the selling of instruments, books, etc., and Eddy Farringer will collect and receipt all bills for tuning and teaching.)
Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.
Arrivals at the Central and American hotels for last week number 135; Williams House, 66.
Winfield Courier, May 23, 1878.
The Williams House has two large new signs in front. No one need miss that hotel now.
Winfield Courier, June 27, 1878.
SEALED PROPOSALS for building a stone and brick building. Plans and specifications to be seen at the Williams Hotel. Owner to receive or reject all bids. H. BAHNTGE.
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
Johnston & Hill’s furniture shop continues to travel. This time he has gone down south of the M. E. parsonage, and the stock of furniture has gone into a building near the old Farmers’ Restaurant. Their new fire-proof building near the Williams House is progressing finely and will contain a large stock in due time.
Winfield Courier, October 17, 1878.
All New Goods at the new store opposite the Williams House.
Winfield Courier, October 31, 1878.
THE CHEAP STORE.
The Cheap Store (in new brick building corner Tenth avenue and Main street, and opposite the Williams House) is now open with a full stock of NEW GOODS, CONSIST-ING OF Dry Goods, Hats, Caps, Groceries, Queensware, etc. Everything new and the best in the market, and sold at LOWEST CASH PRICES. Call and be convinced.
Winfield Courier, November 21, 1878.
To Let.
After Dec. 1st, 1878, my NEW STORE on Main street, suitable for Grocery, Dry Goods, or Hardware, will be to rent. Also ONE ROOM, 20 x 22, upstairs, entrance from the front, outside. This room is light and airy and very convenient for an office of any kind. Building entirely new. Enquire on the premises, three doors south of Williams House, for terms.
R. D. JILLSON.
Winfield Courier, November 28, 1878.
Dr. Cooper has removed to the new brick building, opposite the Williams House, upstairs.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1878.
EDITOR COURIER: Noticing in a late issue of your paper a few words concerning the auctioneers taking possession of the streets on Saturdays, at the corner of Main street and Ninth avenue, we have often wondered why the city authorities did not take the matter in hand and in issuing the license to the auctioneers give each a particular locality in which to vend his wares. For instance, locate one in the vicinity of Lynn & Gillelen’s store on that crossing, one at the crossing of Main street and Ninth avenue, and one a block lower opposite the Williams House.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1878.
Dr. Cooper has removed to the new brick building, opposite the Williams House, upstairs.
[COURIER ADVERTISERS.]
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
The Courier feels proud of its list of advertisers. No county newspaper in the state can boast a larger list or one made up of better, more honorable or more enterprising men. Here they are in alphabetical order.
WILLIAMS HOUSE is one of the best kept hotels in the State. Everything is clean and neat, the table is of the best, and the rooms are well furnished. Frank Williams and his estimable lady know well how to treat their guests, who always come again.
[HOTEL CARDS. (WINFIELD ESTABLISHMENTS.)]
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
WILLIAMS HOUSE, FRANK WILLIAMS, PROPRIETOR.
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
T. A. WILKINSON. NEW LUMBER YARD. Would respectfully announce to the people of Cowley County that he has established a Lumber Yard in Winfield, at O. F. Boyle’s old stand, on the corner south of the Williams House.
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
WILLIAMS HOUSE, FRANK WILLIAMS, Proprietor, Winfield Kansas. Opened Monday, September 10, 1877. A new brick building. Everything new, clean and attractive.
Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.
GILES BROS., NEW CASH DRUG STORE, 3 DOORS NORTH OF THE WILLIAMS HOUSE, WINFIELD, KANSAS. Drugs, Paints, Oils (all kinds), Varnishes, Glass, Putty, Lamp Chimneys, Patent Medicines, Fancy and Notion Goods, Perfumery of the first class, Fine Cut and Plug Tobacco, and Cigars, Snuff, etc.
Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.
The Williams House is still the popular resort for the traveling public. Frank Williams, the proprietor, is known far and wide as one of the most successful hotel men in the southwest
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.
Messrs. Hendricks & Wilson, of Pleasant Hill, Mo., have opened a new hardware store on Main street, south of the Williams House. They are live, enterprising men, and will undoubtedly do a good business.
Hendricks & Wilson,
-Dealers In-
HARDWARE,
4TH DOOR SOUTH OF HORNING’S,
Winfield, Kansas.
We have opened a Large, New and Complete Stock of HARDWARE, which we intend to sell at the Lowest Reasonable Rates FOR CASH.
We have on hand a full line of Wagon Woodwork, Shelf, and Builder’s Hardware.
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1879.
Messrs. Turner Bro’s, late from Lincoln, Ill., will immediately fill the store lately occupied by B. E. Johnson, opposite the Williams house, with a new and splendid stock of staple and fancy dry goods, hats, and caps. They are gentlemen of energy and experience and will make things move.
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.
REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS.
NOTE: LEGAL DESCRIPTION IS GIVEN...GOING TO SKIP UNLESS IT IS
IN WINFIELD PROPER.
Frank Williams and wife to W. J. Shotwell,
lot 4, blk 168, Winfield. $600.
[FORGERY: YOUNG GIRL IN WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1879.
Last Monday a young girl, who gave her name as Jennie Slate, presented an order purporting to be from Frank Williams to J. B. Lynn for $80 worth of goods. Mr. Lynn, not liking the looks of the order, put it in his pocket and told her to "call again and he would see about it." The girl went out and fixed up another order on Mrs. Whitehead for $25, on the strength of which she began to buy hats, ribbons, and millinery "truck" indiscriminately. When the order was presented, Mrs. Whitehead thought something was wrong and dispatched one of the ladies of the establishment to Mr. Williams with it, and it was found that he had no knowledge of the matter whatever. The girl, it seems, had hired at the Williams House some time last fall, but Mrs. Williams not liking her actions, had discharged her. She says that she has been stopping at different places in this county for some time, and that the orders were given to her by a Miss Graham, who has been working at this place for some time. The girl appears to be between 17 and 18 years old, and not seeming to understand the nature of the crime she had committed, she was given some good, wholesome advice and told to "go her way and sin no more."
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1879.
