Page 591
1-17-28
ARDON NEWS
Willam White and son, Charles, leave this week for Cedar Rapids,
Ia., where they will attend the wedding of Miss Marie White.
Miss White has made her home in Cedar Rapids for some time.
Miss Bernice Fry, teacher of High Prairie School, spent her
weekend vacation visiting relatives near Letts.
Mr.
and Mrs. Carl Stump and baby, Mary Marjorie, of Muscatine,
were Sunday visitors at the John Verink home.
There is an epidemic of colds in this community and a number
of pupils were out of school the past week.
The Alfred Carter family have the chickenpox. A number of cases
have been reported.
Robert Haggey has moved from Ardon to the tenant house on the
C. T. McCabe farm.
1-24-28
ARDON NEWS
Born Sunday to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Haggy of the Burlington road,
a daughter, Betty Jean.
Miss Mary Cashman entertained the Kensington club of St. Malachy's
Church near Letts, Thursday.
Hysee Smith is moving some of his farm machinery to his new home
near Atalissa. Mr. Finley of Bloomington township will move on
to the farm now occupied by Mr. Smith. Tom Spitznogle will move
to a farm near Port Byron. Frank Smith who lives on the Robert
Lee farm, will move to Muscatine.
Miss Agatha Byrne has returned home from Cedar Rapids where she
was bridesmaid at the wedding of a school friend.
U. P. Byrne of Muscatine visited with friends at Ardon Sunday.
Geraldine Meeker and Elizabeth Townsley, who attend Muscatine
high school spent the weekend at their homes in this neighborhood.
Page 592
2-13-28
ARDON NEWS
Mrs. T. Martin and little daughter Irma of Muscatine were weekend
visitors at the Tomney home.
Dorothy Legler and. Kathryn Wets visited over the weekend at the
home of their teacher, Miss Bernice Frye, near Letts.
The roads are again in bad condition in this vicinity.
Arlene and Lysie Sichelberger are out of school the past few days
because of illness.
G. R. Cole of Pleasant Prairie delivered a truck load of hogs to
Ernest Meeker, the first of the week.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stump and baby were visiting Saturday and Sundat at the H. J. Nolan and John Verink homes.
Eileen Summers, Francis Nolan and Lloyd Lee, eighth grade pupils
of Central School and Leo Furlong and Betty Fletcher at High
Prairie school were in Muscatine Thursday and Friday taking the
eighth grade examinations.
Miss Marie Byrne was a Muscatine visitor Friday.
Moving has begun in this vicinity. Tom Spitznogle is moving from
the Lee farm and will live in Ardon. Hysee Smith is moving to
a farm recently purchased near Atalissa, while Roy Masonholder
has leased his farm on the Burlington road to George Hendricks
and will move to a farm near Letts.
2-20-28
ARDON ROADS BAD; TEAMS
KEPT BUSY PULLING OUT CARS
The impassable condition of the roads will be a great boost for
the hard roads project. The residents of this vicinity are
forced to detour through many miles of muddy roads to reach the
Nichols road the only road open to Muscatine. Teams are kept
busy pulling autos out of the mud holes near the Albert Holmes
and Hoffmeyer farms. Near the Milton Eichelberger farm there
is another bad mud hole. The newly made gravel roads have had
great ruts cut in them in places, making travel on them almost
impossible. High school pupils living below the Roy Tooman farm
south of town, are leaving their cars at neighbor's farms and
walk long distances to their homes before and after school.
Page 593
2-20-28
ARDON NEWS
Farm Bureau women of this township postponed the meeting to have
been held Feb. 16, at the home of Miss Mary Cashman and a later
date will soon be announced.
Invitations are out for an afternoon party to be given by Mrs.
Carl Stump and Mrs. Harry Schedler of Muscatine at the home of
Mrs. C. Nolan Tuesday, Feb. 24.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed. McFadden of the Burlington road announce
the birth of a daughter.
2-24-28
ARDON NEWS
Mrs. Chris Nolan assisted by Mrs. Carl Stump and Mrs. Harry
Schenedler of Muscatine entertained at the Nolan home southwest
of Ardon Tuesday. Each guest brought her fancy work and the
after luncheon hours were spent informally. Mrs. Ethel Stump
and Mrs. Clarence Nolan of Muscatine were among those present.
Mr. and Mrs. George Townsley and Mr. and Mrs. John Tomney
were Muscatine visitors Tuesday.
Tom Spitznogle has moved from the Lee farm to Ardon and Mr.
Finley of Bloomington township is moving to the Dan Sullivan
farm, while Hysee Smith is moving to a farm near Atalissa,
which he recently purchased.
Dr. Houk of Muscatine has been in this neighborhood this week
giving the tubercular test to the dairy cattle.
Mrs. Charles Fletcher and Robert were visitors Wednesday at
the G. R. Cole and Adam Paul homes near Pleasant Prairie.
3-5-38
ARDON NEWS
J. E. Furlong whose leg was broken when he was kicked by a horse
and who has been confined to his home for some time is now able
to get about on crutches.
A fire originating from a defective flue threatened the farm
home of William Fletcher on the Burlington road. Early discovery made it possible to extinguish it before much damage
had been done.
The roads are in good condition and those who are moving this
spring are taking advantage of them and the favorable weather.
Page 594
3-5-28
ARDON NEWS
Leo Snyder is sawing wood in this vicinity. Thursday he cut up
a large quantity for Fay Townsley, Charles L. Fletcher, and
Andrew Healey.
Frank Smith, who has lived the past year on the Robert Lee farm,
is moving to Muscatine.
Reports from Emmett O'Toole who is a patient in Hershey hospital
are favorable.
Mrs. Castlebaum, Frank Stone and Mrs. Rahmiller of Columbus
Junction were visitors Wednesday at the John Verink home.
Miss Bernice Frye, teacher of the High Prairie school, was a recent visitor in Cedar Rapids.
