Page 568
1-25-27
ARDON NEWS
(Continued)
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stump of Muscatine were Sunday guests at the
John Verink home.
Another shipment of lime has been received at Ardon and is being
distributed among the farmers of this neighborhood.
Miss Margaret Barker, teacher of High Prairie school, left for
Columbus Junction Friday evening to join the basketball team
of which she is a member, to play a rival team at the place.
Mrs. R. M. Kautz, of Bufaalo, Ia., returned to her home after a
visit with friends and relatives in this neighborhood.
A number of hunters from Muscatine have been after rabbits in
this neighborhood. The rabbits are scarce this year.
Page 568
1-29-27
ARDON NEWS
R. Blake of this place motored to Iowa City, where he placed
his wife in the university hospital, where she was operated upon
Wednesday.
Andrew Healey left Tuesday morning for Chicago on a business trip.
In Chicago he will be joined by his brothers Mark Healey, of
Indiana, and Edward Healey, of Des Moines. They will then go to
Chicago Heights to visit at the home of their sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Dorsey.
Frances Nolan is under the care of Dr. Klein of Muscatine, having
a relapse following an attack of the measles.
A mixed load of cattle was shipped to Chicago from Ardon Thursday.
2-8-27
ARDON NEWS
The pupils of Central school have again taken up their work after
a short vacation caused by the illness of their teacher, Mrs.
Nellie Mahoney.
George Townsley has received a carload of molasses feed.
A number of farmers of this neighborhood are busy getting up their
summer supply of wood. Some choppers are driving from Muscatine
each day to chop wood and make fence posts.
The condition of the roads is rapidly becoming better. The
county roads are in good condition, but the byroads are still
muddy.
Page 569
1-13-27
ARDON NEWS
The measles have broken out in this neighborhood. A number of
children are absent from school on account of the measles.
Little Helen Maxine Gage, small daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cal
Gage of Fredonia, who has been seriously ill with measles, at
the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Nolan, of this
vicinity, is improving nicely.
William Reed shipped two carloads of cattle and Roy Masonholder
one carload of cattle to Chicago Tuesday.
Several of the residents of this community attended the funeral
of the late Mrs. Mary Shellbarger at Letts Tuesday afternoon.
John O'Brien was a business caller in this neighborhood Monday.
A. G. Whittaker of Muscatine was in Ardon Monday.
Parties returning from Letts recently saw a large timber wolf
near the Tom Cashman pasture.
1-15-27
ARDON NEWS
The women of the farm bureau met at the home of Mrs. L. E. DownerWednesday. The making of the fireless cooker was the lesson.
Two were completed. No meetings will be held until the measles
epidemic is past, as a large "number of the homes in this community are quarantined.
The farmers of this vicinity are becoming interested liming their
farming ground, especially that selected to grow alfalfa and sweet
clover. Large shipments are coming to Ardon to be hauled to the
different farms nearby.
A number are planning to sow spring wheat. the wet autumn made
it impossible to sow winter wheat, which is largely grown in this
vicinity.
1-25-27
ARDON NEWS
A number of new cases of measles have been reported in this
vicinity, while some of the children have recovered and returned
to school. There ar several cases of the grippe among the other
residents.
Mark Nolan, small son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Nolan, has been ill
but is much better. His sister Francis has also been ill with
an attack of the measles.
Page 570
1-25-27
(Continued)
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stump of Muscatine were Sunday guests at the
John Verink home.
Another shipment of lime has been received at Ardon and is being
distributed among the farmers of this neighborhood.
Miss Margaret Barker, teacher of High Prairie school, left for
Columbus Junction Friday evening to join the basketball team
of which she is a member, to play a rival team at the place.
Mrs. R. M. Kautz, of Bufaalo, Ia., returned to her home after a
visit with friends and relatives in this neighborhood.
A number of hunters from Muscatine have been after rabbits in
this neighborhood. The rabbits are scarce this year.
1-29-27
ARDON NEWS
R. Blake of this place motored to Iowa City, where he placed
his wife in the university hospital, where she was operated upon
Wednesday.
Andrew Healey left Tuesday morning for Chicago on a business trip.
In Chicago he will be joined by his brothers Mark Healey, of
Indiana, and Edward Healey, of Des Moines. They will then go to
Chicago Heights to visit at the home of their sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Dorsey.
Frances Nolan is under the care of Dr. Klein of Muscatine, having
a relapse following an attack of the measles.
A mixed load of cattle was shipped, to Chicago from Ardon Thursday.
2-8-27
ARDON NEWS
The pupils of Central school have again taken up their work after
a short vacation caused by the illness of their teacher, Mrs.
Nellie Mahoney.
