SECTION XI.
THE PRESS AND LITERARY ORGANIZATIONS.
submitted by Linda Stoddard, February 28, 2011, pages 452-473

To view illustrations in section click here

"Cedar County News Letter."


"This is the title of a neutral paper about to be issued in Cedar County under the control of N. C. Swank, Esq., well known as an unassuming, upright, and energetic citizen, fully competent to the discharge of the duties he is about to take upon himself. A good newspaper is what 'Old Cedar' has long needed and she is now about to have it. The paper will be printed at the flourishing town of Rochester, on the Cedar River, and we miss the mark mightily if it will not be worth double the price of subscription and afford our business men a first rate advertising medium. See prospectus in our columns."

The prospectus referred to includes about one-fourth column in the "Iowa Democratic Enquirer" for August 21, 1852.

The above article appeared at the time of the founding of the first paper printed in this county. It was the beginning of the plant afterwards moved to the old court house referred to in the reminiscences by Mr. N. C. Moffett.

The heading of this paper does appear on the first files of the Advertiser showing conclusively the connection.

Mr. N. C. Moffett in his "Early Recollections of Tipton," after describing various experiences in 1852, says:

"The next year the subject of starting a newspaper to represent the interests of Tipton and the county generally was seriously discussed by the more enterprising citizens. The main difficulty seemed to be to find some one willing to take the lead in the matter, and to give it that substantial backing which would insure it success, and when it was learned that a practical printer was residing in the community I was solicited to take upon myself the publication of the paper. To this I replied that having come to the west with the idea of becoming a farmer I did not care at this time to engage in the field of journalism, offering, however, to give the benefit of my services in getting out the first issue. There were those living in Tipton well qualified for properly conducting a country paper, with resources for sustaining it until it became self supporting, but none of this class came forward with offers.


"In this emergency Charles Swetland, a man of very little schooling but inspired with a large degree of energy and public spirit, quietly announced that the county needed a representative newspaper and that he was going to see that such was supplied.


"There seems to have been, at one period, some kind of a paper published at Rochester which had ended its life on the bank of the Cedar, and its remains were offered for sale. The name of the luminary I have forgotten, but think it was not of colossal dimensions, judging by the quality of material used in its production, and which, as a preliminary, had been purchased and taken to Tipton. At this juncture I was employed to make an estimate on the requirements for an up-to-date seven column newspaper with job office attachment. After inspecting the Rochester materials and making deductions for what could be used, an order was sent to the type founders for what was necessary to meet the requirements. I will add, however, that it had been decided to make use of the Rochester press for printing the new paper, and in giving a partial description of the same I shall need a full paragraph.


"The press I found, after getting all its parts together, was unique indeed, and of such apparent antiquity that I really spent some time in trying to find some clue to its name and date of production, without avail, but after consulting all the books and illustrations on the subject of early printing we finally settled down to the conviction that it must be the one used by Gutenberg or Schoeffer, pioneers in the art of printing with movable types (1460). We afterward learned that it was known as the Ramage press. 276  


But at last when the forms were locked in the chases and laid upon the press bed, the first page was run under the platen by the pressman and an impression taken; then the bed was run on until the fourth page came under the platen to also receive a like impression—and this was the procedure that always had to be undergone in running off our entire editions. Our office was in an upper room of the court house, and curiosity had brought together quite a collection of those wishing to see the initial number of the new paper. When the sheet was raised from the two pages a general expression of approval was given at its nice, attractive appearance, although representing but half the completed copy, and the aged press went up many degrees in my estimation as to the good work it was still able to perform.


"I said there was a general expression of approval from those present— with one exception. At the outset the question arose as to what name should be given the young advocate, and suggestions came in from all quarters. The Star of the West, the Tipton Banner, the Voice of the Prairie, etc., until the matter grew to be rather perplexing. At last when the order was ready to be sent to the foundry, Mr. Swetland came to me and said he wanted me to name the paper and to select suitable type for its display at the head of the first page. And here is where the strange part of the story comes in. I had been so occupied with other matters as to give very little thought as to what the paper should be called, but as it was expected to be the advocate of the interests of the entire community surrounding it, why not call it 'The Cedar County Advertiser?' Furthermore, I then had in my own mind a goodly number of eastern papers bearing that title, in part which had been long lived and if the name 'Advertiser' was to act as preservative, why not make use of it now? I well know that it was but a passing whim, at the same time I have seen many papers with very high sounding titles come and go and are now forgotten within the fifty years that the Advertiser has existed. But I must say that I think there was some feeling of disappointment at the very plain as well as very lengthy name which had been placed at its head.


"The publication of the paper having been decided upon, the next question of importance was to whom should be in-trusted its editorial management. I believe at that time there was not a person in Tipton who had ever had practical experience in journalism, but a very popular young gentleman by the name of Wells Spicer was offered and accepted the position. Spicer was then studying law in the office of Judge Bissell, and with the material to select from probably no better choice could have been made.


His very social, jovial, unassuming personality had made him a general favorite, not only with Tipton people but with many old settlers throughout the county. And as the paper began to circulate and to receive the criticism of the public, it was justly admitted that the originality of his witticisms was self-evident, although the language with which they were expressed was sometimes rather crude and unfinished. I wish I had access to those old files of the Advertiser that I might enjoy the pleasure of re-inspecting those 'Funnicalities' and flights of fancy which appeared from week to week to be read and laughed over and enjoyed at leisure afterwards.


"At about the end of two or three years Judge Spicer became the proprietor of the Advertiser, when a new press of the most approved pattern was installed in the office, the paper enlarged to an eight column sheet, and the little old timeworn Ramage press was disposed of to again move onwards toward the great northwest, to enter upon new conditions and new labors. That venerable specimen of typographic art, if still existing, should have a conspicuous place in some museum of ancient relics, or, if consigned to oblivion, should have a marble shaft erected to its memory for the long life of usefulness it has given to the world.


