The following News stories are taken from Oakland’s own News papers and those of Topeka’s, We will cover the years of 1889-1896, the years of 1897-1902 are Missing I will say something on these years later in the book. We will also cover the years of 1903-1905. In these stories you will read of the growth of the community the good times and sad times of their schools and church’s. Following every two years I will give a small revue.
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January 1, 1889
School
School
When the Oakland school is completed it will cost approximately $12,000. It is a handsome designing, constructed of wood and is supplied with heat from a huge furnace in the basement.
January 2, 1889
Town Meeting
At the meeting in Mr. Carher’s Store last Thursday evening it was unanimously decided to abide by the decision of the committee which is particularly, a discussion to make Oakland a city of the third class. A called meeting will be held sometime in the near future to nominate City Officers, An Election will be held at an early date.
January 6, 1889
Fire
There came near being a fire in Oakland on New Years and that had it occurred, would have destroyed considerable property. While attempting to light a Gasoline Stove at one of Mr. Don’s new residence, the flames suddenly flashed to the ceiling of the room and burning oil was spilled over the floor. By the presence of mind of Mr. Ray the Gasoline Stove was ejected from the building before any damage was done.
January 12, 1889
Business
The Merchants report a steady increase of business despite “ The Oft “ repeated statements that “ Business is Dull “, in other locations. The increase in population has been very great during the past three months, and even now there are a number of strangers locating here every week.
February 1, 1889
Rapid Transit
A Train well be started at each end of the Rapid Transit line about 6 O’clock every morning as soon as the Electric motor’s are ready for business. This assured schedule time well be a great boom to every one who is compelled to reach the city every day at an early hour.
February 1, 1889
Business
Mr. Brown’s Drug Store well be 18x60 feet in size, and two stories high. It well be located on the corner of Wabash and Indiana Ave. work has already been begun by Mr. Cathers on the Excavations.
February 9, 1889
Crime & Trouble
Considerable of a stir was created last week when it became known around Oakland that Robert Hughes who resides just east of here, had sworn out a search warrant to search the premises of contractor Massie for wheat which Mr. Hughes claimed had been taken from his barn. No wheat was found , however, and from the results of these steps taken by Mr. Hughes the prospects are that the matter well be brought into the courts by Mr. Massie, who well seek damages.
The story told, as near as the reporter could learn it, is that on Thursday night of last week a horse from Mr. Massie, a single harness from Mr. Morey and a sulky from Mr. Williams were stolen. Mr. Massie came to Topeka Friday morning and secured the assistance of officers and instituted a search for his horse.
He failed to hear anything of his animal until the following day, when he learned that Mr. Hughes had it in his possession, also the missing harness and sulky. Mr. Hughes claimed to have discovered a man in the act of taking wheat from his barn Thursday night.
When he opened fire on the visitor, he says the fire was returned by the thief. Who make his escape in the darkness but left the horse an rig. Mr. Hughes know the horse to be the property of Mr. Massie and with this and other evidence claims to have been justified swearing out the search warrant that he did. Massie says that it was simply spite work on the part of Hughes and an attempt to injure him, as they have not been on good terms for some time. Massie says he well seek recourse though the courts.
March 12, 1889
Oakland Local News
Many of the residences of Oakland are being greatly improved in appearance by the building of handsome fences around the premise.
March 12, 1889
Business
The prospects are good for a Hotel in Oakland, which it is claimed well be erected on Arter and Iowa Ave. This spring it is not learned just who the projectors are.
March 26, 1889
Rapid Transit
It is confidently expected to start the Electric Motor line this week. The stream was turnd on at the plant a few days ago and the machinery limbered up some what.
Friday two Electric cars were started near the office of the company and were found to work very satisfactory. The line well probably be in full operation to Oakland by last of the week.
April 4, 1889
Town Meeting
A meeting was held last evening in Milligan’s Store to consider the move to incorporate Oakland into a city of the third class.
April 4, 1889
Oakland Park
Superintendent Milligan is busily engaged in improving Oakland Park. This park well be a beautiful resort for picnic parties or excursions during any day in the week.
The large pavilion is being remodeled and fixed up in splendid condition. The Zoological Department well be supplied with a number of fine specimen, and the prospects are that this department well become the largest and best there is west of St Louis.
The lawn of Oakland Park is in fine condition and in the course of a few weeks well be as beautiful as possible.