3-9-28
ARDON NEWS
The Co-operative Shipping association sent a carload of fat hogs
to Chicago Tuesday morning.
Henry Monson, Alfred Carter and C. W. Fletcher of this vicinity
attended the sale at the farm of Harry Harkins near Montpeeller
Tuesday.
Mr. and Mrs. Mack Wilson, former residents of this neighborhood
now living in Muscatine, announce the birth of twin daughters at
their home. Mrs. May Townsley is in Muscatine helping to care
for them.
Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Harriton of Brighton, Ia., visited friends in
this neighborhood Monday afternoon.
Mrs. James O'Toole was a weekend visitor at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fred Crull, in Muscatine.
The women of the farm bureau held a meeting at the home of Miss
Mary Cashman last Friday, with a good attendance. The lesson
"Landscape Gardening," was given by Miss Florence Perkins. A
potluck dinner was enjoyed at noon, and plans for future work
discussed. Mrs. Wiggers, county chairman, was present. The next
meeting will be at the home of Mrs. V. W. Legler.
Page 595
3-10-28
ARDON NEWS
Mrs. V. W. Legler was hostess Thursday to the women of the Farm
Bureau at her home in Seventy-Six Township. Miss Florence
Perkins was present and gave a talk on dooryard improvements.
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hackett entertained company offfriends Wednesday
evening at their home in honor of Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Swanson
of Moline, Ill., house guest of Mr. and Mrs. Hackett. Cards were
played. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson left for Moline Thursday.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hunter of Eldon, Ia., arrived Thursday evening
for a visit at the John Verink home.
Gaynor Viner of Fredonia is visiting at the home of his grandparents,
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Warrenstaf.
Miss Margaret Barker, teacher of Kajorania school, in Bloomington
township, was a visitor at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur
Timberlake this week.
There is no improvement in the condition of Mrs. John Verink who
is seriously ill at her home near here.
The fine weather of the first of the week started some of the
farmers of this neighborhood to the fields, harrowing down corn-
stalks and burning them. Thursday's rain, however, put a stop
to the work for a while.
The board of township trustees held a meeting at Ardon, Wednesday evening.
3-20-28
ARDON NEWS
Mrs. Clarence Powell, who has been ill for some time, will be
removed to Hershey Hospital in Muscatine, where she will undergo
an operation.
Miss Evelyn Stump of Walnut Grove, Minn., is visiting at the home
of her sister, Mrs. Hugh Nolan, and will later visit relatives
and friends in Letts and Muscatine.
Mr. and Mrs. John Tomney were entertained Sunday at the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Martin of Muscatine.
Mrs. Lottie Wilmerine, Frank Stone, Mrs. Jessie Rahmiller and
Mr. and Mrs. Rahmiller of Columbus Junction were visitors at
the John Verink home Saturday.
Miss Dorothy Shellabarger, student at the Iowa State university,
was called here Saturday by the serious illness of her aunt, Mrs.
John Verink.
Page 596
3-20-28
ARDON NEWS
A social meeting of the farm bureau members and their friends will
be held this evening at the home of Thomas Cashman. Moving pic-
tures and a talk by the new county agent will be features of the
program.
Raymond Townsley of Davenport visited at the homes of his father
George Townsley, and brother, Fay Townsley.
Mr. and Mrs. Mart Shellabarger of Letts were called to the bedside
of Mrs. John Verink the latter part of the week.
Miss Elliot of Muscatine is taking care of the Powell children
while their mother is in the hospital.
3-23-28
MRS. JOHN VERINK FUNERAL IS HELD
Funeral services for Mrs. John Verink, who died Tuesday morning
at her home near Ardon, were held at the Oak Grove Church near
Cranston Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. E. J. Shaffer,
pastor of the Cranston U. B. Church conducted the services. Songs
were given by a mixed quartet comprised of Mrs. Opal Fry, Mrs.
Opal Amos, Chester Coder and Walter Shellabarger. Pallbearers
were Earl Eichelberger, Lee Riggs, Ernest Meeker, Fay Townsley,
Mike Tomney, and Andrew Healey. Burial was in the Jean cemetery
near the Church.
3-26-28
ARDON NEWS
Farmers in this vicinity have been busy breaking cornstalks and
discing, preparing the fields for sowing oats. Some plowing has
been done and the ground is in good condition to work. Fall wheat
is looking good.
Mrs. Zelda Robison has returned to her home in Springshill, Kan.
She was called here by the illness and death of her sister, Mrs.
John Verink.
The Misses Tarpy of Muscatine were Sunday visitors at the home
of Mrs. Margaret Tomney.
Miss Agatha O'Toole of Davenport was a Sunday visitor at the O'Toole
home near Letts.
Miss Alice Furlong and Frances Nolan left for Muscatine Friday
evening where they visited at the home of Mrs. Harry Schnedler and
attended the spelling bee held at the armory Saturday.
Page 597
3-26-28
ARDON NEWS
Miss Agatha Byrne teacher of Sunnyside School, spent Sunday at
the Chris Nolan home near Ardon.
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Nolan, daughter, and Miss Evelyn Stump of Walnut
Grove, Minn., visited friends in Muscatine Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hunter and daughter of Eldon, Ia. have returned to their home after attending the funeral of Mrs. John
Verink.
Mrs. Cassabaum and Frank Stone of Columbus City, visited Sunday
at the John Verink home.
3-30-28
ARDON NEWS
The land owners on the country road from the Legler corner to
Letts are busy moving back their fences to the lines of the new
survey, in some places rows of fine fruit and shade trees will
be destroyed as they are too large to move.
The Kensington club of Seventy-Six Township will meet at the home
of Miss Bryde Coady Thursday afternoon.
Mr. and Mrs. John Foley of Nichols and Miss Nannie O'Brien and
James O'Brien of this vicinity spent Sunday in Davenport.
Mrs. Clarence Powell, who is in Hershey Hospital in Muscatine,
is reported to be in a serious condition, following an operation
performed recently.