A little son of Mr. Port Smith fell from the second story window of the Central Hotel last Friday, but fortunately was not injured. The little fellow was walking backward, and not noticing the window, tumbled out, striking the ground between the building and the stone sidewalk.
[COWLEY COUNTY: FROM THE TOPEKA COMMONWEALTH.]
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.
The hotels of the city are the Williams House and the Central. Both of them do a large business.
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1879.
Herrington & Austin have dissolved partnership and Herrington has moved his shop to the corner south of the Williams House.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1879.
The Williams House occupied Jillson’s building as a sample room Monday and Tuesday, owing to the rush of commercial travelers. This house is becoming very popular with the traveling public.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1879.
Mr. Dever has removed his Star Bakery to the corner south of the Williams House. The bakery has lost none of its popularity by the change, and still continues to be the leading bakery and confectionery in the town.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.
Mr. Williams has part of the brick on the ground for a forty-foot addition to his hotel.
Winfield Courier, October 23, 1879.
The new forty foot addition to the Williams House is going up rapidly. The first story is nearly completed and Mr. Williams expects to occupy it in four weeks.
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1879.
The workmen on the new addition to the Williams House have been working day and night for the past week. The patronage of this house far exceeds its entertaining capacity, and it is becoming very popular with the traveling public.
Winfield Courier, November 27, 1879.
Frank Williams has purchased a new safe in which to store the valuables belonging to his guests.
[AD: BECK & DILLON’S ART GALLERY.]
Winfield Courier, April 8, 1880.
DRAFT OF VETERANS!
All citizens of Cowley County over the age of forty-five (45) years, both male and female, are hereby notified that they are drafted, and that they are respectfully requested to report at Beck & Dillon’s Art Gallery on Tenth Avenue, opposite the Williams House, Winfield, Ks., as soon as convenient after March 22d, and receive a first-class photograph of themselves, free of charge. There is no humbug about this, so don’t fail to come. Cloudy weather no objection. Time limited to 60 days. BECK & DILLON.
[FINAL REPORT: TOPEKA COMMONWEALTH.]
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880.
[ON FRONT PAGE...AS WERE OTHERS.]
The Arkansas Valley Editorial Association held its regular quarterly meeting at Winfield Saturday. The occasion drew together many besides the editors. Some ten or fifteen went down from Topeka, and others joined the procession at different points. From Newton not less than twenty, fully one-half of whom were ladies, went down on a special train from that place Saturday morning. The special train was run by the A., T. & S. F. railroad to accommodate the editors from the Upper Arkansas Valley, who, by this act of the railroad, saved one day in time. That railroad company, by the way, is all the time doing something to accommodate the public, and we sometimes think that because of their generosity on so many occasions whenever asked, that more is expected of it than from any other railroad company in the state.
It was our good fortune to be cast upon the tender mercy of Frank Williams at the "Williams House," one of the coziest, cleanest, and most homelike places we have been at for a long time. On the Walnut is a little steamer about twenty-five feet long, with ten feet beam, and a nicely fitted up cabin. This runs with pleasure parties, we believe, up to Arkansas City, some twelve miles. A good many of the editors and their friends took a ride on this steamer, and enjoyed it hugely.
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880.
The Williams house is furnished with a handsome revolving desk for the register.
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880.
Mr. Frank Williams picked up a note for $790, in the office of the Williams House last week. The note was signed by Jno. J. Stansen, in favor of J. J. Norton and is made payable at J. J. Smith & Co.’s bank. Mr. Williams will hold the note until an owner is found for it.
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880.
Mr. A. H. Stone, agent of Ramsey, Millet & Hudson, of Kansas City, is in this city and is getting up a map of Cowley County, which will give the location of the railroads, stations, township lines, post-offices, towns, creeks, rivers, vacant school and unsold lands, etc. It will be in everyway particular and complete, and will be in size 22 by 28 inches. Mr. Stone will remain in the city several days, and can be found at the Williams House.
Winfield Courier, May 13, 1880.
In the case of Tarrant vs. Hitchcock for the possession of the property next to the Williams House, judgment was rendered in favor of the defendant. Leland J. Webb was the attorney for the defense, and conducted the case to a successful termination.
Winfield Courier, June 10, 1880.
Mr. Frank Williams returned Monday from a trip to the new mineral springs in Arkansas. Frank thinks the springs have some medicinal qualities but do not possess the healing qualities that are ascribed to them. He is much improved in appearance and enjoyed the trip. Messrs. Kirk and Service, of our city, are still there. Although only a few months old, the town, Eureka Springs, has a population of 15,000.
Winfield Courier, July 15, 1880.
Squire Norman, of Maple, registered at the Williams House Monday.
Winfield Courier, October 28, 1880.
M. S. HOOPER, M. D., PHYSICIAN & SURGEON, OFFICE ONE DOOR NORTH OF WILLIAMS HOUSE, RESIDENCE, TENTH AVENUE AND PLATTER STREET.
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.
John B. Holmes registered at the Williams House Saturday. He reports everything flourishing on Rock creek.
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.
The Williams House has had its hands full for the past week. Hobart Vermelye sits up nights and lets the poor, over-worked drummers have his couch.
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1881.
The Social Club gave a banquet to a select party at the Williams House last week. Each guest received a very polite invitation from the committee of arrangements, which was of course eagerly accepted, as it was understood that the party was to be very select and only to consist of fifteen couples. The supper was elegant, the party seemed in the best of spirits, and everything went "merry as a marriage bell" until the time for departing came. It was then discovered that that supper cost thirty dollars and that there were just fifteen fellows to settle the bill. Our informant did not state whether the fifteen were exclusive of the committee of arrangements or not. However, it was one of the pleasantest affairs of the holidays.
Winfield Courier, February 3, 1881.
S. P. Strong, of Rock, registered at the Williams House Thursday.
Winfield Courier, February 17, 1881.
Mr. Enos Henthorn, ye real estate and loan man of Burden, spent Tuesday in the city. He registered at the Williams House.
Winfield Courier, February 24, 1881.
Mrs. Frank Williams has been ill for several days.
Winfield Courier, May 19, 1881.
