Thursday, July 31, 2008

Oakland In The News 1886 & Beyond Chapter 7

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
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


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


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.

******************************************************
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.

Oakland In The News 1886 & Beyond Chapter 6

Oakland’s Biography’s


In my Introduction I said this book was about the people of Oakland. However in this case if I was to put all the information on each person I would not have room for anything else. Those of you who would like more on other Oaklanders I would recommend the following books:


Oakland’s First One Hundred Years
by The Shawnee County Historical Society
&
The Little City That Was
****************
The Billard Family


Mr. Gilbert Billard and his wife Antoinette and their two sons Charles and Jules left imprints on Oakland and North and South Topeka. Gilbert’s elder son died in a Civil War engagement. His sound son became an astute businessman and served as Topeka Mayor from 1910-14. Jules son Phillip was a gallant daredevil and expert mechanic and a test pilot and was killed over a French Air dome in W. W I, The Oakland Airport and veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Topeka are name after him.

Phil’s Grandfather Gilbert was Mayor Of St. Leon before he left his native land of France, in the day’s of Napoleon III. Who tort hard on free men’s belief’s . Under pressure of imprisonment Gilbert fled his native land. In the United States he a chance meeting in Kansas City with County man Charles Sardou. The men came together in 1854, to take adjoining claims of a 160 acres each. The Billard claim stretched toward the Shungenunge Creek. In 1860, he herd of a gold strike in Colorado, he took his family there in 1860, but before leaving he rented out the homestead . Where he had built a two-room stone house and had planted trees.

Charles the elder son enlisted in the first Colorado Volunteers when the Civil War broke out, he was killed in his first encounter at Apache Canyon in the New Mexico Territory
When Gilbert Billard returned to Kansas he rebuilt his neglected farm and added to his stone house. he died April 29, 1870 and is buried be side his wife Antoinette in Topeka Cemetery.

Gilbert second son served as Topeka Mayor from 1910-1914 during his years as Mayor it was brought to his attention that his father “ Gilbert” Naturalization had not included his wife or children. Jules attend the task. District records shows that he and his 75-old mother Antoinette were admitted to citizenship September 14, 1932.
Jules and his wife the former Hermance Laurent, had three sons . The eldest Reamer would lived out his adult life in El Paso Texas. Reamer’s son Jules Benoit was long time Editor of the U. S. News World Report. Robert and wife Leila would live out there life in the old Mansion in Oakland.

The youngest son was Louis Charles Phillip. Born April 29, 1891, He was called “ Baby” for several years and was listed that way on the 1895, census. Louis Charles name was dropped and “ Baby” was Phil for the rest of his life. Phil was born at the time when Kerosene Lamps were shed for Electric wall switches and houses changed for Automobiles. Bicycles put boys on wheels, cars gave them speed and Airplanes would open the skies. Phil loved speed he won a road race from 8th. and Kansas Ave. to the Baltimore Hotel in Kansas City, making the record trip in two hours over muddy roads. Phil also loved flying, Phil’s father never liked to watch Phil takeoff, or fly. In December of 1916 Phil Billard was the first to fly from Topeka to Kansas City. Phil Billard was killed July 24, 1918 in an air explosion testing the first U. S. Liberty Engine Machine from his homeland Phil brother Robert and wife Leila later went to France to carry his wishes that his ashes be dropped over Provins France, birthplace of their mother.


Charles Sardou and Family


Charles And Josephine Sardou must surely have accepted trouble as a condition of life and they met it head on. Charles Sardou had been a sailor in France, Influential in his seaport village. He was exiled as a political prisoner Charles was caught in December 2, 1851, and sent to Devil’s Island. He and 17 others eventually escaped to Dutch Guinea.
He sent word back to his wife Josephine who had been evicted from their home and was pregnant. Josephine sold what she could and with help from friends took passage on a freighter to join her husband. Charles well sick with fever arranged passage to New York, where men were said to be free.

Well in the Atlantic their son was born on January 16, 1854 and given the name of Freeman. In New York they heard of the newly opened Kansas Territory and begin the long trek west, landing in Kansas City. There they met a country man Gilbert Billard.
The men learned of fine land down yet another river the Kaw ( Kansas ) and they filed their claims in 1854 their claims lay together until the Sardou Bridge separated them.

Charles Sardou and wife returned to France in 1883 with $4,000 to aid the Republican cause, they stayed till Charles death in 1884, within site of his child hood home. He was buried in the Old Soldiers and Sailors Cemetery in Carquerance France. Charles wife stayed on in France until 1910 when she returned to live with her son Freeman.
Freeman married Mary Amoriss September 26, 1878. He had attended a Tinnier Craft School in St. Louis and worked at that tread for a well but he came back, to the farm he loved. Freeman started raising fruits, chestnuts, and berries. In 1890’s he opened the Sardou Cannery they advertising the purity and freshness of its products.
Freeman and George were heroes of the 1903 flood each of the Sardou men was awarded a gold medal afterward from a grateful populace, for “ heroic, tireless service in raging floodwaters.”