Mrs. J. C. Peterson was operated on for the removal of a tunor
at Hershey Hospital Tuesday morning.
Mrs. Maud Viner of Fredonia is visiting at the home of her parents
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Warrenstaf, and helping care for the Powell
children while their mother is at the hospital.
Mrs. Ralph Davis entertained a party of friends at her home
Wednesday afternoon.
Page 598
4-3-28
ARDON NEWS
Elizabeth Fletcher who tied for second place in the city schools
spelling bee at Muscatine Saturday is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
C. W. Fletcher, of Ardon.
4-13-28
ARDON YOUTH FALLS FROM HAY MOW
AND IS SERIOUSLY HURT
Walter Nau, the 10 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nau of
the Burlington road was seriously injured when he fell from
the hay now to the floor of the barn at his home, Wednesday, while
assisting his father with the evening chores. He was injured
about the head and was unconscious for some time.
Other News
Mrs. Anna Byrne visited several days at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. William Noll of near Muscatine.
The women of St. Malachy's Church will hold a home bake and food
sale Saturday at the American Savings Bank.
Irvin Graham of Bloomington Township was visiting friends in this
neighborhood Wednesday.
Miss Irene Spitznogle accompanied her aunt, Mrs. Ida Hess, of
Muscatine, on a western trip. They will visit at the home of
Mrs. Hess' daughter, Mrs. Pearl Brown of Denver, Colo., and at
other western points of interest.
Robert Nau lacerated his hand badly while working with farm machinery at his home on the Burlington road.
Nelson Long of Muscatine was an Ardon caller Tuesday.
5-2-28
ARDON MAN INJURED IN RUNAWAY ACCIDENT
William Young, who is employed on the L. E. Downer farm, south of
Ardon, was badly bruised about the body and an arm was dislocated
when the five horses hitched to a gang plow ran away Monday after-
noon. Dr. A. J. Weaver of Muscatine was called and gave the
injured, man attention.
Other News
Elmer Eichelberger sent two carloads of hogs to Chicago the first
of the week.
J. E. Furlong was a business caller in Muscatine Monday.
Mr. and Mrs. George Townsley were in Muscatine Monday.
J. F. Byrne is making extensive improvements on his farm in this
neighborhood. Replacing the hedge fences with new wire fences
and tiling the low places in the fields.
Page 599
5-17-28
COMMUNITY PICNIC AT HIGH PRAIRIE
TO MARK SCHOOL CLOSE
The Prairie School will close Friday with a community picnic at noon to be followed by a program. Bernice Fry has been
the teacher the past term. The program planned follows:
Greetings," Donald Fletcher; dialog "Selling Old Tom;" "School
Boy's Spring Fever," Vance Fletcher; "My Cat," Lyle Sichelberger;
dialog "Harry's Pockets;" song, "God Sends Us Spring," Jean and
Dorothy Legler; "The Reasons Why," Kathryn Weis; "The Whipping
Johnny Didn't Get," dialog, "A Little Boy's Troubles" Maurice
Furlong; "Playing Hookey," dialog; "When Teacher Gets Cross"
Alice Furlong; "As a Twig Is Bent," Wilbur Munson, exercise,
six children.
5-21-28
BURR OAK SCHOOL TO OFFER PROGRAM
Pupils of the Burr Oak School in Seventy-Six Township, under the
direction of Nellie Eckhardt, teacher of the school, will present
a program Wednesday evening. Ice cream and cake will be sold.
The program will include:
| Song, School. |
| Dialog, "A Bad Toothache" |
| Recitaion, "Hester's Caller" Dorothy McBride. |
| Dialog, "Harry's Pockets" |
| Recitation, "Little Peter's Parley" Richard Wigim. |
| Song, Lynn White |
| "The Contest of the Cans" five boys. |
| Recitation, "Willie's Hearing" Clemen McBride. |
| Dialog, "What Became of the False Teeth" |
| Song, "Linden Tree" Rose Byrne. |
| Recitation, "Seein' Things" Clifford Heriein. |
| Song, school chorus. |
| Playlet, "Hundred Dollar Yeast Cake" |
| Recitation, "Bob's Girl" Edwin Altedruse. |
| Dialog, "Painting a Chair" |
5-25-28
ARDON NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Nolan of this neighborhood and Clarence Nolan
of Muscatine have returned from Des Moines, where they visited
at the home of Mrs. Nolan's brother, Martin Seltzer.
L.E. Downer is convalescing after an operation for sinus trouble
performed at Hershey Hospital recently.
Page 600
5-25-28
ARDON NEWS
Mrs. Anna Byrne has returned home from Hershey Hospital where
she was taking treatment, is much improved in health.
A farm implement, new to this locality, called the rotary hoe,
is meeting with the enthusiastic approval of a large number of
farmers who are using it for the first time this season. It is
a series of forked wheels on the order of a tandem disc, and if
used while the weeds are small it does not dig out any of the
deep rooted corn, but turns the thread like small weeds over and
kills them thereby saving a great deal of time and labor with
the cultivator later on. It is also used with success on the
spreading of wheat and oats.
6-6-28
ARDON NEWS
A farm union meeting was held at Central school Monday night.
Mr. and Mrs. C. T. McCabe have returned home after a weekend visit
with friends at Dixon, Ill.
A number from this locality attended the funeral of Mrs. Margaret
Dean in Muscatine. Among those present were L. F. and J. F. Byrne
Miss Mayme Byrne and L. J. Byrne, Frank Byrne, and John Byrne.
Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Summers and family and Mrs. Anna Byrne were
Sunday visitors at the William Noll home near Muscatine.
Mrs. O. E. Eichelberger of this vicinity, who recently underwent
an operation for appendicitis at Bellevue Hospital, is improving
steadily.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Martin and little daughter Irma of Muscatine
were visitors at the Tomney home recently.
Irvin Graham was a business caller in this neighborhood Monday.
The road men are engaged in grading and leveling the roads in this
vicinity.
