Iowa
Old Press
Postville Herald
Postville, Allamakee co. Iowa
Thursday, January 7, 1926
Clayton Sheriff Has Big "Moonshine Party"
Sheriff Chris P. Larson of Clayton county had a party of his own
New Year's day. The invited guests were other officers and
newspaper men. The repast consisted of 70 gallons of
"moonshine," white and colored. The party was held on
the large stone bridge spanning the Turkey river here. During the
course of the year Sheriff Larson has gathered a large amount of
"moonshine" liquor, as evidence. Seventy gallons of
this representing perhaps eighteen or twenty varieties has served
its purpose as evidence and was ordered destroyed by the judge of
the district court and so the liquor was taken to the bridge
Friday afternoon and thrown to rock banks of the river below,
where every barrel, jug or bottle was broken by the fall and the
contents flowed into the river. The fish in the river soon after
the "party" were seen doing the Charleston and few of
the modern dances.
Old Man Blizzard
Press dispatches assert that the word "blizzard"
originated in Iowa. Whether or not the dispatches are correct,
they present a novel story. An old diary at Spencer has revealed
the fact that in the early Iowa days a man named Blizzard had a
way of flying into a rage whenever he was dissatisfied. During
the terrific snowstorm of 1866, a Spencer woman looked out of the
window and said: "My, this is a regular old man Blizzard of
a storm." Every bad storm thereafter was called a blizzard.
The name spread and eventually was taken up by the newspapers.
Now it is in common usage. It seems particularly appropriate that
the word should have originated in Iowa. The rigors of Iowa
winters are nothing to laugh at. They take their toll in life and
coal. And every so often, becoming spirited, they burst forth
with unreasonable and merciless fury, vertiable old man
Blizzards.
Rev. W.W. Robinson Died Christmas Day
The following obituary of a former well-known and loved pastor of
the Postville M.E. church will bring a pang of sorrow to all who
knew this Godly man and sincere christian, who was a power for
righteousness in every communtiy which her served:
William Walter Robinson, second son of John and Emma Robinson,
was born in Amsterdam, New York, January 25, 1849. In 1859 he
came with his parents to Butler county, Iowa. Here he lived on
the farm and attended the country school until he left to secure
more education. After leaving the country school he attended
Bradford Academy for two years. His education was interrupted
often on account of lack of funds and it was necessar to stay out
and teach school. Later he entered Upper Iowa University, and on
June 26, 1873, he graduated from this institution. His
determination to secure an education may be seen by the fact that
he worked almost his entire way through the college by sawing
wood for the stoves in the old Seminary building - the only
building on the campus at that time. In September of the same
year he joined the Upper Iowa conference of the Methodist church.
In 1908 on account of failing health, he took the supernumerary
relation, and in 1913 retired.
He was united in mariage with Estella S. Walker, at Burr Oak,
Iowa, May 8, 1876. To them were born two children, Mertie May -
now Mrs. Wm. E. Butler of Greene, Iowa and Earl Walker of
Minneapolis. In 1909 he moved to Sac City, Iowa, and in 1914 he
came to Fayette, where he lived in retirement until death called
him home. He loved the school from which he graduated and from
which he later received the degree of Doctor of Divinity.
About two months ago, after an illness covering a period of
several years he felt himself grrowing worse. He went to Greene,
Iowa, to be with his daughter. On November 5, he entered St.
Luke's hospital at Cedar Rapids for treatment; but his condition
grew worse and upon the advice of the hospital physicians was
taken to Greene, where he suffered incessently yet
uncomplainingly, until early Christmas morning he passed over the
river. He departed this life at the age of 76 years and 11
months. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, daughter and son
who at the present time is ill with scarlet fever in the
Minneapolis hospital. He also leaves one brother, George F.
Robinson, of Nashua, Iowa, and his many friends.
It is not necessary to comment on the beatiful life he lived. To
know him once was to know him always. He was always the same. To
him, it was never a matter of what was expedient, but what was
right. The funeral was held Monday at 2:30 p.m. in the Methodist
church at FAyette, Dr. Will Kirwin preaching the sermon, and Rev.
John D. Clinton assisting. Interment was in Grandview cemetery.
-- Fayette Leader.