The Kelsey’s


Kelsey is a name closely associated with Agriculture History of Oakland .. Kelsey a veteran of the Civil War was in an Indiana regiment, after the war he and his wife Mahala came west to home stead a section of rich bottom land in the Spring of 1868.
Kelsey eldest son Scott ( short for Winfield Scott ) was born July 1, 1847 Scott also a Civil War veteran, Scott tried to enlist at 14 but was refused, later he got into the Navy and served out the war with Admiral Farragut’s Flagship Fair Play, later joining his father venturing in potato raising . Scott children were Grant Elwood, Melvin Taylor and Prudence he had his first child before he was 20. On later years Scott would move into Oakland, and lived out his 88 years at 1400 Arter, he died in 1940.

Grant, Scott’s eldest son married Henrietta Jones who died Oct. 22, 1927. He then married her sister Gertrude, Grant died in 1940. He was survived by three sons, Allen L., Myron B., Lloyd A. and daughter Viola. The Kelsey’s had extended the Oakland farm then Lloyd went to Minnesota to manage the Albert Lea Corporation where his father Grant had bought a dry lake bed to use for an experimental Potato farm.

Scott’s son Melvin ( M. T. ) married Fannie Bell Jenkins, they had three sons, Richard, Sam and Scott Jr. , Scott Jr. married Iva Carothers. M. T. bought his father’s farm that stretched from Oakland Ave. to the Woolen Mill to the river. He called it Northland , he was active in the potato business and had built up the Kaw Valley Potato Association and was shipping 800,000 pounds of potato’s each year. Thirty-five years after his father became County Commissioner he to became Commissioner, in the mid thirties Lake Shawnee was built. During his administration amid opposition and erroneous prediction that it would be a muddy hole. Melvin Kelsey died in 1965 at the age of 94 years.


Alvin K. Longren


Alvin K. Longren was one of the earliest Kansas to fly his dream was production of “ House hold planes.” to sell at $1,000 each. The Lundgren Aircraft Corporation was in the old Woolen Mill for six years. On April 6, 1914 he married Dolly Trent who was born in Minneapolis Kansas. In 1970 Dolly moved to Houston to make her home with a niece, she died there in January of 1971. Mr. Longren built the plane that Phil Billard flew over Topeka in 1912. The Biplane sate in the Billard garage at 1400 Sardou for years then it was acquired by the Kansas Historical Society in 1930.

Longren abhorred stunt flying, wing walking, daredevil dives, and spiral glides stating “ I value my neck to much.” During W. W. I Longren worked as a test pilot at Mc Cook field in Ohio, on returning to Kansas he formed a Company to raise capital for a plane factory. It was to be in the old Woolen Mill, whose location near the air field was advantageous.
The Blue Sky Board the ( forerunner of the Kansas Corporation Commission ) on June 7, 1919 authorized the Longren aircraft factory a incorporation with a capital investment of $300,000and stocks of $800,000 for expansion operation.

The first plane scheduled for January 1920 launching was not completed until June. Government inspection agents visited the Oakland factory for possible big government orders. But there was not enough interest or capital to support the enormous amount of funds required. Longren not a public relations man lose the government contracts , they went to California. Longren operated his factory for six years Records show his trustee W. L. Dean handling $75,000 deficit in 1934 indicating Longren had bought the old mill on contract. Bankruptcy receiver Carl N. Trapp on March 5, 1926 accepted Lundgren’s patents and listed his belongings.

Longren left Oakland to work as Vice President in charge of production for the Spartan Air craft Company in Tulsa Oklahoma. The market he planned for really never existed he trailed the Wright Brothers by eight years. Longren wanted to make Kansas the center of the air industry in the mid west. A fine engineer with dreams a head of his time. Longren worked and consulted with major air industry’s until his death in Adin California, November 9, 1950, he was buried in Leonardville, Kansas.


Cornelius N. Poort
1873-1959


Cornelius Nicholas Poort was born on August 4, 1873 and died on Sept. 14, 1959. The family were popular Oaklandites. He was a traveling salesman for Red Ball Boots, and for a sideline sold boomerangs. His daughter Perle was a long time first grade teacher and wife of Herbert Lundgren, principal of the elementary school. His sons Harold, Milton, and Clarence were active in baseball, tennis and other community undertakings.

