Voices of Harvey County Archives - Page 82 of 120 - Harvey County Historical Society

“Polls Open at Eight:” the 1916 Election

Posted on November 4, 2016 by hchm-curator

by Kristine Schmucker, HCHM Curator

“All of which goes to prove that the smartest man cannot forecast the results of an election in which the American people take the leading part.”

-Editor, Evening Kansan Republican, 12 November 1916.

On November 8 people in Harvey County will go to the polls to vote in a presidential election. One hundred years ago, on November 7, 1916, Harvey County citizens also voted for the next president choosing between the incumbent Woodrow Wilson, a Democrat, and Republican challenger, Charles E. Hughes.

Charles E. Hughes, Evening Kansan Republican, 6 November 1916, p.1.

Polls opened at 8 am. on Tues, November 7 and the voters had “10 hours in which to deposit ballots.” At 6 pm, the polls closed. This was the first election to use “the double election board system” in precincts with over 250 voters in Harvey County. A “counting board” began the work of counting ballots at noon. Everyone was encouraged to “get to the polls early and thus keep the counting board busy.” This board counted both the state and national ballots for the county.

The Evening Kansan Republican predicted fair voting weather and that the State Chairman of the Republican expected that Hughes would win Kansas by 35,000. Popular Kansas Governor, Arthur Capper, Republican, was also on the ballot and during the last day of campaigning, Capper was “pleading for support for Hughes” in Kansas. By then end of the day on Nov. 7, Hughes had won in Harvey County.

Evening Kansan Republican, 7 Nov. 1916, p.1

The voting equipment might have looked somewhat different.In our collection we have two ballot boxes.

A wooden box used in Darlington Township, Harvey County, used beginning in the 1880s.

Ballot Box, Darlington Township, Harvey County, ca. 1880s.

Detail of Ballot Box, Darlington Township, Harvey County, ca. 1880s.

The second is a metal cylinder used for voting for the 2nd Ward, Newton, Harvey County.

Ballot Container, 2nd Ward, Newton, Ks.

Detail of Ballot Container, 2nd Ward, Newton, Ks.

While waiting for the results of the national vote many attend the “house warming and hearing election returns” event at the Y.M.C.A.. Nearly 1500 people stopped by the Y.M.C.A. at some point during the evening. The atmosphere was festive.

“There was something doing all the time, in the gymnasium, which gave entertainment. . . . A big crowd assembled in the balcony of the gym and the floor to watch basket ball played by the College team and the senior team of the Y.M.C.A. . . . won by the college with a score of 37 to 9.”

Due to the large crowd a volleyball game could not be played, but people enjoyed musical selections by the College Band all evening. Many from the rural districts remained until 4:30 in the morning waiting for results.

The next day the editor of the Evening Kansan Republican proudly noted that “Harvey County did her share” adding,

“aside from three certain pestiferous democrats who seem to have formed a habit of getting themselves elected to office, the republicans made a clean sweep of the county ticket . . . just as though there had never been a rift in the party.”

Evening Kansan Republican, 8 November 1916, p. 1.

Despite support in Harvey County, the outcome of the national election was more uncertain. On Thursday, the paper reported that “both committees still confident” of a win. There was a dramatic race for votes in Minnesota and the chairman of the Republican party refused to concede until the results were “official.” The Saturday, November 11 paper noted that Wilson’s “re-election now practically certain.”

Evening Kansan Republican, 11 November 1916, p. 1.

The official returns for the last state, Minnesota, was not complete until November 18, 1916. Despite a Republican victory in Minnesota, Wilson had already won his bid for re-election as President of the United States.

Kansas as a state voted for Wilson, despite efforts by Gov. Capper and Harvey County voters.

One of the looming issues was the Great War raging in Europe, and whether or not the U.S. would become involved. Wilson was elected on the promise “He Kept Us Out of War,” which proved to be a promise he could not keep.

Sources:

Evening Kansan Republican: 6 November 1916, 7 November 1916, 8 November 1916, 9 November 1916, 10 November 1916, 11 November 1916, 13 November 1916, 14 November 1916, 16 November 1916, 18 November 1916.
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/showelection.php?year=1916

“Goblins Will Come Out Tonight!”

Posted on October 28, 2016 by hchm-curator

by Kristine Schmucker, HCHM Curator

This post features a collection of paper napkins at HCHM. Life long Newton resident, Clarice E. (Penner) Titus (1929-2015), collected paper napkins from events and parties that she attended throughout her life. Some have dates and places identified with them, including several from Wales, 1945. Others are from weddings or baby showers.