Hank Paris’ mule team ran away down the street Tuesday and brought up with their noses against Jim Hill’s store front. Fortunately neither team nor wagon were injured, but it caused a scattering among the omnibuses standing in front of the Williams House. The team scared at a piece of paper blowing on the street. Had anyone been run over and killed, persons who throw paper on the streets would regret that they did not heed our advice about burning the paper.
Winfield Courier, June 2, 1881.
Arthur Bangs is chief clerk at the Williams House since Robert Vermelye’s departure.
Winfield Courier, June 2, 1881.
Arthur Bangs, the manager of the Tisdale Omnibus and stage lines in this place, is one of the most popular, gentlemanly, intelligent, and obliging young men in Southern Kansas. We hear fine compliments for him daily.
Winfield Courier, June 2, 1881.
Robert Vermelye left for St. Paul, Minnesota, last week, where he will take a position with some railroad company. Robert has been with us for nearly two years, is a capable and efficient young man, and has a bright future before him.
Winfield Courier, June 9, 1881.
Arthur Bangs is doing the agreeable to the guests of the Williams House in capacity of clerk, as well as running the bus line. He is the most gentlemanly hotel clerk we know of.
[VISIT TO WINFIELD: "CLIFF" - COMMONWEALTH REPORTER.]
Winfield Courier, June 30, 1881.
ARKANSAS CITY, June 15th, 1881.
Senator Hackney spoke in the highest terms of praise of Mr. J. W. Ady, of Newton, also, and counted him as a probable candidate. Mr. Hackney is a stalwart of the most marked type, and one of the most prominent young men in the State. He is an able lawyer, and I think is making money in his profession. Mrs. Hackney is spending the summer at Manitou, and the Senator dines at the Williams House, where I was his guest for supper. CLIFF.
Winfield Courier, August 11, 1881.
The Williams House will be changed into a men’s clothing and furnishing goods house with J. S. Mann as lessee and proprietor of the stock.
Winfield Courier, August 11, 1881.
AD: REMOVAL. I have leased the "Williams House" building, which I will remodel and fit up the finest Clothing House in Winfield, and will get possession this month; and until my removal I shall offer my stock of CLOTHING, BOOTS, SHOES, HATS, CAPS, SHIRTS, HOSIERY, GLOVES, UNDERWEAR, ETC. AT COST FOR CASH!
Calico Shirts, laundried, 37-1/2 cents; Knit Undershirts, 17-1/2 cents each; Scarlet Flannel undershirts (all wool), 78 cents. Other goods in proportion.
Remember this sale lasts only for the remainder of this month, and the goods must be sold in the time named.
This is the best chance you will have to lay in a stock of Clothing, Boots, etc., low.
Respectfully, J. S. MANN.
Winfield Courier, August 11, 1881.
Frank Williams has kept a good, first rate hotel for some years and made it pay; but now that the Brettun is ready to run, he gracefully steps out and gives the new hotel full swing.
Winfield Courier, September 1, 1881.
J. S. Mann removed his large stock of goods to the Williams House building Tuesday. He will now have more room and can get the part of his stock that has heretofore been stowed away under the counters out where people can see them.
Winfield Courier, September 8, 1881.
Mr. Frank Williams started west Tuesday.
[THIS APPEARS TO MARK THE END OF THE WILLIAMS HOUSE.]
[Location: Former Williams House/New J. S. Mann Store.]
Winfield Courier, September 8, 1881.
J. S. Mann is selling a pile of goods in his new location, corner of Main street and 10th avenue, formerly the "Williams House."
Now I am going to backtrack and tell how Sid Majors, after losing the original "Central Hotel" to the disastrous fire, went into various enterprises and eventually obtained the "Williams House" and then called it the "Central Hotel." VERY INTER-ESTING WHAT THIS MAN DID. MAW
Winfield Courier, January 11, 1883.
Sid Majors disposed of his interest in the livery business last week to Mr. Collins, formerly of Oxford. The firm now appears, Vance & Collins.
Winfield Courier, July 12, 1883.
Sid Majors has purchased an interest in the W. A. Freeman livery business.
Winfield Courier, September 13, 1883.
Uncle Joe Likowski has sold out his billiard hall paraphernalia and the building is being fitted up by Sid Majors for a restaurant. This change will seem strange to the old settler for awhile. For the last nine years "Old Joe" has held forth at this stand, dealing out the ardent before the prohibitory law, but since running only the billiard hall. The old gentleman is being sorely afflicted by an old wound received on the left ankle while serving with the Kansas militia just before the war. It is growing so much worse as to threaten amputation. He will go to Florida in a few weeks.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1883.
Sid Majors has thoroughly remodeled the old Joe Likowski stand and got opened up in good shape. It is a restaurant and confectionary store, and will be called "Sid’s Place."
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1884.
It is rumored that Sid Majors will lease the building vacated by J. S. Mann, and again convert it into a hotel. Sid would be just the man to fill the demand for more hotel accommodations.
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1884.
HOW WE BOOM!
Winfield the Prettiest and Most Substantial City in the West,
And Still the Work of Improvement Goes On!
BRIEF MENTION OF WHAT OUR ENTERPRISING CITIZENS ARE DOING.
Sid Majors is having the old Williams House Building fitted up in first-class style for a hotel, to be christened after the one which gave him popularity in days gone by, "The Central." He will open out in a few days.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1884.
A horse ran away with Miss Mary Majors last Friday, throwing her out of the buggy, but luckily producing only a few slight injuries. A number of toilet sets, being taken from Sid’s house to the new hotel, were in the buggy and completely demolished.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1884.
Sid Majors opened up his new hotel, "The Central," Monday, and kept open house to his many friends during the day. The house is furnished throughout with new furniture, and is neat and complete in every way. This is Winfield’s sixth hotel, and all are running over with business.
NOTE HOW THEY REFER TO THE CENTRAL AS THE SIXTH HOTEL! MAW
BRETTUN HOTEL.
[SOMETIMES CALLED "BRETTUN HOUSE"]
Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.
Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Brettun arrived Tuesday evening are and are stopping with C. C. Black.
Winfield Courier, August 12, 1880.