George Townsley has received a carload of molasses feed.
A number of farmers of this neighborhood are busy getting up their
summer supply of wood. Some choppers are driving from Muscatine
each day to chop wood and make fence posts.
The condition of the roads is rapidly becoming better. The
county roads are in good condition, but the byroads are still
muddy.
Page 571
2-17-27
ARDON NEWS
George Townsley shipped five carloads of fat cattle to Chicago
Tuesday. These cattle were especially fine. Mr. Townsley having
them on full feed close to ten months. Mr. Townsley and son, Fay,
accompanied the shipment.
Mrs. Carrie Howell has moved to Muscatine, where she will make
her home.
The countryside was again blanketed in a coat of snow the first
of the week. Large limbs of evergreen trees were broken off by
the weight of snow. Some of the roads were cleared of snow by
road graders.
The Adam Paul and Gr. R. Cole familes of Pleasant Prarie were
Sundday visitors at the home of Charles Fletcher.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stump of Muscatine were Sunday visitors at the
John Verink home.
Leo Grosjean of Muscatine was a business caller in this vicinity
Tuesday.
The pupils of High Prairie school are having a vacation on account
of the illness of their teacher, Miss Margaret Barker.
Spring moving has begun. There will be a number of changes in
this vicinity.
2-23-27
ARDON NEWS
George Townsley has returned from Chicago. Mr. Townsley accompanied
a shipment of five carloads of fat cattle to Chicago.
Mrs. J. E. Furlong and sons, Edward and Leo,and Maurice, and
daughter, Alice, were shopping in Muscatine Thursday.
The bad roads prevented a large number of the farmers from going
to Muscatine Dollar Day.
W. M. Riggs and Fay Townsley arrived from Chicago Thursday morning after a business trip to that city.
Page 572
3-10-27
ARDON NEWS
Edward O'Toole, wife and baby daughter, of Tarnian, Texas, are
visiting at the home of Mr. O'Toole's parents, Mr. and Mrs. James
O'Toole of this vicinity.
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Nolan and children, Frances and Mark, were
Monday morning arrivals from Muscatine.
Mrs. H. Blake has returned home from Iowa City, where she has been
taking treatments at the University Hospital. She is much improved
in health.
Mrs. J. E. Furlong, daughter Alice and son, Leo, were Muscatine
shoppers Saturday.
A number of the residents of this community were in Muscatine the
latter part of the week to attend the Masonholder-Goldsberry trial.
Ernest Ackman of Eliza, Ill. has moved to Ardon.
Chas. Warrenstaff and family are moving from the Joseph Hickey
farm to the Ernest Meeker farm West of Ardon.
Hershel Fletcher has moved from the Robert Lee farm west of Ardon
to the W. H. Fletcher farm on the Burlington road. Mr. Smith of
Illinois will occupy the Lee farm.
Henry Bryant has moved to Ardon from the Andrew Healey farm.
3-15-27
ARDON NEWS
J. B. Byrne purchased a large number of thoroughbred Duroc Jersey
gilts at the Smylie hog sale recently.
Miss Ella Tenner of Efmond, S.D. left for her home after an extended
visit at the home of her sister, Mrs. Fay Townsley.
Miss Marie Byrne spent Sunday at the home of William Noll of Muscatine.
Miss Margaret Barker resumed her duties as teacher at High Prairie
school Monday. Mrs. Harry Meeker of Cranston has been taking her
place during Mrs Barker's illness.
Clyde Goldsberry shipped a carload of cattle to Chicago Sunday morning.
Page 573
3-15-27
ROADS BOTTOMLESS IN ARDON VICINITY
The recent rain and frost going out of the ground have made the
roads almost impossible. Funck's Hill, southwest of Muscatine,
was in bad condition Saturday forenoon. A number of cars were
stuck and teams had to pull them up hill and down also. Planks
were hauled from Ardon and the worst places planked. Near the
Vincent farm near Letts seven automobiles were stuck in
the mud at one time, in being almost impossible for even horses
to get through. Near the grave] pit one man kept his team near
the bad place and made good wages pulling out cars stuck in the mud.
3-21-27
FARMERS AT ARDON START OPERATIONS
Pig Crop Good One
The fine spring weather started the farmers to getting their
grain equipment in order and some garden has been made
and some early potatoes have been planted.
The spring pig crop is satisfactory in this vicinity, an overage
of eight pigs being reported by a large number of farmers. A
large crop of later pigs is expected. The little chicks have
made their appearance on a number of farms and are doing nicely.
3-21-27
ARDON NEWS
The losing team in an attendance contest held at the High Prairie
school, entertained the winning team at St. Patrick's Day party
Thursday afternoon after school hours. The St. Patrick's Day
colors were in evidence. Irish jokes and stories added to the
enjoyment of the occasion.