Page 601
6-8-28
MILWAUKEE CLOSES STATION AT GLADWIN
Word has been received here by Milwaukee Station Agent L. A. Summers that
the depot at Gladwin will be closed on June 16 and the
length of the road for the Conesville section foreman to overace
will extend from the Iowa river on east on to Ardon. The pumping
station, which has been located at Gladwin will also be moved to
Bone station.
6-15-28
ARDON NEWS
A sun was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jan Bibes Monday. Mr. and Mrs.
Bibes live on the R. B. Wigam farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Herman Eavey and children, of Xenia, 0., were guests
Of Mr. and Mrs. George Townsley the latter part of last week. The
Eavey family motored from their Ohio home to Monmouth, Ill. , where
Mr. Eavey is an official on the college board at that place.
Mr. and Mrs. John Tomney were visitors in Iowa City recently.
Mr. and Mrs. George Townsley were business callers in Muscatine
The rain Tuesday evening was very welcome. The high wind was very
destructive to the fruit and shade trees and much damage was done
to roofs of farm buildings in this vicinity by last week's
rainstorm. The corn crop is looking fine, as are some fields of
wheat and oats.
Alterkruse and Steger sent a shipment of fat cattle to Chicago recently.
6-19-28
ARDON NEWS
Mrs. Carl Stump and daughter Mary Marjorie of Muscatine, spent
the weekend at the John Verink home.
Mr. and Mrs. John Tomney and Mrs. Chris Nolan, Mr. and Mrs. Mike
Bryne and family attended the silver anniversary of the Rev. Father
Hannon at St. Mathias Church in Muscatine, Sunday.
Mrs. O. S. Eichelberger has returned from Muscatine where she has
Been a patient at Bellevue Hospital.
Page 602
6-23-28
TOWNSHIP CANDIDATES NAMED IN COUNTY PRIMARY ELECTION
LISTED FROM OFFICIAL REPORT
Seventy-six Township: Republican, A. R. Brookhart, trustee,
1929 term; Charles Elder, trustee, 1930 term; Charles Elder,
trustee to fill vacancy; Clyde Goldsberry, assessor, George
Bailey, committeeman. Democratic: Frank Byrne, trustee, 1929
Term; R. B. Wigim, trustee, 1930 term; R. B. Wigim, trustee to
Fill vacancy, L. J. Byrne, clerk; H. J. Fletcher assessory; Lee
S. Riggs, committeeman.
6-26-28
ARDON NEWS
Paul Byrne of Cedar Rapids is spending his vacation at the home
of relatives in this locality.
Maurice and John McEvoy of Algona are visiting at the home of
their uncle James O'Brien.
Mr. and Mrs. Adam Paul and children, of Pleasant Prairie,
relatives in this vicinity Thursday.
Carl Warrenstaff, who was badly injured in an automobile accident
Saturday evening is recovering. An X-ray examination
disclosed no further injuries.
7-10-28
ARDON NEWS
Miss Elisabeth Gorey of Chicago who is visiting relatives is in
Muscatine, was an arrival Monday from Muscatine and will spend
some time visiting at the home of Miss Margaret O'Brien and
with other relatives in this locality. Miss Gorey was a former
resident of this neighborhood.
Miss Mary J. Higgins of Muscatine arrived Sunday morning and will
visit at the Thomas Cashman home.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brookhart of near Lone Tree were Sunday
guests at the Foley home near Ardon.
Mrs. R. M. Kautz of Buffalo, la. is visiting relatives in this
neighborhood.
Mrs. Harry Schnedler and children of Muscatine spent the pas
week at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Nolan.
Page 603
7-10-28
ARDON NEWS
Howard Healey of Detroit is visiting at the home of his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Healey.
Mr. and Mrs. G, R. Cole and children, spent Sunday at the Charles
Fletcher home.
Paul Gorey and U. P. Byrne of Muscatine visited in Ardon Sunday.
John Tomney's hand was badly injured in a wire stretcher recently.
It was thought the finger would have to be amputated, but the
wound is now healing.
The growing crops are looking fine in this vicinity. Some farmers have
started to at wheat. The oats are beginning to ripen. Most
of the cornfields have been cultivated for the last time and a
number of farmers are cutting their alfalfa.
7-11-28
76 TOWNSHIP FARM ORGANIZATION MEETS
Thirty five members of the Seventy-Six Township organization of
Muscatine County Farm Bureau attended a social meeting of the
organization Tuesday evening at the James O'Brien home. No program
was given.
Mr. and Mrs. Chet McCabe, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Healey, Mr. and Mrs.
R. C. Zeller and Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Nolan served on the social
committee.
7-21-28
ARDON NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hackett and Mr. and Mrs. Art Chadwin and daughter
Margaret of Muscatine motored to Moline Sunday where they were
dinner guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Swanson.
John Lee, who is a patient at the Bellevue Hospital in Muscatine
is recovering rapidly and expects to leave the hospital this week.
Mr. Lee underwent an operation for appendicitis.
Mr. and Mrs. John Tomney and Mike Tomney spent Sunday with relatives
in Muscatine.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stump and baby were weekend visitors at the
John Verink home.
Relatives and friends were entertained at the Thomas Cashman home Sunday.
Page 604
7-21-28
ARDON NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Cole of Melpine were Sunday visitors in this
vicinity.
George Townsley sent a shipment of two carloads of fat hogs to
Chicago Tuesday. Mr. Townsley accompanied the shipment.
Wednesday's rain stopped the cutting of oats. Most of the wheat
is cut and shocked and most of the haymaking is finished. The
com in most fields is in tassel and looking well. The rain
will be a great help to it.
7-23-28
ARDON NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. Desmond Vanatta and little daughter Josie of Bismark
N.D. and Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Vanatta of Muscatine were callers
at the Tomney home recently.
Arthur Seltzer of Keokuk, la. was a visitor the past week at the
home of his sister, Mrs. Chris Nolan. Mr. Seltzer will go on to
Chicago where he will visit at the home of his son.
