2018 4th Quarter Newsletter
Check It Out
Pioneer of Elk City William Henry Cox
Christmas in Elk City
The Christmas Lighting contest was on the 16th with lots of houses decorated, some with a yard full of beautiful white lights, some lights dancing with Christmas carol music. There were interesting lights on the houses.
Toys supper had lots of visitors bringing toys and or a donation. Ladies served a delicious chili and baked potatoes with several toppings and desert. Even Santa made a stop to visit with all the supper guests.
The Christmas Light Parade was very nice this year, I believe it gets bigger each year. Weather was enjoyable not too cold no rain unlike last year when snow was falling. Several nice floats, an antique model car, Caney Valley Band marched in the parade, emergency vehicles decorated with lights. Ending the parade with Santa who rode in a sleigh and stopped under the town Christmas Tree. After the parade Santa sat under the tree and met with the a long line of children. The Elk City Christmas tree sits at the intersection of Montgomery and Hickory and greets everyone driving in town. The streets were lined with parade watchers.
Made a stop in the Community building where there were vendors, goat milk soap, cheese, cartoon towels, ceramic items, and jewelry
Christmas Photo Gallery
Around Town
PRIDE sponsored their annual Lighting Contest. Lots of beautiful lights and decorations were all over town. PRIDE also holds monthly recycling to help keep recyclables from filling the land fill. They take cardboard, glass, plastics, paper and tin cans. Always amazing how much is collected in one month.
Wildcat Extension FACS agent, gave the lesson "Donating Safe and Nutritious Food to Food Pantries and Soup
Kitchens" in November. FCE (Family, Community, Education) ended the year by going out for a Christmas Luncheon and gift exchange.
Community U sponsored the Trunk or Treat downtown for Halloween. They also sponsor BINGO once a month in winter.
Elk Valley Schools honored Veterans with a program of great songs, salutes, handshakes and recognition. The Legion of Elk County demonstrated how to fold the flag and what each fold means and presented it to the school. The Veterans and their guests were treated to wonderful lunch after the program. Then each veterans was announced and their branch of the service.
Norma Foster will turn 90 in January
Tid Bits by Jane
October
Fall is upon us, even though the end of Sept. and first part of Oct. it was hard to tell. Almost 90 deg. some days. The rain and cooler temps were nice for a while. But when it was 32 one morning, I sure wanted the 90’s back! It’s about time to start trapping and hunting
again and Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone will be busy. There’s a lot of info about those two that history didn’t record and I can’t print it either. Just as long as they don’t try to bring their coyote cookies to morning coffee, we’ll be fine! The soybean plants shut down early due to dry weather, they could have used a rain mid-Sept. but as usual it rained the first part of October, leaving the farmers to wonder if the whole month was going to be a wet harvest. Farmers in the northern states are having snow to hamper their harvest. As I finish this letter up, we aren’t harvesting yet! Some years we have harvested at Thanksgiving and maybe even Christmas. Hope this isn’t a wet winter.
How many of you planted a fall garden? I always think I will and don’t get it done. I made a last batch of salsa and pepper relish before tearing the plants out. We so enjoyed Allison’s visit. She planted tomatoes, peppers, broccoli and etc. before she came. I can’t even imagine. As I was bringing plants in and lamenting I didn’t want my flowers to die, she says, “Move to Florida Mom, you’d love the plants growing all year long”. The change of seasons is nice, but sometimes my plants look the best right before a freeze. She was freezing here
with our 50-deg. weather and welcomed her 80’s when she stepped off the plane in Florida at 10:00 pm at night! It’s all in what you get used too.
The rain held off on the 13th for the Annual Osburn Hog Roast until Sunday. All week long it was a concern. Thanks to Bryan Knowles for the fantastic entertainment. The décor was beautiful thanks to Norman’s pumpkins, we had delicious meat and fries; Joe’s Famous beans are always a hit! The covered dishes and guests were great!!! A rocket out of pumpkins was lite on fire. No, they didn’t blast off, but it was a neat display. It was a fun night.
A trunk or treat was planned for Oct. 31st by the Community U girls from 5-7 p.m. It was held at the Community Bldg. and out on the street in front. Games and hotdogs were also available. Hope you decorated your trunk and participated. What I learned this month: Preconceived ideas sometimes brings on disappointment with reality
November
SNOW, SNOW, SNOW… The farmers harvesting beans were fighting the rain, cloudy days, muddy fields, snow & getting dark sooner. Farmers don’t have very good dispositions when the crops are in the field, it’s time for harvest and it’s snowing! We had our first snow Nov. 8th! Does that mean 8 snows this year? From the looks of cutting open the seeds of the Persimmon Trees, it would mean 8 heavy snows! Then 2-4” of it fell on Nov. 12th. It was a beautiful morning snow, but hard to truly appreciate when there are still soybeans in the field! It’s a bitter 13 deg. I should go spend the winter in Florida. For now, huddle around the fire! The holiday season has started, hopefully you had a
bountiful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Now to tackle Christmas! Shopping, caroling, decorating and eating! Calorie counting is no way to celebrate. I really enjoy the fall décor and all the beautiful colors. But now it’s time for the Christmas decorating to begin.