April 4, 1889
Oakland Park
Superintendent Milligan is busily engaged in improving Oakland Park. This park well be a beautiful resort for picnic parties or excursions during any day in the week.
The large pavilion is being remodeled and fixed up in splendid condition. The Zoological Department well be supplied with a number of fine specimen, and the prospects are that this department well become the largest and best there is west of St Louis.
The lawn of Oakland Park is in fine condition and in the course of a few weeks well be as beautiful as possible.
April 9, 1889
Oakland Local News
All day yesterday the trains of the new Electric Motor line were loaded with excursionists, who were taking their initial ride on this railway. The visitors to Oakland well even prove greater today then yesterday.
April 9, 1889
Rapid Transit
There are now four trans running on the Rapid Transit line between Topeka and Oakland. The Electric motors work like a charm and the traveling public is greatly delighted with the service. A train leaves Oakland every half hour for Topeka. The cars superbly finished and people delight to take pleasure trips in them.
There have been more people who have visited Oakland during the past week than there have been during the past three months. Every train seems will loaded with persons “ out for a trip.”
April 14, 1889
Oakland Grove
It is apparent that Oakland Grove will be the great resort for the pleasure seekers of Topeka during this spring and summer. The managers of the Rapid Transit, who are also the owners of the grove, are doing everything in their power to make it as attractive as possible. They are sparing no expense to make it popular, as will be seen by the improvements that have been going on continually during the past few weeks and which will continue for many weeks yet to come. The large and handsome pavilion has been remodeled and well accommodate several hundred people. The zoological department is being increased and will contain many curiosities. The beautiful lawns look fine since refreshed by the bountiful rains of late. They will be kept in as fine condition as possible. In addition to the electric lights already in use here the owners of the grounds have contracted to have thirty more, which will keep the entire space lighted up more brilliantly than the brightest harvest moon could do. Oakland Park will be the first fine park Topeka has ever had and the citizens and visitors will not be slow to appreciate it.
April 14, 1889
Oakland Local News
All kinds of improvement in property show the substantial development in progress on every hand. Residences that were begun last fall and on which work was stopped when winter came on before they could be finished in handsome shape., are now receiving attention and are being finished speedily and well.
Chester Ave. is reported to be quite a favorite place for moonlight promenades.
April 20, 1889
Slaughter House
There is considerable kicking about the stench coming from the Slaughter House on the east bank of the river, southeast of the Santa Fe Shops. The stench as it now is, discounts that coming from a bonfire in the back yard, and the prospects are that if not remedied, with the approach of warmer weather it will become unbearable for the residents in the vicinity.
April 20, 1889
Rapid Transit
The big traffic of excursionists to Oakland over the Electric Line continues as heavy as ever. Most every train is loaded down with sight-seers, who take great delight in visiting this beautiful suburb of Topeka. The Electric Trains run smoothly as a vessel and always make good time. When the improvements that are being made in Oakland Park, are finished there will be a phenomenal traffic to this place all during the summer season.
May 8, 1889
Chautauqua
Oakland has received another recognition of honor and wealth in being selected by the Methodist Chautauqua Assembly of Kansas as the place for holding their next annual session, which convenes in June 24 and continues until July 5, and not only will the annual session of the Kansas Chautauqua circles be held here this year, but for ten years to come this great and growing assembly will meet there once a year and conduct their meetings, which have of late years become of vast interest to the inhabitants of Kansas.
The owners of Oakland Park have contracted to build a tabernacle to set 4,000 people and numerous other building to be used as normal halls, officers quarters, boarding houses, electric cars will run into the park and unload passengers at the door of the tabernacle.
Work has begun for preparing for this grand occasion, which undoubtedly will be the most successful session of the assembly that has ever been held in the State, for the past three years these State sessions have been held in Garfield Park.
June 2, 1889
Oakland Park
On last Monday morning Fellows & Vansant contractors, started forty-five skilled carpenters on the erection of the large auditorium in Oakland Park, for use by the Kansas Chautauqua Association which convenes here on June 25 and will continue in session several days. This structure is conical in shape, will be 125 feet in diameter and 90 feet from base to top of flagstaff. The stage will be eighty-five feet long and about twenty-five feet wide. The auditorium will contain 10,000 square feet.
June 2, 1889
School
The Garfield school of Topeka held a picnic in Oakland Park yesterday. The day was unanimously enjoyed by the school children each of whom was equipped on arriving at the grounds with a lunch.