Mrs. Chas. D. Bayless Dies in McGregor
A phone message Saturday evening from McGregor conveyed to
Postville relatives the sorry news of the death in that city on
January 2, 1926, of Mrs. Charles D. Bayless. Addie C. Minnick was
born in Hardin, Iowa, August 26, 1868, and with her parents moved
to Postville, where she grew to womanhood. January 17, 1885, she
was married to Charles D. Bayless and to this union were born
four children, Verni C., Rex I., and William L. of Chicago and
Mrs. Hattie Owens of FAirmont, Minnesota, all of whom survive
her. The husband and father passed away several years ago, since
which time, Mrs. Bayless had made her home in McGregor. Besides
those above named, Mrs. Bayless ia also survived by a little
grandson, Robert A. Bayless, whom she had reared from babyhood;
her mother, Mrs. William Shepherd; sister, Mrs. Nora Harman, both
of this city; a nephew, Lee Burdick of Chicago and many relatives
and friends. The remains were brought to Postville Tuesday and
after a short service conducted by Rev. R.F. Galloway, at the
undertaking parlors of Harris & Schutte, interment was made
in Postville cemetery.
Card of Thanks
We sincerely thank the neighbors and friends for their kind
assistance and sympathy during the burial of our beloved mother
and daughter; also for the beautiful floral offerings.
Mrs. Hattie Owens
Verni, Rex and William Bayless
Mrs. William Shepherd
Mr. and Mrs. R.F. Hecker Wedded Fifty Years
On Wednesday of this week our esteemed townspeople, Mr. and Mrs.
R.F. Hecker, reached the fiftieth milestone on their matrimonial
journey - their Golden Wedding day. Owing to the impaired health
of the bride, no celebration of the event had been planned, while
the groom observed the day by going out to his farm and chopping
wood. Mrs. Hecker, however, was able to recieve and to appreciate
calls, congratulations and remembrances from her myriad friends
and is slowly but surely gaining in physical strength, a fact
which all are more than pleased to note. With the many friends of
Mr. and Mrs. Hecker, the Herald joins in extending its heartiest
well wishes on this auspicious occasion and hopes that in health
both may be spared to round out numerous happy recurrences of
their wedding day.
A Devoted Mother Goes To Reward
In this city at 3:20 a.m. on Jan 1, 1926, Mrs. Mina Mickelson,
passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clara Newell.
Deceased was born near Oslo, Norway, November 26, 1841, and had
attained her 84th year last Thanksgiving day. Mina Holter was
married to Christian Mickelson in Norway and they came to
American in 1871, locating near Postville, Iowa, but later
removed to Neeah, Wisconsin, where Mr. Mickelson died in 1875.
Returning to Postville with her four children, she made that
place her home for 42 years; and here this faithful and patient
mother reared and educated her children. Eight years ago failing
health made it necessary for her to give up her own home, and she
came to live with her daughters at Waukon. A spirit of
contentment and cheerfullness marked her closing years.
She leaves to mourn her loss a son and three daughters, Otto
Mickleson of Wisconsin RApids, Wisconsin; Mrs. Mary Bryson and
Mrs. Clara Newell of Waukon, and Mrs. Anna Clifton of Seattle,
WAshington, all of whom were with her during her last illness.
Also ten grandchildren and one brother, Mr. Carl Holter of
Postville.
In Norway Mrs. Micleson was a member of the Lutheran church, but
during her early residence in Postville she joined the
Congregational church and was a devoted member during her entire
residence there. After funeral services at the Newell residence
Sunday afternoon, burial took place at the cemetery in Postville
beside her mother and sister, the services being conducted by
Rev. Paul Krebs, pastor of the Presbyterian church of Waukon, and
by Rev. Galloway of the Postville Community church. -- Waukon
Democrat.
The above notice will bring a pang of sorrow to all who knew Mrs.
Mickelson during her long residence in Postville,
Successful School Party
Upwards of Sixty-six attended the Oak Hill school, of which Miss
Helga Martens is teacher, and made it the success of which it was
deserving. Edward Martens, Gretchen Hein, Robert and RAlph
Kneeskern, Leonard, Harlan and Charlotte Koenig were among the
pupils taking part in the program. Two one-act plays were
presented: "Just Like a Woman," being portrayed by Ruth
and Clarence Green, Howard Kluss, Hazel Luebka, Ruby Martens and
Orville Hein; and "Do Men Gossip" by Ruth and Arthur
Martens, Orville and Lloyd Hein, Harold Turner and Chester Green.
A clarinet solo was given by Howard Kluss and several harmonica
solos by members of the audience.
Legion Auxillary Elects 1926 Officers.