In 2005 I had the pleasure to have a interview with Marilee ( Poort ) Sexton, she is the daughter of Milton Poort, and this is what she had to say. “ I found the information lacking in the old book on Oakland ( Oakland’s First One Hundred Years ) because there was another daughter her name was ruby and was married to Carl Peterson, Ruby was also a first grade teacher. I don’t know where?, later on Perle and two others (Beulah Arndt and Ruth Grantham), had a nursery school for many years in south Topeka on 37th St. called Country Day.” She went on to say. “ My father ( Milton ) and his brother Harold Poort went to Washburn University and was on the Washburn AAU basketball team, and in 1925 Milton and Harold helped the team win a national championship, their coach was Dutch Lonborg.”

In a second interview with Marilee she had this to say. “Cornelius wife’s name was Emma Alvina ( Raduenzel ) Poort, she was born on Feb. 27, 1876 and died on Feb. 21, 1943. My father ( Milton ) later became the principal at Quincy and Potwin elementary schools and Harold went on to owned a grain elevator in Ogden, Utah and Clarence became a Federal probation officer.”

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

How To Add Your Story To Oaklands's History.

I am looking family stories and photo’s to add to the history of Oakland. I would like to hear from those who lived or lives in Oakland, or had a Great-grandfather or mother or a grandfather and grandmother who lived or lives in Oakland. I would also like to hear from the grandchildren who were just visiting their family and have a story tell on what happen to you will visiting Oakland. Now these stories can be funny, sad, on crimes, fires and of course death notices. Now I know some of you are saying I have a story but it happen yesterday, that dose not matter it’s part of Oakland’s history, there is to time frame for these stories if it happen in Oakland I want to hear about it. Those who would like to tell something about any of the building, Church’s School’s, parks or have photo’s of Oakland these are most welcome. Your name will be add to any story or photo, so others will know who sent them. I will not add any story or photo to this page with out a name.

Those who would like to add a story or photo to the history of Oakland may do so by writing to the following address: dsegelquist1@cox.net.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Oakland In The News 1886 & Beyond Chapter 5

Mid Continent Woolen Mill



The old Woolen Mill was always was a curiosity to me, as a young man I would have loved to had a look inside, and wonder what it would be like to work there, even now I would like a look. How grand the mill must have look sitting there over looking all that open land, and how the community would set their clocks by the sound of the work whistle. The mill is still sitting there on the hill over looking the little valley, a little wore out and its corner stone face has been chip away, to where its hard to read. The mill may stand many more years to remind us of the days that were.


The Mid Continent Woolen Mill was erected in 1894 on the corner of Center and Winfield Ave. it’s cornerstone was laid with grate fanfare. This brick factory had fifty window’s it measured 170x60 feet and had a tall square water tower and outhouses. The factory also had a steam whistle pipe that could be heard all over Oakland. The Mill had a switch track put in to give access to the Santa Fe Railroad.


Origins are vague but the names of Bartholomew, Crosby and Copeland appeared. Mr. appleyard from Sebec Maine would manage the plant. It was projected that there would be 500 hundred workers however that number would stay under 200 hundred. The Mid Continent closed then to be reopened in 1897 under the management of J. E. Mc Afee, 125 employees reported back to the Mill. In 1904 “ After six months , Oaklanders residents rejoiced to the sound of the Mills whistle again.” In 1905 the decision of whether the mill would remain in Topeka or Kansas City. They decided in favor of Oakland, employment was to be 175 to 200 hundred . The Mills most advertised item was Sun Flower Pants “ Guaranteed not to rip, ravel, nor run.” In less then ten years the mill closed it’s doors permanently. In 1919 the Crosby bothers corporation owned the controlling stock and took over it’s rental and use.


The most distinguished tenant was A. K. Longeren who leased it on contract for his Airplane factory. It ran till 1924 where the doors closed again. Although they closed as a factory it’s history continue. The Chautauqua rented a part of it to store tents they rented to visitors. During W. W. l a potato-drying operation . The county least it to house indigents in the winter. A Saturday night dance hall during the 30’s but it soon faded. During W. W. l l the U. S. Engineering, Heating and Air Conditioning rented it. The Mill has passed from one ownership to the next but the Mills off and on History goes on.


Courtesy of the Kansas Historical Society


The Old Starch Factory


The Starch Factory of 1877 was a early experimental institutions for the manufacturing possibilities of Sorghum and Glucose products. The factory was located in the area of 4th street and Golden, Cyrus K. Holliday and J. G. Sloneker were interested financially.
In 1890, the Topeka Starch Company own it they ran successfully for about 12 years. In 1890, the earlier manager T. O. McGrew retired and O. H. Titus took over as supervisor. In February of 1891, the factory was ordered closed by the Trust at the time of the closing the factory had about 40 workers and $20,000 dollars worth of products on hand. On October 21, 1902 fire consumed the old factory.


Oakland’s Cannery’s
( 1890-1912? )


In the 1890’s Sardou Freeman started the Sardou Canning Company. The canning company canned fruits and vegetables in their seasons. They advertised their fruits and vegetables as absolutely sanitary. Then Topeka Canning Company was started in 1907 by N. E. Copeland. It ran up to about 1909 or 1912.