The Brettun House is commenced. The excavation is progressing.
Winfield Courier, September 9, 1880.
The building of the Brettun House makes haste slowly.
[A CHALLENGE: MILLINGTON VS. BLACK.]
Winfield Courier, September 9, 1880.
"Now, honestly, Charley, don’t you feel it in your bones that the Telegram item of ‘What will happen - Nov. 2. Election of Hancock and English’ is a whopper." If you believe it is true, we fear that you will occupy rooms at Osawatomie before Nov. 2 - COURIER.
"On the contrary Brother Millington, Charley is so thoroughly convinced of the truthful-ness of the ‘item,’ and that his own reason shall remain enthroned; that he hereby proposes, to wheel you in a wheelbarrow at noon at as early a day as the result shall be definitely known, from the Brettun House down the middle of Main street to the Stewart House, if Hancock and English fail to receive the majority of electoral votes cast for President and Vice President in the coming election! Provided that you agree to wheel him the same distance and under the same circumstances in case Hancock and English do receive the majority. Party being wheeled to furnish suitable music for the occasion. Do you accept. Telegram. CHAS. C. BLACK."
All right. It is a bargain. We accept on the ground that the election returns will sound to Charley so like "the rack of empires and the crash of worlds," that he will certainly go daft unless his mind is diverted at once by good vigorous wheelbarrow exercise.
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1880.
The basement walls of the Brettun House are up.
Winfield Courier, September 30, 1880.
The walls of the Brettun House are rising Heavenward quite rapidly. With this house finished, Winfield will be the boss hotel town of Southwestern Kansas.
Winfield Courier, October 21, 1880.
The Brettun is the name of a new brand of cigars at Goldsmith’s. They are named after our new Hotel.
[BOOMING WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, November 11, 1880 - Front Page.
Notwithstanding the western drouth Winfield is "booming," and in spite of the adverse seasons, they have public spirited men who have confidence enough in the future to build solid stone and brick blocks which would do credit to older and larger cities. S. L. Brettun is building a magnificent hotel of magnesia limestone, 56 x 120 feet, four stories high, with every modern improvement, including steam, hot and cold water in rooms, passenger elevator, etc., to be completed this winter at a cost of $25,000.
Our genial friend, Charlie C. Black, has just erected a very fine stone printing office, which will be completed in all its appointments, with steam power, presses, etc. It is only a pity that he should waste such sweetness on the desert air of Kansas Democracy.
A new brick block has just been completed by Weitzel and occupied by Major Baker, who is running the Commercial House. Your correspondent found the house full, and had to content himself with a cot in the parlor.
The new store, 140 feet deep, by Lynn & Loose has just been occupied by them and is filled with as fine a stock of dry goods and carpets as can be found in the metropolis of Kansas. The second floor has fourteen large offices, with outside entrances onto a fine iron verandah. The building is certainly an ornament to the city. These with two brick blocks, three rooms each, which are just ready for occupancy, are all on Main street.
Business houses in other parts of the town and several very fine residences have been erected this summer. Leavenworth Times.
[PAYMENT OF ELECTION WAGERS.]
Winfield Courier, November 11, 1880.
WINFIELD BOOM!
Thousands Witness the Payment of Election Wagers.
CHARLEY BLACK STANDS UP TO THE RACK LIKE A LITTLE MAN.
Mayor Lynn Goes In With a Load of Rock.
The COURIER Always Ahead.
The most fantastic and humorous performance that this city has ever witnessed took place last Saturday, at 2 o’clock p.m. The crowd of people assembled on the sidewalks, in the streets, in the windows of adjacent buildings, and on the awnings, was simply immense and the enthusiasm displayed was indescribable.
The procession was formed at the Brettun house in the following order:
1st. The Winfield Cornet Band.
2nd. The St. John Battery.
3rd. Hon. O. M. Seward, Chairman of the Republican Committee, on a fiery steed that looked as though he had just had a race of a hundred miles and distanced his competitor, bearing the legend: "This is the Maud S. that won the race;" and Hon. S. L. Gilbert, chair-man of the Democratic Committee, on a used up mule labeled, "This is the mule that beat us."
4th. Hon. J. B. Lynn, Mayor of Winfield, bare-headed, in overalls and flannel shirt, wheeling a large load of rock.
5th. Hon. C. C. Black, editor of the Telegram, wheeling the editor of the COURIER.
6th. The working men on the Brettun House building, forty strong, with their trowels, hammers, saws, hods, and other implements of labor.
7th. The COURIER force with plug hats and canes, headed by Ed. P. Greer, each bearing an appropriate motto.
8th. Charles Kelly, representing the postal service, with the motto: "A clean sweep. No postoffices for rent."
9th. The Telegram force, mounted on a huge dray with a large job press printing Telegram extras and passing them out to the crowd.
Arriving at the COURIER office, the procession halted, and D. A. Millington mounted the chair on the wheelbarrow and addressed the crowd and prolonged cheers as follows.
MR. MILLINGTON’S ADDRESS.
Ladies and Gentlemen: I usually shrink from a position too conspicuous before my fellow citizens, but at present there are two of my friends even more conspicuous than myself, and I will try to stand it. This is the first time I ever figured in a circus, but I have reason to be proud of my surroundings. I see around me the representative talent and gayety of my city and county.
I am escorted by the Cornet Band, the pride of Winfield; the chairmen of the committees of two great parties; the representatives of the artisans who have built the proud structures around me, and the representatives of the press, the bulwark of liberty.
I am following the first officer of our grand, young city, one of the merchant princes of Kansas, one who has done much to make our city what it is and whose fame for enterprise and honor is widely known.
My propelling power is the editor and proprietor of the best and neatest daily published in any Kansas city of the size of this, of the largest, most ably edited and most widely circulated weekly Democratic newspaper in the state, a man who has built the finest printing building and is every inch a man and a gentleman.
I have been told that if one does not "toot his own horn, it will not be tooted," so I will add that I represent the WINFIELD COURIER, the newspaper which has the largest local circulation in the state, and is the best patronized by the people of its county and especially by the businessmen of its city. This fact is the evidence that it is appreciated. For all this I thank you, my fellow citizens.