A company of relatives was entertained Sunday at the John Verink
home. Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. Mart Shellabarger
of Letts, Mrs. Cassabaum and Frank Stone, Mr. and. Mrs. Herman
Rahmiller and family of Columbus City, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stone
and children, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stump and baby.
Cutting grain is almost finished in this vicinity and threshing
will soon begin.
8-22-28
THRESHERS BUSY IN ARDON COMMUNITY:
FINISH THIS WEEK
The days of good weather will end the threshing in this vicinity.
It has been a busy time as five threshing outfits have been in
the vicinity and every man and boy able to work has been helping.
The wheat has averaged from 20 to 60 bushels an acre.
Making Rapid Progress
The road gang working-on the Cranston road between the Legler
corner and Letts, have finished the first two miles of road work
and have moved their camp near Cranston. It is hoped the road will
be graveled before winter.
Page 605
8-22-28
ARDON NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. James O'Toole entertained a company of relatives
Sunday in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Ryan of Memphis, Tenn.
Mr. Ryan is a brother of Mrs. O'Toole and his boyhood was spent
In this locality.
John O'Toole and family, of Greeley, Colo., are visiting relatives
and friends in this vicinity.
Joseph Byrne and daughters, Florence and Anna, of Chicago, are
visiting at the home of Mrs. Anna Byrne and other relatives.
Wayne Lee of Burlington has returned home after a visit at the
John Lee home.
9-3-28
KOLLMAN A BUILDER IN MUSCATINE
FOR TWO SCORE OF YEARS
General contracting business including both carpentry and concrete
work is handled by Alex Kollman, 1137 Lucas Street. Mr. Kollman
is a native of Muscatine and has spent practically all of his
life in the city. He has been in business for 40 years as a
carpenter and builder, in this vicinity.
Particular attention is given to floor work Mr. Kollman being
equipped with an electric sander and other tools necessary for
a well finished, piece of work, on both new hardwood floors or
repair jobs.
A crew of approximately six men is used on ordinary sized contracts
although as many as 20 have been employed by Mr. Kollman when
needed.
Some of the jobs handled in the vicinity include the remodeling
of the Leu garage, Front Street, and. the Klein building, West
Second Street, the erection of the addition at St. Mary's School
And the erection of the Mrs. Ed Bowman house on Linn Street.
A marantee of satisfaction accompanies all of Mr. Kollman's
undertakings.
Page 606
9-13-28
ARDON NEWS
Mrs. Charles Warrenstaff is ill at her home threatened with typhoid
fever. Her daughter, Mrs. George Viner, of Fredonia, is
caring for her.
Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Cole and family spent Sunday at the Charles
Fletcher home.
Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Summers and children, Eileen, Jack, Tom, and
Joseph, left for Ottumwa Sunday morning, where Eileen will attend
St. Joseph's Academy. They also visited Mr. Summer's mother at
Highland, la.
There has been an epidemic of summer flu in this neighborhood.
W. M. Riggs and son received a large shipment of feeding cattle
recently, also a double-deck carload of lambs.
Mr. and Mrs. Noll and family of near Muscatine were visitors at
the home of Mrs. Noll's mother, Mrs. Anna Byrne, recently.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stump of Muscatine have been visiting at the
John Verink home.
9-24-28
ARDON NEWS
Mrs. William West and daughter, Helen June, Louis Stineman and
daughter, Mrs. Clara Stovenaul of Dallas, Texas, were guests
at the John Tomney home recently.
Hugh Nolan and. family have returned after a visit of a few weeks
in Tracey, Minn.
Charles Sieler and. sons, Francis, Leonard and John, of Los
Angeles, visited in this vicinity this week. Mr. Sieler was a
former resident of this neighborhood.
Mr. and Mrs. John Tomney, Mike Tomney, and Charles Sieler and
sons were entertained at dinner at the Frank Marten home in
Muscatine recently. Later the party motored to Davenport.
Mrs. Fred. Stump and. little son, Robert of Tracey, Minn, are
visiting relatives in this locality, and will visit in Letts and
Muscatine before returning to their home.
Page 607
9-29-28
CAUGHT BY DIRT IN 22-FOOT PIT;
DIES INSTANTLY
Workmen Labor Three Hours to Recover Body
Others Escape
Victim Lingers Moment Behind Companions,
To Finish Work, When Wall of Earth Slips
George Barton, 50, 1301 Oregon Street, was almost instantly
killed about 8 o'clock Friday afternoon when he was crushed, in
a cave in near the Milwaukee Tracks about a mile and a half
east of Ardon. Barton, who was a tiler for the Milwaukee Railroad,
had been employed with a crew draining a pond near the
tracks but was the only workman in the ditch when the cave in occurded.
At a brief inquest at the Fairbanks Home for Funerals at 10
o’clock this morning, the coroner's jury returned a verdict of
accidental death. The jury was composed of Louis Lang, W. T.
Laughlin, C. E. Crow. Witnesses were Sam Snyder and Walter
Alison, fellow workmen of Barton's.
The ditch in which Barton worked was about 22 feet deep, and it
was said that the crew had experienced trouble with minor cave-ins
working. All the men had left the ditch, fearing a
cave in, but Barton lingered for a moment to finish some work.
He did not have time to escape from the ditch before the earth
covered him.
Barton was completely covered with the exception of one hand,
which protruded through the surface.
It was necessary for workmen to build cribs to keep the earth
from continuing to cave in while they were frantically attempting
to effect Barton's freedom. The body was not taken from the cave
until nearly 6 o'clock. He apparently died shortly after being
struck by the earth slide.
Barton and Walter Allison of Oregon Street, had been working
together but Allison left the pit before the cave in occurred.
Coroner W. S. Norton, Sheriff Ed Sander and Fairbanks ambulance
were called and the body was brought to the Fairbanks Funeral
Home until after the inquest.