"In the meantime I had given up my position as printer for the Advertiser and sought other fields of labor where the remuneration was double what the local paper could afford to pay. Eventually proposals were made to myself and others to buy out the office and continue the publication of the paper under a new firm name. The new firm consisted of Simeon S. Daniels, my brother, Henry P. Moffett, and myself. The Advertiser was then published as a four page, eight column paper, at that time one of the largest weeklies circulating in the state of Iowa." 277  

The Advertiser files were completed when Mr. D. C. Mott was the editor during the first year of his service. He is now editor of the Marengo (Iowa) Republican and he tells in what way he happened to find the missing numbers:

"Upon obtaining control of the Advertiser at the beginning of 1893 we found that the bound files were continuous from 1853, the first issue being Nov. 12 of that year, to the present time excepting '58, '59, '60, '61, '62 and part of 1863. We learned that S. S. Daniels was editor during that time and that he was in Washington, D. C, where he has (1893) a position in the government printing office. We wrote him, found he had the complete files for that time, purchased them from him and brought them to this office.


"These files are the most valuable part of the early history of Cedar County in existence. They show to some extent the struggles of our hardy pioneers, the development of our free school system, against the prejudice it encountered, to the system that it now is, they give in detail the gathering of the great storm of the Rebellion showing the feelings of the loyal people in Cedar County as the great crisis approached, the patriotic action they took, the organization and equipment of companies, and hurrying them to the front, and the anxious and terrifying suspense of the people during the long conflict. Each week the columns have letters from the boys in the field telling of camp life, of the march, of battle, of death of comrades, and of the suffering of sick and wounded. Then the returns of the decimated ranks when they were met with joy and yet with much sorrow."

The letter from Mr. Daniels written then to Mr. Mott is of interest.

"714 3rd St. N. E., Washington, D. C.
May 19, 1894.
"D. C. Mott, Esq.


"Dear Sir:—Yours of the 16th inst. received. I have written my son, W. E. Daniels, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, to arrange and send you the Advertisers I send all. I don't like to part with the papers as I may never be able to see them again. I feel that there are many things in them that are a part of the history of the county (if not the country), especially in those prior to and including the war, and as there are no other copies of a part they should be preserved. There are letters from soldiers in the field who are now honored residents of 'Old Cedar,' most of them under a nom de plume.


"The Advertiser, Tipton and Cedar County have a warm place in my heart for the best sixteen years of my life were spent there and many warm friendships were formed, and I take credit for helping in some improvements that yet remain.


"Excuse me, for these memories may not interest you. I would be remembered to old friends; I am always glad to hear of their prosperity.
     Respectfully,
     S. S. DANIELS."

After his government service ended Mr. Daniels returned to Mount Pleasant where he died several years ago.

Research tells of the establishment of twenty-four newspapers in Cedar County. Time assisted by poverty, and competition, or the allurements of the golden promises of fairer fields, have caused the death of seventeen of them, only seven remaining to tell the tale. Of those established, eleven have been in Tipton, and one each in West Branch, Mechanicsville, Stanwood, and Clarence, In writing of these papers we shall treat of them in the order in which they were founded as nearly as we can, accepting the statements in the Cedar County History of '78 as to the more remote facts, and acknowledging aid from Brothers Gruwell, Smith, Shipley, and Dorcas as to events in their respective localities.

The Tipton Times and Cedar County Conservative was the name of the first newspaper published in Cedar County. It was a monthly paper, was printed in Davenport and had Wm. H. Tuthill and John P. Cook, attorneys of Tipton, as editors and publishers. It was Whig in politics. The first number was issued Saturday, April 6, 1850, and it was continued only one year.

Nelson C. Swank, of Rochester, owned the first printing press and printed the first newspaper within Cedar County's limits. It was The Cedar County News-Letter and was established at Rochester, Sept. 13, 1852. It continued one year when its publication was suspended and the press and material was sold to Chas. Swetland, who moved them to Tipton and founded the Cedar County Advertiser.

The Cedar County Advertiser was issued at Tipton in November, 1853, Chas. Swetland, a merchant, being the owner, and Wells Spicer and H. C. Piatt the editors. The old Cedar County News-Letter head had to be run for the heading for the first three weeks, as the new heading had not arrived from the east, wherever that was. With the exception of a suspension for about a month in the first year of its life, when the old material of the office was being exchanged for new, the paper has been issued regularly up to this date.

The name was changed to The Tipton Advertiser at the end of two years. There have been many changes in ownership of this paper. Mr. Spicer soon became the sole editor of the paper and remained such until 1857 when S. S. Daniels succeeded him, continuing until Feb. 1866. He had associated with him at different times as part owners N. C. and H. P. Moffett, E. W. Clark and L. M. Mulford. In Feb. 1866, Wm. P. Wolf took editorial charge, continuing a little over a year, when Chas. L. Longley succeeded him. Mr. Longley was editor from March 7, 1867, to Oct. 9, 1890. He had at different times associated with him in proprietorship L. M. Mulford, W. P. Peet, and J. M. Rider. A. C. Brande and J. M. Rider succeeded Mr. Longley for six months, the former being editor.

The paper was then sold to the Advertiser Printing Co. with J. M. Rider as manager and W. R. Boyd as editor. This management continued a little over two years, or until Nov. '93, when D. C. Mott bought the company and became editor and proprietor. This paper has been a factor in the history of the county. It has advocated republicanism almost since the birth of the party. Among its editors have been at least some men of accomplishments, character, and ability.