We claim that the two papers represented here today are the leading county papers of their respective parties in the state. They have by their enterprise beat all other papers in the state in collecting and announcing the returns of the late election. The full returns of Cowley County sent by these were the first to be received at Topeka. They united in the expense of having messengers at every poll in the county, who brought the returns to them as quickly as horse-flesh could carry them after the count was completed. They united in the expense of telegraph returns from all parts of the nation, and each kept bulletin boards to display the news to the anxious, surging crowds of citizens. And now they unite both the victor and the vanquished in pleasant, jolly humor in this celebration.
Charles C. Black then mounted the chair and addressed the people as follows.
MR. BLACK’S ADDRESS.
Friends, countrymen, and lovers: I came not here to talk. Ye know too well the story of our thraldom. I came with these brown arms and brawny hands to wheel 5,000 pounds (for I believe Mr. Millington weighs 5,000) of editorial wisdom and ability down Main street for your entertainment. I came in a spirit of conciliation. Many hard things have been said during the campaign, now closed. I came in a spirit of forgiveness. I forgive Bro. Millington for all the hard things I have said about him. I forgive him for putting this yoke upon me today. I even forgive him for compelling him to wear this thing (holding up a new silk hat) at my own expense.
I hope today’s celebration will heal all the animosities growing out of the late political campaign in the county. Let us have peace. I am glad to see so many present today, helping us ratify. I congratulate everybody upon the general good feeling which prevails, and now, in the language of 20,000 or more orators and candidates, spoken four or five hundred thousand times during the last thirty days, "Thanking you for your kind attendance and attention," I will now step down and out.
The procession then moved on to the Williams House, halted, and Mr. Lafe Pence delivered a short and patriotic address, which we presume was on behalf of Mayor Lynn; after which the procession moved forward another block, counter marched, and dispersed.
Winfield Courier, November 11, 1880.
The marble walls of the Brettun House are going up finely. This Hotel will be the largest and most elegant in Southern Kansas.
Winfield Courier, December 9, 1880.
The Brettun House is booming away nicely. The walls of the basement and first and second stories are up and make a magnificent appearance.
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.
The workmen on the Brettun House took advantage of the bright moonlight nights last week, and the walls went up rapidly. It presents an imposing appearance and is the pride of the city.
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.
Frank Barclay is making arrangements to put the gas and steam piping in the Brettun House. He is in Kansas City trying to engage several plumbers and gas fitters to help him in the work.
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
Burlington claims the finest hotel south of Topeka, called the Morris House. Winfield will soon have the finest hotel in the State, called the Brettun House.
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
The Brettun House will contain about 1,500 feet of gas pipe, 1,250 feet of water pipe, and including that in the radiators, 3,600 feet of steam pipe. This only includes that which is actually in the building, and excludes the earthenware sewer. Almost a mile and a fifth of pipe in one building is not so bad for Winfield. Telegram.
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
The Brettun house is going to cost very much more than expected or intended. The agent is now trying to keep the expenditures down to $24,000. The cold weather has caused much delay. If this winter had been as mild as last, the house would now have been well nigh completed.
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1881.
Work has again commenced on the Brettun House, and if the present weather lasts, it will be enclosed in less than two weeks.
Winfield Courier, March 3, 1881.
The workmen are putting on the stone cornice on the Brettun House. It is elegant in design and sets the building off well.
Winfield Courier, March 17, 1881.
Mr. S. L. Brettun came in Tuesday and is stopping with his grandson, Charlie Black.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 7, 1881 - Front Page.
The following is what Vinnie Beckett writes of Winfield to his paper, the Norton County Advance.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, MARCH 14, 1881.
Winfield is a brag town. We say this without prejudice, though it is true we have always loved the city and its people. It is a brag town in the matter of sidewalks. This is the first subject of remark by strangers. From center to circumference few are the streets that have not a four foot stone slab pavement on both sides of the road. An abundance of stone six and eight inches thick and of indefinite length and breadth is found handy to town and those are put in position in sizes to suit, at about fourteen cents per square foot.
It brags on its new hotel almost completed. The Brettun House is a magnificent three story and a basement structure built of the famous Cowley county stone, which is nearly identical with the white magnesia found in such quantities in Trego county and also in Grant township of Norton. The building is fitted with every appliance of modern invention and is complete in every part. No hotel in the state can distance it in any respect.
Winfield Courier, April 7, 1881.
The stone work on the Brettun House received its finishing touches Monday. The building is now ready for the finishing work.
Winfield Courier, April 7, 1881.
The Brettun House had a narrow escape from fire last week. The tinners at work on the roof went to dinner, leaving their furnace sitting on the pine sheeting. While they were absent some coals of fire rolled out, setting the pine on fire, and it had been fanned into a blaze when discovered. It was a narrow escape.
Winfield Courier, April 14, 1881.
We have heard it rumored that Chas. Harter would take the Brettun House. Charley is the most popular landlord in the country, and could run this magnificent hotel better any anyone we know of. We hope he will take it.
[DEATH OF S. L. BRETTUN.]
Winfield Courier, April 28, 1881.
The Moline (Illinois) Review-Dispatch of April 22nd contains the following notice of the death of Soranus L. Brettun, which is doubtless correct, though no information of the kind has been received from C. C. Black, who was there at the time named. It is with deep regret that we have to make this announcement.
Mr. Brettun has been a friend to Winfield, where he has invested large sums of money and made some of our grandest improvements and we had learned to regard him as a citizen of this place, and a man of enterprise, a warm hearted and courteous friend and a true gentleman of the old school. The citizens of Winfield will deeply sympathize with the bereaved.
"Mr. S. L. Brettun, of this place, died last night at nine o’clock. Funeral tomorrow, Sunday afternoon at one o’clock, from his late residence. His disease was lung fever. Mr. Brettun was born in Livermore, Maine, May 11, 1806, and was in his seventy-fifth year. He came to this place in 1837, and has been actively engaged in business ever since. His wife is still living, and they have three grandchildren living: Mr. C. C. Black, of Winfield, Kansas; Mr. Brettun Crapster, of Kansas City, Mo.; and Miss Louise Crapster, who is living with her grandmother. Mr. Brettun has held many offices of trust in this county, and his death will be universally regretted. During the past few years Mr. Brettun has invested largely in Kansas real estate. His own children are the late Mrs. Francis Black, of Hamilton; Mrs. Dr. Crapster, of St. Louis; and Clarence, who was drowned in early boyhood."