Edward O'Toole, wife and baby, Inez, of Texas, who have been
visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James 0'Toole of this neighborhood returned to their home Friday evening.
The condition of Cloyee Downer, who was operated upon for
dicitis at a Muscatine Hospital is satisfactory.
The little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fletcher is very
ill at the home of her parents near here.
Page 574
3-23-27
SEVENTY-SIX TOWNSHIP
One Out of Every Three Spellers Will Receive Awards and
Many Schools Will Also Win
Walnut, Hilda Miller, Telma Phillips.
High Prairie, Arlene Eichelberger, Betty Fletcher.
Central, Eileen Summers, Lawrence Healey.
Green Valley, Roy Crow, Susie Whisler.
Burr Oak, Raymond Carter, Anita McBride.
3-31-27
ARDON NEWS
Mrs. Tom Hackett has returned home after a visit with friends
in Muscatine.
B. F. Byrne shipped a carload of fat hogs to the Chicago market,
Tuesday. Mr. Byrne left for Chicago Tuesday evening.
Everett Strong of Wapello has moved into what is known as the
Ardon Dale farm west of Ardon.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stump of Muscatine and a party of friends were
Sunday guests at the John Verink home.
4-20-27
ARDON NEWS
Master Tom Summers, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Summers, celebrated
his sixth birthday Sunday. A number of friends and relatives
from Muscatine were in attendance. Easter decorations were
carried out in the table arrangements and an Easter egg hunt was
the feature of the day's enjoyment.
Mr. and Mrs. Will Noll of near Muscatine, were Sunday guests at
the home of Mrs. Anna Byrne.
Word was received by Mr. and Mrs. John Verink of the birth of
a little granddaughter at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stump.
There was no school Monday at the High Prairie school.
The John O'Brien and John Foley families were Easter Sunday guests
at the James O'Brien home.
Page 575
4-25-27
RAILROADS DRIVING PILING TO PREVENT
ADDITIONAL SLIDES.
Milwaukee trains are again running over their own tracks between
Muscatine and Ardon following the landslide at a fill a mile
east of Ardon Friday evening which caused trains to be routed
through Washington to Muscatine for a time Saturday. Service
over the Milwaukee tracks, which was resumed Saturday afternoon,
received a slight interruption again Sunday when another slide
occurred, but service was received today.
Piling is to be driven for a distance of 150 feet at the fill
where the slide took place to prevent more dirt from loosening,
and a considerable quantity of the fill replaced. Crews are at
work there now.
Piling is also being driven at Wyoming hill on the Rock Island
right of way, where dirt from the cut has been sliding down on
the tracks. More dirt was reported to have slid there yesterday,
and a steam shovel is on the job there today.
4-29-27
ARDON FARMERS BUSY WITH GRAIN SEEDING;
BIG ACREAGE PLANTED
Grain sowing is in full swing and a large acreage has been planted
this week. There is a constant hum of tractors heard from early
morning until way into the night. Changing drivers is all the
the time lost. The little chicken and pig crops are exceptionally
good in this locality. Many gardens have been planted this week.
Other News
The Muscatine Concert Company, which includes a group of Muscatine
musicians, will give a concert at Letts this evening at 8 at the
U. B. Church. This concert is sponsored by the Ladie's Aid
Socoeties of both churches.
Roy Masonholder, who has been very ill for some time, is reported
much improved.
Ardon is still a busy place these days. Several construction
gangs are still here working on the fill on the Milwaukee railroad
track, eat of Ardon. The company is sparing no expense in making
the tracks safe. A number of the railroad officials are on the
scene directing and overseeing the work.
The teachers of the township schools are preparing for the dectanatory contest to be held at the U. B. Church at High Prairie.
Page 576
5-3-27
ARDON VISITED BY
ELECTRICAL STORM
The worst electrical storm known in many years visited Ardon
about 6 o'clock last evening. The lightning struck with a area
of a quarter of a mile at four different places during the storm
which lasted but a few minutes. No one was injured but several
persons were slightly shocked.
At the home of Mrs. Anna Byrne a chimney was torn from the house
and the lightning passed inside the house tearing off plastering
and doing quite a little damage, but no fire started. At the
H. Blake home the radio aerial was struck and the lightning
followed the wire inside the house causing quite a little damage.
It also struck the L. A. Summers home, but with practically no
damage. A tree at the farm home of Mike Healey was badly shat-
tered by a bolt.
Practically all the telephone in this vicinity were put out of
commission.
5-9-27
ARDON NEWS
The declamatory contest and ice cream social has been postponed
from May 4 to May 10. It will be held at St. John's U. B. Church
at High Prairie at 8 p.m.
