Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Bull Shippers Going Strong

I found this article in the Rich Hill Library-Dated April 4 1969

Bull Shippers, Inc., Going Strong. Since the short time, the Bull Shippers have been in operation they have established quite a livestock market for the farmers in the surround­ing territory. Dave Clark, owner-operator and his able staff are to be congratulated for a fine job. Recently in­stalled at the sale pavilion is a closed-circuit TV which will let the buyers see how the prices are running. Near capacity crowds filled the large pavilion, located on High-71 South, every Friday. The Bull Shippers, Inc., is a certified market. Six White face steers, averaging 330 pounds, brought 37 cents a pound, a high at last week's sale.—(Review Photos)

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Instructor receives recognition on education day

Muleskinner January 25, 1974 Page 5



Recognizing her 44 years of dedicated service to education, Dr. Warren C. Lovinger, Central Missouri State president, presented the CMS Distinguished Service to Miss Mary Griffin of Rich Hill, Mo., during Education Day activities on the CMS campus today.
The CMS award, presented annually to a teacher who has made a significant contribution to the field 'of education, is only the most recent of many milestones in the career of "Miss Mary" (as she is affectionately known to her students). Other honors accorded Miss Griffin have included a General Electric Economic Fellowship, an honorable mention in the Kazanjian Foundation Economic Education Awards Program, three separate listings in Who's Who in Social Studies, and a recent listing in Outstanding Educators of America.
A native of Papinsville, Mo.; Miss Griffin began her teaching career in the rural schools of Bates County after graduating from Rich Hill High School in 1930. More recently her teaching experience has included positions in the Foster Elementary School and the Rich Hill Elementary and High Schools, as well as instructing two CMS off-campus courses at Butler, Mo.
Constantly enriching her professional skills throughout her teaching career, Miss Griffin received a ,B.S.E. degree from CMS in 1942, Library Certification from CMS and the University of Utah in 1954, and an M.S.E. degree from CMS in 1958.
Active in professional organizations, Miss Griffin has served as president, vice president, and secretary of the Central Missouri District Council for Social Studies; president and vice president of
the Missouri Council for Social Studies; member of the Board of Control of the MCSS; chairman of the MCSS Council for Promotion; and co-sponsor and participant in a Missouri Seminar on Asia at Missouri University.
In addition, she has organized three councils for social studies, as well as serving as Missouri Delegate to the National Council for Social Studies, participant on ja NCSS State Relations y Committee, panel recorder a .'t the NCSS convention, vice president of the Bates County 'Teachers Association, and a delegate to the Missouri State Teachers Association.
Two articles by Miss Griffin, ("Modern Missouri History" and I''American History Bibliography," have been published in the Social Studies Bulletin, and a third, 'Unemployment: What Then?," was published by the Joint Council on Economic Education in the book Economic Education Experiences of Enterprising Teachers.
An active member of her community, Miss Griffin has served on numerous community committees, assisted with drives for the American Red Cross, and is an active member of the Rich Hill Memorial Library Board

Monday, December 29, 2008

Coming Down

Rich Hill Mining Review May 11, 1989



This backhoe changed the appearance of Sixth and Walnut in short order Monday afternoon. While the building has been vacant for the past several years, many will remember it as the site of Stewart's Locker. Bud Stoner, owner of the property, watches the backhoe push in the front of the building front the Sixth Street side.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Rich Hill, Mo. To Celebrate Anniversary

Rich Hill Mining Review June 26, 1930
A Railroad was responsible for the founding of Rich Hill, Mo., in Bates County, fifty years ago. The top photograph shows the town in its hey-day
,when it was a rip-roaring mining town. The lower photograph is a late view of the business section of the town.

Friday, December 26, 2008

The Faculty, and the Class of 1930 Rich Hill High School

This Article and Pictures came from the May 15, 1930 Rich Hill Mining Review


Carl Grim------------- Agatha Alms
Fern Erfkamp--------Lousie Ayer
Erma Fajen----------- Earl Ashley
Glenn Earsom-------Genevieve Sherman
D.U. Groce Superintendent
Louise G. Chapman, E
Laura E. Spitler Principal
Willie R. Faith -Teacher Training and Mathematics
W.E. Salisbury-English
W.E. Arganbright-Vocational Agriculture
McKinley Drybread -Commerce

Martin Marquardt ----------------Lucille Padgett
Viola Biewener---------------------Erna Fajen
Mary Griffin------------------------Charles Tarver
Eugene Dunham------------------Naomi Ganz
Cloe Dark---------------------Edna Chase Kinney
Darlene McGinnis-----------LaVaun Harr
Ova Chandler----------------Doris Adams
Marie Hughs-----------------Leland Shankland
Lloyd A. Wheeler -- Nancy Lee Nelson
Marjorie Bradley - -Howard Gregory
Johnnie Jamison -- Christine Weathers
Russell Pearson

Miller Garage Advertisement (Rich Hill Mining Review)

Advertisement from the Rich Hill Mining Review June 7, 1917.



The Ad says, "Owners of Ford Cars are advised to beware of counterfeit parts. If your car needs adjustment, bring it here, where you will find reliable service with the comlete mechanical equipment to give the highest quality of Ford service obtainable. All the Ford parts used are suppied by the Ford Motor Company."