When the present editor took possession he found the files of the paper complete except about four years, from 1859 to 1863. These were in the possession of Mr. Daniels, who was editor at that time. They were obtained of him and bound, so that now the Advertiser has its complete files from the date of the first issue, Nov. 12, 1853, with the old Cedar County News-Letter heading, to the present time. Very much valuable history, local, county, state, arid national, is contained in them. Secretary B. F. Gue, of the State Historical Society, has said he believes the Advertiser's files to be the oldest continuous files in Iowa. Mr. D. C. Mott continued the publication of the Advertiser until about June 1, 1897, when Sherman Yates became the editor. He has continued to edit the paper since that time, the firm of Yates and Ripley owning and publishing the paper for many years. The files are kept up and the old ones of the fifties and of the war period being in a bank vault. The Post of 1872 and '73 is also among these files.

The Cedar Democrat was the next newspaper venture. It was issued at Tipton in the spring of 1856. A stock company was the owner and A. C. Appler was the first editor. In 1857 Carlisle Curtis and Richard B. McGill became the owners and editors. David Roush became possessed of it in the winter of '59'60. The paper was democratic and Mr. Roush was a war democrat, but the paper was discontinued for want of support in 1864.

We think the next paper to be established in the county was the Onion Grove Record, published at Onion Grove, later Clarence, editor M. Cummings. It must have been in the late '50's. It only continued a few weeks. The editor was a great wag.

The Mechanicsville Press was founded in August, 1866, under the name of The Journal, by Ragsdale and Bundy. The name was soon changed to the Press. During the next four years the paper had many changes, having as part or complete owners, C. W. Andrews, Weeks, West, John Galding, Hugh Leslie and Edward Connible, they confusing history by their complicated partnerships and changes of ownerships. Finally in March, 1870, F. H. Williams, an original character, obtained it and conducted it successfully until about '96, when it was bought by H. F. and W. A. Dorcas, the former as editor and the latter publisher. It announced itself Republican, and is a good local paper.

N. F. Purcell is now the editor and publisher of the Pioneer-Press which name he gave to the last-mentioned paper. It has a well equipped plant publishing an eight page paper.

Aug. 30, 1871, W. H. Morrow and Jesse James founded a second republican paper in Tipton, the Cedar County Post. Later A. Kerns became a partner, but in August of the same year Mr. James became the sole editor and proprietor. It was a well edited paper, but the field being too limited, it was sold to the Advertiser Dec. 31, 1873. The files are now in the Advertiser office.

The Cedar County Advance was established by W. H. Morrow, at Tipton, in the interests of Greeley and Brown, commencing Aug. 31, 1872, but suspended Oct. 20, 1875.

The Patrons of Husbandry was a small publication printed in the office of the Post, and published in support of the order from which it took its name. Wm. Knott was president of the company that published it and L. L. Sweet was the editor. The first number appeared April 30, 1872, but it only continued one month.

The Cedar County Clipper, democrat, was established at Tipton in the summer of 1866 by J. T. Rice and David Roush. It did not prosper, however, and was discontinued in December of the same year.

The first printing press brought to Clarence was owned by Judge E. R. Thayer, when in 1868 he established his Iowa Age at that place. It was democratic in politics and ably conducted, but the field was too limited and in less than a year Judge Thayer removed the paper to Clinton where it is now conducted, it being recognized as one of the able papers of the state.

In Oct., 1870, there were a number of the enterprising citizens of West Branch, among whom was W. W. Gruwell, the present editor of the Times, (1897) attended a meeting to consider the question of establishing a newspaper in the village. The result was a few weeks after, a little paper, printed on 8 by 12 manilla wrapping paper, was issued, with Geo. Barrington editor. This was only issued occasionally.

In the fall of '71 A. M. Russell and C. E. Craighead established a printing office and issued a larger paper called the Index. In April, 1875, L. W. Raber superseded them and called the paper the Times. E. Grinnell became owner for two years, he in turn selling to L. Warrington, who sold in the fall of '78 to C. H. Wickersham. The latter changed the name to the Local Record. After these years W. W. Gruwell became owner, retaining it eight years, when he sold to S. E. Albin, who changed the name back to the Times. In June, 1892, it was bought back by W. W. Gruwell, who, with his son, A. C, continued to issue it. Ross Leech succeeded the Gruwells in this paper in 1901 and is now the editor and proprietor. It is published every Thursday. It has the largest circulation of any paper outside the county seat.

The first paper in Stanwood, the Express, came into existence in the spring of 1872. E. L. Derby was the editor. It is said that he published a paper big enough for a city, but the patronage failed to materialize sufficiently to support it, and it yielded to its cruel fate and died the next year.

The Cedar County Farmer was published at Tipton for about one year. Commencing in Feb., 1874, L. W. and W. L. Raber were publishers and Isaiah Doane, of Webster City was editor. It was democratic in politics. It failed for want of support.

The Tipton Conservative was established March 31, 1875, by M. R. Jackson. It has since then given the county news and proclaimed democratic doctrine. The Conservative founded by Mr. M. R. Jackson in 1875 continued to be edited by him until the year 1902 when he sold it to Wm. Wisener, the present editor Mr. Jackson had the longest continuous service of any man who occupied such a position in the county. Only one man in this section of the state had a longer service—John Mahin of the Muscatine Journal—at the time of Mr. Jackson's retirement. Mr. Wisener continues the paper and maintains its reputation.

In Feb., '96, F. W. Casterline came from Kansas and established the Bennett Independent, which was true to its name. After about one year at Bennett the plant was moved to Tipton and published under the combined name of Cedar County Republican and Bennett Independent. It was Republican in politics, and among the last newspaper ventures in the county seat. It was sold to the Advertiser.

