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.