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Parkview Hotel Or the Old Talmage House

Another picture that came from Mary Kithcart. It was a advertisement for the book (The Town that Coal Built)

FROM WESTERN ENTERPRISE—Dec. 30, 1881 The Talmage House named after A. A. Talmage, who is held in high esteem by Rich Hill people, is one of the toniest of about fifty new buildings that have lately sprung up. The structure was erected by the Town Company at a cost of §15,000. It is De­lightfully located, with its southern exposure on Park Avenue—a street 100 feet wide—and its western windows looking out upon one of the public parks. It will be surrounded on two sides by a concrete pavement. It will probably be opened by a grand ball, which will truly be an elegant affair. The house will soon be furnished with guests, the family of the Town Company's presi­dent to be included. After the Talmage is filled, it is expected that house room will be scarce, so rapidly is this section of coun­try growing

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The Rich Hill Graduating Class of 1889

The Picture came from the 1947-48 Rich Hill Year Book


Left to Right on the front row.Lizzie Koher,Luella Rakestraw and Fannie Griffith Dudley.Second Row Maud Hall, Proof B.F. Carroll, Ira Royce and John Sanderson. Back row; Fae Martin,Presia Pitchard,Olis Stofer and Nettie Showalter.

Names of Former Mayors

This short blog comes from an article published in the Rich Hill Mining Review July 31, 1930 .
Names of Former Mayors
Exercises were held in Central park beginning at 11 a. m. R. L. Jones master of ceremonies with
music by the Rich Hill band. Mr. Jones read the list of former mayors of Rich Hill an-who are now living as follows: John D. Moore, Dr. W. V, Smith, J. Elmer, Jones, John W. Jamison, Lawrence M. Griffin, Dr. W. H. Allen, Judge H. E. Sheppard and H. B. Cole, and who were given seats upon the platform.

Monday, December 22, 2008

The Old Hotel Down it Comes, Through History

Rich Hill Mining Review-August 31,1972



Talmage House from Bates County History

There was a number of hotels and boarding houses in the City, frame buildings,which are well kept , where a man may obtain a good bed and substantial meals. The largest hotel so far that has been erected in Rich Hill is the Talmage House, built by the Town Company in 1881 at a cost $30,000. It is a three story brick and contains 48 rooms, besides double parlors and four sample rooms. M.G. Manley is the present propieter. The hotels stands on the north side of Park Avenue and occupies the corner lots east of Park Place. The building fronts south, and from its top may be seen the entire city of Rich Hill.


FROM ,THE WESTERN ENTEHPRISE- Sept. 30. ,
Through the gentlemanly courtesy of Mr. M. Bixley, the Companies foreman, we were shown the drawings of the truly mamoth structure as drawn by their architect. G. W. Osborn. The building was christened in honor cf A. A. Talmage, General Manager of the Missouri Pacific Railway, and is in every way worthy the name of this notied financier.
The building is three stories high has a 74 foot front on Park Avenue, and 86 foot fronting Place Park. The material used in its construction is pressed brick of the best quality. It has 105 windows, 10 main entrances, and is supported by 14 massive iron columns of the Doric pattern, besides numerous pilasters. The en­tire structure is ornamented with beautiful galvanized iron cor­nice including window caps, etc. The inside frame work protrays extraordinary mechanical genius by being so constructed that should the walls give way (which is not at all probable) the in­terior would remain immovable. The second story will be sur­rounded by 160 feet of iron balcony, while the entire front on Park Avenue is to be of the heaviest plante glass. The Talmage House is by far the largest and best arranged house in the South-west and is the pride of our young and growing city.




FROM WESTERN ENTERPRISE—Dec. 30, 1881 The Talmage House named after A. A. Talmage, who is held in high esteem by Rich Hill people, is one of the toniest of about fifty new buildings that have lately sprung up. The structure was erected by the Town Company at a cost of §15,000. It is De­lightfully located, with its southern exposure on Park Avenue—a street 100 feet wide—and its western windows looking out upon one of the public parks. It will be surrounded on two sides by a concrete pavement. It will probably be opened by a grand ball, which will truly be an elegant affair. The house will soon be furinshed with guests, the family of the Town Company's presi­dent to be included. After the Talmage is filled, it is expected that house room will be scarce, so rapidly is this section of coun­try growing.
A landmark of Rich Hill, past into history this last week, or at least changed it's appearance. The above excerpts were from old Rich Hill or county papers in 1881 when the grand hotel was just being constructed. Plans are to take off the two top floors, as can be seen in the pictures, and remodel the bottom floor.
The hotel will be done in a Spanish decor, with a balcony on the inside. Plans right now are for the Brockmens to live there, plus several nice apartments available. An antique shop will be housed on the north side of the front section of the building. One of C. E. Brockman's daughters will also open a studio to teach dance classes.
Brockman works in Harrisonville as a railroad depot agent. He has hired some local men to do the work on the destruction of the top floors. Plans are tentative and Mrs. Brockman said they would change as the need arose.



Sunday, December 21, 2008

Hutchens Bros. Buy Coop.

The following blog came from the Rich Hill Mining Review August 31,1972 edition.
I want to thank Dixie Glynn at the Rich Hill Memorial Library for the help she has given me by finding this article.


Kenny and Lyle Hutchens have purchased the Rich Hill Co-op. The two are large farmers on the north and east of Rich Hill, with 2500 acres in operation. They run some cattle and hogs along with large crop farming.
They plan to work the Co-op in with their own farming operations and continue the present service the Co-op has provided in the past. The only additions planned right now is the addition of more bins to handle it faster.
While both brothers will help with the Co-op an the farming, Kenny will be at the Co-op doing the bookkeeping and Managing, with the help of Rex Robb, while Lyle will do more of the farming.
The brothers bought the operation from Horace Johnson.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Rich Hill Counts Lost Blessings

This Picture comes from the K.C. Starr (Feb.17,1964)
When the Mid-Continent Plant Burned

A SOLITARY MAN walks along the worn sidewalk on the main street in Rich Hill, Mo. The town appeared virtually deserted yesterday. A 300,000 fire destroyed Rich Hill's only industry, a storm door and window manufacturing plant.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Rich Hill First Baptist Church




This information came out of the 1992 Rich Hill First Baptist Church Directory. The pictures were on display at the First Baptist Church 125th Anniversary Celebration in 2005.