June 2, 1889
Oakland Local News
The contract was set Thursday by Bartholomew & Co. for twenty-five brick residences to be erected in Oakland immediately.
June 9, 1889
Oakland Local News
The new auditorium will open on June 20 with the “ Chimes of Normandy “ special police will be appointed for the grounds and everything will be conducted in an orderly manner.
June 11, 1889
Oakland Park
The attraction at Oakland Park is the immense and the grand Tabernacle now nearing completion, it is a surprise other cities have what they call tabernacles, but Topeka has the only one in the west worthy of the name-a tabernacle that is a tabernacle, it is immense to appreciated it must be seen.
June 12, 1889
Town Meeting
At the next meeting of the County Commissioners a number of the prominent residents of Oakland, will wait on that honorable body with a view to securing a voting precinct.
June 12, 1889
Chautauqua
A large dining hall is being built 24x50 feet and a kitchen 16x40 feet for use during the meeting of the Kansas State Chautauqua circle this month. The cost of these buildings will be $1,200, four class rooms each 16x24 feet are also being erected.
June 12, 1889
Crime & Trouble
On last Sunday afternoon a well known “ Tin Hone “ gambler accompany by a few associates visited Oakland Park in a rather intoxicated condition. He had a bottle of whisky and after going through many disgusting performances with the same , got into a swing and struck up a vulgar song. Officer Wellman requested the man to desist, he did not seem disposed to comply with the request and gave it out that as long as he was out of the corporate limits of Topeka he would do as he pleased. Officer Wellman summarily ejected the intruder from the premises and started to take him to the County Jail in Topeka, but through the intercession of friends of the man he was allowed to quit the vicinity.
June 23, 1889
Crime & Trouble
Despite the repeated warnings of Superintendent Milligan and Deputy Sheriff Wellmam there is a element that visits the grove who persist in conducting themselves in a manner whole unbecoming, much less gentlemen. Thursday evening a crowd of young men smuggled into the grove a keg of beer, which they tapped later on in the evening. They attended the entertainment given in the auditorium and during the intermission of acts paid visits to the secluded spot in the park. The Officers got on to their racket and seized the beer, which was confiscated forthwith. The peace officers five in number, are on the grounds to preserve order and see to it that intoxicating liquors in any form what ever do not appear on the grounds.
June 23, 1889
Business
Charles L. Stone, formerly of Topeka, has opened up a grocery and confectionery store on the corner of Wabash and Indians Ave. where he expects to do his share of business in Oakland.
June 25, 1889
Chautauqua
Chautauqua
This is Chautauqua opening-day and a grand opening it is. The park is now a good size city of happy men, women and children. The park Hotel was opened to the public at noon and a royal dinner was served by host Milligan. The Electric Railroad Company is running cars every fifteen minutes, to the park each motor carrying an additional tow car.
The assembly management have arranged with an express man to deliver baggage on the grounds, from all depots for 10 cents for small packages and 25 cents for trunks.
July 16, 1889
Oakland Park
Through some neglect the door to the cage of Monkeys was left unfasten a few days since at Oakland Park and on discovering the fact a few minutes later by seen the animals springing promiscuously from tree to tree the force of men employ at the park were summoned to capture them. After considerable time had been spent in chasing the animals around two of them were finally captured but the two others made good their escape and wandered a few miles down the river, Saturday they returned to the park where they were soon caught and returned to the cage.
December 3, 1889
Church
There is talk of a Presbyterian Church in Oakland, Mr. Brigham has offered to give three lots at the corner of Winfield and Riverside Ave. for a building if the borad of Erection will see to putting it up. The proposition is now under consideration there are about thirty Presbyterians in Oakland.
December 3, 1889
School
The fourth room in the school house is now finished it was ready for use on the 23rd. and on the 25th. school was opened under the teaching of Mr. Sells.
December 29, 1889
Oakland Park
All The animals at the park are now in their winter quarters except the bears, which are still in their pit. The monkeys and white rats are kept in the store at the corner of the park, and the other animals are in places fixed for them at the back of the store.
December 29, 1889
Meeting Hall
Oakland is about to have what it has needed for a long time a meeting hall. This want will be supplied by Joseph Saywell, who is putting up a frame building just back of Millgan’s store. It is about 75 x25 feet and is to be used for all sorts of public gatherings for which such a place is used. It will be opened Tuesday night , January 7, with an entertainment by the band.