At its annual meeting the Postville Legion Auxiliary elected the
following officers for 1926:
President - Mrs. Agnes Hanks
Vice president - Mrs. Maude Baily
Secretary - Mrs. Anna Putnam
Treasurer - Miss Pauline Staadt
St. Paul's Congregation Elects New Officers
At the annual meeting of St. Paul's Lutheran congregation, held
last Sunday, the following officers were elected:
President - L.H. Schroeder
Vice president - Geo. Welzel
Secretary - Wm C. Foels
Treasurer - C.W. Meier
Trustees - Chas. Hoth and Albert Zieman
Deacons - Louis Meyer, J.F. Palas and F.H. Brandt.
--
An enjoyable surprise watch night party was held on New Year's
eve at the home of Mrs. James Gregg, where a small company of
friends passed several happy hours listening in on the New Year's
programs all the was from New York City to the colored Holy
Rollers in Ft. Worth, Texas. At the stroke of twelve, ice cream
and cake were served. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Frank
Ervin, Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Schuette, Mr. and Mrs. Burt E. Tuttle
and and Helen and Mrs. John H. Meier.
[transcribed by S.F., August 2007]
-----
Postville Herald
Postville, Allamakee co. Iowa
January 21, 1926
Old Postville People Picnic in California
Have a Grand Reunion and Talk Over the Happy Days of the Long Ago
at Long Beach, Calif.
Gathering for their regular quarterly meeting about seventy
former residents of Postville, Ia., who are now making their
homes in Southern California or visiting here, enjoyed a
mid-winter picnic in Bixby park on Thursday. Among the cities
represented were Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, Los Angeles,
Pasedena, Glendale and other smaller California cities.
The reunion opened about 11 o'clock when picnickers arrived with
lunches which were spread at 12:30. An informal program in the
afternoon included a talk by F.W. Roberts, who with his family
has enjoyed a tour of the east, spending considerable time in
Florida. They are now visiting for a time in Los Angeles before
returning to their home in Seattle, Wash. Reading of a number of
letters from old settlers of Postville was also enjoyed, the
remainder of the time being spent in recalling former days and
visiting with long-time friends. The next reunion will be held in
Brookside park in Pasadena.
Present from Long Beach were Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Ripley and
daughter, Mrs. Cora M. Cassil; Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Shroyer, Mr. and
Mrs. Herman Webb, who are wintering here; Mr. and Mrs. G.E.
Eaton, Mr. and Mrs. F.W. eaton, Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Parker and
daughter, Miss Minnie Parker; Mr. and Mrs. Will Luce, Dr.
Katherine Van Velzer and Mesdames Jennie McCormick, L.W. Thoma,
M. Alward, J.W. Ward, Ella Hardwick, Kate Lards, Jennie Easton,
Miss Margaret Turner, W.S. Webster and E.T. Courson.
From Los Angeles were Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Cornell and their son,
Harvey Cornell, of Minneapolis, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Booth
and Mesdames Velma Shepherd, Alice Dodge, Bessie Blessin and Lucy
Chriss.
Pasadenans present were Mr. and Mrs. W.C. McNeil, Mr. and Mrs.
H.A. McNeil, Mrs. E.W. Spurr, Mrs. Janet McNeil Sutton and
Professor J.F. Smith.
Other out-of-town visitors included Mr. and Mrs. Charles Skelton
and daughter, Miss Lena Skelton, of Glendale; A.J. Patterson of
Puente; Mrs. John Finey, of Buena Park; Mr. and Mrs. R. Eaton and
Mrs. M.L. Collins of Seal Beach; Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Taylor of San
Gabriel; Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Parker and Mr. and Mrs. W.H.
McAllister of San Pedro, and Miss Mary McDaneld, of Watts.
From the northwest were Mr. F.W. Roberts and daughter, Miss
Stella Roberts of Seattle, Washington, and Mr. and Mrs. Herbert
Templeton of Portland, Oregon, who are visitors in the Southland.
--Morning Sun, Long Beach, California, Jan. 9, 1926
Family Group is Entertained at Ripley Home
After enjoying a reunion with frieds at the picnic of former
residents of Postville, Iowa, on Thursday, a family group went to
the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Ripley and their daughter, Mrs.
Cora M. Cassill, at 19 Orizaba, for dinner and a social evening.
Chinese lillies and yellow candles made an attractive table at
which covers were laid for Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Templeton, of
Portland, Oregon, who spent Thursday and Friday with the Ripleys.