In 1880, a number of believers in Rich Hill felt a need for a Baptist Church in the community. So, the First Baptist Church of Rich Hill, Missouri came into being September 1880, with five charter members. Dr. L.M. Berry led in the organization and Rev. C.T. Daniels was called as pastor. The First Baptist Church came into the Association in 1881. The body came into possession of lot 13, block 76, at the corner of Maple and Third streets in the southwest corner of West Park, Aug. 4, 1881. A building of worship was there on erected. Tragedy struck in 1894 when the church building was destroyed by fire. They rebuilt by 1895 and the new building was dedicated in May 1898, with Rev. R.M. Inlow preaching the dedication sermon.
By the year of 1899 there was an increase of 44 in membership having Sunday School, prayer meeting and preaching l/2 time. C.D. Spillman was pastor at this time.
In 1902 the church went to full time preaching, but went back to half time preaching several times until 1944. It is believed that in the beginning the church was aligned with the Northern Baptist Convention. Later it accepted the dual recognition as the Southern Baptist Convention came to exercise influence among the Missouri Baptist. A committee was composed of three members and appointed to examine Southern Baptist literature. A favorable report was returned by the committee and on November 1. 1916 it was authorized to be used by the church. On March 7, 1928 a new church covenant was adopted.
In 1946 it was voted to remodel the auditorium. This operation finally finished in 1949. Construction started on a new addition to the church in May of 1959, on the northeast corner of the church. It consisted of three new classrooms and two new restrooms. This addition was completed in June 1960.
In July 1961 the church adopted a constitution and by-laws. These were revised in 1974. In July 1966 the church bought the parsonage at 222 W. Walnut which was used until 1984. In 1978 the new educational building was constructed and dedicated. It consisted of a dining hall and kitchen area on the top floor and and five classrooms and restrooms in the basement. In August 1980 the church voted to have new siding installed. It was completed in October 1980.
In Jan. 1985 the church started construction on a new parsonage at the corner of Fayette and Pine. The land was donated by Melvin and Pearl Coffman. The old parsonage was sold and proceeds went toward construction of the new parsonage. It was completed in Aug. 1985.
May 16, 1990 the church building was struck by lighting and completely destroyed by fire. The educational building was saved and services were held there until the new church building was complete. The new auditorium was connected to the educational building and the two were then bricked. Former pastor Lowell Houts brought the dedication message on May 19, 1991.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Old Brick factory

The Old Rich Hill Brick factory oven is still standing. You can see the Old Brick factory oven on North 6th Street just across the railroad tracks on the East side(right hand side) of the road. The story goes that one of the property owners tried to push it in and he couldn't do it. Apparently the "Old Brick Oven" was way stronger than the bricks that it made!

The following story about the "Old Brick Factory" came out of another one of Mary Kithcarts old newspapers. I wouldn't be able to write these blogs if it weren't for Mary's help.





Vitrified Brick Factory

In 1890 Major Wilson formerly the senior member of the Sanderson and Wilson Hardware and Undertaking Establishment together with T.B. Farmer and Ben Evens, instated a brick Factory just outside the city limits to the north and alongside the Missouri Pacific railroad for the production of verified brick. After a few years of experimenting it was found that the soil in the immediate vicinity was not suited for the vermiform product desired. So they sold the plant to Hedges and Booth. However, Mr. Wilson had manufactured and sold many thousands of bricks, both locally and abroad. The product was used quite extensively for sidewalks.
Rich Hill City Hall was constructed of the bricks but after a few years the building had to be heavily succored to preserve and strengthen the(at the time)-two story walls. It might be well to mention that Mr. Wilson was a member of the board of aldermen at the time the building was erected.
Hedges and Booth converted the plant into a farm tile factory and finally sold to the Dickey Tile Company of Kansas City. The Dickey organization continued for a number of years but, after exhausting the clay substance on its own property, and failing in an effort to secure that on adjacent lands discontinued operations.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The reason Rich Hill is famous for the 4th.



This article came from the Book "History of Bates County" Pages 913 and 914


"RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT"


"Passed at Rich Hill during the Fourth of July celebration in 1881 rela­tive to the attempted assassination of President Garfield:
WHEREAS, Our people have heard with inexpressible horror and bowed heads the unfortunate attempt to assassinate the chief magis­trate of the nation, therefore, at this hour of his unfavorable and danger­ous condition, be it
Resolved, That the people of Rich Hill, Missouri, of every shade of political opinion, in public meeting assembled to celebrate the 101th anniversary of our nation's birthday, express their abhorrence of the cowardly, willful and bloody attempted assassination of the president of the United States.
Resolved, That they deplore the act as a national calamity, and most profoundly sympathize with the president and his family in their sore affliction, with the members of his cabinet and with their fellow-citizens generally in this unfortunate hour of national concern and distress.
Resolved, That they earnestly wish for his recovery that he may again walk forth in this land of liberty and enjoy the fruits of his well earned victory--that of being raised from the common walks of life to the highest pinacle of fame by his fellow-countrymen.


The above resolutions were submitted by the editor of the Mining review and adopted without dissenting voice, and a copy ordered forwarded to the secretary of state and that they be published in city papers."


Now when people ask me, "Why is Rich Hill Famous for the Fourth?" I now know the original reason Rich Hill became Famous for the Fourth and the true answer for their question.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Fire in City Hall


This story comes from the Rich Hill Minning Review (May 14,1981)


Fire damages city clerk’s office, moves council meeting
Fire did extensive damage to the city clerk's office in the Rich Hill City Hall Monday about 8 p.m. according to Fire Chief Cory Gordon. The fire apparently started in the west end of the office, said the chief.
Firemen were able to respond quickly to the call and had the blaze under control in about 15 minutes. The fire: tcw was also able to save all the permanent records, said City Clerk Sharon Wescott.
The cause of the fire was undeter­mined at press time Tuesday night. The Fire Marshal was called in and is investigating the fire.
Due to the fire the Tuesday night council session was held in the banquet room of the Cedar Inn. At the meeting both Mayor Bill Thelen and the city clerk complimented the firemen on their quick and efficient response to the call. Mayor Thelen also complimented the Women who work in the office for their efforts in getting the office back in operation. It's hoped that the clerk's office will be back in operation by Thursday or Friday. City business is now being conducted in the court room and the council chamber. We're hampered more by the mess than by loss of records, according to City Clerk Wescott.