December 29, 1889
School
A view of the Oakland School House, with the children scattered about the yard , as they are at recess, was taken the other day by a photographer.
It was rather difficulty to get the kids to keep still long enough for a picture to be taken, but after some effort movement was stopped for a few moments. The children scattered around as they happened to be and not grouped for the picture.
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January 7, 1890
Oakland Local News
Oakland Local News
Saywell’s Hall is drawing near to completion. The stage is in, and it is expected to be done by next Thursday. Mr. Saywell has already bought a piano for it paying $225.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Cook, corner Arter and Indiana Ave. Friday, January 3, a son.
It is rumored that the old Post Office will be occupied by a job printing office.
February 11, 1890
Oakland Local News
A large number of new houses are being built in this addition this year and most of them are very good houses, far better than the average, half a dozen substantial brick buildings are among the number. A few of these are already occupied and all of them will undoubtedly be taken possession of as fast as they are ready for occupancy.
There are how a number of vacant houses though out the city, which seems strange, as rents are very low, good four to six room house retting for $4. to $7. per month.
Car fare on the Rapid Transit, to a man who works in the city every day, costs about $2. per month; and as the air and water here are both of the purest quality and greatest abundance it is only a question of time when these houses and many more will be full.
February 11, 1890
Town Hall
The Town Hall is completed and ready for occupancy. It has received the first coat of paint. It is 40x60 feet in size, is seated with Windsor chairs, and has a seating capacity of 200-300. It has already been used a time or two by some public entertainment, it is on Michigan Ave.
March 6, 1890
City Council
The people of Oakland have decided not to organize as a city for the present. They are satisfied to remain as a township organization.
March 6, 1890
Oakland Local News
Steps are being taken toward the organization of a Fire Company in Oakland. This is undoubtedly a very meritorious proceeding, and a company ought to be formed without any great expense to the people.
March 6, 1890
Business
Mr. Hicks son, of Mr. E. Hicks of west sixth street, is about to open a grocery store on the corner of Forest and Indiana Ave. He will move his family into the immediate neighborhood.
March 20, 1890
School
A boy named Roy Eyrick was suspended from school for truancy and misbehavior, such a case is, however very rare in this school.
March 20, 1890
Business
O. H. Hicks has moved his grocery from Fillmore and twelfth to the corner of Indiana and Wabash Ave.
April 9, 1890
Oakland Local News
Bartholomew & Co. have put in two Telephones, one at the park grocery and one at Moore’s Real Estate Office, for the accommodation of the people.
The building of a cable suspension bridge across the Kaw, connecting Sardou Ave. with Gordon street, North Topeka, is being discussed without result as yet.
April 9, 1890
Oakland Park
A cage of twenty or more white rats has been added to the attractions of the future at the park. This with the cage of monkeys forms the small nucleus of a future menagerie.
April 9, 1890
Business
Mr. B. F. Williams is putting up a 50x75 feet brick and stone store building on the corner of Thomas and Wabash Ave. It will contain two stores and a bank.
May 20, 1890
Oakland Local News
Oakland has no water-works by which rusty water is sent into the houses; but water of the purest quality, like that found all over Kansas, is obtained from the wells at a reasonable depth.
May 20, 1890
School
The school of Oakland, under the leadership of Mr. J. O. Butler, closed Wednesday for the summer.
May 20, 1890
Oakland Humor
This is certainly the most pleasant suburb about the city for a Sunday drive into the county. A ride on the Rapid Transit beats a buggy riding with your best beside you. No hand has to be engaged in holding the reins, and the other passengers are all busily engaged in contemplating the beautiful scenery.
May 20, 1890
Oakland Park
The animals were enjoying a much needed repose, and the efforts of three small boys to entice the bear out of his lair and into the pit were unsuccessful.
May 20, 1890
Oakland Park
The Capital reporter made a peaceful visit to Oakland yesterday. He found it still there and left it there when he came away. The park, which is the first place to attract the visitor to Oakland, was practically deserted. The auditorium was locked and the seats in the grove empty. Only the presence of those indisputable existence of civilized human beings, peanut shells, proclaimed the fact that 6,000 or 7,000 people had visited the park on Sunday. So the vendor of ice cream and peanut asserted.