George Henry Barton was born in Muscatine April 15, 1877, the
of John Barton of Fairport and Elizabeth Steckman of Wheeling
W. Va. He resided for a time at Wisconsin, Ill. and for the past
18 years had made Muscatine his home.
He married Susan Walker, here in 1926, and she with on daughter,
Mrs. Helen Kulp of this city, and a brother and sister, Mrs.
Gladys Truitt and Frank Barton, both of Muscatine survive.
Page 608
10-16-28
O'BRIEN HOME AT ARDON THREATENED
BY FIRE SATURDAY
Fire threatened the James O'Brien home Saturday evening when an
oil stove leaking oil ignited, and quickly spread to the shelves
in the pantry, where the oil stove was kept. A general ring on
the telephone lines brought assistance and the flames were extinguished
but not until considerable damage was done.
Program At High Prairie
The teacher, Miss Joy Eakhart, and pupils of High Prairie School
are preparing a program to be presented Thursday evening at the
High Prairie School house. After the program a social time will
be spent.
Farm Bureau To Meet
There will be a meeting of the Farm Bureau members and their
friends at the hone of V. W. Legler this evening. Moving pictures,
community singing and a short program will be features
of the evening. Election of officers will take place at this
time.
10-22-28
ARDON NEWS
The meeting of the Farm Bureau members to be held Tuesday evening
Oct. 16, at the home of V. W. Legler, was postponed until next
Tuesday evening on account of the bad condition of the roads.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Wigim at Hershey
Hospital in Muscatine recently.
The recent rains will greatly benefit the fall wheat, and was
needed for the fall plowing.
10-24-28
DOWNER ELECTED HEAD OF BUREAU
L. E. Downer was elected, chairman of the Seventy-Six Township
division of the Muscatine County Farm Bureau when a meeting was
held Tuesday evening at the V. W. Legler home. Mr. Legler was
elected secretary and treasurer.
The program opened with community singing led by Cloyce Downer.
Morris Furlong offered a reading, several films were shown and
a dialog given by Farm Bureau officials.
Page 609
10-26-28
RIGGS FAILS TO SUIT DRY BODY
Anti-Saloon League Says Attitude Unsatisfactory
Disapproves of Many Democratic
Candidates Because of Attitude
on Prohibition and Enforcement
Only one Muscatine County candidate for public office is listed
as unsatisfactory to the Iowa Anti-Saloon League because of his
stand on prohibition, the league announces in a statement reporting
its findings.
The league sent questionaires to all candidates for congress,
state or county offices, asking them specific questions regarding
their attitude toward prohibition and its enforcement. Candidates
then were classified by the league on the basis of "satisfactory"
“unsatisfactory" or "no reply".
Lee S. Riggs democratic candidate for state representative gave
an answer that the league declared not satisfactory. The league
as a whole declaring that its candidates in Iowa are as unsatisfactory
as the party's presidential candidate.
The league does not give a complete report upon all candidates
In this county, merely listing the following in addition to
Mr. Riggs:
J. E. Mcintosh (rep.) West Liberty, state representative, answer
satisfactory, reported, satisfactory. Harold E. Wilson (rep.)
county attorney, no opponent. F. B. Nesper (rep.) sheriff, no
reply, reported fairly satisfactory. J. D. Whitmer (dem.) sheriff
answer satisfactory.
11-2-28
ARDON NEWS
The winter term at High Prairie school opened Monday morning
with Miss Marie Correll as teacher.
Mr. and Mrs. John Foley of Nichols visited with relatives in
this vicinity Tuesday evening.
M. F. O'Brien of Denver, Colo, who has been seriously ill at the
home of his brother, James O'Brien of this vicinity is improving
slowly. Mr. O'Brien who was a former resident of this neighborhood arrived
last week for a visit with relatives and friends when he was taken ill.
Corn husking is in full swing in this locality and the quality
Is very good. Most of the fall plowing is finished.
Harold Graham and William Omstead of Muscatine are husking corn
In this neighborhood.
Page 610
11-21-28
ARDON NEWS
M. F. O'Brien who has been visiting relatives in Ardon and vicinity
for some time and. who was taken ill after coming here has
completely recovered, He has gone to Nichols for a visit with
his sister, Mrs. John Foley, before returning to his home in
Denver, Colo.
George Townsley has a force of workmen busy remodeling the dwelling
on his farm in this neighborhood. It will be modern and the
outside finish will be stucco. When completed it will be one of
the finest farm homes in this vicinity, A new garage and chicken
house will also be built.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stump and little Mary Marjorie of Muscatine
were week end visitors at the John Verink home.
Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Cole and children of near Pleasant Prairie
visited relatives in this neighborhood Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Fletcher spent Sunday at the D. P. Kelley
home near Pleasant Prairie.
Miss Frances Nolan left for Muscatine Sunday, where she will
resume her school duties. Miss Nolan attends high school at
St. Mary's.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Marten and. Miss Irma of Muscatine were Sunday
visitors at the Tomney home.
12-11-28
ARDON NEWS
Miss Eileen Summer has returned to her school duties at St.
Joseph's Academy, Ottumwa, after spending Thanksgiving with
relatives and friends in Ardon.
A fleet of trucks is making rapid progress hauling gravel on the
road from the Legler corner to Letts.
There are several corn fields which have not been husked. The
snow makes the work difficult.
Page 611
1-31-29
OBITUARY
Mrs. Mary J. Foley
Mrs. Mary J. Foley, 81, died at her home near Ardon, la. Wednesday evening,
after a long illness with advanced age and complications.
Miss Mary Josephine Sweeney was born in Boston, Mass., August 15, 1847. She
was married to Andrew J. Foley, April 18, 1805 and
to this union eight children were born. Her husband and
one daughter, Dorothy M., preceded her in death.
Surviving are seven children, Margaret and M. W. Foley, both
of Omaha, Neb., Mayme, John, Matt, and Agnes, at home; and Mrs.