Courtesy of the Kansas Historical Society

Oakland’s National Guard
( 1890-1893 )

Oakland’s community was proud of the Guard not only because of the name but of the men that served in it most all were Oaklanders. The roster would read Oakland Co. C. third regiment, Kansas National Guard. The Guards roster would have about 124 names. The Guards announced that in November of 1890 they had 60 names on the roster. The Armory was in the ten hundred block of Wabash Ave. corner of Thomas Ave. The Army would be known as the “ Brick Block. “ A lot of activity centered around the Guard giving much entertainment with their marching drills. The Guard also provided Band entertainment for some of Oakland’s activity’s. They also did yearly Civil War reenactments, the Guard was always ready for marching orders.
The Guard was rarely called upon However on Saturday November 13, 1891 the call came, the Guard was ordered to the State House in Topeka to help in the event of another mob demonstration but before they left they were recalled.

On February 13, 1893 they were recalled again by the Adjutant General the order was to march to the State Capitol under the leadership of Caption Frank Shapter. The Guard was to help in the mob control. Two political bodies claimed the right to install as Officers of the House of Representative of their choice, and to force the other side to respect and obey them. A conflict being imminent the Governor ask for help from the National Guards Oakland being one of them they marched out with 39 men. The Guard was mustard out in May of 1893.

Oakland Grove Park
( 1889 )

In 1889 the “ Oakland Blade “ stated that Superintendent Milligan is busily engaged in improving Oakland Park the large Pavilion was also being remodeled. The Blade also stated that the Zoological Department well become the largest west of St. Louis. On June 2, 1889 the Blade reported that contractors on a new Auditorium to be used by the Chautauqua Association on June 25. The Blade also stated the Auditorium would be 125 feet in diameter and 90 feet from base to the top of the flag staff The stage well be eighty five feet long and about 25 feet wide.
On June 12, 1898 a large Dining Hall was being built 24x50 feet also a Kitchen 16x40 feet the Oakland Blade went on to say that four Classrooms were also being built each to be 16x24 feet, the park was also putting up a Hotel on June 25 the park opened with grand fanfare.
In May 1, 1891 a Mr. D. E. Groot of Oakland leased the park, the quote was “ Mr. Groot well give satisfaction to the public.” The park was noted for it’s Sunday picnic’s of Sunday schools and Church outing’s and school party’s.

On June 20, 1895 a Sunday afternoon was bought to a sad end when George R. Duncan a 13 year old son of Mr. & Mrs. George F. Duncan drown in the River at the north end of the park.
On May 19, 1905 the Oakland Blade reported a public plea for a new park they ask the City Council to rent the Kelsey’s Park. By this time it was part of the Kelsey’s farm Mr. Kelsey had extend his land. The plea went unheard and shortly after the plea Mr. Kelsey brought the Hotel up from the park to use as his home. The home set east and west the front of the home faced Center Ave. The house was taking down in the late 60’s then Oakland’s plea for a new park was heard and a new park was to come.

Courtesy of the Register of Deeds

Oakland’s New Park
( 1907?-1930? )

Some time between 1907 and 1910 a new park was opened the park set between Forest and Michigan Ave. in the six hundred block. The park had Boat rides on the Shunganuage Creek it also had a Band Stand and a Carousel. The park ran to the late 20’s or med 30’s. The park soon faded . and once again Oakland’s plea for a new park was heard and Oakland’s plea was answered in 1936 or 1937.

Oakland Park-Little Oakland Park
( 1936-7?-1960? )

In 1936 or 37 a new park was built it sat between Chester and Wabash Ave. The new park was more modern it had two swimming pools a bath house and a stone shelter house and a utility building and all the play ground equipment. The admission was free, the park ran till the late 50’s or med 60’s. Oakland park is now called Little Oakland park it’s all that’s left of a slower and lazier of times.

Oakland Billard Park & Community Center

Once again Oakland called for a newer and more modern park and again their pleas were heard and a new park was to come it was called Billard Park it’s located at Poplar and Sardou. In 1963 a new Community Center was opened at the park. The park keeps on growing it has a swimming pool, five baseball diamonds, soccer field, a paved runner’s trail and the Mouse Trap skateboard park.

Santa Fe Park

The land of the Santa Fe park was donate by a Mr.-- --? The land was given to the community for the Santa Fe workers. The park started sometime in the late 1890’s or mid 1900’s. The park is located at the corner of Division and Emmett. The park was enjoyed by the shop community for many years. The park was soon being enjoyed by the Oaklanders. The park has two baseball diamonds, soccer field and play ground equipment. The park is still being enjoyed by all today.

