The Tonganoxie Public Library

The Tonganoxie Public Library
presents
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A PEEK INTO THE PAST
© 2008 by John Cass Lenahan & The Tonganoxie Public Library
Written by John Cass Lenahan
Photographed by Chip Lenahan & Herman Karriker
Produced by Jim Morey
Executive Producer
Sharon Moreland
A PEEK INTO THE PAST
These photographs were collected over the years by John Cass
Lenahan. Many of the originals were borrowed from their
owners and then returned. Some of the originals were
photographed by John’s son, Chip Lenahan, in 1994. Others
were photographed by Herman Karriker.
The negatives were scanned by the Tonganoxie Public Library
in 2008 and this presentation was then produced.
The images displayed here are the sole property of John C.
Lenahan and may not be used by anyone for any purpose
without his written permission. You may purchase a high
resolution copy of any of these photographs from Mr. Lenahan
by contacting the Tonganoxie Public Library by Email at
director@tonganoxielibrary.org or by calling (913) 845-3281
for prices and other details.
Mr. Lenahan should be commended for recognizing
the need for and preserving these valuable
glimpses into our town’s history.
If there are errors in this program they are the
fault of the producers and not of Mr. Lenahan.
During prohibition in the 1930’s liquor and gambling was forbidden by law but
boot-leg spirits was available, “careful like.” This picture must contain most of the
male population of Tonganoxie and some out of town gents. The most respected
local merchants let their hair down for one evening. Some of those present include
the Zoellner brothers, Walt and Fred; Fred Angel; Amos Wilson; Foster Laming; Bert
Harman; Elmo Blackwell; Floyd Ratliff; and Erney Myers.
Some of the fun guys present here included, A-Walter Zellner, B-Fred Angel,
C-Floyd Ratliff, D-Elmo Blackwell, E-Foster Laming, F-Bert Harman,
G-Amos Wilson, H-Foots Castell and J-Fred Zoellner.
Toby Carter
Andrew Harper (Tobe or Toby)
Carter lived from August 1877 to
July 1958. He was born near
Hoege, KS. His parents, Henderson
Carter and Narcissus Newby were
former slaves.
Tobe worked for many farmers in
the Stranger area and was also a
farmer himself.
Toby was a regular on the streets
of Tonganoxie in the 30’s – 50’s.
He collected cast offs from people
and repaired them for re-sale.
Mr. Berry
Charlie Berry was a veteran of
the Boer War (1899–1902), in
South Africa. An Englishman, by
birth, he was proud of his
service. Here he displays his
weaponry. This picture was
probably taken c. 1920.
He lived in a small house on the
west side of Delaware, north of
First St.
.
Albert Conley’s barber shop was situated on the south side of Fourth St. about
where the Tonganoxie post office is located at this writing. This photo was taken c. 1939.
In the background are: Dr. L.C. Cox, the local dentist, Bud Freeman, Red Sliee, and
Sap Baneau. During this time 5 barbers were employed full or part time in Tonganoxie.
One of the several milk and cream stations in the area. Picture was taken c. 1925.
c. 1917. The Wellhouse Orchard crew. Mr. Wellhouse is pictured at extreme
left of picture. The Wellhouse Orchard consisted of 100 acres, or more, located
just east of Tonganoxie. Harvest was completed by local labor and shipped by
the Union Pacific and Missouri Pacific Northwestern railroads. At this time
Tonganoxie was served by both these railroads.
This picture, taken c. 1920, depicts one of the last of the horse drawn
freight wagons. The photo was taken to help promote the need to pave
4th Street. There was no success until a white rooster had to be rescued
from the mud by a prominent local merchant. 4th Street was finally paved
in about 1924 with the help of federal funds designated for Highway U.S.
40. Tongie’s 4th Street was part of the federal coast to coast highway
system. Bill Ridgeway, shown in this photo, was one of the last horse
drawn dray-men. This photograph is the model for the mural on the west
wall of the old Ratliff’s drug store located on the northeast corner of 4 th
and Bury.
c. 1919. Frank U. Henry was an early Tonganoxie merchant. He had one of
the five grocery stores located on 4th Street at this time. This view is
looking east from 4th and Delaware. Mr. Henry’s store was located on the
northeast corner of 4th and Delaware. It was later replaced with a one
story brick structure that housed the Tonganoxie Public Library for many
years and now is used by the Tonganoxie Police Dept.