CITY COUNCIL
In other action at Tuesday night's session Mike Cox was sworn in as north ward alderman. Cox won the position in the April election but employment out of state kept him from assuming his duties until Tuesday evening.
The resignation of Kathi Williams, assistant city clerk, was approved. She has agreed to stay on the job longer if necessary due to the fire.
A thank you note from Ruth Thelen was read.

Mayor Thelen announced that Fire Chief-Cory Gordon has been named Honorary Chief. Gordon's 38 years of dedication and service was recognized at the meeting.
In talking with Gordon following the meeting the Review learned that he first joined the volunteer crew as a fireman in 1943 under John Craig. He was appointed fire chief in 1955 when Craig retired. Gordon has seen a lot of fires in those 38 years. Ones that come to his mind include the Booth Theatre, the Clark's Pharmacy, the factory fire and the fire at Fred Marquardt's Grocery.
As Honorary Chief Gordon will still be taking care of the fire equipment and the paperwork but will be retiring as an active fire fighter.
In other action a bid was accepted on the sale of some street light fixtures and a bid was accepted to fix the library roof.
In the discussion period it was decided to look further into the pur­chase on pumps for the repair of water leaks. Alderman Cox brought up that action was needed involving a problem at the sewer treatment plant. It was decided that a committee would look into the matter.
Expense money was granted Judge Herb Covey to attend a seminar.



Sunday, December 14, 2008

July 4th,1911

July 4, 1911 in Rich Hill Mo.looking from 5th St. down Park ave. to the east.
Another picture from Mary Kithcart

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Rich Hill 12-13-2008 Buildings Fall

The Old Western Auto Building located in downtown Rich Hill, Missouri collapsed due to high winds at approximately 10:30 A.M. on Saturday December 13, 2008. The Old Western Auto Building collapsed into what used to be Toppy Clark's Corner Drug Store.

Picture # 1 (below) This is all that is left of the Old Western Auto Building after the wind gusted hard enough to knock down the East wall.

Picture #2 (below)
This is the back view of the same building.

Picture #3 (below) This is the track hoe taking down the Old Toppy Clark Drug store.

Picture#4 (below) This picture is of the two buildings after they were taken down. this picture was taken from 5th and Park Avenue facing East towards 6th and Park Avenue.
Picture #5 (below)
This picture was taken from 6th street facing West towards 5th street after the building were knocked down.










Friday, December 12, 2008

1910 Rich Hill High Annual

I took this story out of the 1910 Rich Hill High Annual.
Pages 73 and 74. The Annual is the Property of Mary & Melvin Kithcart







Rich Hill,Missouri, U.S.A.


Describing our city of Rich Hill, I fully realize the magnitude of my undertaking. To my mind's eye there is no more beautiful or important place on the face of the earth.
When she started her growth, back in the early eighties, we will admit she was very insignificant, but a start was all that was necessary. After that she grew rapidly until now we have a beautiful, prosperous city of the third class.
In the early days of Rich Hill, we did not have the advantages that we have today along business, religious and educational lines; hence we did not have the class of citizens we now have. A large percentage of them were foreigners, as our vast coal mines demanded workmen which we could not supply from among our own people. But as time west on we acquired our three large brick school buildings and competent teachers to instruct the children. I emphasize the fact "competent" when I refer to our High School instructors of today. Our good schools make better citizens; hence our city is better than ever before as it takes good citizens to make a good city.
When it comes to religious denominations, we can boast of al­most every sect, as we have ten large churches, including the Catholic, Presbyterian, Christian, Baptist, Methodists, German Lutheran and First Church of Christ Scientist, so that anyone desiring to locate in Rich Hill can exercise perfect religious free­dom and this is one of the most important phases of life.
There are also our two beautiful ten acre parks, situated on either side of the business part of the city, the like of which you cannot duplicate-in any city of our .size. Pleasure seekers can always find a refuge in them, and they are an ideal place for a picnic or any­thing of that nature. Shoppers, of which there are a great number, come to do their usual business, and nothing delights them more than to spread their lunch in picnic fashion. If the weather will not permit this and they long for a good warm meal they can stop at our large hotel which joins central park.
In speaking of out of town shoppers, a word is due our stores, which are the most up todate you will find any place—grocery, dry-goods, drug, furniture hardware etc. We have also two large Banks and they are as good institutions as you can find in many larger cities. Then there are our refreshment parlors, three in number, also two nice bakeries, restaurants, and many other business establishments.
Rich Hill is also a good railroad centre, being reached by three lines. The Missouri Pacific having two and the Frisco one.
We can also boast of a large ice plant which supplies us-the year around and a. brick & tile factory. Rich Hill has natural resources. We are surrounded by a vast agricultural area sufficient to always insure a substantial support. So when you tire of viewing our city just take a drive and inspect the surrounding country. On your way stop at the artesian well and take a drink of that cool delicious water or your inclination may lead you to the new Silver Lake Dairy. It is as clean and wholesome a place as can be found anywhere; also do not forget our Cemetery. There is no better kept or beautiful place of the kind than Green Lawn Cemetery. So you can see we care as much for, and respect the memories of our bygone relations and friends as any enlightened community should.
The resident part of our city is also a place of interest. One would be surprised at the number of beautiful homes here and our citizens seem to take more interest and pride in their homes as the years go by. In the last few years we have had fifteen miles of concrete, stone and brick walk put down. New homes have also been constructed in the past years and many more are being constructed. As the years go by and the older we get the more we realize, "There is no place like home.''
In closing my treatise on Rich Hill, I do not intend to be mis­leading in any of my statements, but I do intend to convince you of the importance of our city, both morally and financially, and I feel perfectly safe in saying that she is one of the finest little cities of her size to be found anywhere. In fact I feel justified in pro­nouncing her a regular little "Garden of Eden." S.C.12