June 1, 1890
Oakland Park
As the time for the annual session of the Kansas Chautauqua draws near, the more popular Oakland Park becomes. Workmen are busy putting the park in first class order. The tabernacle has had wires put through the top, and several large windows have been put in with a view of improving the acoustics. The season of 1890 will be opened by one of the greatest musical festivals ever attempted in the west, under the direction of Prof. F. S. Cravens of this city.
June 7, 1890
Oakland Park
The wall around the bear pit is now protected by strong wire screen to prevent children from climbing on the wall and falling in to feed the bears.
June 7, 1890
Oakland Park
The cage of the monkeys afford endless amusement to the children by their sprightly and endless trapeze performances, high jumping, horizontal bar and other acrobatic maneuvers. Who said there was a fee at the gate? no buddy.
June 14, 1890
Oakland Local News
A little son of Mrs. R. Babcock mashed his foot badly with a hammer yesterday.
A farmers team became frighten at the electric cars at the corner of Indiana and Arter yesterday and indulged in a mild form of runaway.
Ben Wilson well be building two new brick business at the corner of Chester and Thomas Ave. or Forest and Thomas Ave.?
Ben Williams new store building on Thomas Ave. is nearly completed.
July 13, 1890
Oakland Park
After the Chautauqua vacated the park the straw used by the tenters was burned by some parties wherever it was left, damaging the trees and disfiguring the park.
July 15, 1890
Fire
A barn belonging to C. B. Maxwell at the corner of Iowa and Forest streets, burned to the ground early Monday morning. About 4 O’clock the neighbors were aroused in time to save a horse and buggy. The loss was about $200, without Insurance. It is most probable that it was set on fire.
July 23, 1890
Town Meeting
A large meeting was held in the school house Monday night for the purpose of discussing the advisability of voting the bridge bonds, Scott Kelsey spoke against the bridge.
Frank Massey with arguments of considerable ability, supported the proposition. After a good deal of discussion the meeting adjourned without coming to any definite conclusion.
July 30, 1890
School
The school election tomorrow promises to be a warm one. The leading issue is on the question of the school teachers to be employed. there are two directors to be elected instead of one. The second vacancy being caused by the reorganization of the district last spring.
August 1, 1890
School
The election of school directors at the school house yesterday was not so close as expected. B. P. Williams was elected Treasurer and C. W. Gormley Clerk. a new teacher will be employed by the board this fall.
August 1, 1890
Band
The Oakland band gave their first of a series of concerts at the park last night. A large number of people were present and the band distinguished themselves. A concert will be given on each Tuesday and Thursday evening during the remainder of the summer.
August 5, 1890
Rapid Transit
Charley Read the popular conductor on the Oakland line, was married last week to Miss Ella Penguite at La Monte, Mo. The new couple have the best wishes of a large number of friends.
August 5, 1890
School
The following teachers have been elected by Oakland school board for the ensuing year, Henry Phaebus, Principal; Miss Nora Hurst and Mrs. Graft, Assistants.
August 16, 1890
Band
The Oakland concert band will give an ice cream social in their rooms in the Wilson building on Monday night. Music will be furnished by the band and the affair promises to be a very enjoyable one.
August 16, 1890
Church
The Oakland Presbyterian Church Society has appointed a committee consisting of J. W. Milligan, James Graft and Mr. Burgill for the purpose of raising funds to build a church. The society meets now on each alternate Sunday in the school house. The society hope by the coming winter to have permanent quarters.
August 21, 1890
Fire
Yesterday morning at about half past 3 O’clock the dining room and kitchen at Oakland was set fire and burned to the ground. An alarm was telephoned in from the Santa Fe Shops, but the department went only that far and returned, believing the fire to be many miles in the county. About an hour later Mr. Milligan was awakened and accompanied by his employs he hastened to the park, but the building had burned down, together with the contents belonging to Mr. Milligan. The cigar stand adjoining the dining room had been broken into and a large amount of cigars were taken. Two tramps were driven out of the park on the evening previous and is believed that they are the authors of the outrage.
September 4, 1890
Crime & Trouble
The residents of the vicinity of Oakland and Parkdale have lately been greatly troubled by a Negro who is supposed to be half-witted. He rides about on a gray horse and frequents by-paths and insults and talks in the most indecent manner to little girls from 8 to 12 years old he happens to meet. A day or two ago he was met by a woman whose little girl came home crying as a result of his treatment and soundly whipped him with a buggy whip in her hand. He danced and shouted, pleaded and begged but was only relieved by a vigorous use of his power of locomotion. He is either an idiot or a very evil disposed person and in either case should be attended to.