Chautauqua in Oakland

( 1889 )

In 1889, the Chautauqua Officer and Trustees became tired of waiting upon Topeka’s City Railway Co. to proved suitable grounds for their annual encampment. In early May they singed a contract with Secretary J. B. Bartholomew of the Topeka Rapid Transit Co, to have Oakland park ready for the summer meetings. In June of 1889 contractors Fellows & Vansant started forty-five carpenters on the Auditorium it was to be one hundred and twenty-five feet in diameter and ninety feet from base to the top of the flagstaff. The stage well be eighty-five feet long and twenty-five wide, it well contain Ten thousand square feet.

The opening of the Auditorium of June 25, was with the “ Chimes of Normandy. “ The “ Topeka News” reported that Topeka has the only one in the west worthy of being called a Tabernacle it must be seen to be appreciated. The Chautauqua was to have the use of the dining hall, kitchen, four class rooms and a Hotel. The Assembly management arranged to have deliver baggage from all depots ten cents for small packages and twenty-five cents for trunks. The Electric Railroad Co. ran cars every fifteen minutes stopping at the front gate on Center Ave.
In June of 1890 they added wiring and several large windows in the Auditorium hoping it would improve the grounds. At the Camp Supply Store tents could be rented for the season “ Ten Days “ for four dollars and fifty cents for the largest and three dollars for a small. If you would like a floor it was a dollar more. The grounds would see over two hundred tents by seasons end.

Courtesy of the Kansas Historical Society

Oakland’s Rapid Transit
( 1889 )

In 1889, The Topeka Electric Rapid Transit Co. started their new motor line to replace the old horse drawn cars. The Transit Co. stated that a train would be started at each end at six o’clock for those who need to reach the city at a early hour. The Company stated that their eighth street station waiting room is as comfortable as any one could desire. The Winters were especially hard on the railroad at times. The railroad would double up and even with a snow plow the line would be “ tied up” for several hours because of the snow drifts in some places up to tree feet deep.

In February of 1891 the Rapid Transit was covering the city reaching areas like Potwin, Lowman Hill, Quinton Heights, Martin & Dennis Addition, Washburn Collage, South Topeka, and Oakland. The Transit route would cover most of Oakland. The line would start at eighth and Kansas Ave. and go north to 2nd. street, The following streets are what the Transit would cover to and through Oakland: Jefferson, River Rd., Chandler, State, Lime, Seward, Logan, Division, Reno, Pennsylvania, Green, Indiana, Forest, Iowa, Oakland, North, and Arter was the end of the line. The Transit was important to the Oakland Community to provide transportation to work like the Woolen Mill, Topeka and social events. The railroad also delivered the mail to Oakland’s Post Office.

In October of 1905, the railroad was showing its wear and tear. Then in November they started lowing the tracks, by the end of the year the job was done. A total of thirty-five miles in all.
In 1905, The Oakland community asked the Railroad Co. to provide some old rail road cars to be put along the line to provide shelter from the elements. “ this could not be found if this was ever done. “ On December 8, 1905, The Topeka Street Railway Co took before the city Council on the behalf of the city of Oakland a ordinance asking to furnish light, power, and heat for the people of Oakland.

Courtesy of the Kansas Historical Society

Courtesy of the Kansas Hirtorical Society

This is one of Oakland's trolly cars, the sign on top of the car reads Oakland.

Oakland’s Bank

In 1987, I had the pleasure of having a phone interview with Mr. Noel E. Copeland he was at one time the president of Oakland’s State Bank and last Mayor of Oakland 1923-25. In the interview I said a lot of people thought the bank was in the big brick building near the corner of Thomas and Wabash Ave. Some also thought it was in the old apartment house on the other side of street also on the corner of Thomas and Wabash. He just “laugh and said: “ Its in the old apartment house on the ground floor.” It was on the S. E. corner of Thomas and Wabash Ave.

In 1897, The “ Oakland Blade” stated that a V. F. Williams was putting up a 50x75 ft. building at the corner of Thomas and Wabash. It would contain two stores and a bank and the IOOF hall upstairs. However I could fine no evidence to this. I could find no proof of any stores until 1905, when a store was put in on the ground floor. However the upstairs was used for meetings through the 1890’s.

Copeland’s Hall
( 1923-1925? )

In the interview we got talking about this and that then he ask if I know about the Town Hall I said yes and I told him and he said. “ No my Hall the one I built on the corner of Michigan and Belmont.” Well this was news to me. So I ask him about It. He said. “ After I became mayor in 1923 I had to go the two or three blocks to town for the meetings and some times I would be late getting home. But when I built the hall all I had do was cross the street. Some people said I was Lazy but the truth was after a hard day. I was just to damn tired to go to town.” I later went to see if I could find it on any maps it was in the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of 1930-40. It was located at 1146 Michigan. It looked to be about 25x75 ft. After its use as a hall they stored potato’s in it. . Mr. Copeland house is at 1205 Michigan.