Thursday, December 11, 2008

History of the Rich Hill Lions Club




The history of the Rich Hill Lions Clubs dates back to 1933, when the first club was chartered by Lions Clubs International, to a group of business men of the community.Richard Trefts, president of the newly organized Security Bank, served as the first president of the original club. Those serving as vice presidents were J. Ward Claypool, 1st vice, John Under­wood, 2nd vice, Joe Klumpp, 3rd vice. Flavy Wieks was Tail Twister, Frank Koentz, secretary and Tom Phillips, treasurer.Besides the many services rendered to the community, this club was known for their Lions Minstrels presented locally and at surrounding communities, featuring the talents of Margaret Crabb, Harvey Robinson, Martin and Herman, Eteil Johnson, Delmar Mc-Combs, John and Pauline Underwood, Paul Hanna, George Dowell, the Lacy girls trio (Norma, Dorothy and Doris) among others.In the late thirties this Lions Club sponsored and charted the Butler Lions Club. In the early 1940's, due to World War II and other circumstances, the original Lions Club was disbanded.
New Charter of 1957

Charter members of the Rich Hill Lions Club - Hubert Barnes, Dr. Tho­mas Boyd, Jim Brooks, Shirley Booth, Bill Christopher, Keith Davis, Lowell Davis, Joseph Emery, Earl Evans, Jon Ferguson, Marshall Gordon, Wilson W. Gordon, Henry Hartman, Rev. Dean Hay, Marvin Hurst, Edward Kenney, Harold Kenney, Hubert Kienberger, Norman LaFollett, Stnaley Lebow, Ed­win Link, L. W. McElroy, Fred Marquardt, Ronald Marquardt, Marion Moreland, D. Francis Sawyer, Curtis Stewart, Robert Tracy, Raymond Mor­gan, John Robertson, Jr., Dixon Pal­mer, Robert Watson, Alan Wheatley,and Kirby Whitley of May 27,1957.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Rich Hill Basketball Team



The 1909-1910 Rich Hill Basketball Team

From left to Right-Albert Crenshaw-Alom McCarty-Hedrick Cheverton-Ernest Long--Joe Klupp---James Wheatley

Also got this Picture from Mary Kithcart

Old Advertisement from Rich Hill Paper

Rich Hill Newspaper Jan. 8, 1895
At the bottom of the ad it says :Corner 6th and Olive,one block north of Review Office ,Old Trowbridge Stand -- Rich Hill, Missouri

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Rich Hill's golden Jubilee Speech





This inspirational speech by Dr. William H. Allen, comes from the July 31, 1930 edition of the Rich Hill Mining Review.



Dr. Allen was the first mayor of the city of Rich Hill in 1880. He was still alive and of good mind in 1930 to give the following speech




Rich Hill Golden Jubilee Speech by Dr. William H. Allen




Chosen by the committee for the duty of this hour I am here to tell you that we are glad to welcome you all to the festivities of this occasion.




We are assembled today to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the birth of this city, and we want every one of you to enjoy the occasion to the limit of your capacity of enjoyment.


We have another reason for this. In 1980 we will meet again on our centennial day, and I wish you all can come then and help us—then you can revert to this day and say it was the most enjoyable day of your life. I shall try to be here then to welcome you, but if by any accident I shall not be here in the body I shall preside over you in spirit and give you my silent benediction. You know that there are some trite sayings, as death choses a strong mark — the good die young —these we have heard all of our lives. If they are true, and I have no reason to doubt them, I ought to reach the age of Methuselah, whom we are told was 969 years, then I will be here in 1980, still going strong.




We have unlocked the city and thrown the key in our deepest well, we have chloroformed our city marshal! and his policemen for forty- eight hours and put them to bed, we have removed the doors from the city jail and the city is yours. We want every one of you to be happy for the two days and all we ask when you go to your respective homes you leave the city here so we can use it after you are gone don't take it with you.




I have been requested to give a short biography of our city. Now all of you have read biography of persons and know that the history of a person, in whom you have no interest, does not arouse enthusiasm or interest. The history of a city is no more enthusing than personal history, and if this is prosaic you will be patient for it will be brief.




In 1869 the town of Old Rich Hill started two miles north and soon became the trade center of this thinly settled community, and it was a very good village for about 12 years. We had a good lot of old persons here then to break the sod and put this land in cultivation. On the north, the Wears, Perry Mudds and Ratekins. On the west the Robisons, Rands, Borrons and Wheatleys. On the south the Cresaps, Fergusons, Crabbs, Handleys, and Heddens. On the east the Neptunes and Philbricks and later the McCombs' — Tom and Dave, all pioneers and builders. To all these men we owe a debt of gratitude. The best known of these men was W.C. Hedden, who wrote for years for the Rich Hill Review -- a fine, modest man who never spoke an unkind word of any man or woman. He was as gentle as a little child. We shall always-remember Gabe.




In 1879 the land on which this town was built belonged to the Logan County National Bank Russelville, Kentucky, and was purchased by a group of Bates County Citizens under the name of the Rich Hill Town Company. Early in the spring of 1880 engineers laid of the city into lots, blocks, streets and parks, and on the 17th day of May a charter was secured, and in early June an election was held of a mayor, four alderman, clerk, attorney, treasurer and marshal and the town got away to a good start. The number of votes cast was an indication of about 1500 inhabitants.