September 13, 1890
Storm
During the terrific rain storm of yesterday a barn belonging to B. P. Williams living on Forest Ave. Oakland was struck by lightning, at about 4 O’clock when the storm was at its height, The building immediately took fire and was totally destroyed. A horse belonging to Mr. Williams was killed by the bolt and forty chickens roosting in the barn were burned to death, three sets of harness and a lot of tools were destroyed, a barrel of oil exploded and sent the flames skyward at a terrific rate. The Oakland volunteer fire department turned out but it was impossible to save the barn, and it was only by pouring a stream of water on the house that it was saved. The loss will be between $300 and $400, and there was no Insurance.
September 14, 1890
Oakland Local News
A team belonging to a farmer by the name of Adams, lining near Grantville, became frightened at an electric car yesterday on Twiss Ave. The team ran a considerable distance along Pennsylvania Ave. The tongue was broken and the harness damaged but no further injury resulted.
Oakland News Paper
1890
The Oakland News was owned by L. A. Rudisill, B. P. Williams, T. J. Nichols. The editor and manager was L. A. Rudisill. The Oakland News was published every Friday at the corner of Indiana and Wabash Ave.
October 8, 1890
Business
G. T. Hornsby and Bennett Putman well put up a meat market on the corner of Chester or Oakland Ave.
October 8, 1890
Oakland Local News
Houses are filling up rapidly in Oakland just now and there will be very few vacant buildings in this addition this winter.
October 8, 1890
National Guard
Company C. returned yesterday from Lawrence and will be given a warm reception today. They left on the early morning train Thursday and on Wednesday night they piled a number of lumber wagons into the street, and committed other tricks for which they will be held to account in the sermon this morning.
October 31, 1890
News Notes
There is some prospect of a cracker factory being located in our midst.
The electric cars are being finished with stoves, ready for winter.
Weeds and sun flowers are not permitted to take possession of the streets of Oakland.
The attendance at the public schools is about 175.
After 8 P. M. the electric railway cars make a trip every 30 minutes.
October 31, 1890
Church
Mr. Brigam offers the Presbyterian people the choice of three lots on either of four corners in Brigam and Rice addition to Oakland. Mr. Bartholomew offered $250 cash
toward the enterprise.
October 31, 1890
Oakland Local News
Ray Nichols and Henry Williams were hauling straw a few days ago from Mr. Kelsey’s farm, as they were driving along the road, report says, their thoughts were about their best grail, when suddenly they realized that they had lost one of the wheels of the wagon, and their bed of straw had been exchanged for one of dirt. Kind neighbors came to their rescue and once more they were happy.
Mr. Soule sold a six room house on Wabash Ave. to Mr. Myers of Iowa, for $16,000 cash.
Halloween was observed by the boys, but little mischief was done. A cultivator decorated the school house fence, a harrow or two were hung on gates and a side walk or two turned upside down.
November 7, 1890
National Guard
Co. C. National Guards, have their armory in the brick block on the Wabash and Thomas Ave. The company numbers 60 men, under the command of Captain Shapter.
November 14, 1890
Business
An overall and shirt factory will be opened up in Oakland in a few days. Mr. Horace Peak, Esq; will be business manager. We are pleased to see enterprises of this kind springing up in our mist.
November 14, 1890
Oakland Park
The animals of Oakland Park are being cared for the winter. The probabilities are that the monkey family will be removed to the electric repair shops for the winter, a warm and comfortable place. It is rumored that Mr. bear will be shot, as he is growing cross.
November 14, 1890
Rapid Transit
What 15 cents will do, first 5 cents will pay your fare from the electric station on Jackson and 6th., to Oakland Park on the electric cars, an enjoyable ride four and half miles. Second 5 cents pays for the ride back to the station where you can get a transfer ticket to Quinton Heights two miles and a half distance, making a ride of seven miles; Then the third 5 cents brings you back to place of beginning. For 15 cents you have travel,14 miles and taken in a large portion of Topeka.
November 21, 1890
Oakland Humor
Ben Williams is a rustler he will trade for any thing from a Jack Knife to a ranch or head of cattle, the other day he traded his team for four hundred gallons of paint.
Wonder where the editor’s Thanksgiving turkey is coming from? If any one knows please leave at our office.