I went to Elk Falls Pottery Open house and the Outhouse Tour. Always fun time!
Trapping season has started and we don’t see as much of Daniel Boone or Davy Crockett. Daniel, has some good wildlife stories to
share when he stops in. We do miss his political commentary, but he stopped in to straighten us out especially after the mid-terms. Hope you were one of the record number voters this election. A lot of new faces and firsts! Maybe they can all start working together for the betterment of the country instead of the leaders of the country fighting among themselves. We are supposed to be United States of
America, not the divided States of America! What I learned this month: Be thankful for the life you’ve been given, the friends that have crossed your path and the God that has given you both.
December
What a lot of activities for Elk Citians to participate in and support for the holiday season. Thanks to all those responsible; Toys for Kids dinner. Christmas Lights Parade, vendor fair at the Community Building. There were some interesting vendors and plenty of Christmas shopping to be had. The weather was more compatible for the parade this year than last. Later on, Santa and his elves delivered a gift, mittens and hat to each child in Elk City, as well as the country kids that came to town. along with. You know who the elves are and they are very much appreciated for all the hours and hard work. This is a wonderful community project. The ministerial alliance, consisting of the churches in town, assembled food baskets & delivered them.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac says: The hours of sunshine on Christmas Day determines the number of frosts in May? And a warm Christmas is a cold Easter! Does anyone remember last Christmas and then Easter this year. Easter was nice, but I don’t’ remember Christmas Day weather. It’s been a wet fall and some area farmers had trouble harvesting the soybeans due to muddy fields. There wasn’t enough rain this summer
when they were growing and too much for harvest. I’m tired of the wind blowing my Christmas decorations. The sunny days have been nice and despite a couple snows, it’s been mild, but winter is not yet upon us. The Community Christmas Candlelight program was at the Nazarene Church. It’s a wonderful service with plenty of cookies following. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Joe’s
house, he put his Christmas tree up and other kitchen décor, so it feels so festive for coffee. I think an elf came in and helped him. I’ve been watching the old Christmas movies, “White Christmas”, Miracle on 34th St., Frosty & Rudolph. I’m not the least offended!
Do you know what happens when a opossum bites your finger and you jerk your hand back,….. you lose your fingernail!!!!! Ouch.. Good thing the modern day Daniel Boone had vehicle and ER room close. We will have to watch him now at morning coffee to see if any signs of odd behavior develop: rolling over playing opossum, eating dog & cat food and hanging from a tree. Opossums are mostly immune to rabies, venom
produced by rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and other pit vipers. So maybe he won’t start foaming at the mouth. Two days before Christmas my real tree fall over and the majority of my ornaments broke, and Christmas Eve a skunk or a mountain lion (whichever makes a better
story) killed 6 chickens and 3 ducks! Well Good Grief! Where O Where Is Daniel Boone when I need him.
What I learned this month: It’s so wonderful to be done with soybean harvest before Christmas!!
Church News
United Methodist Church is preparing to celebrate there 135th anniversary. Looking for pictures and ideas to celebrate September 30, 2019.
First Christian Church held their Fall Turkey Supper in November. Lots of good food was enjoyed in the new church meeting area.
The Youth group went to the Carmen Concert in Fredonia. The youth group had a Christmas Carols party in December.First Christian Church held their Candlelight Christmas Eve Service.
Church of the Nazarene had a Thanksgiving Worship With the Music Group G.A.S.S. In December the Nazarene Church held their Community Candlelight Service. The Nazarene Church held the Children’s Ministry Christmas Banquet and the Children’s Christmas Program; “Christmas Means Jesus”
Past Alumni Minutes
1952
The Elk City High School Alumni Association held its annual banquet May 29, 1952 in the high school auditorium with around 85 members and guests present. After the invocation given by Mrs. L. W. Davis, all present were seated. An excellent dinner was served by the Inasmuch class of the Christian Church
After the dinner the President Milo Bruce, turned the meeting over to the toastmaster, Mrs. Paul Rankin. The welcome address was given by L. W. Davis. The Senior Class of 1952 entertained with special numbers composed of the following selection:
Vocal solo - Bob Slater
Girls Duet - Mary Hamilton and Lorene Nickles
Mrs. Esther Clark of Sedan a graduate of 1911, gave an excellent address on the subject "The Three R's of Education."