In Feb., 1897, the Clarence Gazette was established. It was started by Crane and McLaughlan, law partners, according to the Cedar County History; while the Clarence Sun states that it was founded by Chas. E. Cosley who was succeeded by Geo. F. Couch. After about two years the paper suspended publication.

The Gazette was followed by the Independent established by E. L. Derby, who soon sold it to D. W. Carothers, who in turn sold it to Wood and Wooster. The publication, however, lived but a brief time. It is also stated that after the Independent came the True Delta, which was published for a few months by Burton and Company.

The Clarence Sun was established by Geo. Williams, later of Minneapolis, in April, 1879. A year or two later John W. Owen, from Illinois, obtained possession of it, and conducted it prosperously for eight years. In Feb., 1892, he sold it to Geo. Crawford, formerly of Mineral Point, Wis. In July of the same year he sold it to Clark Smith who came from Lansing, Mich. Mr. Smith was successful, owned his building, and possessed a good plant. Chas. A. Seaton succeeded Mr. Smith and is the present editor and publisher of the Sun.

The Cedar County News of Tipton was established about July 15, 1889. Its editor was Harry Hazlett. It lasted about two years. Independent in politics and an interesting local sheet, it finally failed in 1891.

The Stanwood News began publication Oct. 7, 1892. Floyd and Ranenbush editors and publishers. Floyd soon retired from the firm. The paper was continued until Aug., '93, and the publishers fled and the paper died.

The Stanwood Herald, edited by Harry J. Burke, began publication April 10, '94. In Oct. of the same year, to use the words of Mr. Shipley, "One M. E. Shipley, of the sand hills of Nebraska, became seized with the publication," and continued it with good success as an independent local paper. 278  

A number of editors have had charge of the Herald since the date mentioned above. J. N. Boling controlled it for some time. One Thompson had an interest in it later. W. A. Spry, pastor of the Methodist church, conducted it, then Gau and Evers. They were followed by Bushnell and Evers, and since 1905 A. W. Bushnell has managed the paper. It is an eight page paper with two pages of home print.

The "Lowden News" is published from the office of the "Clarence Sun," George Mueller being the local editor.

The present editor of the Durant Star came to this county to work on the Bennett Independent at the time of its establishment by Mr. Casterline and he came with Mr. Casterline to Tipton when the Republican was started there. The Stanwood Herald was once in his charge, 1898 to 1900. The history of the papers in the eastern part of the county included in the following which comes largely from C. W. Hamilton. He was postmaster at Bennett and resigned this office to take charge of the Durant Star.

Bennett's first paper was the Bennett Independent, established in January, 1896, by F. W. Casterline, who presided over its destinies until March of the following year when the plant was moved to Tipton where Mr. Casterline established the Cedar County Republican. In January, 1902, C. W. Hamilton started the Bennett Opinion which he conducted until July, 1907, when the management passed to Thos. P. Barnes. Mr. Barnes presided over the destinies of the Opinion until September, 1909, when the ownership reverted to the former publisher who moved the plant to Durant where the paper was consolidated with the Durant Star, the subscribers being furnished the Star instead of the Opinion. The Durant Star still maintains a representative at Bennett to look after the news and whatever advertising and job printing may be needed.

The Durant Star was established in October, 1898, by Herman Kuehl who conducted the paper until January, 1902, when its destinies passed into the hands of Harry C. Ellingsworth. After two years at the helm Mr. Ellingsworth was succeeded by W. S. Price who published the paper for three and one-half years, being succeeded July 1, 1907, by the present publisher, C. W. Hamilton. Mr. Price, during his editorship of the paper, added a page devoted to the town of Walcott, carrying the news and advertising from that town. This page is being kept up under the present management, and the consolidation of the Bennett Opinion with the Star in September, 1909, gives the Star a large territory to cover in the southeast corner of Cedar, the southwest corner of Scott and the northeast corner of Muscatine counties. 279  

In 1860 a real organization of a library association was formed in Tipton. Before this time some individual plans had been formed for loaning books. At the time of organization the books in their possession for circulation numbered about 160 volumes. This movement continued for some years under different management, sometimes under the control of literary organizations and on one occasion was cared for by the Ancient Order of United Workmen which fraternity had at that time a lodge in the place. Some of the old books purchased at that time are not yet out of circulation so far as being off the loaning lists. The public school library was made the beneficiary of the old books, the remains of, no one knows how many, different purchases and collections when these institutions ceased to exist. Some of the old tags are yet visible as one may see by examining the copies, some of which are now in the Public Library, if he takes the trouble to turn back the present possessors' stamp of ownership.

The titles of the volumes suggest their day and they are chiefly valuable to the one interested in history or theology. They were not trivial books by any means and those who made the selection must have been serious minded people. Library movements did not cease during the years following the preliminary efforts from the very beginning in the time before the war and it may be interesting to know that in 1858 there was a lecture course and an association to procure books and a room where they could be secured from some one who volunteered to be responsible. Books were procured from New York. A fee of $1.50 was charged and dues of ten cents. S. S. Daniels, the war editor of the Advertiser, announced the information to be furnished at his office concerning the books on hand, and the number loaned in a single week reached seventy-two.

There was a library tax proposition in 1872 since the books on hand furnished the nucleus for a public library.

Springdale had an organization of the same nature and the movement was further emphasized by the Burns Club that held its meetings at stated times. Special mention is made of a meeting at Clarence in 1871.

The first reading room opened for public use was in 1891. A few periodicals were on file and a small library was loaned by Mr. Glines. In March, 1901, the free Public Library was opened in the Rowell building as mentioned in the concluding part of this section of library history.