In 1881 the "Talmage house was built and became the center of all social activity. Buildings were erected on every hand. The sound of the hammer and the saw rang way late in the night and everybody was employed. The mayor was also police, judge and held court every Monday and no one was ever in his court and failed to be convicted. No expense was necessary. The fact that he was in court was proof of guilt and the judgment uncontested. A prison was built, crude but strong. But my fellow citizens, buildings, streets and parks do not make a city. A city is made by the strong upstanding, intelligent men and women who make up the citizenship, who are willing to stand shoulder to shoulder and fight for civic betterment with the motto "one for all and all for one."Take one verse of the Elegy of Way "Let us then be up and doing, with a heart for any fate, still achieving still persuing, learn to labor and to want." We have always had that kind of citizens here—Early came a young man who started a small jewely store; he became a booster —his business grew and expanded until today it is one of the most important mercantile establishments in the city, and he is still boosting. 1 refer to Chas. S. Beasley of the Beasley Mercantile Company. Soon came two young Jewish citizens who started a small clothing store, which by energy and thrift has become one of the largest department stores in Bates county—I refer to Herman and Simon Loeb, Simon has gone to his long haven, but Herman still lives to enjoy the fruits of his long labor.




George A. Logan, now a citizen of Vernon County, was an early resident. He is yet living, an esteemed, fine moral old man, surrounded by a fine family who do credit to him in their lives.




In 1882 the Fergusons came to this city and organized the Farmers & Manufacturers Bank, which still stands as firm as the rock of Gibralter, a perpetual monument to the name. Soon W.W. Ferguson became its president and ruling spirit— a man of the very highest class— gruff, honest, truthful, courageous; his word was as good as the national money. He never betrayed a friend nor did he retreat from an enemy. Every subscription started for civic betterment or for charity was headed by W. W. Ferguson with a generous amount. He was my constant companion for over 40 years and when he lay down by my side and departed this life I was grieved, and that grief remains with me to this hour — I hope when the time shall come for me to lay aside these habiliments of morality and go on that long journey somewhere in the great beyond I shall meet him again and renew those pleasant relations which were interrupted by his sudden end and untimely death.




Early came two stalwart Germans from the state of Kansas, who came boosters and builders —Phillip Krieger and John Klumpp. Both have passed away but have left behind, them families who have carried their designs into execution.




Soon there came a young dentist —gruff, energetic, ingenious, who gave more hum to civic improvement" than any one who ever came here. He has left us and gone to his reward. I refer to Dr. J. H. Cromwell, our late mayor.




' But who cares for the setting sun, typical of old age as it sinks in the western horizon it reminds us of the old, whose hair is whited by the frost; of many winters; whose eyes are growing dim; whose footsteps are failing, and whose life it is to sit by the fireside and live again the victors and defeats of the past. And when the sun of life has set we look for the dawn when it shall appear again and light the world, an emblem of the Resurrection. Who cares for the setting sun when all eyes are fixed on the rising star, typical of youth energy, vision, and strength. They are the ones to carry on when age has left off, and we feel they will do all and more than we could have done. We look at our city and all its improvements and we bow to our young rising star, George B. Dowell, our young, active mayor, who by energy and activity has made these things possible, and again ask, who care's for the setting sun when the rising star is within our vision?




The first child born in this town-site is, I think, with us today, Julia Connelly, late the wife of John Schmidt of the Loeb Mercantile Company —a fine matronly lady, surrounded by a family of grown children who might well be the envy of the city. She is not a grandmother yet but that is an oversight that cart be corrected.




My friends I am a dreamer and in my dreamings I travel over the world — I stand upon the Alps and look down upon sunny France upon the one side and Italy upon the other. I stand upon the banks of the Rhine and see the huge commerce rushing over her broad bosom to all the ports of the world with German energy and thrift—I stand upon the banks of the classic Nile and view her sparkling water and her fertile valleys. I climb the hills of Palestine and stand where the Shepherds stood when they found the star that guided them to the manger where the Babe of Bethlehem lay—the Savior of the World. I come back to Rich Hill and look at our substantial churches and free schools—her fine, upstanding men and women. I look over Bates County with her fertile lands, cultivated by a citizenship unsurpassed by any in the whole world. I look over Missouri, the most notable state in the 48 that forms this American union, and I am proud to live in Missouri; I am glad to live in Bates County, and I rejoice to be a citizen of Rich Hill, and I am content to remain here until the end of my time.




Just here I pause to deliver a toast fit to be drank by the Gods of Nectar: Woman, the star that shines with brightest ray. Wherever our footsteps roam. Her only Sovereign we obey. The Mistress of our Home.






The Removel of the Rich Hill Water Tower


"The Removal of the Historic Water Tower"Saturday, November 22, 2008 was a bittersweet day in the history of Rich Hill, Missouri. Threre ia some great picture's of the old tower being taking down at City of Rich Hill INFO

Monday, December 8, 2008

The Rich Hill Mining Review July 29,1955 Anniversary Edition

The following Blogg information was loanded to me by a local business woman Mary Kithcart , owner of Kithcart's Orchard, located just 5 South of Rich Hill, Missouri. Before I start my blogg I have to say, "Thank you to Mary, for loaning me the original old newpaper article and making this blogg possible." Thanks Mary!


