The Merry War
"Now that the tooth extractor of Clinton Park has gone, what will the crowds do for free amusements?"
This is just one of the many interesting articles which appeared in the July24, 1886 issue of The Merry War, the lively little paper published so many yearsby Dan Winget.
For an insight on life in those early days read the following notices in that same issue:
Leslie & Dunham the grocers are headquarters for the freshest fruits,vegetables, etc. Their bill of fare in this line to-day includes Georgia watermelons, fresh grapes, blueberries, cherries, peaches, apples, and the vegetables found there fresh include onions, potatoes, beets, turnips, cabbage,etc. A large stock of fine, fresh staple and fancy groceries is always aleading feature.
See the great bargains in summer goods at the C. C. C.
The B., C. R. & N. pay car was here Thursday distributing ducats to theboys. With it was Supt. Williams and other officials looking over theirinterests in Clinton.
You can buy ice cream by the gallon at John Smith's.
Louie Jurgensen exhibits in Hoffmaster's window, an excellently executedcrayon portrait. Louie is a pupil of John M. Stitch.
One of the handsomest and most convenient things invented in shoes is thepatent adjustable Congress - Waukenphast shoes for which Chas. Walls is the soleagent for this city. The shoe is made to lace up after it is on your foot,just to fit your instep and ankle. The proper adjustment being affected,the laces tied in a hard knot, the ends cut off, and ever afterward the shoe isa congress, to be clipped on and off in a twinkling. Ask to see them.
Croquet sets marked down to 70 cents at the Fair. Now is your chance.
Ward Cooley has put on a handsome little parcel delivery wagon, and promptlydelivers packages within the city limits at 5 and 10 cents according tolocation. Look for his wagon.
Mr. Fred Rumble has just completed a fine job of fresco work on the masonicHall, at Wheatland, and left the parties most concerned thoroughly pleased withthe job. On the ceiling, at various points, appear nicely executed emblemsof the order and the filling in the color is very tasty. Mr. Rumble haslong been known as a competent artist in this line, and the Wheatland lodge wasvery fortunate in securing his services.
The water barrels on the streets are well patronized, not only for thedrinks, but they are utilized as seats for loafers.
Dr. T. F. Moit, of Chicago, graduate of the Chicago College of DentalSurgery, has located in this city, in Corbin Block, cor. Third street and FourthAvenue, where he will open dental parlors about August 1. The doctor comeshighly recommended by some of the leading physicians of Chicago, and willundoubtedly step into a lucrative practice at once. We are always glad towelcome such men to our city.
Supt. Walden has put his men to work on a new elevator the the Northwestern.
The Electric Light Co. are hustling things to get ready for the illuminationAugust 1st.
Try that fine crab apple cider, a strictly temperance drink at John Smith's.
Several prominent masons of this city will go to the triennial Masonicmeeting, in St. Louis this fall.
A pair of pants worth $5 for $2.75 at the Chicago Clothing Co., 510 TollBlock.
Erastus Brower's new lunch room is progressing nicely and setting out a finelunch.
Summer goods almost give away at the C. C. C.
The dozen crazy quilters will have their last meeting at the residence ofMrs. John Harding, and will make a quilt for Mrs. Harding's mother to take withher to her home in California.
Send in your names for THE MERRY WAR. It will contain each week a largebudget of personals, giving the goings and comings of people you know, a goodshare of pleasant and profitable reading matter and just what you want. Send it to your friends.
[The Merry War is no longer published but the Clinton Library has issueson microfilm. It would be a nice project for someone to check it out andsee what other goodies it contains.]
SOURCE: Centennial Edition, Clinton Herald, Clinton Iowa, 18 June 1955