It was in the afternoon of a day in 1896 that a few friends visiting together discussed the work of women's clubs in general. A comparison of facts brought out the one that the individual club work was strengthened by the union or federation of all the clubs in the vicinity. The suggestion was there made that the four study clubs of Tipton unite for mutual benefit and this was accomplished by July first of that year.

The first meeting was at the home of Mrs. J. H. Gunsolus where the Search-Light club gave the program. These programs were continued during the year at stated periods and resulted in "mutual improvement" as the constitution of the federation read. But this was not all the women had in view. Then they saw somewhere in the distant future the building now (1903) in process of erection but to them it seemed a long way off.

In January, 1898, the club was entertained by the one division called the Nineteenth Century Club and at this meeting Mrs. Van Vechten, of Cedar Rapids, President of the State Federation was present. She pointed out the wisdom of opening the doors of the club to all women who were interested in the same object that we were working for. At this suggestion the Federation of Clubs was changed to the "Women's Club." Any woman willing to give something of her time and strength was eligible to membership. The membership has averaged thirty-five.

At this time the program feature of the club was given up and the mercenary side entered into with spirit fitting the cause. The thought now was to convert the effort into dollars and cents as fast as able that the desired end might the sooner be reached. Very little encouragement was received from the men. No one openly opposed the movement but there was a feeling of indifference, that while the library might be a benefit to the community, it would be an expense to maintain, and, recalling the previous efforts to do such things without sufficient equipment, that it could not be made a success.

The nucleus for a library fund had been raised in 1897 by a concert given under the direction of the Women's Clubs Federation, Athene, Nineteenth Century, Treble Clef, and Search-Light, and amounted to fifteen and one-half dollars. Mrs. Van Vechten, on her trip to the federation donated her traveling expenses and this was the first donation to the public library. The earnings of the club from that time to the laying of the cornerstone were more than one thousand dollars.

The most discouraging thing occurred at the first—something that would have led men to abandon the enterprise very likely—the lecture course conducted by the organization left them with a deficit of fifty dollars. The largest sum ever received from an entertainment was "The Darktown Swells," which probably suggests some assistance from the men of the community.

Among the few cash donations the largest came from the Universalist Society when the church was discontinued here.

The determination that the club held, not to open a library until it could be "free," proved to be the right attitude, for the movement was now being agitated in the entire state. Finally in the winter of 1899-1900 the lawmakers at Des Moines passed a law allowing, by amendment to section 727 of the Code, a town to vote at a general or special election upon the question, "Shall a Free Public Library be Established?" February 1, 1900, found the club with a bank deposit of $700 when the request was made to the city council to place the matter before the people. When put to a vote it carried by a majority of 141 votes.

An act to create a library commission and to promote the establishment and efficiency of free public libraries in the state was of much help to the local interests allowing a Board of Trustees to be appointed by the Mayor of the town.

August first, 1900, the Board, consisting of five men and four women, was appointed under this law, and into their hands the work was placed.

The buying of books, arranging for rooms, and preliminary work required several months and the rooms were not opened formally until March 4th, 1901. Under the supervision of Miss Alice Tyler of the State Commission, all the modern methods of library work were employed and the whole effort begun in an up-to-date manner.

The popularity of the library exceeded all expectations and the demand for more room became imperative. The generosity of Mr. Carnegie to other towns in the state led the club to hope for assistance from him in securing a building, but meantime the president of the Board having the same thought in mind had written him concerning the matter as explained later and with the result as now known.

No separate account can be given of the work of the Women's Club and the public library so far as the present building is concerned. Its inception was a matter first considered by this club, and Mrs. Anna S. Yates, who was one of the leading spirits of the organization and for many years a much appreciated librarian is the one to whom credit should be given for the facts as here enumerated leading to the results as found in the present library equipment. At the laying of the cornerstone, Wed. May 6, 1903, the paper written by Mrs. Yates, and read by Miss Addie Dean, then Secretary, gave a full history from the time the Women's Club took it up to the date of the exercises.

The President of the Board of Trustees, Judge W. N. Treichler, introduced the president of the club, Mrs. I. J. Hamiel, who spread the cement upon the spot where the stone was to lie while the derrick held it in readiness for its position. This stone contains a copper receptacle which holds a copy of the Bible, the constitution of Iowa, constitution and by-laws of the Women's Club and of the Board of Trustees, copy of Andrew Carnegie's letter making the gift to the city, copy of the city council and board of trustees records of acceptance of the same, an account of the public library opening, a roll of the Women's Club, and of the Board of Trustees, a copy of the paper read by Miss Dean, written by Mrs. Yates, copies of the Tipton papers and coins of the years 1902 and 1903.

At the exercises of laying the cornerstone Rev. R. D. Parsons, who used to play upon these grounds as a school boy referred to the changes that had come since he had known the old school building that stands just across the street . His address was full of appreciation of the gift of the donor of the building, Mr. Carnegie.

January, 1902, a letter came to Judge Treichler which reads as follows:

"New York, Jan. 9, 1902.
"W. N. Treichler, Esq., Tipton, Iowa.


"Dear Sir:—Responding to your letters. If the city of Tipton will pledge itself to support a free library (by resolution of council) at a cost of not less than one thousand dollars per year, Mr. Carnegie will be glad to provide ten thousand dollars for a free public library building. The city must also furnish a suitable site. Respectfully yours,
     "JAS. BERTRAM, Private Secretary."