The business meeting, was called to order by the President Milo Bruce and minutes were read by the Secretary, Lorraine Eversole, and were
approved. Officers elected for the next year were:
Mrs. Harry Whistler, Vice President,
Mrs. Wm Lessman, Secretary/Treasure,
all of Independence and were all unanimously elected.
In the roll call the alumni S. A. Davis of Glendale, Calif. of the class of 1892, was the oldest alumnus present. He brought a picture of the graduating class of 10 that created considerable interest. Mrs. Maude Clingan of Coffyville (1900), and Mrs. Lou Faler of Mission, Kansas (1901) were the only other present who graduated more than 50 years ago.
At the close of roll call the meeting adjourned and the time was then spent in general visitation.
Financial Report
Balance on hand $18.68
ticket sold 80.00
total $98.68
Expenses
Inasmuch Class 66.00
Irma Horton 5.16
(candles & wall paper)
L. A. Davis 7.00
(programs & tickets)
Total expenses $78.16
Balance on hand $20.52
Pioneers of Elk City, Kansas
William Henry Cox along with his wife Nancy Collett came to Elk City in 1869. They had 11 children 9 living to adulthood and all raised in Elk City. Mr. Cox was a farmer and speculated in the early year oil and gas business in this area. For a complete Bio link to the Pioneers of Elk City web page here. William Henry Cox
obituaries
Ann Carlene Crossfield Davis passed away December 1st,
The Good Old Days
Taken from the Elk City Sun April 20, 1917
The Elk City post office was robbed Monday night of a considerable sum of money and stamps the greater part being in stamps. It is believed that two men did the job. Apparently they first broke the lock on the door of the Barnes blacksmith shop and secured tools before going to the post office. Here a pane of glass was removed from the rear door and an entrance gained. In removing the glass one of the men evidently was cut on the glass as blood was found on the door and elsewhere in the room.
The money and stamps were kept in a vault to which admission was gained by working the combination lock. Postmaster Davis is certain that the door was locked and drops of blood below the combination will bear out that assertion. The burglars made their getaway by stealing a horse and buggy belonging to W. H. Imel. The horse and buggy were found Tuesday morning northwest of Independence, where the men probably caught a train. A traveling man in a car passed the rig, in which two men were riding, a few miles west of Independence shortly before daylight, but this information was not known until Tuesday evening too late to apprehend the men. Postmaster Davis discovered the robbery upon his arrival at the post office early Tuesday morning and promptly notified the authorities who have been working on the case since but with no definite results as yet. Apparently the robbery was the work of men familiar with combination locks and the methods employed would indicate that it was not their first job of a similar nature.
The Elk City Globe dated 4-10-1884
Mayor's Proclamation
By virtue of authority vested in me as mayor of Elk City, Kansas. I hereby set apart and declare that Monday, April 14th, 1884 shall be Arbor Day in said city. Now the citizens of said city are hereby requested to meet at the school house in said city at 1 O'clock, p.m. of said day, and that each bring with him a tree and proceed to plant said tree within the limits of our city park or school house grounds. Arrangements will be made for the planting. All are urged to come.
Wm. Stewart, Mayor
This article was written in 1902 about what the future would be like in 1952. It appeared in the Elk City Enterprise dated 10-10-1902
Kansas in 1952
Last week's Mail and Breeze published a page of letters from contributors giving the writers ideas of Kansas fifty years hence. The following is one of them, written by Homer Harvey, of this township:
What will Kansas be in 50 years? Oh, ask me something easy. Probably a conversation will sound something like the following: "Augustus get in the automobile and go after the mail. It isn't time for the free delivery."
"Can't, dad, there is a place between here and the corner nearly 10 feet long with three rocks and a pint of mud in it."
"Well, then, I will telephone for it to be sent out by pneumatic tube." This done the farmer goes out for a look at his crops. His land is all prepared by an improved system of harrowing and packing, so that drought holds no terrors for him. The results of crop rotation and scientific farming are plainly seen. His average corn crop makes 100 bushels to the acre, his wheat 40 bushels.
Of course he belongs to the "farmer's trust," by means of which he is enabled to have his say about the price of his produce.
The country districts all have graded schools and competent, well paid teachers. The pupils are gathered up every morning by an automobile. Every county has its county high school. In fact, the school system is all that can be desired. Coal merchants are going into bankruptcy on account of the abundant supply of natural gas found in many parts of the state. Nineteen hundred and fifty-two will see Kansas the center of manufacturing industry, owing to her cheap fuel and natural resources.
Center of population, geographical center, center of industry, center of the swim. This will be Kansas' showing in 1952. The whole state will be a maze of railroads, telephone lines and corn rows.
Every farmer owns an automobile, holds stock in the Aerial Navigation company and takes the Mail and Breeze, which enjoys a circulation of 850,000. On Tom McNeal's monument is this epitaph: Here lies the champion prevaricator of the champion state of the champion nation. May he R. I. P." Homer Harvey