Mr. and Mrs. Will Luce, Mr. and Mrs. H. Curtis Cassil, Mrs.
Jennie Easton and Mrs. Bessie Blessin of Los Angeles. Mrs.
Templeton is a niece of Mrs. Ripley and with her husband is
enjoying a visit in Southern California. -- --Morning Sun,
Long Beach, California, Jan. 9, 1926
Postville's Fraternities Officers & Meetings
Few towns of its size have more active fraternities than has
Postville, which is indicative of the fact that the people who
make up this town and community are friendly folks. Fraternity
stands for friedliness, brotherhood, sisterhood, helpfullness;
and if there is anything more than another of which this old
world stands sore in need it is more of that spirit of
brotherhood which is the foundation of every fraternity.
The teachings of all societies are good and he who endeavors to
live up to them, no matter how far short of it he may come,
cannot help being a better man and a more useful citizen. They in
nowise supplant the church, but rather should draw their
membership closer to it. We therefore take pleasure in presenting
herewith a list of the officers of Postville's several active
fraternities and the meeting night of each, as follows:
Brotherly Love Lodge, No. 204 A.F. & A.M.
W.M. - Peter Service
S.W. - E.E. McMartin
J.W. - I.P. Hinman
Treasurer - L.O. Beucher
Secretary - A.C. Webster
S.D. - Elmer L. Meyer
J.D. - Victor Williams
S.S. - E.E. Owen
J.S. - Roland J. Brandt
Tyler - Hugh Shepherd
Meets - First Tuesday each month
Postville Lodge No. 707, I.O.O.F.
N.G. - Frank D. Rounds
V.G. - Ira P. Hinman
Secretary - J.W. Campbell
Treasurer - C.F. Meiser
Warden - J.W. Powell
Conductor - W.C. Schroeder
L.G. - Albert Backhaus
O.G. - Frank Suchanek
R.S.N.G. - W.H. Weihe
L.S.N.G. - W.M. Harris
R.S.V.G. - Alfred Meyer
L.S.V.G. - D.C. Bloxham
Chaplain - A.C. Webster
R.S.S. - Chas. Wegner
L.S.S. - Otto Sander
Meets - Every Friday evening
Noble Lodge No. 51, A.O.U.W.
P.M.W. - Bert E. Tuttle
Master Workman - A.A. Schmidt
Foreman - James A. Fisher
Overseer - Fred J. Thoma
Guide - J.P. Ellis
Recorder - Wm. Shepherd
Financier - H.H. Douglass
Treasurer - J.M. Thoma
Inside Watch - John L. Gregg
Outside Watch - Dick Weighner
Med. Exam - Dr. A.A. Schmidt
Meets - 2nd and 4th Thursdays
Post Rebekah Lodge No. 48, I.O.O.F.
Noble Grand - Mrs. Flora Franklin
Vice Grand - Mrs. Nina Harrington
Secretary - Mrs. Delia Stone
Treasurer - Mrs. Emelia Sander
Warden - Mrs. Olgo Sebastian
Conductor - Mrs. Ada Schuette
Chaplain - Mrs. Anna Zieman
R.S. to N.G. - Mrs. Hattie Weihe
L.S. to N.G. - Mrs. Florence Musser
R.S. to V.G. - Mrs. Amanda Phillips
L.S. to V.G. - Mrs. Edith Sawvelle
Inside Guardian - Carmen Sweikert
Outside Guardian - Leroy Wegner
Pianist - Mrs. Mabel Meyer
Meets - 2nd and 4th Thursdays
Unity Chapter No 62, R.A.M.
High Priest - R.F. Topliff
King - Fred J. Miller
Scribe - R.M. Hecker
Captain of Host - R.C. Huebner
Principal Sojourner - H. Miller
Third Vail - W.G. Bulman
Second Vail - Arbe Behrens
First Vail - John F. Palas
Sentinel - A.S. Burdick
Treasurer - A.L. Peterson
Secretary - A.C. Webster
Meets - 1st Thursday each month
Oak Camp No 328, M.W.A.
Venerable Consul - W.J. Hanks
Worthy Advisor - Bert E. Tuttle
Banker - A.L. Peterson
Clerk - A.J. Phillips
Escort - C.A. Ammons
Watchman - Wm. Weihe
Sentry - Hugh Shepherd
Physician - Dr. A.A. Schmidt
Manager - Warner Harris
Meets - 2nd and 4th Wednesdays
[remainder of list is cut off my photocopy]
[transcribed by S.F., November 2006]