Scott Kelsey
Hotel

In 1987, In a interview I ask Mr. Kelsey about the Hotel at the park and if he new where it had been located in the park and what happen to it. He said he could not tell me where in the park it was but went on to say that the hotel had been brought up from park, to be used as the new farm house. It sent east and west in line with Center Ave. and the front of the house facing south. The house was taken down in the late 60’. I told him that well working on this book I ran a crossed a small ink and pen drowning of the hotel in its days in the park. It was in a news paper called the “ Oakland News.” I believe about 1897.

Bike Trials

In the interview I told him I remembered the house ever well. I told him how as kids we would go through the barn yard and take the tractor road to the wooded area behind the farm we called the trails. He said he new about them and hey were always chasing the local kids out of the fields and off the tractor road. I told him that my uncles played there in the 30’ and 40’s.
Mr. Kelsey asked if I know how the trails got started ? I said No. Well he said that the Oakland Grove park had a zoo and the trails went through it. He went on to say that the trails are not trails at all but the walkways of the 1890’s for the zoo.

He also went on to say if you were to stand on the corner of Arter and Center Ave that was where the front gate to the park was. If you were to walk start north till you got to the wooded area that would be the gate to the zoo. If you were to take the trail or walkway and follow it east you would be going through the zoo.

If you were to keep going east on the walkway you would come to the river. he said some where in that area was where they had swimming and boats rides. He said when he was a kid he remembered seeing what was left of the Bear pit and asked if I had seen it? I said I had not and I had been all over the woods. He said more then likely the “ 51 “ flood had filled it in.

Kelsey’s School
( No. 99 )

In the interview we talk about the old Kelsey School and how it sadden the family to see it taken down and sold just for the bricks. The school was located at the northeast end of Phillip Billard airport in a field between two runway’s.

I told Mr. Kelsey that well working on the book I did a lot research at the Register of Deeds. I got to know some of the staff quite well and one day I was talking to the head supervisor about Oakland and she told me that there were some old books on the bookshelf’s behind her desk that may be of interest to me. Well she was right one book was for the Kelsey’s School of the 1880’s and 1890’s it had a lot of its records like Class rolls, grades, and reports on the kids and some reports on the school At the time I did not take any notes, I said I would get back to them when I was ready for them. When I went back to the Deeds Office it was under a new staff and they did not know any thing about them and did not know where to look for them. I hope someday they can be found for they have a lot of Historical information in them.


Oakland’s Theaters
1930-1950

Just by looking at the old Oakland Theater one can almost smell the aroma of the popcorn and hear the children laughing as they crowded in line to buy a ticket for Saturday’s matinee. and in the evenings the marquee shining like a beacon guiding the young and old to a nights entertainment and fun.

Prior to the Oakland Theater there was another theater, however the name was lost through time. The General Talking Picture Company owned the property. The company put up theater in 1930. Then on March 17, 1931 they leased all rights to the Fox Theater Company. The theater was in operation until 1938 or 1939 in the old building. Then in 1939 Mr. Eugene L. Bowers put up a new building. On Saturday, July 27, 1940 the new Oakland Fox Theater reopened. The first movie was called “ Remember the Night” starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred Mac Murray with a Donald Duck cartoon. The price for a movie was thirty to fifty cents.

The Oakland Theater announced that their new theater was refrigerated what we now call air-conditioned. It was located at 745 Chester Ave. on the Southwest corner. The dedication was on July 27, 1940 at 8 O’clock. The theater has a builders plaque that reads “ E. L. Bowers 1939-1940 “. The Oakland Theater ran until the mid 1950’s.

The theater then was sold to the Odd Fellows Lodge # 640 in 1955. In November of 1961 the building was deeded to the Oakland Community Center to be used by the Boy Scouts for they meetings. They also held bingo nights and other community activities.
Then in 1963 a new Oakland Community Center was built and the hall was deeded back to the Odd Fellows. The old theater would be known as the Oakland I00F Center. It would hold the Odd Fellows #640 and the Rebekah Lodge #616, to be used for numerous other purposes.
Photo taken by the author


Updated November 10, 2010.

Topeka State Journal.
July 27, 1940, p. 2A.

Open New House
_______________

Fox Oakland Theater Well be
Formally Dedicated at 8 Tonight
_______________

Topeka newest theater, the Fox Oakland, opens its doors to the public tonight. There will be a short dedication ceremonies at 8 p. m., followed by the opening program “ Remember the Night,” which stars Fred MacMurry and Barbara Stanwyck. Mark Drehmer, secretary of Topeka Chamber Commerce, is in
charge of the dedication, while Ed. Allison and C. A. Stewart will represent the theater. City officials, newspaper representatives and visiting Fox theater executives will be present.

The Fox Oakland is located at the corner of Sardou and Chester and it will be operated strictly as a neighborhood theater. The exterior is of dressed stone, while the interior boasts of many features. First among these is a refrigeration plant, which uses for cooling purposes the 50-degree water which flows far beneath the ground in that vicinity. Then there is a small stage, lounging rooms for both men and women, and the latest in sound and projection.