J. R. Brookhart of West Liberty.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 o'clock Saturday morning at
the Ardon Catholic Church by the Rev. Father Van Cross. Burial will be in the Ardon Cemetery. The Meyers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
2-2-29
OBITUARY
Fred Mich
Fred Mich, 68, died at his home near Letts Friday afternoon at
1 o’clock after an illness of one month with flu and resulting
complications.
Fred Mich was born in France, May 2k, i860. He came to this
country 53 years ago. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Catherine
Mich, four nephews and three nieces. Lewis Mich of California;
Joe of Calesburg, Ill.; William of Letts; John of Oklahoma;
Miss Mary Mich, Oskaloosa; Mrs. Ann Bridges, Martinsburg, la;
Lena Kemp, McDonald, Kas.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday morning at 10 o'clock
at the Ardon church and burial will be in the Ardon cemetery.
The Wittich Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
2-14-29
OBITUARY
Miss Clara Healey
Clara Healey, 66, a resident of this community for her entire life
died at noon today at Bellevue hospital after an extended illness.
Page 612
2-14-29
OBITUARY
Miss Clara Healey
(Continued)
She was born in Muscatine, February 23, I863, the daughter
Michael and Bridget Healey. Miss Healey was a member of St.
Mathias' Church.
Surviving is one brother, James Healey, 106 West Seventh Street.
Funeral services will be conducted at St. Mathias' Church at
9 o'clock Saturday morning by the Rev. Father W. L. Hannon.
Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery.
The body will remain at the Wittich Funeral Home until Friday
afternoon, when it will be taken to the home of her brother.
It is the request of the family that no flowers be sent.
2-16-29
OBITUARY
Mrs. Clara Healey
Funeral services for Mrs. Clara Healey, who died at Bellevue
Hospital Thursday noon were conducted at St. Matthias' Church at
9 o'clock this morning by the Rev. Father W. L. Hannon.
Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Walter, Klink, Mike, Andrew, John, Edward, and
E. L. Healey, all nephews.
4-4-29
15 YEAR-OLD BOY HELD HERE
GIVEN A HOME AT ARDON
Floyd "Eddie" Krese, 15-year-old boy who was picked up by City
Detective Cal Schrelber here Wednesday, was turned over to
his uncle, Thomas Spitanogle of Ardon, who will give the boy
a home.
Kress had been living at Reinbock but was known to Davenport
police as a roamer without a home.
Page 613
7-29-29
ORGANIZE CLUB IN 76 TOWNSHIP
Thirteenth Four-H Club In County—Genevieve
O'Brien, President
“Seventy-Six Sparklers" the thirteenth Four-H club to be formed
In Muscatine County, was organized at a meeting Saturday afternoon
at the V. W. Legler home. It is the second club in that township.
Genevieve O'Brien is president of the new organization; Marjorie
Legler, vice president; Mary Byrne, secretary and treasurer;
and Gwendolyn McBride, reporter. Marjorie Legler, Gwendolyn
McBride and Mary Byrne will serve on the program committee. Mrs.
Pearl Rardin is leader and Mrs. Charles Elder assistant leader.
The club is meeting for Aug. 10 at the home of Helen,
Mary, and Monica Byrne. The group will enter a demonstration
Team and all girls will have exhibits at the West Liberty Fair.
Charter members of the new club are Helen, Mary and Monica Byrne,
Arlene Eichelberger, Alice Furlong, Elizabeth, Jean and Marjorie
Legler, Anita and Gwendolyn McBride, Nora Meeker, Genevieve and
Mary O'Brien and Eileen Summer. Future members are Jeanne Elder
Anita Byme, and Kathryne Elder.
10-1-29
SEVENTY-SIX TOWNSHIP FARM CLUB ENTERTAINED
“The 76 Sparklers", Four-H Farm. Bureau club in Seventy-Six township held
a meeting Saturday afternoon at the home of the Misses
Genevieve and Mary O'Brien. Miss Grace Stevens, new home demonstration
agent and Mrs. D. A. Cochrane, of the club committee
attended. The regular program was followed by a social hour.
Miss Helen Panther was admitted as a new club member.
Page 614
1-24-30
LEAHY IS MAKING T0TTR IN IRELAND;
WORK NEARLY DONS
The Rev. T. H. Leahy, former assistant pastor of St. Mathias
Church, who has been in Ireland since leaving Muscatine, will
start on a trip to the north of Ireland soon. Muscatine friends
were informed in a letter received, here. When this expedition
is completed, the Rev. Father Leahy will have been stationed
in every county in that country.
According to the letter Mr. and Mrs. Henry Welch received, the
work will require about a year and when It is finished the priest
will be sent to China, Australia, or to New York to teach in a
college.
The Rev. Father Leahy spent more than a year in the Muscatine Church.
2-8-30
OBITUARY
Mrs. Mary A. O'Toole
Mrs. Mary A. O'Toole, 68, a resident of Letts, died at Bellevue
hospital here at 2:15 Friday afternoon.
Mrs. O'Toole was born in Muscatine county, April 13, 1861, the
daughter of James and Bridget Fanning. She was married to
Patrick F. O'Toole, April 11, 1888.
Surviving are four daughters, sister Mary Annette of Casper,
Wyo.; Agatha of Davenport; Margaret of Muscatine; and Molly of
Letts; two stepsons, John of Cornish, Colo.; and William J. of
Muscatine; two sisters, Miss Margaret Fanning of Muscatine; and
Mrs. Charles Estle of Letts. Her husband and two sons, James
and Lawrence, procede. her in death.
Funeral services will be conducted at St. Malachy's Church at
Ardon Monday morning at 9$30 by the Rev. Father Schoenfelder of
Wilton. Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery at Ardon. The
Rosary will be recited, at the home at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon.
The Meyers Funeral Home is in. charge of arrangements.
Page 615
2-10-30
OBITUARY
Mrs. Mary A. O'Toole
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary A. O'Toole, Letts resident who
died Friday at Bellevue Hospital here, were conducted at St.