Every town points with pride to citizens and former citizens who have become famous, and the citizens of Rich Hill are equally as proud of its famous sons and daughters. We feel that, Rich Hill has produced more famous people than any other town of the same size in the United States.
Rich Hill has set forth men and women who have become movie stars, great physicians and surgeons, high ranking men and women in the educational fields, professors in big colleges in the United States, writers and many other professions.
We would like to mention every person from Rich Hill who has become famous but with the large number deserving that honor we might overlook somebody and Rich Hill is proud of everyone of them that to name only a few would certainly be an injustice to the ones not mentioned.
However, a former Rich Hillian has become so famous nationally and internationally the past few years that we feel that he should be named Rich Hill's number one former resident for 1955. He is Cleo F. Craig, President of Amercia Telephone and Telegraph Company, who is regarded as one of the ten biggest men in the United States.
Cleo F.Craig was born on Maple street in this city. He grew to young manhood here and following his graduation from Rich Hill High School, entered Missouri University at Columbia Mo. After graduation from the university he accepted an office position with the telephone company in Kansas City. Later he was transferred to St. Louis. He later was appointed vice president of the company and sent to New York. In 1951 he was appointed president of the company.
Mr. Craig was one of the men responsible for the most scientific and industrial venture of this day-- the laying of the first trans-- atlantic telephone cable. He recently made trips to England, Canada and Alaska on business matters for the telephone company.
Rich Hill is as proud to call Mr. Craig a favorite son as Mr. craig is to call Rich Hill his home town. Mr. Craig is a brother of City Clerk John Craig, of this city."

Young man of Rich Hill, was killed when the bins collapsed


I found this article in a old Scarpbook,do not known what newspaper it came from.
Franklin Judd, 31, a well known young man of Rich Hill, was killed Thursday afternoon,June 20,1968 at 4 o'clock at the Rich Hill Cooperative Marketing Association on Highway 71, South. Mr. Judd was working on grain bins doing some welding, when the bins collapsed, covering him with broken steel and several hundred bushel of wheat. His death was instant according to reports.Franklin Thomas Judd, son of Ollie and Ruth Van Dolah Judd, was born in Northern Vernon county, near_Horton (November 2, 1938. He came to Rich Hill in early manhood and had lived his entire life in the Rich Hill and Horton areas. September 17, 1964, at Miami, 'Okla., he was united in marriage to Betty Gordon, who survives.Besides his widow "he is survived by two daughters, Michele and Debra, of the home; his mother, Mrs. Ruth Judd, Horton; his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Van Dolah, Fulton, Kansas; two sisters, Deloris, Kansas City, Kans., and Delia, of Horton, and three brothers, Grover, Milo, Mo., Walter, Kansas City, Kansas and Don, San Diego, Calif. He was preceded in death by his father.Funeral services were held in the Christian church Sunday afternoon, June 23, at 2 o'clock conducted by Rev. Geo. Baugh.Burial was made in Green Lawn cemetery.Pallbearers were Otho West, Orben Smith, Earl Smith, Donald Hawks, Bill Reed and Ralph Nation.Mrs. Marion Moreland, and; Mrs. Paul Stevener, vocalists, were accompanied at the piano by Delmar Vogt.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Rich Hill Daily Review Aug. 21 1931 Farm to Market Road

HUME NOW RICH HILL'S NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR
State Road Makes Travel Communi­cation With Rest of County Possible.
With the first farm to market road in Bates County completed about ten days ago, the accessibility of the southwestern corner of the county is becoming realized. This road which extends from Hume, a town of 700 in the ex­treme corner, eastward to Rich Hill where it connects with U.S. highway 71 taps one of the most productive agricultural and industrial sections of the county. says the Hume Messenger.
The completion of this road now makes us Missourian. Our county seat is now less than an hour's drive away. It can be reached by all-weather road. Nevada the county seat of Vernon County on the south, is at a similar distance. And Rich Hill has become our next door, neighbor.
Now that Hume has no banking facilities this immediate travel connection with these towns should be and are appreciated.
Rich Hill Daily Review Aug. 21 1931

Friday, December 5, 2008

Rich Hill City Hall Then and Now




The First picture is Rich Hill City Hall in the early 1900's. The Second Picture is Rich Hill City Hall in 2008. I am looking for documentation as to when City Hall was built and when the upper story was taken off.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Rich Hill Mining Review, May 31 1917

PROPOSED ADVANCE IN TELEPHONE RITES
Owner of Rich Hill Plant Submits His Report--No Action Taken
The joint meeting of the city council and commercial club called for Tuesday night at office of City Attorney H. E. Sheppard to consider the proposed telephone rate. Advance was not well attended. Mayor Jones and members of the council were there but the number of business men present was surprisingly small, considering the importance of the question. Attorney E. B. Silvers of Butler, representing Mr.Campbell, the owner of the Rich Hill' phone sys­tem, submitted an-elaborate report, calculated to show why an increased-rate is asked by the company, a brief . "Synopsis of which was given yesterday. The substance of Mr. Campbell's report, as presented by Mr. Silvers was that its physical valuation is placed by a consulting engineer at $25,243; and further, the total earn­ings of the plant last year was $1371.24, and claiming the earnings should have been 3,817.34, based on 8 percent for investment and 7 percent deterioration. The matter was then discussed generally, The ques­tion of improvements in the service was pointedly put up to the company but nothing definite was promised. The report was received and ordered filed by the council.
Rich Hill Mining Review, May 31 1917
Today the telphone service in Rich Hill is owened by KLM Telephone

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Rich Hill Daily Review Sep.1 1931 Beasley's AD.


Feb.1932 Rich Hill Mining Review

DWELLING HOUSE BURNS
Fire was discovered at 9 o'clock Saturday night at the Ous Kien-berger residence property a block south and a block west of the high school building, which burned fearlessly, destroying the building and contents, the house being oc­cupied by Albert Main and only a few personal articles being saved. Fire Chief Vodry and force of firemen responded to the alarm, but were delayed by a lack of suf­fcient length of hose and had to return to headquarters to secure more fire hose. The origin of the fire is supposed to have been from sparks from a flue setting fire to the roof. Mr. Kieoberger esti­mates his loss at $1800, partially insured with the 0. M. Leedy agency. Mr. Main's household goods were insured for $300 with the Hoover & Hupton agency.
The house was originally erected some twenty years ago by Attor­ney J. K. Hales.