Lee Williams, of Lucerne, Mo., who has been employed on Clyde
Goldsberry farm, on the Burlington road, underwent an operation
for appendicitis at the Hershey Hospital in Muscatine recently.
He is improving nicely.
Little Edward Goldsberry has been very ill, threatened with
pneumonia.
Henry Bryant is ill with an attack of bronchitis.
Mrs.. John Verink and. son John, Jr. were over night visitor at
the Carl Stump home in Muscatine recently.
Page 577
6-4-27
MILWAUKEE ROAD ADDS
TO ITS NAME
A certificate authorizing the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and
Pacific Railway Company to operate in Iowa was issued today by
the secretary of state.
The company is the reorganized Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul
railway, having a capital embracing $202,380,400. preferred stock
and $2,097,907. in common stock of no par value.
John N. Hughes of Des Moines has been appointed the company's
agent on whom civil process can be served in Iowa.
6-15-27
PERFECT ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR PAST SCHOOL YEAR
MADE BY 185 RURAL PUPILS HERE
Seventy-Six Township
Walnut- Hilda Miller.
High Prairie - Carl Peterson.
Central - Paul Lee, Eileen Summers, Loretta Healey, Geneivieve
Healey.
Green Valley - Ida Eisels.
6-15-27
ARDON NEWS
Mrs. Clement Hogan and children, Mary Frances and Junior, of
Omaha are visiting at the home of Ed Coady.
Maurice and John McAvoy of Algona, Ia. are spending their summer
vacations at the home of their uncle, James O'Brien, and also at
the home of John Foley at Nichols.
Little Miss Rosalie Healey of Muscatine is visiting her cousins,
Loretta and Genevieve Healey.
Mr. and Mrs. Adam Paul and son of Pleasant Prairie were in this
neighborhood recently.
Page 578
6-21-27
ARDON NEWS
A number of the farmers are disposing of their old hogs owing
to the high price of corn and the large pig crop.
Children's day exercises held Sunday at the High Prairie
Methodist Church were well attended. An interesting feature of
the day was the baptismal rite. Little William Delmar Goldsberry,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Goldsberry, was one of those
baptized.
Orvil Warrenstaf, who was painfully bruised while attempting
to harness a colt on the Charles Elder farm in much improved.
Miss Irene Spitznogle has returned home after a motor trip
through Illinois and. Indiana.
Mr. and Mrs. William Jones and daughter, Maude, and Mr. and Mrs.
George Helwick and children, of Moline were visiting friends
in this neighborhood the past week.
The wild blackberry crop promises to be a large one as the vines
along the roadside are full of berries.
Weasels got into the chicken crop of Mrs. Freese and killed
approximately 100.
Mrs. Carl Stump and. baby of Muscatine were visitors at the John
Verink home recently.
6-29-27
ARDON NEWS
Mrs. Harry Schneider and little son Junior were visitors at the
home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Nolan.
Mr. and Mrs. N. Fuleene went to Fairport Friday evening.
Mrs. Charles Warrenstaf entertained visitors from Fredonia the
past week.
Joseph Digney and family were Sunday guests at the home of Mr.
Digney's sister, Mrs. Margaret Tomney.
Page 579
7-6-27
ARDON NEWS
Petter Byrne and family of Cedar Rapids, Ia., were Independence
Day guests at the Byrne home in this neighborhood. They will
visit with relatives in Muscatine before returning to their home.
Mrs. Frank Martin and little daughter, Irene, of Muscatine, Mr
and Mrs. John Tomney and Mike Tomney celebrated the Fourth of
July at Nichols.
Cards were received by friends of Mr. and Mrs. George Townsley
of this neighborhood who are touring the eastern and southern
states. They are now at Washington, D.C.
Miss Irene Healey has returned home after a week's visit at the
Noll home near Muscatine.
Miss E1izabeth Glenn of Davenport is a house guest at the 0'Toole
home near Letts.
Mrs. Ed Hogan and two sons of Iowa City are visiting at the home
of Ed Coady.
Mr. and Mrs. Adam Paul and Miss Cora Stohr and Mr. Stigers were
Sunday visitors at the home of C. L. Fletcher.
Miss Nannie O'Brien and James O'Brien spent the Fourth of July
at Nichols.
Little Edmon Paul of Pleasant Prairie is visiting at the Charles
Fletcher home.
Rain is needed in this vicinity. The wheat is badly rusted and
there is some smut.
Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Nau and Miss Mayme Nau of Muscatine were Ardon
visitors Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hackett entertained a party of friends at dinner
on July 4th.