The first steps taken to secure the above offer were during the fall of 1901, when Judge Treichler wrote Mr. Carnegie, giving him a history of the efforts made by the Women's Club to establish and maintain a free public library, and the support afterward given by the city. Not much publicity was given to the effort to interest Mr. Carnegie, not even the members of the library board being aware of the correspondence. No response was received from the first letter and hope of any result was about given up when a second letter was sent, this time bringing a prompt answer asking for information concerning the city, population and details in other particulars.

The letter quoted was the result of information furnished. The city council immediately passed the desired resolution and Mr. Carnegie was notified that his conditions had been accepted.

The question of a site for the library was for some time under discussion when it was finally settled by the county board of supervisors granting the use of the Monument Square. This necessitated the moving of the soldiers' monument to its present position and its resetting.

Measures were soon taken to beautify the grounds under the direction of the board advised by a competent landscape gardener who came here for the purpose.

The library building was completed and occupied in December, 1903, but the dedication proper did not occur until the following July when a formal program was followed, Mr. Johnson Brigham, State Librarian, giving the principal address. The students from the library summer school at the State University came with Miss Tyler to hear the program but more to see the library itself as a model for others to be built in the future. Reports were given by the secretary and officers of the club that helped to erect it.

The total cost as reported then was $13,957. The furniture was purchased by the Women's Club, that organization that kept the matter moving until the present equipment was secured. They have kept contributing to the building improvement ever since and their plans are always to add a little more to the grounds in appearance or to the funds to buy more books. The number of volumes at the present time is about four thousand.

The last annual report of the present librarian, Miss Milligan, gives the following summary of all reports: Total number of volumes in library, 3,850, but since then the number is much above four thousand. Five hundred volumes were added in 1909, the total circulation for that year being over 9,000 volumes. One-third of all the children's books were at some time drawn out and one-half of the adult books that go into circulation. About one thousand borrowers' cards were then in force and this number is now largely increased. The library was open for 308 days during the year, for an average of thirty-nine hours per week.

In April, 1910, the township of Center entered into a contract through the board of trustees with the trustees of the Tipton public library whereby the township levies a tax of one-half mill for library support and the citizens of the township have the same library privileges as those of the corporation of Tipton. The present officers and trustees of the library are: W. N. Treichler, Mrs. H. L. Huber, Mrs. C. R. Aurner, C. S. Neiman, Sherman Yates, Mrs. W. A. Grove, Miss Mattie Coutts, Geo. H. Kellogg, and J. C. France. Miss Flora Milligan, Librarian.

The financial report shows total receipts of $2,557 expenditures of $1,968, leaving a balance at the end of the year 1909 of $580 when figures are given in round numbers.

On Oct. 22, 1901, a meeting of representatives from the young people's societies of the various churches met to organize a Young People's Union in West Branch. A good citizenship committee was elected and this committee decided that the town's greatest need was a public library. A canvass of the town was made to secure literature, and a hundred and fifty books were secured besides magazines for the reading table. Three good rooms were obtained and Mr. Ross Stratton was elected librarian. The expenses were met by subscription and a small charge for the use of the books. The first year $211.00 was raised mostly by socials, suppers, etc. In 1903 "The Spinster's Return" was given, which netted $145 which was expended in books.

In the fall of 1903 one of the public spirited citizens, Mrs. Hulda Enlow, informed the city council that she would donate to the town a public library building if the town would vote the necessary taxes for its support. This was done, and in July, 1904, the library was moved to the new building, which had been erected at an expense of $2,000. Sept. 30th the dedicatory exercises were held, the citizens expressing their appreciation of Mrs. Enslow's generous gift. The Young People's Union donated their books and magazines and are still giving what aid they can.

The library board formerly was composed of C. H. Hathaway, president; S. H. Mott, vice president; G. H. Hoover, secretary; O. L. Townsend, Dr. C. J. Leech, A. C. Hunter, E. L. Hollingsworth, Miss Cora Varney, and Miss Bertha Armstrong, a number of whom are still members according to the librarian's report which follows:

"The library year just closed shows a remarkable gain in the library over preceding years. During the last year there were 5,080 books and magazines issued. The magazine circulation alone was 1,226 numbers. There are 24 different magazines on the library tables, and all but the current numbers are allowed to circulate under the same rules which govern the circulation of books.


"In the last twelve months 7,573 visitors came to the library. An appreciable number of these came for the use of the reference and class books. While the reference department is not as well stocked in volumes as could be desired, yet the material is good and the library attendant is willing at all times to aid in the securing of reference material by the use of the Poole's Index, Reader's Guide and other available means. Material on special subjects can be obtained for clubs and students, from the Library Commission at Des Moines, and held exclusively for their use.


"The juvenile department has been a source of pleasure to the little folks. A table, exclusively their own has been placed in the juvenile corner, and the books for children have been put on shelves where they can easily be obtained by them. By the addition of the parent's signature to the reader's card, the little folks can get books under the same rules as govern adults.


"This year there has been added 124 books, several of these being donations. As it is very hard to keep the library as well supplied with books as is desired, the donation of books, either fiction, reference or class books is very acceptable. All books added are classed, listed and placed by the Dewey decimal system of classification.


"The Priscilla club presented to the library twenty-six elegantly bound volumes. Of these twenty-five were class books and one was fiction. They were Irving's works in twelve volumes; Roosevelt's works in ten volumes; two books by Steiner; one by Edison and one by Ralph Connor. Such gifts have more than pecuniary value to a library that is striving to reach a high standard both in number of volumes and merit of work.


"There were 58 new readers registered last year. Country residents are urged to make use of our library both for reading and reference purposes. The fees for non-residents of our town are twenty-five cents for three months or one dollar a year. Or by paying five cents, a country borrower can have the use of books for two weeks. This fee only refers to the circulating department as everybody whether resident of the town or not is welcome to the use of the reading and reference department.