Winfield Courier, April 28, 1881.
The Brettun House is nearly ready for the plasterers. Archy Stewart has the contract.
[BURDEN ENTERPRISE ITEMS.]
Winfield Courier, April 28, 1881.
While in Winfield last Friday, we took a look through the Brettun House. It is not finished yet, but the carpenters are busy getting it ready for the plasterers. It is going to be the finest built building in Southern Kansas. It is a credit to Winfield and Cowley county.
[WELLINGTONIAN ITEMS.]
Winfield Courier, April 28, 1881.
The new hotel, known as the Brettun, at Winfield, is now under cover and rapidly becoming pushed to completion. It is hoped that it will be ready for occupancy early in July. It is an imposing structure, and is an improvement of which Winfield is justly proud.
[REMINISCENCES.]
Winfield Courier, April 28, 1881.
Now as I sit by the open door in my home overlooking Winfield, for the farm life is one of the things of the past, I can take in the full beauty of the town, the setting sun casting its golden glow over all and adding to its already many charms. The beautiful Brettun House is the prominent feature; then the churches, schoolhouses, courthouse, and fine stone and brick residences all present a striking contrast to the ten years ago.
Winfield Courier, May 26, 1881.
A watch is on guard at the Brettun House night and day, now, to prevent fire or meddling with the building.
[COWLEY COUNTY: FROM THE LEAVENWORTH TIMES.]
Winfield Courier, June 9, 1881 - Front Page
Cowley County is situated on the south line of the state, and near its center east and west. Elk and Chautauqua counties bound it on the east, Butler County on the north, west by Sumner County, and on the south by the Indian Territory. It is one of the largest counties in the state, being thirty-three miles north and south, and thirty-four miles east and west, and contains forty-five hundred quarter sections of land, all suitable for farming purposes.
Winfield at this time has upward of a dozen brick and stone buildings in process of erection, two ward school houses that are to cost twelve thousand dollars; one stone hotel, the Brettun House, C. C. Black, proprietor, that is to cost from fifteen to eighteen thousand dollars, will be heated with steam, lighted with gas, hot and cold water in every room, and the electric enunciator. In the item of plumbing that enter into private dwellings, it has a larger amount than many cities in the east that number twenty thousand inhabitants. The elegant and costly residences that have been erected are the best possible indication that the men who have made their money here expect to stay. It has upwards of eighteen miles of stone sidewalks, half of which were put down the past year. On Main street they are twelve feet wide; on the avenues from three to five. Water works can be built at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars; and the city is now preparing to commence work on them. Winfield takes a just pride in its newspapers. It has what probably no other city of its size has: three nine-column weekly papers, all printed at home, and one daily paper.
Winfield Courier, June 23, 1881.
The Brettun House will require 1,200 yards of carpeting.
Winfield Courier, July 14, 1881.
The Brettun House, in this city, the grandest hotel in Kansas, will be completed, furnished, and ready for business in about twenty days.
Winfield Courier, July 28, 1881.
Mrs. Brettun and granddaughter, Miss Louise Crapster, have returned to Winfield to remain a year. They are stopping at the Olds House until the Brettun is in running order.
Winfield Courier, July 28, 1881.
We peeped into the Brettun House Monday. Charley and Mrs. Harter, with a corps of lady assistants, are busy making the sheets, pillow cases, and linen for the establishment. It requires nearly a carload.
Winfield Courier, August 4, 1881.
The Brettun House engines were started Tuesday, and the pumps set to work filling the mammoth water tank in the third story. A perfect army of painters, carpenters, stone masons, and plumbers are at work and things about there look lively. One carload of furniture has arrived and three more are on the way. They will perhaps open about August 12th.
Winfield Courier, August 11, 1881.
Harry Bahntge runs the fine billiard rooms of the Brettun House.
Winfield Courier, August 11, 1881.
Nomnsen and Steuven have taken possession of the tonsorial rooms of the Brettun House.
Winfield Courier, August 11, 1881.
The Brettun house will open for business Monday. It is the grandest and most beautiful hotel in the state, and "don’t you forget it."
Winfield Courier, August 11, 1881.
Frank Williams has kept a good, first rate hotel for some years and made it pay; but now that the Brettun is ready to run, he gracefully steps out and gives the new hotel full swing.
Winfield Courier, August 11, 1881.
We hope the two Charlies, Black and Harter, will not advertise the Brettun as a first class hotel. These are getting too common. Advertise it as the only second class hotel in the United States. This will be something new and the first fellows who have lived so long at first class hotels want a change.
[SOME ITEMS ABOUT WINFIELD: FROM LEAVENWORTH TIMES.]
Winfield Courier, August 18, 1881.
There are more than 100 houses in the city at the present time that are occupied for business purposes. The majority of these are built of brick with stone foundations and stone fronts, some three and some two stories high.
There are in the city:
Eleven grocery stores, three fruit stores, four general stores, two boot shoe stores, seven drug stores, four hardware stores, two saddlery and harness stores, three clothing stores, two firm banking establishments, one foundry and machine shops, plans arranged to build a large woolen mill, two large flouring mills, two furniture factories, two retail furniture factories, one tailor shop, four millinery establishments, three agricultural depots three lumber yards, two jewelry stores, three elevators, four barber shops, one brewery (closed for two years or during the war), four vacant saloon buildings, one large limestone quarry, which is furnishing the stone for the Custom House in Topeka, and the Brettun Hotel in Winfield, two bakeries, four restaurants, four express offices who ship more fruits and eggs to Colorado than any other city in the State, three fine stables, four hotels, one vinegar factory, one pork packing house, three photograph galleries, two marble works, one carriage factory that turns out twelve buggies per week, two gunsmith shops, and five large land agencies.