Charles Bell and family have moved from the J. E. Furlong farm
to the Andrew Healey farm.
Nick Freese and. family have moved, to Peoria, Ill., where they
will make their home.
Page 580
7-11-27
ARDON NEWS
The roads are in fine condition. Workers are busy tilling out
the mud holes of last spring.
Mrs. Adam Paul spent Thursday at the Charles Fletcher home.
Dr. Gingery and J. J. Wilton, county agent, of Muscatine, were
in this neighborhood for distributing the tuberculaz test to the
baby beeves the past week.
Edmon Paul returned to his home after a few days visit at the
home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fletcher.
Work has begun on St. Malachy's Church. Extensive improvements
have been planned.
V. W. Legler has returned home from Chicago where he has been
taking treatments.
Mrs. Robert Hagy spent the past few days at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. F. Spitznogle.
Miss Irene Spitznogle spent Sunday at the home of her friend,
Margaret McKillip, of Muscatine.
7-14-27
PUSHING REPAIRS ON ST. MALACHY'S
CATHOLIC CHURCH
Under the direction of an executive committee consisting of Will
Cashman, L. A. Summers and Ed Coady and L. J. Byrne as secretary.
work at making extensive on St. Malachy's Catholic Church is
moving rapidly. The new roof has been almost completed and the
other work is progressing.
During the wet weather of last fall and the past spring water
seeped into the basement in such quantities as to make it impossible
to use the furnace. To remedy this the basement is being
drained by laying tile, New fixtures are also being added to
the furnace and later it is planned to paint the outside of the
church.
While the men of the church are engaged in pushing these improvements
the women of the Rosary Society, under the direction of
president, Mrs. C. Nolan, are redecorating the interior. The pews
and woodwork will all be given a new coat of varnish.
Page 581
7-14-27
ARDON NEWS
John O'Brien and daughters, Veronica, and Mary, are at Spirit Lake
with Mr. and Mrs. John Foley of Nichols, who have a cottage there.
Miss Patterson and Miss Mollie O'Toole motored from Des Moines
and were weekend guests at the O'Toole home near Letts.
Mrs. Margaret Tomney entertained at dinner Sunday Rev. Father
Van Waus, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hackett and Phillip Digney.
Mr. and Mrs. Milt Walts and Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Fletcher were
dinner guests at the home of D. P. Kelley near Pleasant Prairie
Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. John Tomney, Mike Tomney and Mr. and Mrs. Frank
Martin and daughter, Irma, motored to Davenport Sunday.
Mrs. Carl Stump and baby were visiting at the John Verink home
recently.
Joseph Hickey and Robert Wigim each shipped a carload of fat
cattle to Chicago Sunday.
7-16-27
ARDON NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. George Townsley have returned home after an ex-
tended visit in Ohio and a tour through eastern and southern
states.
Mrs. Tom Hackett entertained friends at dinner Thursday. Among
those present were Mrs. G. A. Chadein and daughter Margaret, and
Mrs. A. P. Swanson of Muscatine.
Mrs. John Tomney and Mrs. Chris Nolan have returned home from
a visit with Mrs. Cal Gage of Columbus Junction.
Mrs. Gerald O'Toole and children Eileen and Richard of Tamina,
Texas, will arrive today for an extended visit at the James
O'Toole and H. Fullerton homes. Mr. O'Toole will come later.
7-22-27
ARDON NEWS
The "Jewels of Seventy Six" met at Central school to reherse
their parts for the entertainment to be given July 25. It will
be given at the home of George Bailey, instead of St. Johns U. B
church as first planned. There was a large attendance.
Page 582
7-22-27
ARDON NEWS
(Continued)
Orville Warrenstaf, employed on the Ernest Meeker farm, had a
bad runaway while plowing corn Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Meeker
is in Chicago having accompanied a shipment of baby beeves to
market.
Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Swanson of Fruitland and Clarence Johnson of
Chicago were entertained at the Thomas Hackett home recently.
Charles Elder, having been under the doctor's care, is much better.
7-27-27
ARDON NEWS
Threshing has begun in Seventy-Six Township. The wheat yield
is poor while some oat fields are almost a total failure, but
others are very good. The corn is growing fast these warm days.
There is still quite an acreage of hay to make.
The Leyda Monument Company, of Burlington, is placing some marble work in the cemetery in this community.
Mrs. James Byrne entertained a company of guests at her home
near Ardon over the weekend. Among the guests were Mrs. T. T.
Dugon and children of Davenport.
Stacey Todd, wife and children, were Sunday visitors at the
home of Charles Bell.
7-30-27
ARDON NEWS
Thursday evening's rain stopped the grain threshing in this
neighborhood for a few days. But it has done a great deal of
good for the growing crops of corn, late potatoes, etc. A number
of farmers are planning to begin fall plowing their stubble
fields for fall seeding.