Three Programs Each Week.

L. Breuninger, city manager of the Fox Topeka theaters, has set up the policy of the Oakland, which calls for three changes of program each week. The opening program will run Sunday, Monday and Tuesday: the middle of the week change on Wednesday and Thursday, and the week will close with the program Friday and Saturday, there will be single features on the first two changes of program, and double features will be played on the last of the week change. There will be evening shows every Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 1 and 3.

A well trained staff will be on hand at this new theater in order to make the customers comfortable. Ed Allison, who serves as manger og the Gem, will also mange this house until after the Fox convention in the fall after which time a regular house manager will be appointed.

On Wednesday and Thursday Chester Morris, Richard Dix and Lucille Ball are co-starred in the “Marines Fly High,” while on Friday and Saturday the program will be “Money to Burn,” and “Saga of Death Valley.”

*****************

Topeka Daily Capital.
Sunday July 28, 1940, p. 8 B.

New Oakland Theater Nice Little House.

A short dedicatory speech by Mark Drehmer, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, a comedy cartoon by Donald Duck and an “Information Please” short, featuring Gene Tunney, followed by “Remember the Night,” with Fred McMurray and Barbara Stanwyck, featured the opening of the Fox Oakland theater last night.

Every seat was filled for the performance, an omen of future good patronage of Topeka’s farthest out neighborhood house. Ed. Allison had the assistance of C. E. Stewart, manager of the Fox Grand for the opening night and he is to be congratulated on the excellent dress the theater presented for its opening night. Tho the cooling system was not yet in operation, the place was comfortable and certainly pleasing to the eye. The people of Oakland are to be congratulated too. They have a mighty nice little place for their movies-By Ki.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Oakland In The News 1886 & Beyond Chapter 4

Lodges & Clubs


Lodge meetings were Oakland’s recreation and second to church activities. They held their meetings on Monday, Tuesday, Friday nights. You would find the Mason, Eastern Stars and 100F members and the Rebekahs in their Halls.

Odd fellows

The Odd Fellows received it’s charter July 13, 1910 from the English order. They meetings were held over Owl’s grocery at Wabash and Thomas. The order was the largest lodge in Kansas for many years. The lodge supported a home for the aged and for orphaned children. The home was located six miles from Manhattan near Lake Eureka near Ogden. They faithfully visited the community members on week ends.

Camera Group

The camera trail group was not a formal club but interested Oaklanders who met on Sunday afternoons. Harold Wolfe and his Nephew Harold Worswick would study and practice Photographing. The Wolfe’s did prearranging by getting permission from farmers whose creeks, bridges or barns were Photogenic. Harold Worwick was a Oaklander his father’s home was in the 700 block of Forest Ave. Mr. Worswick became the owner of Wolfe’s Camera and Video. Mr. Worswick is well known for his Photographing the 1951 flood and Arial views of Topeka. But he is best known for owning the Wolfe’s Camera and Video store. Mr. Worswick retired in the 1980’s his son Michael now runs the business.

The Priscilla Club

( 1903 )

Twice a month for over forty years the ladies of the Priscilla Club met to sew and embroider or mend and to visit and enjoy refreshments. The Priscilla Club was very active in community affairs and world happenings. Their welfare included buying bibles for the Industrial School for boys. Donating $5. to the Red cross and $3. to the Penny Ice fund. The Club in the war years would roll bandages and knit for soldiers. The Priscilla made pinafores from bleached cotton floor, feed and potato sacks, for little Belgian and Hungarian girls and filled the box’s with galosh’s , stockings and shoes. They also sent a barrel of floor to starving Europe. The club made hemstitched neckerchiefs and scarves from line and silk yardage from Mr. Longren’s Airplane factory in the old Woolen Mill. Time and change and the War saw the close of the Priscilla Club which left many a happy memories.

The Epworth League

( 1916 )

The Epworth League is and active department of the M. E. Church with over fifty members who have active relationship with the community. The devotional meetings of the league are held at 6:30 o’clock Sunday evenings. Miss Beatrioe Peak is President of the league. There Junior League is said to be among the best in the Topeka district.

Women’s Foreign Society

( 1916 )

The Women’s Foreign Missionary Society has a strong auxiliary which under the leadership of Mrs. C. H. Buck is rendering commendable service in the great cause of Missions.

Ladies Aid Society

( 1916 )

The Ladies Aid Society has figured prominently in the affairs of the church and has always been ready to render their assistance. The president is Mrs. Flora Shuler.

Women’s Suffrage

( 1894 )

This was the first organizing meeting of the advocates of equal suffrage. The Association starts with twenty members. President Mrs. C. W. Whitmore, Secretary Mrs. Pond and Treasurer Scott Kelsey.