This, together with two railroads, namely, Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Gulf, and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe branch from Newton to Wichita, makes a good showing. The city has also a free library, containing nearly 2,000 volumes.
There are two large school houses in the city with twelve rooms, one having eight and the other four. Two companies have been formed for the purpose of boring for coal at no distant day, and $25,000 stock for each has already been subscribed.
Among the new business houses that are being built are the following.
Brettun Hotel: $35,000
H. Brown & Son’s drug store: $4,000
Wallis & Wallis grocery store: $4,000
H. Gridley, business house: $3,500
Curns & Manser (brick, stone front): $10,000
G. L. Rhodes (brick, stone front): $2,000
S. H. Myton will build a new house soon.
An addition is being built to the courthouse, and a heavy fire and burglar proof safe will be put in. The grounds are being planted with trees and will be ornamented with drives, grottoes, etc.
THE NEW HOTEL.
The Brettun House, just finished, will be in grand form next Monday when everybody, nearly, will be invited to be present. The house is built of native limestone, and has a porch on two sides, east and south. The building alone cost about $25,000, and when finished, its cost will not be less than $35,000.
It is heated by steam, has gas, has hot and cold water, and is furnished with the East Lake and Queen Anne styles of furniture, with different shades of carpet in every room. The building was designed by Mr. Brettun, from whence it takes its name, but his death prevented him from completing his plans, and his grandson, Mr. C. C. Black, has had them completed. Mr. Chas. Harter will manage the house.
[THE BRETTUN.]
Winfield Courier, August 18, 1881.
This hotel, the finest in the state, was opened to the public last Wednesday by Messrs. Harter & Black. They have furnished the house elegantly from top to bottom. Last Thursday evening the gas in all the rooms was turned on and the barber shop and billiard rooms were lit up. The sight was an imposing one and the magnificent building looked like a marble palace. Here can be found every comfort that the traveling public could desire. Pleasant rooms, good beds, gas and water, bath rooms, billiard hall, barber shop, telegraph office, a splendidly set table, and promenades, parlors, and verandas in abundance. Harry Bahntge is running the billiard room and Nomnsen & Steuven the barber shop and bath rooms. The bath rooms are cool and pleasant, and furnished in good style and fitted with hot and cold showers.
Winfield Courier, September 1, 1881.
Governor St. John will come in on the 11:15 train, Friday a.m. He will be met at the depot by carriages and conveyed to the Brettun House.
Winfield Courier, September 8, 1881.
The Brettun house proprietors have another problem for consideration. Their dry well is filled up and they find it necessary to construct a sewer. It takes thirty barrels of water a day to run the house.
Winfield Courier, September 15, 1881.
Mrs. C. L. Harter got seriously hurt on the nose last Saturday by the falling of a cornice from a wardrobe in the Brettun House.
Winfield Courier, October 6, 1881.
The Brettun House draws part of its water supply from the K. C., L. & S. railroad tank.
Winfield Courier, October 6, 1881.
The cooks at the Brettun House went on a strike Sunday noon, and it was only with the utmost diligence on the part of the proprietors that the boarders got their supper.
Winfield Courier, October 6, 1881.
Harry Bahntge was fined $100 and costs for selling liquor in his billiard saloon at the Brettun House, on Monday. Harry waltzed up and paid like a little man. And still they keep gathering them in.
Winfield Courier, October 20, 1881.
CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC. Wishing to secure to my pupils all the advantages of a first class music school, I have leased Col. McMullen’s store room opposite the Brettun House and fitted the same for a Concert Hall. Although our monthly concerts will be in reality examinations in the different branches of musical science, I shall make them as interesting as possible and hope that my patrons will encourage the enterprise by their never failing presence. The seating capacity of our hall being rather limited, we will not be able to send invitations to all of our friends at the same time but shall remember them all on the different occasions. C. Farringer.
[DELAY IN REUNION NOT KNOWN BY SOME OLD SOLDIERS.]
Winfield Courier, October 27, 1881.
The resolutions of the committee postponing the reunion did not reach some of the farthest townships, and a good many were here to participate. Dexter came in force Thursday night and awakened the echoes with fife and drum, calling many of our citizens from their beds in their night clothes to make speeches. The boys had a big time and the next day were dined at the Brettun by Col. McMullen and other "old vets." In the afternoon such old soldiers as were in Winfield met at the Opera House, where Col. McMullen, on behalf of the committee, explained the reasons for the postponement, which were deemed sufficient. It was then decided that a regimental drill should be held in Winfield on Saturday, November 12th, and it was requested that all townships complete and send in their rolls at the earliest moment.
Winfield Courier, November 3, 1881.
Today the grand hunt of the sportsmen’s club takes place. The boys started out this morning bright and early, armed to the teeth, and were enough to scare a poor little quail or rabbit out of its wits; although if the poor things were sensible, they would know they were in no danger. Jo Harter is the captain of one gang and Amasa Speed of the other. There are ten sportsmen on each side and the losers must pay for a grand banquet at the Brettun tomorrow evening. Each shooter must declare Under oath that he bagged the game he brings in. A bear counts 500. We hope Charley Black will get two bears.
Winfield Courier, November 10, 1881.
Last Saturday and Sunday The Brettun was full. We hope the L. and O. Society will not construe this as an argument against prohibition.
Winfield Courier, November 10, 1881.
The Grand Hunt proved a grand success. Several catastrophes are reported. Jake Nixon burst a barrel of his fine breech-loading gun, Tom Soward lost a "plunger," and Deacon Harris got soaking wet. The score was a very fair one!
J. N. Harter ........ 830 A. D. Speed ........ 170
J. M. Keck ......... 1,000 B. F. Cox ............ 290
G. A. Rhodes ..... 975 C. C. Black ......... 90
T. H. Soward ....... 335 G. L. Eastman .. 2,375
S. Burkhalter ....... 480 Dr. Davis .......... 450
Jacob Nixon ........ 80 E. Meech, Jr. .... 285
Fred Whitney ...... 765 Q. A. Glass ....... 180
____ Chapman .... 980 Deacon Harris ... 500
Total: 5,445 Total: 4,360
The defeated party gave a big banquet at the Brettun Friday evening and the tired and hungry sportsmen fed their friends and told of the hair breadth escapes of "mud-hen" and turtle-dove. Skunks counted fifty, but none were brought in.