The program and ice cream social to be given for the "Jewels of
76", the 4-K club girls organization of this township, at the
home of George Bailey, was postponed on account of the rain and
was given Friday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stump have returned to their home in Muscatine
after a short visit at the John Verink home.
Miss Waunita Cochran of Muscatine is the guest of Marjory Legler.
Page 583
8-2-27
ARDON NEWS
Anthony Byrne has returned to his home in Deerlodge, Mont, after
spending some time with his mother, Mrs. Anna Byrne, and other
relatives in this community.
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Masonholder and daughter, Millicent, are making
an extensive motor trip of the south. Cards received by friends
here stated they were nearing the Cumberland mountains at that
time.
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Nolan and little Mary Kathleen, Mr. and Mrs.
Carl Stump and baby were visiting at the John Verink
home Sunday.
Mrs. Elizabeth Callahan, J.J. Callahan, and Will Callahan were
Sunday visitors at the Charles Fletcher home.
Miss Beatrice Healey of Muscatine visited at the home of her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Healey, over the weekend.
8-6-27
ARDON NEWS
A large force of workmen are repairing and improving the Milwau-
kee railroad company property in the Ardon vicinity.
Mrs. Mae Townsley entertained at her home the first part of this
week her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Hines, and Mr. and Mrs.
Armstead of Dubuque.
Miss Charlotte Cole, of Muscatine, and Mrs. G. R. Cole of Pleas-
ant Prairie spent Wednesday at the Charles Fletcher home.
J. P. Byrne is having his building repainted and other improvements made on his farm.
Mrs. George Townsley is entertaining a party of house guests.
Among those present are Mrs. Moore, of College Springs, Ia. and
Mrs. Eavey of Xenia, Ohio.
Mrs. Carl Stump and little Mary Marjory of Muscatine visited at
the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Verink Wednesday.
Page 584
8-11-27
THREE MEN AT ARDON MEET WITH INJURIES
Oliver Blake was painfully injured while at work on a threshing
machine. His clothing caught in the revolving machinery, badly
bruising his foot and leg. Presence of mind of his fellow
workers in stopping the power saved him from serious injury.
William Murray, living on the W. M. Riggs farm, was also injured
in much the same way while Clarence Schoemaker had his arm broken
in attempting to crank a Ford car at his home on the Lamp farm
west of Ardon.
8-11-27
ARDON NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Connel, and daughters, of Olewein, Ia., were dinner guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Healey recently.
The greater part of the threshing is done in this vicinity. The
wheat was very disappointing, some fields averaging only four
bushels per acre and some less. The oats yield was not good and
while the corn is growing well, much hot weather is needed. The
cornfields along the bluff on the Burlington road are especially
good.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. George Call, a daughter, Helen Arlene.
Edward Healey of Muscatine is visiting at the Mike Healey home.
Charles O'Toole of St. Louis is visiting at the home of James
O'Toole and other relatives in this community.
Mrs. Walter Klink and little daughter, Mary Louise, and Miss
Kate Healey of Muscatine were visiting in this neighborhood recently.
8-13-27
ARDON NEWS
There was a good attendance at the all day meeting of the
"Jewels of 76" the 4-H club girls of the township at the home
of Edith and Marie Holliday. Dr. Phillips gave the health examination. The lesson was on the making of handkerchief boxes.
An informal program of club songs followed. The next meeting
was not announced. The girls are busy working on articles to the
exhibited at the West Liberty Fair.
Page 585
8-13-27
ARDON NEWS
The rain was welcomed in this vicinity and will do an immense
amount of good and fall plowing will now begin. The road graders
now at work grading the township roads, found it almost impossible to work even with the powerful engine they use, while the
dusty roads made travel dangerous on the much traveled roads.
A large number from this community attended the farm bureau
excursion and report a good time.
8-19-27
ARDON NEWS
The funeral of the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. William Chelf, who
died Sunday evening, was held Monday at the home of his grandparents,
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Dalton, on the Burlington Road.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Willets and family, Mr. and Mrs. M. Townsley
and daughters, Alice and Elizabeth, motored to Iowa City Tuesday
were they attended the Sunday School convention there.
There is still some grain to thresh in this vicinity. Timothy
seed threshing is now in progress.
A company of relatives and friends were entertained at the J.
E. Furlong home recently in honor of the birthday anniversary
of their son, Edward.
8-20-27
ARDON NEWS
Sister Mary Martha and Sister Mary Laurence of Ottumwa visited
with the former's sister, Miss Margaret O'Brien, and other relatives in this vicinity recently.