"The library trustees—G. C. Hoover, Dr. L. J. Leech, Dr. M. W. Munger, E. L. Hollingsworth, A. C. Hunter, H. H. Michener, Mrs. Laura Gray, Mrs. Elizabeth Staufer, and Miss Bertha Armstrong have done much to raise the library to its present place of efficiency, and deserve much credit for their faithful and conscientious efforts in promoting the library movement.


"This is the library's sixth year in its own building and each year has shown an advancement in the library work and a better record of things attained.


"Donations, however small, are very acceptable, and the donor will receive due credit in the library records for any gift made. Each gift aids at least a little in the increasing of our stock of books. Perhaps if more people understood that good books which they themselves have read and put aside, would be eagerly read by others, they would be anxious to put them in the library where they can be read by everyone.


"The people of the town have shown sincere interest in the library movement, and credit is due the patrons for their care of the books and magazines when they are using them and for their promptness in returning them.


"Until every person who cares to avail himself of good reading material has become a patron of the library the mission of this institution is yet unfulfilled.


      "GOLDA BRANSON, Librarian."

The largest private library ever in the county belonged to Judge Tuthill and at his death in 1886 it was broken up and sold at auction as announced by public notice to take place commencing March 7, 1881. The catalog contained 190 pages under 2,305 titles which included more than five thousand volumes of rare and uncommon nature in a private library. Parts of these were shipped to New York and sold, the freight on the rarest portion amounting to a large sum. The history of 1878 makes the statement that the library was once written up for the Chicago Inter Ocean by an interested investigator. It is unfortunate that such a valuable collection should ever have been allowed to leave the county.

Judge Tuthill contributed to the Annals of Iowa a number of articles bearing on political topics, chiefly, but rather in a humorous vein. Among the list is one entitled "The Garry Owen Vote" and it relates to the election of a judge in which the center of interest is not in this county but the northwest corner of Jackson where the vote was withheld on account of the failure to understand the facts of the candidates stand on public questions then under consideration. The result was the election of the Cedar County candidate.

"Harry Hatton's Sermon" deals with a character who had "suffered" conversion under Mormon influence and then becoming somewhat lawless was about to be indicted when he announced that he would preach to the multitude, which he did while the grand jury were in session. He escaped the indictment threatening him.

"The Woodbridge Sell," is not clear to the reader unless he knows the facts connected with the references. It is enough to say that it related to the disposal of the postoffice to a candidate not supposed to be on the winning side suggesting the "sale" of his right, or on his part the "purchase."

"Hummers Bell" is a poem of several stanzas taking off an event of the time in Iowa City but facts are wanting to carry it farther. John P. Cook is referred to as the one who could set it to music.

In 1892 the literary club called by the name of "Searchlight" grew out of the meeting of four ladies who assembled for the enjoyment of good company in a reading circle. These four, Mrs. Huber, Mrs. Pine, Mrs. Shipley, and Mrs. Hamm began by reading aloud one at a time while the rest did needle work. The circle was soon enlarged by the addition of sisters of two of the members.

It was in 1895 that the organization was effected, name selected, and constitution adopted, the purpose stated as being, "to promote systematic study, social intercourse and to become mutually helpful." 280   They united with the State Federation of Women's Clubs in 1895.

From the minute book of the "Cultus Club" of Tipton the following account is taken of the first meeting:

"The Cultus Club met Jan. 12, 1903, at the home of Miss Oral Argo. The meeting was called to order by the vice president, Mrs. Bartley and a motion was made by Mrs. Mearl Clarke 'that we be known as the Cultus Club.'" It does not say whether the motion was carried or not but judging from the later developments the name remained with them. The officers for that first year in addition to the vice president mentioned were, president, Mrs. Grassfield; and secretary, Miss Clare Carl. According to this first book the membership was eighteen. The object as stated in the constitution is, by union to create a center of social enjoyment and culture and the mutual improvement of its members. It requires a three-fourths vote to elect the officials. "The Women's Manual of Parliamentary Law" shall govern in all things not otherwise provided for.

The Nineteenth Century Club of Tipton was organized in 1895 by Mrs. Jennie Vevier, now of Clinton, Iowa. Of the charter members only Mrs. A. N. Filson, Mrs. Hattie Fields and Mrs. Mary Collins remain. The three with the following now constitute the club. Miss Mattie Coutts, Mrs. Clara B. Grove, Mrs. Myrtie Dean, Mrs. Martha Wolf, Mrs. Ella R. Brotherlin, Mrs. Lillian Peters, Mrs. Rose Maxson, Mrs. Mary L. Boding, Mrs. Ella R. Hamiel, Mrs. Ida Nash, Mrs. Sue H. Rowell.

History and literature study has been the chief work of this club since its organization. They meet for social recreation as well as study commencing in the month of October and continuing the meetings until the first week in April. For the coming year they study Holland as outlined in the Bay View course and in connection with this some miscellaneous work on Domestic Economy. The present officers are Mrs. A. N. Filson, President; Mrs. Rose Maxson, Vice-President; Mrs. Sue Rowell, Secretary and Treasurer. 281  

The Cedar County Chautauqua offered its first attraction in 1895 and for six years has maintained an organization incorporated under the laws of the state. It is an institution for culture and entertainment and not to make money. No one expects profit, the aim being to pay expenses, and every stockholder must buy his way to the sessions. The officers give their time and the stockholders their money to make up any deficiency that may occur. It is unnecessary to say that such an institution should never be abandoned but continually improved. No such organization is managed on a more economical plan than the one in this county. The public school grounds have been furnished by the school authorities, the large tent has been procured and put up by a committee serving free of all expense and when the situation is compared to others of like nature there is an ideal condition in favor of the Cedar County Chautauqua.