Winfield Courier, November 17, 1881.
Mr. H. G. Ruggles, one of Sedgwick County’s leading attorneys, stopped at the Brettun Monday.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
BRETTUN BILLIARD PARLOR. Is a very pleasant place to while a few hours. Tables all new and of the latest pattern, and rooms neat, airy, and comfortable. The finest brands of imported standard cigars, and splendid line of tobacco always in stock. Give Harry a call, and he will treat you well.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
BATHS, HOT OR COLD, BRETTUN HOUSE BARBER SHOP, NOMNSEN AND STEUVEN, PROPRIETORS.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
James B. Moore, the Hartford, Connecticut, money man, who has been making the Brettun headquarters during a month’s business visit through Southern Kansas, leaves for home Tuesday morning. He will be back again in three or four weeks, to spend the winter here. Winfield has charms to soothe even the Hartford man.
Winfield Courier, December 1, 1881.
The Brettun House served a dinner on Thanksgiving day fit for a King. There was turkey, and soup, and hash, and bread and butter, and an array of delicacies too numerous to men-tion. The bill of fare was served by pretty waiters clothed in white aprons who tripped noiselessly around among the guests and in dulcet tones kept saying, "Roastbeef—corn-beef—pickled pigs feet—alafrancaise—fried liver with the chairon-peeled potatoes—and slapjacks—and repeating various other witty things for the edification of the guests. It was a day of feasting and rejoicing, and none enjoyed it more than the Brettun House folks.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
We sincerely hope our citizens will take hold of the telephone proposition, which we place before them today. If any particulars are required further than we give, Mr. Whitney or Mr. Kretsinger will give them. Fourteen have already subscribed and only eleven more are needed to secure the placing of the instruments. Wichita has placed sixty-three telephones and the company are still at work. The central office here would be at the Brettun House.
Winfield Courier, December 29, 1881.
The pupils of the high school are going to give a supper Friday evening in the Bryan building, opposite the Brettun House. The proceeds will be used to purchase appliances for the use of the school. Businessmen are invited to come at six o’clock, get their suppers, and encourage the pupils in a good cause.
Cowley County Courant, December 29, 1881.
Lafe Pence and bride arrived in this city Monday on the noon train. Rooms at the Brettun were prepared for them, where friends can visit the happy couple. Mrs. Pence is a niece of Prof. Story, at whose residence they spent most of the afternoon.
Winfield Courier, December 29, 1881.
Lafe Pence and his bride came in Monday and took rooms at the Brettun House. During the afternoon Lafe took a run around town and had a general hand shaking with the boys, and in the evening a large number of friends called on them at their rooms. They took the Tuesday train for their home in Rice, Colorado. We wish them many happy years.
Winfield Courier, December 29, 1881.
The grand "Bal Masque" Friday night will be the biggest thing Winfield has yet seen. The lady is at the Brettun with the costumes today and they are being rapidly taken. Maskers must enter the hall through the Ninth Avenue dressing-room entrance.
Cowley County Courant, January 5, 1882.
J. B. Moore, of Hartford, Connecticut, came in Saturday evening, and will make Winfield headquarters again for awhile. He occupies the bridal chamber at the Brettun, but then it would require a close search to find any bride lingering there. James is still on the single list, and the apartments given him have no particular significance, except that he was introduced at the Brettun by the illustrious statesman who pens this item.
The Winfield Courier, January 12, 1882.
Harry Farrar and Chas. Schiffbauer, with their ladies, stopped at the Brettun Friday evening.
The Winfield Courier, January 12, 1882.
HARD ON THE D. B.’S.
The Businessmen Talk, Eat, and Prepare to Harvest Unpaid Bills.
Last Saturday evening a large number of the businessmen of Winfield met at the Brettun House and organized an association that will be of more practical benefit to businessmen and the trading public generally then anything that has yet been proposed. The matter has been talked of for some time, but recent events brought it to a focus, of which the "Merchants" and Business Men’s Protective Association" is the outcome. The following gentlemen were present and assisted in the organization.
A. H. Doane, R. E. Wallis, J. A. McGuire, Will Hudson, A. E. Baird, W. J. Hodges, H. Brotherton, J. M. Dever, J. P. Baden, J. L. Hodges, R. E. Sydall, Lou Harter, Ed. P. Greer, J. B. Lynn, A. B. Steinberger, C. A. Bliss, D. L. Kretsinger, A. T. Spotswood, S. W. Hughes, J. S. Mann, W. B. Pixley, W. R. McDonald, A. D. Hendricks, Col. Wm. Whiting, J. G. Shrieves, J. W. Bacheldor, J. L. Horning, T. R. Timme, J. L. Rinker, J. P. Short, B. F. Wood, J. A. Cooper.
A committee consisting of the officers and a committee of eight or ten members were appointed to draft constitution and by-laws to be presented at the next meeting to be held at A. H. Doane & Co.’s office Thursday evening. The object of the organization is for mutual protection against the class of men who obtain credit at one place as long as possible, then change to another, and so on around, and for heading off dead-beats of every kind. A list of all those who are in arrears at the different stores will be made out by each merchant and filed with the secretary, who will furnish each member with a complete list of all who obtain credit and the amount. Then, when a person desires to buy goods on time, the merchant can go to his list, find out how many other firms in town he owes, and how long the account has been running. If he finds that the person desiring credit owes every other merchant in town, he can safely make up his mind that he is a D. B. On the other hand, if he finds that the person asking for credit has paid his bill and is reckoned good by the other merchants in establishing his credit, he will find no trouble in getting all the advances he desires. It will weed out the dishonest fellows and protect those who pay their debts and show a disposition to deal honestly.
The above, as near as we can state it, is the object of the association. Here alone, good, honest, straightforward men all over the county have failed to get credit because there was no way to establish their standing while others who were no good have run annual bills all over town and never make an effort to pay. This will stop all that business and place them in a very unenviable light until their bills are paid.
After the adjournment of the meeting all repaired to the dining room of the B