Joseph Byrne and daughters, Florence and Anna, of Chicago, are
guests at the home of Mr. Byrne's mother, Mrs. Anna Byrne and
other relatives.
A road grading gang is camped on the John Lee farm and are
grading a number of the township roads in this neighborhood.
The wild blackberry crop is very good this year and berry pickers
are busy gathering the berries to be had for the picking. A
number are coming from a distance.
Mrs. Chris Nolan is visiting in Muscatine at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Harry Schenedler.
Page 586
8-23-27
ARDON NEWS
Hugh Byrne and family of Cowles, Neb., are visiting at the home
of Mr. Byrne's mother, Mrs. Anna Byrne, Joseph Byrne and daughters,
Florence and Anne of Chicago, who have been visiting in
the community, left for their home Sunday evening.
Miss Mary Doyle and sisters, Virginia and Claire, of St. Louis,
Mo., are houseguests at the Tom Hackett home.
Mrs. James O'Toole entertained her sister, Miss Mary Ryan of
Davenport over the weekend.
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hackett entertained at Sunday dinner in honnor
of her guest the Misses Doyle of St, Louis a company of friends.
Among those from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Kautz. of
Buffalo.
The recent rains were very welcome to the farmers who have fall
plowing to do. There is still some timothy seed to thresh.
The men of St. Malachy Church are busily hauling sand, gravel,
and other materials, while others are doing the work of constructing the cement steps and walk on the church property.
9-29-27
ARDON NEWS
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Eichelberger of this vicinity
recently.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stump and baby of Muscatine were over Sunday
visitors at the home of John Verink.
Henry Monson and family and George Petersen attended the Aledo
Fair last week.
Mr. and Mrs. George Townsley, Mrs. Mae Townsley, Fay.Townsley,
and John Verink attended the funeral of William Townsley at Iowa
City Thursday.
A force of workmen is camped at Ardon. They are doing repair
work on the Milwaukee tracks.
Clarence Nolan and family of Muscatine spent Sunday at the home
of Chris Nolan.
Page 587
10-12-27
ARDON NEWS
The food sale planned by the women of St. Malachy's Church has
been postponed, the date to be announced later.
L. A. Summers has returned from a business trip in the west.
Mrs.John Verink has returned after a weekend visit with friends
in Muscatine.
The H. Blake family has moved from Ardon to Muscatine and Everett
Culp has moved to Ardon to reside.
10-20-27
ARDON NEWS
The food and farm products sale to be held at the Home Tea Cornpany
in Muscatine Saturday by the women of St. Malachy's
Church, will include dressed chickens, fruit, vegetables and home
baked delicacies.
Mrs.Castlebaum and Frank Stine of Columbus Junction were Sunday
guests at the John Verink home.
Mrs. Hugh Nolan and daughter, Mary Kathlee, visited in Muscatine
last week.
Mrs. Carl Stump and baby of Muscatine, visited relatives in this
neighborhood the past few days.
11-3-27
ARDON NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Cole of Pleasant Prairie were Sunday visitors
at the home of Charles Fletcher.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Nolan and children of Muscatine were Sunday
guests at the Chris Nolan home.
Miss Irene Spitznogel and Miss Pearl Boorn accompanied a party
of friends on a motor trip to Colorado. They will go to California
before returning home.
Page 588
11-18-27
ARDON NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Swanson of near Fruitland were honored at a
6 o'clock dinner, given by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hackett at their
home near Letts Wednesday. A number of friends were present and
the after dinner hours were spent in five hundred and guessing
games. The women's prize was captured by Mrs. Swanson, while
the gentlemen's prize went to Mr. Swanson, In the guessing game
Miss Bryde Coady scored highest.
Mr. and Mrs. A. Blake have moved to Ardon to reside.
A. R. Wisterlake, M. Mitchel and Walter Rensink of Moline were
visitors in this neighborhood recently.
Mr. and Mrs. Swanson expect to leave soon for Moline, where they
will make their home.
Mrs. John Verink has been visiting friends in Muscatine for the
past week.
Miss Arlene Eichelberger, Mary and Elva Stine, were among the
guests entertained, by Mrs. J. M. Waltz at a house party at her
home in Muscatine the latter part of last week.
Husking corn is the main occupation of the farmers of this locality these days.
11-24-27
ARDON NEWS
Thanksgiving program was given by the teacher, Mrs. Nellie Mahoney,
and pupils of Central School Tuesday afternoon. Songs, dialogs
and readings appropriate to Thanksgiving Day were enjoyed by the
visitors present. A special feature was the recitation by little
4 year old Joe Summers.
Mrs. George Townsley, who has been ill at her home west of Ardon,
is much better.
