100 years ago
Decoration Day
Much of the program as planned for Decoration Day had to be abandoned on account of the weather. It began raining the night before and rained most of the day. The procession to the cemetery was necessarily called off but still a great many people went out through the rain and decorated graves with flowers. And the committee who had charge of the exercises of the day did not let the weather frighten them into abandoning the meeting as scheduled for the afternoon.
Council Proceedings
Council meeting Monday evening.
A crossing was ordered put in across from B.D. VanOstrand's place as soon as Mr. VanOstrand shall have put down a walk.
Former action ordering the removal of the large tree in front of Mr. Stanforth's place on 4th street in order to permit the straightening of side-walk was rescinded.
A concrete arch was ordered put in across the ravine in the park, on the pathway leading to the spring.
An ordinance was passed for the protection of cement work — sidewalks, approaches, etc. — before the cement has thoroughly hardened. It seems that there has been considerable harm caused by the removal or disregard of guards placed about such cement work.
An order was made for the purchase of a forty-foot steel tower for the fire bell. It is to be erected in the same place where the old tower stands, near the stone-arch bridge.
Action on electric light proposition was deferred until the next meeting.
Death of Mrs. Mehl
Mrs. Philip Mehl passed away peacefully at her home three miles east of Marion last Thursday, May 30th. Her last illness was of about a week's duration. The funeral was held at the home on Friday afternoon, the services being conducted by Rev. W.M. Berkeley, former pastor of the Christian church here. Music was rendered by the Christian church choir. The funeral was largely attended, there being forty or fifty vehicles in the procession. Interment was made in Highland cemetery.
Eliza Jane Grove was born in Roanoke county, Virginia, on Sept 16, 1829. She was united in marriage in Illinois, to Philip Mehl May 25th, 1856. Ten children were born to them, five of whom — three girls and two boys — together with the devoted husband survive her. Mr. and Mrs. Mehl came to Kansas in 1877. She joined the Christian church when eighteen years of age and was a faithful member until the time of her death. Naught but good is spoken of Mrs. Mehl. It is the common testimony of all who knew her that she was a most excellent woman — kind, charitable, peace loving, genuinely good. A gentleman who has been an intimate friend of the family for thirty years said to the writer, "she is one of the best women I ever knew." The countless friends of the bereaved ones extend their sincerest sympathy.
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Miss Lizzie Apel went to Emporia Monday to take work in the State Normal with the view of obtaining a teachers' state certificate and the degree of Pedigoge.
Judge J.T. Dickerson and family were expected from Chickasha this week for quite an extended visit, but their coming was delayed by painful accidents to two of the children. The Chickasha Express tells of the accidents as follows: "Judge Dickerson's family had trouble a plenty yesterday, two of his daughters being injured in accidents of the same kind. Dorothy, the youngest, six years old, was riding a burro in the yard and the little animal became unruly, throwing her and breaking her arm and also dislocating it at the shoulder. Before the family had recovered from this shock, Mildred, the eldest, was brought home, having been thrown from a pony which she was riding on North Sixth street Her arm was dislocated at the shoulder. Both of the children are getting along nicely today."
The special election on the water-works question will be held two weeks from today. The only question voted upon will be this: "shall bonds to the amount of thirty three thousand dollars be voted for the purchase or construction of a water-works plant" No expression is to be taken on any of the incidental questions connected with the matter.
The stone-work on the new courthouse was completed last week, and J.B. Betts, the contractor, says he expects to turn the building over to the county within ninety days. Interior work is being pushed and by the middle of September the county officers will in all probability be found installed in the new building. The four dials in the tower have been put in by the contractor — that being the agreement under the contract with him.
Mrs. Sam Burkholder gave a delightful birthday party for her daughter, Lucile, last Saturday afternoon. About twenty girls were invited. Games were played and delicious refreshments served. Misses Eva Bryan and Marie Wharton assisted Mrs. Burkholder. The color scheme was pink and white. The flowers were pink and white carnations. Those present were: Misses Bessie Williams, Bessie Evans, Fern and Dot Pollitt, Irma and Lucile Wolf, Theo Thompson, Alice and Ethel Wheeler, Dorothy Billings, Laura Thrasher, Edith Hodges, Eulah Kuhn, Genevieve Funk, Daisy Wible, Lenore Miesse, Irene Blackburn, Beth Frazer and Sibyl Martin.
J.D. Adkins has been at work this week fixing up the park. Any persons who have flowers that they would like to donate for the further beautifying of the park, needn't feel backward mentioning it to Mr. Adkins.
It seems that Marion will not celebrate the 4th this year. At least no preparations are now in progress.
The Forney buildings on Main street occupied by the bakery, Sheets' barber shop and Richardson and Bryan's grocery were given a fresh coat of paint this week.
Charley Brooker is preparing a directory of Marion and Marion county. It will contain the names of all voters.