The Priscilla Club of West Branch is limited to twenty members having for its object work of a literary character but not confined to that exclusively, for their assistance in school and library circles has been noted. The organization is one of long standing, beginning in 1895, and they have used one course of study for nine years—The Bay View. Other efforts in helping the public library to secure books and to aid the public school in art instruction have been successful. Since the library was established by Mrs. Enlow, they have had her portrait painted and hung in the reading room, besides contributing cash from entertainments for additional equipment. Entering into competition with other organizations they won a prize offered for the best appearing turnout in a recent celebration. 282  

In Springdale Township, in the vicinity of Springdale and West Branch there are seven women's clubs, the greater part of them including women from the farm homes. Among these, the Self Culture Club of Springdale is one of the most prosperous. The object stated is, "to promote a literary spirit among its members," and its motto, "We are builders, and each one should cut and carve as best he can." It began its work in 1901 with a membership of twenty-five, and owing to the demand for admission they were obliged to limit the number to thirty.

These industrious people hold their meetings from September until May. They occasionally are liberal and entertain the men of the families at a social gathering, not omitting the things that make such attentions remembered and even furnishing a program of literary character in addition to the lighter entertainment. Their programs are arranged for a year in advance and published in booklets for the benefit of the members and the leader of the club. For four years the club has secured books from the State Circulating Library to aid in the work of its members.

The club is ambitious for in their study one finds the subject of "Parliamentary Practice," one of the most neglected subjects in lists of all student bodies. Large topics of History, Rome, England, Germany, Russia and Japan, the United States and its possessions are among the important ones. The club provides for a Round Table gathering in January on the notable events of the preceding year in which the members all report their findings. At the meetings of the county clubs at Chautauqua the Self Culture Club had a place on the program at each session. The member who reports the work sums it up in this way: "We are all busy women, yet aim to do thorough work; therefore the one year course of study was made to extend over two years. Our membership has been scattered but the attendance and the perseverance in keeping the work in hand has demonstrated the fallacy of the statement 'that literary clubs cannot succeed in the rural districts.'" 283  

The object of the "Wednesday Literary Club" of Clarence is stated as, "for the mutual improvement of its members in Literature, Art, Science, and the vital interests of the day." Its first name was "The Wednesday Lookout Club" when organized in 1896, but the change was made in 1903 to the first title above. This club arranges for its study a year in advance through the committee for the purpose. In 1904 it became a part of the State Federation of Clubs and in the county meetings had its representative. Their motto is suggestive, "Agitation of thought is the beginning of wisdom." Twenty is the limited number of members and the work is mainly for study, social affairs holding a minor place. Time has changed its membership but the club continues to keep its work in order and has an ambition to be one of the enduring kind. 284  

of Clarence has had an existence of thirty years being one of the oldest clubs of a literary character in the state. It received its impetus from a few broad-minded women who desired a greater intellectual life and more frequent social intercourse than they then enjoyed. Perhaps there was no one person more zealous for the formation of the club than Mrs. Howard Bell whose motto was,—"To agitate is to educate." At least it is certain that the question was agitated thoroughly enough with the result that twelve ladies gathered at the home of Mrs. W. D. G. Cottrell one day in March, 1880, and organized the society known then as, "The Clarence Reading Circle," with Mrs. H. G. Coe as president. Inasmuch as the work at that time did not extend beyond an hour or two for reading and social enjoyment it was not deemed necessary to elect either a secretary or treasurer.

Of these twelve ladies to whom the members of later times always refer as charter members, and in a most respectful and reverent way, four still remain as members, the others are lost to the club either by death or removal. Some have been members for a short time only but have left their influence on the organization in cheering the efforts of the regular members who have followed the "Circle" from the first. The membership is limited to twenty but altogether fifty members have at some time been on the rolls. Later in their history the "Circle" claimed the truly feminine privilege of "changing its name," so that in 1903, about the time it was federated it became the "Columbia Circle," in honor of the Exposition held that year.

During this long period of organization the study has been varied. At one time a serious study of United States History and Civil Government and the History of England was undertaken which proved profitable, and while it did not fit the members to run the government at the time it gave them the oppor-tunity and the ability to criticise the subjects of the day, which the writer of the club history says is "the first step toward statesmanship." During the Spanish-American War the club gave their attention to Spanish History and like attention was given to the troubles between Russia and Japan. South America, Mexico and the Panama region have each been considered. Literature in its real sense has not been neglected but has had its share of consideration and the Circle members feel that the thirty years of attention to the intellectual side of life has been a period of profit and has not damaged the community. 285  

A club of recent origin is called the "Bay View," from its course of study, and it admits any one so far as its rules are concerned since its only object is study. The club was organized at Stanwood in 1908. Mrs. C. L. Rigby was chosen the leader for the first year, Mrs. Clyde W. Jackson for the second, and they have followed the course of study as given in the magazine for the Bay View course. The club has one rule that is interesting and instructive—no member is to use any book during the club exercise or recitation period. No papers have been prepared for reasons given, among them being the need of a library of reference and the large amount of time required to use the work laid out in the regular course. This club is composed of ten members. 286  

The most recent addition to the organization exclusively for women and one that counts among its numbers in the state some of the most accomplished of the sex began its history in Tipton in April, 1910. This is Chapter DY of the P. E. O. Its standing among the other similar groups is very high. The charter members are Mrs. Edith Bartley, Miss Emma Chappell, Mrs. Clara Britcher, Mrs. Ella Brotherlin, Mrs. Nettie Ocheltree, Mrs. Louie Hender and Mrs. Ollie Thiel. They have increased this original number to eleven since the first meeting. 287