For this post the focus is on the Halloween napkins in the collection. Also included are some tidbits pulled from the Evening Kansan Republican describing Halloween parties in Harvey County. Halloween was “a holiday of fun and frolic for young people” and churches, clubs and individuals held parties for all ages.

Photo taken in the Auditorium, Newton City Building, W. 6th. n.d.

Evening Kansan Republican, 31 October 1913, p. 5.

Clarice Titus Napkin Collection, ca. 1945

Treats & Sweets

The Princess Confectionery, Newton, provided hostesses with “good confectionery” for their parties.

Evening Kansan Republican, 26 October 1921, p.5.

Clarice Titus Napkin Collection, n.d.

Decorations & Party Favors

Evening Kansan Republican, 26 October 1922, p. 1.

Clarice Titus Napkin Collection, n.d.

Evening Kansan Republican, 27 October 1922, p. 6.

Clarice Titus Napkin Collection, n.d.

Clarice Titus Napkin Collection, n.d.

Games

In 1913, the editor of the Evening Kansan Republican suggested two party games “for the proper celebration of Hallowe’en.”

The first, Mme. Merri’s Advice was an “easy method, as well as quick one, for telling fortunes.”

“The fortune teller was to have a ‘mystery’ book from which he was to read these answers, and the guests were to have cards with these headings, and each heading was to have under it eight lines numbered from 1 to 8. So when the seeker for knowledge asked for the answer to question No. 1, under the heading, ‘Where did you first see your intended?’ the seer with the book replied, ‘In a railway carriage’.”

Questions for Mme. Merri’s Advice Game:

Evening Kansan Republican, 5 November 1913, p. 7.

Clarice Titus Napkin Collection, n.d.

The second fortune telling game he suggested was the “Pumpkin Initial Fate” to determine “the letter that begins the name of the intended husband or wife.”

Evening Kansan Republican, 5 November 1913, p. 7.

According to the game, “if no letter is stuck in, it means that single blessedness is to be the fate.”

Clarice Titus Napkin Collection, n.d.

The Evening was” a very jolly one”

The parties were described in the Evening Kansan Republican the next day.

Evening Kansan Republican, 1 Nov. 1913, p.4.

Clarice Titus Napkin Collection, n.d.

Above all, everyone was encouraged to “have a good time but be reasonable.”

Clarice Titus Napkin Collection, n.d.

Sources

Evening Kansan Republican, 31 October 1913, p. 5.
Evening Kansan Republican, 5 November 1913, p. 7.
Evening Kansan Republican, 26 October 1922, p. 1.
Evening Kansan Republican, 27 October 1922, p. 6.
Clarice Titus Napkin Collection, HCHM.

An exhibit of holiday paper napkins from the Clarice Titus Collection will be on display at the Newton Public Library Nov. 2 – Dec. 30, 2016.

“Place for the Boys:” YMCA Part 2

Posted on October 21, 2016August 5, 2017 by hchm-curator

by Kristine Schmucker, HCHM Curator

With this post, we conclude the two-part series on the Harvey County YMCA.

When the YMCA opened in the summer of 1902 on W. 6th, the editor of the the Evening Kansan Republican declared “the handsome new Y.M.C.A. building the pride of all Newton.” Roughly six years later, there was a need for a new building.

Story of Faithfulness-Campaign of 1908

“The story of the faithfulness of Newton citizens during the closing hours of the great eleven day canvass will be told on the big thermometer. Each time $500 in subscriptions is turned in at headquarters the Eagle mill whistle will blow.”

To raise the money needed for a new building, 15 teams were organized to solicit subscriptions.

The Evening Kansan Republican noted on Nov. 16, 1908 that YMCA building fund still needed $5,000 to meet the goal. The amounts already committed for each team was published with a total of $20,090.42. More people needed to step up to meet the goal. The editor observed that

“few people seem to appreciate the gravity of the Y.M.C.A. building situation. Many similar campaigns . . . have failed at the crucial time, because the good people of the city have procrastinated and felt that even if they did not work or give that amount would be raised anyway.”

Evening Kansan Republican, 16 November 1908, p. 1.

Big Thermometer at the corner of 6th & Main, Newton tracked the progress of the campaign.