November 21, 1890
Rapid Transit & Humor
Last Sunday morning about 10:30 O’clock, what appeared to a looked on, to be the scene of fearful carnage and disaster on the electric line near Chester Ave was averted by the timely presence, of mind of the motors, as the car rushed down Indiana Ave. A procession of ducks calmly proceeded to cross the track, vainly the conductor rang the bell with a vim that roused all the inhabitants of the immediate vicinity,- those ducks would go-nearer came the electric monster, while great drops of sweat stood on the brow of the now terrified motors. Should he on this holy Sabbath morn, be the slayer of thirteen “ Thanksgiving ducks. “ One instant and his decision was made, with a calmness, born of desperation, he applied all his strength to the brake, and as the last white winged waddlers toddled over the rail, the death dealing wheels stood still. Talk about John Maynard who died at his post: Verily I say unto you, the deed of that brave motors shall go down in history. One more effect of civilizing influence of Oakland the marvel.
An observer.
November 28, 1890
Oakland Local News
The electric road has adopted their winter track, instead of running by the park entrance, the cars turn off at center Ave.
Oakland is the only suburb of Topeka having electric lights.
November 28, 1890
Oakland Humor
Last Friday evening a masquerade ball was given in Oakland Hall. Some young men not being satisfied with masks, dressed in ladies cloths and tried to pass off for girls, an observer would probably have been deceived, had their feet been less conspicuous.
November 28, 1890
Business
Oakland needs a barber shop.
December 5, 1890
Oakland Law
Some people seem to forget that the township law provides a penalty upon horses, cattle, hogs, ect. running at large. Considerable complaint is made in Oakland upon this subject, cattle are eating up the cabbage, ect.
December 5, 1890
Business
T. J. Nichols wants $10,000 to $12,000 worth of furniture or merchandise, for which he will give in part payment, two homes in Oakland, and balance in cash.
December 5, 1890
Typhoid Fever
It is with much sympathy for the family that announce the death of Mr. Milb Elliott who died Wednesday 4 a. m. at his residence, after about four weeks sickness, of typhoid fever. He was about 40 yeas years of age.
December 12, 1890
Business
The Oakland Soap is making for itself a good name. It gives good satisfaction, let everybody use it and encourage the manufacturers.
December 12, 1890
Oakland Local News
A girl baby about two weeks old was left at the residence of “ Doc. “ Harriett Friday last, about 1 o’clock. The parties drove up to the house in a carriage and called “ Doc. “ and in formed him that there was a package for him at the door.
December 12, 1890
Rapid Transit
The eighth street station of the electric railway has a new hard coal heater. The witting room is as comfortable as any could desire, for a enterprise the electric road is a success.
December 19, 1890
School
The boys have been having lots of fun playing Shinny, an exciting contest came off last Saturday between the school-boys of the two upper grades.
December 19, 1890
Diphtheria
Lillian eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Peak, died of diphtheria Saturday morning. Lillian Elizabeth Peak was born March 21 1883, died December 13, 1890.
December 19, 1890
Rapid Transit & Humor
The boys have a good joke on a “ Con.” and motorman of the electric road, while the car was stranded at the end of the line, waiting for starting time, the electric lights in the car went out, they supposed the plant had “ shut down “ so they sat down by the stove to wait for it to “ start up. “ After a while the motorman saw a car moving on the fourth street line, so he tried his motor and lo, it was all right and the car started on its journey. The trouble was a wire in the car had burned out. The plant was all right.
December 26, 1890
Oakland Local News
Miss Ola Thornburgh carries her left arm in a sling the result of injuries received when thrown from a horse a short time ago. The arm fortunately was not broken.
December 26, 1890
School
On account of diphtheria, the schools were closed last Friday, in stead of Wednesday of this week as intended.
December 26, 1890
A Oakland Death
The death of Mr. James Jones occurred on Monday December 22, He had a long and painful sickness, having been ill since the first of July. He was a painter by trade and the disease was probably induced by paint poisoning.
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In leaving the years of 1889-90 we saw growth and prosperity, we saw more businesses and homes being built. However in the last two years we saw not all was happy times. we saw death of friends and homes on fire and crime.
In the coming two years we well see even more growth to the community, more businesses and family’s coming to the new town. We well see new church’s going up and new homes being built, and a need for more school rooms. We well also read the wants of the community to become a city of the third class.