NEWT. WRIGHT
FOR SHERIFF
N. E. Wright, better known as Newt. Wright of Lone Oak town ship, was in Rich Hill Saturday and announced his candidacy for sheriff of Bates county at the August primary. He has long been a resident of the county, having lived on the farm upon which his father, Joe Wright, settled in 1857. He has always been a loyal democrat, but has never before ' asked for a county office. He is a genial gentleman and is qualified to fill the office of sheriff and would appreciate the support of the voters

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Rich Hill Mine Explosion

Since, I moved to Rich Hill in the late 1970's I have heard numerous stories about the "Terrible Mine Explosion of 1888."
Here are a couple of stories I have found about the Terrible 1888 disaster. The first story I found on the Internet site
: gendisasters.com

THE MINE DISASTER.
FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE EXPLOSION IN THE RICH HILL, MISSOURI, MINE.
Kansas City, Mo., March 31. -- Further particulars of the disastrous mine explosion at Rich Hill, Mo., show that there has been a great loss of life. The mine is 240 feet below the surface, and eighty-five men were employed in the mine, but it is thought not all were at work at the time. At the time of the explosion eight men were in the cage coming up. There was a sudden report, a collapse of the shaft, and the horror had been completed.Superintendent SWEENEY immediately went down the shaft in a tub lowered by ropes. He had scarcely reached the bottom when two other reports were heard, followed by the screams of wounded men. It was impossible to make any extensive exploration, but the most conservative estimate puts the loss of life at thirty. The mine is six miles from Rich Hill and it will be some days before the debris can be cleared away and the actual loss of life known.The following is the latest authentic list of the victims: CHARLES SMITH, colored; GEORGE MAY, white; G. McPHERSON, white; FRANK LAWLER, white; JORDAN SMITH, colored; JOSHUA TRUMBE, white; JOHN ROBERTS, white; GEORGE BLOCK, colored; G. BLACK, colored; W. Black, colored; H. SHEPPARD, colored; J. C. NEPTUNE, white; JOHN LEFFLER, white; CHARLES KAY, white; JOHN GRAY, white; BRUCE BROWN, white; L. R. DIXON, white; FRED HENDERSON, colored; W. H. HILL, colored; ALEX WHITE, colored; GIBSON McFERRON, white.Of the above named the first five were taken from the mine dead. TRUMBLE and ROBERTS died after being out, and the last fourteen are the unfortunate imprisoned miners who were suffocated in the west end. Of the eighteen injured miners taken out nine are reported to be in a critical condition, but their names are not ascertainable.There is still a great deal of conjecture as to the cause of the catastrophe, some persons claiming that natural gas was the cause, while others contend the accumulation of foul gasses without proper ventilation was the real cause of the explosion.State Mine Inspector WOLF is strongly censured by the miners. He examined the mine on March 6 last and pronounced it perfectly safe. All the victims will be buried at the expense of the owners of the mine, MESSRS. KEITH & PERRY, of Kansas City.
Hamilton Daily Democrat Ohio 1888-03-31\

I found the following information in a book about Rich Hill, called "The Town that Coal Built." This excerpt from the book happens in Mine No. 6. "On a bright March day at the noon hour in 1888, the shaft, buildings, and all underground work­ings were ruined throughout by a terrific explosion caused by a great accumulation of natural gas." In the words of R. L. "Dobber" Wilson, who was employed at a nearby mine at the time, "The lives of fifty-six men were snuffed out in the twinkling of an eye, ei­ther by falling debris, or burned to death or suffocat­ed." Relatives of the doomed flocked to the mine from the surrounding hills and there resulted a bed­lam of screaming women and crying children. George Sweeney, superintendent, was the first of a great many volunteers to clamor down the torn shaft in an effort to care for the dead and dying. The rescue party had just reached the floor of the mine when a second explosion occurred. None of the party were seriously hurt although several were badly burned. Almost all of the men killed were Negroes, although there were several white miners among the number, of which, it is remembered was Cal Neptune. A brother, ]eff Nep­tune, was frightfully burned but managed to climb to the surface by way of an air shaft. These two men were uncles of the late Earl Neptune.
The excitement in Rich Hill, created by the holo­caust, was intense. Business was suspended until all the dead and injured had been brought out of the in­ferno which, on account of the indescribable wreck­age and aftermath of recurrent smaller explosions, re­quired several days. On Easter Sunday, 1888, the dead Negroes were buried in a small plot of ground near the mine in which they lost their lives, while the white men were buried in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Old Settlers in Rich Hill




I found this in the The Old Settlers' History of Bates County, Missouri: From Its First Settlement to the First Day of January, 1900
JNO. D. MOORE, Rich Hill, Mo.
Born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, February 21st, 1855. Came to Missouri in 1858, went to Illinois in 1863 and lived there until 1870 when his family located in Vernon County. Came to Bates County in April, 1877, and took charge of the Rich Hill School (old Rich Hill). Was the Rich Hill correspondent of the Bates County Record in 1877, at which time the coal fields were beginning to attract the attention of capital and the papers were using their best efforts to attract the attention of railroad people to the advantages of a railroad through Bates County.
Farmed in summer and taught school in winter until twenty-five years old. Was principal of the East side school at Rich Hill in 1882-3 and soon after the close of that school year, engaged in the real estate and insurance business at Rich Hill and is still engaged in that business. Vice-President of the Farmers and Manufacturers' Bank and Secretary of the Rich Hill Fair.
Mr. Moore lived in Rich Hill until his Death on Aug 15th 1940,he is buried in Green Lawn Cemetery.