Mrs. Anna Byrne celebrated her birthday anniversary Monday at
her home. Among the gifts she received were a box of American
Beauty roses sent from Deer Lodge, Mont, by her son, Anthony Byrne.
Hy Jarrard and his force of carpenters of Conesville, have finished
their work on the Andrew Healey farm.
An automobile owned and driven by A. Blake is almost a total wreck
after plunging into a deep ditch, a mile and a half west of Ardon
recently. In the car at the time of the accident were Mrs. Blake
and Miss Blake. All escaped serious injury.
Page 589
11-24-27,br />
ARDON NEWS
Two special crews of workmen are employed on the Milwaukee railroad
tracks east of Ardon re-enforcing the fills before freezing
weather.
Mr. and Mrs. John Tomney visited friends in Muscatine Sunday.
Graveling and filling the Conesville Road has been stopped until
the road crews can repair the deep ruts cut in the road by the
heavy gravel trucks. The gravel crews have made rapid progress
and have almost reached the Legler corner. The gravel has been
spread as fast as it was hauled.
12-17-27
PROMINENT MUSCATINE COUNTY COUPLE CELEBRATING
GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AT HOME
Surrounded. by their children, other relatives, neighbors and
friends, Mr. and Mrs. William Miller Riggs, long-time residents
of this county, are today celebrating the fiftieth anniversary
of their marriage at the Riggs homestead. Evergreen Lawn home,
eight miles west of Muscatine. Invitations were extended to about
400. Half of the guests were invited for this afternoon and the
others for this evening. Twelve persons invited to the celebration
were at the wedding 50 years ago. Old gold predominates
in the house decorations. The entertainment is of an informal
nature.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Riggs long have been identified with Muscatine
County. The former was born June 13. 1850, near Dayton, Ohio,
and came to this county with his parents, John Summers and Eliza
Longstreth Riggs, in the spring of 1854, locating on the farm now
known as Evergreen Lawn home. The family came to Rock Island by
train and crossed the river in a ferry boat. Anna Nancy Hitchcock
is a native of Muscatine County, born Sept. 17, 1855, on the farm
now occupied by her nephew, B. H. Hitchcock, then owned by her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. John P. Hitchcock.
When Mr. Riggs was only 15 years old, he entered the University
of Iowa, Iowa City, and attended this institution for two years.
He discontinued his studies at the university after a cyclone
had swept away many of the buildings on the Riggs homestead in
May 1860. Later he taught in the rural schools of Muscatine
County. Mrs. Riggs attended, the Young Ladies' Seminary, Ports-
mouth, Ohio.
All of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Riggs are present for the
golden wedding celebration: Lee S. Riggs, Mrs. Charles W. Hendrikc,
and Mrs. Warner M. Vernon, Muscatine; Mrs. Carlton M. Richardson
Toledo. Ia. Their three grandchildren, Gertrude Elizabeth and
Ethel Avis Hendriks and Annabelle Vernon, are also present.
Page 590
12-17-27
MR. AND MRS. RIGGS CELEBRATE GOLDEN WEDDING
ANNIVERSARY
(Continued)
Among the out-of-town guests at the celebrations were the following: Mrs. H. H. Rhodes and Harry Rhodes, Chicago; Mr. and Mrs.
John Henderson and son, Glenn, Joliet, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Fred
Christian, Newark, Ill; Mrs. Mary Germain and Mr. and Mrs. A. H.
Smith, Kansas City, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Dusterhoft, Pierre,
S.D., and Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Richards, Toledo.
12-28-27
ARDON NEWS
The little son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Healey, of the Burlington
road has been taken to a Muscatine hospital suffering from pneumonia.
A family dinner was enjoyed at the James O'Brien home Christmas
day. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. John O'Brien and family,
Miss Veronica, Genevieve and Mary and Robert and William together
with Mr. and Mrs. John Foley of Nichols.
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hackett enjoyed Christmas dinner at the home of
Mrs. Hackett's brother, Dennis O'Brien, of Garden City.
J. E. Furlong, who was injured by a horse falling on him at the
Franklin blacksmith shop in Muscatine last week is much improved
and expects to leave the hospital next week.
Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Cole and son, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Paul and little
son were Christmas dinner guests at the home of L. W. Fletcher.
The Townsley family were entertained at a Christmas dinner at the
home of Fay Townsley. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Ray
Townsley, of Davenport, Mr. and Mrs. George Townsley, Mrs. May
Townsley and family.
Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Fletcher enjoyed Christmas dinner at the
D. P. Kelley home near Pleasant Prairie.
Miss Beatrice Healey is spendind the holidays at the home of her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Healey. Miss Healey is a nurse in
the Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago.