Malachy's Church at Ardon this morning at 9:30 by the Rev.
Father J. J. Schoenfelder of Wilton. Burial was at the Catholic
Cemetery at Ardon.
3-26-30
NAME ELIASON TOWNSHIP HEAD
Vernon Legler Chosen Secretary of Seventy-Six
Township Bureau
Roscoe Eliason was elected chairman of the Seventy-six township'
organization of the Muscatine County Farm Bureau when an organization
meeting was held at school No. 2 Tuesday evening Vernon
Legler was elected, secretary for the township.
A varied program by members in the township, a talk by Carl
Rylander, county agent and the presentation of moving pictures
were a part of the program.
Farm Women Meet
Ten local leaders were present at a training school for Moscow
Township women held Tuesday at the home of Mrs. Joe Lang. Miss
Grayce Stevens, home demonstration agent, presented the lesson.
Miss Stevens had charge of a meeting for Fruitland Township
leaders today at the home of Mrs. C. Harper.
Page 616
4-21-30
HOPE FOR GAIN LIES IN CITIES
Strictly Rural Population May Equal That of 10
Years Ago
If Iowa is to show an Increase in population, for the last decade
the increase must come from the cities over 5.000 population.
This was apparent today in a survey made of the 1930 census
returns for the first 143 towns, for which supervisors have
made reports. Not a one of the towns had a 1930 population in
excess of 5,000 although one dropped from that class into the
4,000 class over the 10 year period.
Small Cities Suffer
While this indication was expected by many economists long before
the 1930 count was started, the early returns from supervisor:
have revealed a situation which was not expected: The rural
population in Iowa is decreasing less rapidly than the population
for towns of between 100 and 1,300.
While only scattering returns on rural population have been received,
a survey made on rural population have been received,
a survey made of the first 32 reported upon shows that the decrease
in population is 1.3 per cent. This is in contrast to
a decrease of 2.3 percent for all of the 143 towns for which
reports were received.
Other conclusions reached from a survey of these 143 towns an
thirty two townships were:
Little Towns Disappearing
Towns of less than 500 population are disappearing at a rapid
rate; 58 of the 99 for which reports were available showing
decreases for the decade.
Towns of between 500 and 1,000 population appear to be holding
their own; 17 out of 35 showing increases in populations from
1920 to 1930.
Rural towns over 1,000 population appear to be increasing at a slow
rate, five of the first nine showing a greater population for
1930 than they did for 1920.
Rural townships are decreasing in population but slightly,
if at all. Of 32 reported upon, 18 increased during the decade
while 14 decreased. The increase for the 18, however, was 222
persons less than the decrease.
Of these statements, the one least likely to be upset when final
calculations are made is the first. The gradual disappearance
of the small town, those of less than 500 population in particular,
seems certain.
Page 617
4-21-30
HOPE FOR GAIN LIES IN CITIES
(Continued)
Paved Roads Make Change
Paved roads, making it possible for farmers to trade in the
larger centers without the loss of a great amount of time, have
worked a hardship on the cross-roads store to such an extent
that, unless a reversal of the trend of population is effected
in the future, the villages and hamlets of Iowa may soon be
extinct.
In Iowa, however, this is not as significant as the apparent
trend of farm population to stay fairly stable. A shift of 1.3
per cent away from the farm is but negligible even though it
should hold true when the census is complete. To many such a
low percentage is an Indication that Iowa's farm boys are content
to pursue the labor of their fathers, satisfied to till the
soil rather than to seek the pleasurers of the cities with their
witherto greater conveniences.
It is even possible that the final census returns may show Iowa's
Rural population to be equal or in excess of that of a decade ago
but even should the shift from farm to city be no greater than
the 1.3 per cent indicated by early returns, it might be said
with accuracy that the farmer's life is having an increasingly
great appeal to youth.
Radio Is New Factor
The wide use of the radio by farmers, the large percentage who
enjoy such conveniences as electric lights, running water and
sewage disposal, many experts on .agricultural economics believe,
was created enough of an incentive to boys and girls of 1930
to cause them to live the independent life of the farmers rather
than cast their life with their city brothers and sisters.
The figures upon which this survey is based are but preliminary
As 822 of the 965 towns for which a 1920 census was made are
yet to be reported, upon, and the count of rural population is
still in its early stages.
The total population of the 143 towns as given by 1930 supervisors
is but 66,843 or less than 3.6 per cent of the expected
total of around 2,450,000 for the state. The 1920 total for
the same towns was 68,390. This is a combined decrease for
the 132 towns of 1,547.
The total population of the 32 rural townships as of 1830 was
17,660 compared with 17,891 in 1920.
Page 618
4-22-30
76 TOWNSHIP IS FIRST TO GIVE CENSUS TOTALS
Seventy-SIx Township is the first district in Muscatine County
to officially report the census enumeration. The report, filed by
Herbert C. Bixby, supervisor of the census, with E. C. Erwin,
clerk of the court, shows a population of 544 in the county as
compared to 590 when the last census was taken, Jan 1, 1920.
8-4-30
BIG LOSS AT RURAL BLAZE
Flames Sweep Seven Building at W. M. Riggs
Farm Saturday Night
Fire of undetermined origin, believed to have been started, by
spontaneous combustion in a hay barn, destroyed seven buildings
at the W. M. Riggs farm in Seventy-Six Township late Saturday
evening.
Loss, at present unestimated, but which will be large, was partially
covered by insurance.
The flames were discovered by Mrs. Riggs at 11 p.m. Saturday.
She sounded an alarm and a large crowd of neighbors and others
reponded and fought the blaze with buckets of water. The
Riggs home and a large corncrib were saved.
Building which were destroyed were two barns, a tenant house
occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hargraves, two garages, a shed and
granary. Household goods in the tenant house were lost,
harness, a quantity of wheat and a large amount of hay are also
included in the loss.
