Old fairgrounds

This picture came out of the book the (Town that Coal Built).
Baseball scene at the fairgrounds 1907 Rich Hill White Sox vs Rockville.




Today, what the old Ball field looks like . They haven't played Baseball here for years

I want to thank Larry Ramage for the use of his book (The Town that Coal Built).

A World Record for Rich Hill

This blog is also from the Rich Hill Mining Review July 29, 1955 this editon was written by Ed McQuitty- for 75th Anniversary Issue.

A World Record for Rich Hill
Although there but very few people living that know anything about it, Rich Hill has the distinction of holding at least one world’s record. This statement refers to the prize fight between two men of the town staged in 1884, which contest continued through the 133rd round, finally ending in a "draw" or no decision. So far as any available records show, this was the greatest fight of all time in regard to durability. The bout was waged between two Rich Hill coal miners, Jim Fell a Welshman, and Hugh McManus, a Scotchman, both American born who worked side by side in the same "room" of one of the first Rich Hill Coal company’s deep shaft mines, Number 13, located five miles northwest of town. Neither could be classed as professionals, although six weeks of daily training under the instructions of Harry McCoy, a professional boxing master, at his specially constructed quarters at the Arcade saloon, both had become so adept with his fists that each was led to believe that he was “just a little better man” than was his friend. And is exactly what they were, boon companions without the least enmity toward each other whatsoever. The battlers were heavyweights of better than two hundred pounds. So, by mutual agreement at nightfall on July 15, 1884, Fell, McManus, with McCoy as referee, followed by every means of transportation available, loaded to capacity with fight enthusiasts, the procession started for the place of encounter. This was at a point due west of Rich Hill, just inside the Kansas border. The Missouri laws at the time prohibited “fights to a finish” Due to secrecy of the affair there were no more than one hundred spectators, all from Rich Hill except for a dozen or more from Hume. Stakes were driven and ropes stretched to enclose the ring, or square would be a better description for the scene of battle. After traversing the thirteen miles to get out of Missouri, the fight got under way about 10 o'clock with torches and lanterns affording the only lighting.
Under the London prize-ring rules, only bare knuckles were permitted, with time limits for "rounds" two minutes. The fight was fast and furious during the first twenty-five rounds, but at that time there was a clamoring among the spectators for an intermission or rest period every hour thereafter the fight continued. In this the pugilists were not so nearly so concerned as the onlookers, for they were just beginning to get warmed up. However, some of the audience demanded some time to crawl under the fence get to their conveyances, mix up a drink or two as an after midnight eye opener and get back to their seats on the grass without missing anything. As the hot summer's sun peaked over the horizon the next morning, July 16, the fight was still in progress in its 133rd round. Both participants were weary, of course. The proper guards were difficult to maintain, the wollops of the early stages of the fight were lacking but neither man would admit defeat. As no definite conclusion of the contest seemed evident, and for the thought that "the law" might be awakening from the morning's siesta, Referee McCoy declared the fight "a draw or no decision contest."
It was claimed afterward In sporting circles that Fell lost the fight as a consequence of a foul blow, but those of us who actually witnessed the battle know this to have not been true.
Comparable to the Fell-McManus I33rd-round, the John L,. Sullivan-Jake Kilrain fight of 75 rounds was a mere amateur exhibition, so far as endurance, at least, was concerned. After the encounter fell and McManus returned to Rich Hill side by side in a curtained carriage, friends as always, on the road occasionally administering to each others battered nose, ears and face with a special pain relieving concoction, while still claiming "to be the best man."
Incidentally the resultant "no decision" ruling cost most of the spectators many dollars and a goodly number of very unhappy miners who had wagered a month's pay check that the contest would end in a complete knockout.Jimmie and Hougnie are not concerned with the "ring" or its vicissitudes today as both are "ringed" in by six feet of cold turf, peacefully sleeping in Rich Hill's beautiful Green Lawn Cemete

Old Town

This blog came to me, from an Old Mining Review newspaper via Jeff Droz. Thank you Jeff, for sending me the articles and making this blog possible. I have been wanting to do an article on "Old Town Rich Hill" and Jeff's articles made it possible. thanks again, Jeff.

This blog is from the Rich Hill Mining Review July 29, 1955 this editon was written by Ed McQuitty- for 75th Anniversary Issue.

The "Old Rich Hill" was a sleepy little village, everything from day to day being routine, nothing going on in the way of relaxation or entertain­ment, except perhaps the music of the anvil in the blacksmith shop, and nev­er any excitement, except on one occasion when there was aplenty, an ac­count of which is told in a letter re­ceived recently from Mr. Homer Spen­cer of Concord, North Carolina. Rem­iniscing, Mr. Spencer said, doubt if there is anyone living today that re­members the Dave Hardy 'hanging bee' that took place near Old Rich Hill in 1876. I was only four years old at the time and must tell of the incident as afterward told to me. Har­dy had stolen some merchandise at Butler. A Mr. Wilson, constable of the territory, with a warrant in his pock­et, rode up to the village to serve the document. Hardy perceived the officer’s coming and ran into the timber, which grew to within a short distance from the little town. The officer pur­sued on his horse, soon catching up with the criminal. Hardy was carry­ing a shot gun and when overhauled pointed it at the constable and warn­ed him to desist, vowing to shoot his head off if he advanced nearer. Wil­son however, continued on, and with a smile exclaimed: No, Dave, you wouldn't shoot me,' whereupon Hardy leveled the weapon and fired. Wilson fell dead from the saddle. Watching from the post office, several people witnessed the murder and at once formed a posse, capturing the crimi­nal a short time afterward. At the school house, house Hardy was given a ‘trial,’ declared guilty, served with good meal and placed astride a horse. The posse escorted him to a big oak tree growing near where the Rich Hill Zinc Works used to operate, plac­ed one end of a stout rope around his neck, the other to an overhanging limb. The horse was slapped on the rump and Davey, old boy, swung dead, leaving no street address or telephone number. The incident was strictly hush, hush, never again referred to in the community and escaped mention in the Butler papers, so, if the story is published, it will be the first time it ever appeared in print." Continu­ing Mr. Spencer said "us kids were in the habit of gathering- hops in the vi­cinity of the old oak tree with which mother made yeast for bread. Well, af­ter the hanging we were so frightened of the locality that we “hopped” around in a different place for mother’s bread making ingredients.

Cheverton Bros. Advertisement

Rich Hill Newspaper Jan. 8, 1895
The ad says : Cheverton Bros., of the West End Meat Market
opposite Talmage House,
Rich Hill-Missouri
Are now prepared to fill all orders for
Lard,Hams,Etc,at wholesale or retail, at Home or Abroad.
They also continue headquarters for beef Poultry,Game,and Sausage.
Everything fresh and clean. Free delivery to all parts of the City.
Their Home-Cured Meats are the Finest in the City.

Old Rich Hill Dicectory's

This picture is from the book "The Town That Coal Built"
I am posting a link that has two "Old City of Rich Hill Directories" you can veiw them through Excel or pdf.

Picture by Ada Griffin

This is a copy of a picture drawn by Ada Griffin. The picture is stored at the Rich Hill Memorial Library. There is no date on the picture dipicting when this drawing was done.

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.