YMCA Building Campaign, Fall 1908, Intersection of Main & 6th Newton, Ks

Campaign Headquarters

1908 Campaign. “$25,000 by Nov. 17, 10 p.m.” Committee members listed on the right.

The 1908 campaign for a YMCA building in Newton was ultimately successful. In eleven days, the community raised $30,000.

“Perfectly Equipped”

With the funds in place, plans for the building could go forward. Topeka architect, J.C. Holland was hired and Wurster Construction Co, Wichita was chosen as general contractor.

Construction of the Harvey County YMCA 1908-1909.

An open house for the community to visit the new YMCA was held early in August 1910. Visitors were “shown through the structure from basement to garret.”

Two aspects of the building were especially important, the swimming pool and the gymnasium.

“The swimming pool is one of the largest of its kind in Kansas, and certainly one of the most sanitary and best equipped. Its floor is of Venetian tile, while the sidewalls are of glazed white brick.”

The swimming pool measured 18 by 44 feet and was kept clean with a “skimmer,” which moved the water continually.

YMCA, 1925.

“The gymnasium hall is extra large, well lighted and ventilated, and is equipped with dozens of different kinds of apparatus.”

The gymnasium was 45 by 70 feet and “particularly appropriate for basket ball” with room for roughly one thousand spectators. In addition, there was a tennis court, room to play volleyball and “all kinds of calisthenics.”

The YMCA Board also intended to hold track meets with teams from other cities. Space for “hurdling, pole vaulting, hammer-throwing and running of all kinds” was included in the new building.

“Place for the Boys”

At the core, the YMCA was to be a “place for the boys” a home away from home. The organization provided opportunities for physical, mental and spiritual growth to the young men. A 1912 annual report revealed a strong connection between the organization and the community to meet these needs. A religious committee provided Bible classes that met weekly. The study was led by Rev Langenwalter from Bethel College, a man “who has made such a thorough study of the Bible, as to be most capable of teaching this class.” In addition, business classes were taught by several local men and churches took turns providing the evening meal.

YMCA, 201 W 6th, Newton, Ks, 1922. Newton Kansan 50th Anniversary Ed, 22 August 1922.

The 1912 report also noted that the gymnasium saw use. In October – 796, and in November – 831, young men used the gym for gym classes. Swimming and bowling were also quite successful. Overall for the year, “the number of members that used the building for baths or physical activities” was over 1,500.

The YMCA at west 6th continued to serve Harvey County through the early 1970s.

YMCA Activities in Photographs – ca. 1959

YMCA Activites, ca. 1959. Women identified left to right: unknown, Jennifer DuFiriend, Janice Cannon and Sharon Eshom.

YMCA Activites, ca. 1959. Playing volleyball.

YMCA Swimming Pool, ca, 1959.

Demolition of the YMCA on west 6th – 1975

The YMCA building on west 6th was torn down in 1975, a result of the Urban Renewal Movement of the 1960s & 70s.

Demolition of YMCA, 201 W 6th, summer 1975.

Update: 6/21/2017

New information added by Linda Koppes, former volunteer photo technician at HCHM. When she added the demolition photos of the YMCA (see above), she noticed the eyes painted on the upstairs interior wall. Recently, she found out that Eddy Seger painted the upstairs and it was a place for people to go, hang out and listen to music. The eyes were painted to highlight the local group of musicians, called “Eye 2 Eye,” that played in the space – “Newton’s coffee house.” Also, John Torline recalled that he was responsible for administering the contract for demolition. John Toews, a Holderman Mennonite, was in charge and he salvaged a great deal of the material.

Sources:

Evening Kansan Republican: 22 Jan. 1902, 13 February 1902, 24 March 1902, 1 April 1902, 7 May 1902, 11 June 1902, 8 July 1902, 23 July 1902, 13 July 1902, 3 November 1902, 6 November 1902, 12 November 1908, 16 November 1908, 5 March 1909, 31 March 1909, 28 April 1909, 9 December 1909, 14 February 1910, 3 May 1910, 9 August 1910, 10 October 1910, 2 October 1911, 28 November 1911, 13 March 1912, 11 December 1912, 28 January 1921, 17 December 1921.
Kansan: 21 May 2015.
Harvey County Now: 6 October 2016.
Hutchinson News: 26 March 2016.
“YMCA,” Kansas State Historical Society, April 2009, updated October 2013.
http://www.mfldymca.org/about_us/history_national.php