Forestry Club

( 1907 )

The Forestry club was organized for the beautification and conservation of Oakland. The school children were giving out seedling trees and packs of flower seeds for gardening. They also planted Ornamental and shade trees. The ladies always gave the children encouragement at roll call each member gave a current event on gardening. Long-time popular President was Fausteena Paynter Guy.

Bicycle Club

(1890 )

The club took trips down shady lanes and on open roads. The trips were on week ends after a long trips in the country they would have cook-outs. They would take lunches and meats with them. The club were known as “ Wheel Fans. “ The high wheeled bikes were used by a few riders. But soon they were replaced for the standard bikes the new bikes were called Napoleon and Josephine. The prices were $15.75. The newer bikes had trouser-guard spring for the men and a chain guard for the girls. Some of the members were Iva and Frank Jordan and Katherine Service.

Lesser Known Clubs

Young Republicans

( 1892 )

The Republicans met at the school to organize a club this was there first meeting.

Politics Club

( 1892 )

A meeting was held December 18, 1892 to discuss organizing a club.

Endeorers Club

( 1905 )

The Junior Endeorers were part of the Christian Church.

Fraternal Brotherhood

( 1905 )

The brotherhood organized a lot of social fund raising events like ice cream and back sales.

Oakland’s Baseball Team

( 1894 )

On May 1, 1894 the Oakland ball team announced itself ready for engagements. The team was called the Oakland Browns later the Grays. A few years before 1891 the city council called a meeting to abolishing the ball playing on the Sabbath. Boys an man would gathered on vacant lots along Seward for ball games. The morality at the time was strict but in the end a ball team was organized.

Manager and Captain--Edw. Ridge, Pitcher--F. Thompson, 2nd. Base--A. Baughaman, 3rd. Base--W. Ely, Shortstop--F. Brindle, Left Field--J. Wilson, Right Field--C. Crommburgh-Center Field, C. Eigator, Utility Men-B. Childs and B. Ogee

Oakland’s Bass Band

The band was organized in October 1907 the band had problems from the start. One being paying for their uniforms. The cost of the uniforms of the 24-uniforms was $10. each for a total of $235. At the sign of rain they were advised to seek shelter. They need to pay the balance or loss them. The band promoted a grandiose trolley ride around Topeka at .25 cents per passenger. The train was six cars long the band took the lead car and blaring away, the tour took in $75, enough to pay the balance.

Oakland’s Kansas National Guard Band

The Oakland Band however was not the first band in Oakland. The Oakland Kansas National Guard had a band it was from Company C. Third Regiment. Not only did they play for the Guard but also for a lot Oakland’s events. The band played for the Guards from 1890-1893. The Guard was mustered out on May 23, 1893.

Notes On:
Oakland’s Business

In this book there will be a part for business of Oakland however I could not pick one over another signaling out one business for another. The business is what kept the people and the community to together. I felt no one business was more important then the other. So I have put together a Directory of Oakland’s Business. The Directory well cover the years of 1889-1930. It well have approximately seventieth Business with names and address when available.

( 1904 )

The Heardal mentioned that Oakland’s Business community was “ Substantial and not of mushroom growth.” Oakland has four Groceries, one General Merchandise Store, one Drug Store “ Which does not sell Whiskey.“ one Barber Shop, One Black Smith, four Physicians and one important if frequently Non-operating Woolen Mill employing 135 person.

Oakland’s Crimes

On Oakland’s crime I’ll just say this Oakland’s crimes was no worse then any other small town in the U. S. of the times. In this book you well find approximately thirty News story’s in various degrees. There well be a story on a “ Fur House” ,Peeping-Tom, Gambling, Theft and Larceny. I well let the News stories say it all.

Oakland’s Morality

Oakland was a church community of good God fearing family’s and their morals were high and backed by the City Council. The morality is what kept the bad influences out of Oakland. Oakland would not let spirits or liquor for any purpose to be served or sold in the city. There was a 9 o’clock curfew for the young people. It was a punishable act for any one who would do injury to any building.

Any person lighting any cigar, pipe, or match in any Barn, Stable, Cellar or building containing straw or other combustibles was subject to arrest. No professional entertainment nor Sale, Football or Baseball games was permitted on Sundays. Gambling and Prostitution were totally outlawed. Stealing was punishable by fine if over $20. value the punishment was imprisonment. No person could carry a concealed weapons including: Pistol, Slingshots, Bowie Knife, and no minor should have in his possession a Shotgun, Firearm, Air gun, Spring gun, Slingshot, Negro shooter, Toy gun or Pistols for percussion caps or cartridges or torpedoes.

This however was waived on New Year’s day, Washington’s birthday, and Christmas. The ordinance however did not apply to Gun Smiths at their trade or the shooting of dogs and domestic fowls running at large in violation of the city ordinances.

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