This is a view of Tonganoxie’s 4th St. looking east from the 400 block, the
main business district. The story goes that the town elders felt that the
“elements” on Main Street were not conducive to the development of
permanent business structures. We think they were referring to saloons,
livery barns and other objectionable enterprises that were prevalent on
Main St. So commercial development migrated up the hill to 4 th St.
The mayor and councilmen who directed the success of many projects
and laws that meet our needs yet today.
The J.C. Laming Ford automobile agency celebrating the 20 millionth
Ford off the assembly line in 1929. Those present include J.C.
Laming, Walt Neibarger of the Tonganoxie Mirror, Ed McNurney, and
Mayor William H. Heynen. It was reported that a good half of the
city’s population turned out for the promotion on 4 th Street.
Seventy seven years later the same car was on tour in Kansas City and
local antique car enthusiast, Delbert Felts, got the opportunity to see it up
close and personal.
The Tonganoxie Friends Academy was founded in 1883. It was the
first institution of higher learning in or around Tonganoxie. It
discontinued operation in 1899. The present Friends Church, located
on the southwest corner of 4th and Shawnee was built just north of
the academy a few years later. The lumber from the academy was
used to build two houses. One was on the site of the academy built
for Sara Mae Diekman’s father, Mr. C. H. Cain. The other was built
next door west for John Evans. Both houses are still standing at this
writing.
This photograph of the first Tonganoxie High School was taken in 1910.
Prior to this the high school was housed in the second floor of the 1874
Grade School. The original classes were for one year. The experiment, as
such, was so well received that a second year was added. In 1910 the
four year curriculum was implemented in this building.
Some Tonganoxie high school footballers. c. 1930’s
This “Ham” radio station belonged to Clifford Peters. Clifford and his
brother, George, were the grandchildren of an early pioneer family in
this area. Clifford and Harry Fincher were early Tonganoxie amateur
radio enthusiasts. They were licensed by the federal government
and referred to themselves as “Hams.” Their call letters were 9DTA.
Earlier “Ham” receiving and transmitting set. All messages
were sent in Morse code.
One of Glydis Niebaum’s swimming classes in Chief Tonganoxie pool.
c. 1928
Glydis Neibaum’s swimming class soon after the pool was built. The
Neibaums were very early settlers in and around Tonganoxie.
c. 1930. Early day photo of Chief Tonganoxie Swimming Pool. This day
the crowd turned out to enjoy swimming races late in the afternoon.
This pool was built in the late 1920’s and was only replaced in 2008.
Chief Tonganoxie Pool, soon after it was built. (1926)
Two large slides were installed at
Chief Tonganoxie Pool in 1932 to
the delight of the swimmers. They
were removed in the late 1940’s
for safety reasons.
Chief Tonganoxie Pool, soon after it was built. (1926)
Chief Tonganoxie Pool, soon after it was built. (1926)
Chief Tonganoxie Pool, showing the slides, concession
stand and bath house soon after it was built in 1926.
This photo shows Tom “Coach” Beatty, the manager of the pool in 1937.
“Coach” Beatty was teacher at and later Principal of THS for many years.
The THS football field, “Beatty Field” carries his name..
Making repairs on the Union Pacific Railroad depot in Tonganoxie. c. 1925.
The Tom Chandler family blacksmith shop. This photo was taken c.
1923. Many times these craftsmen performed other tasks very
important to agriculture and the rapidly growing Tonganoxie
community.
This photo is a copy of a tin-type of
Jake Meyers, a very early settler in
Tonganoxie. Jake was a civil war
veteran, where he lost his leg. He
and his wife, Molly, founded the well
known Meyers House Hotel on the
northwest corner of 3rd and Main
Street, across from the swimming
pool. The Meyers family operated
the hotel for many years. It was
known nationally for its family style
fried chicken dinners. A bed &
breakfast continues to operate on
the site making it in continuous
operation for over 100 years.
Taken in 1921, this photo shows a typical dirt street. The location is in
front of the Meyers Hotel at the intersection of 3 rd and Main streets.
The famous dining room of the Meyers Hotel was photographed in 1921.
This room has been restored and looks very much the same as it did in
1921.
This picture, taken c. 1900, depicts
Molly Meyers and her friend Magdalina
Bury. Mrs. Meyers, along with her
husband, Jake, founded the Meyers
House Hotel. Mrs. Bury was one of
Tonganoxie’s original founders.
Francis Young on her wedding day.
She married Wilson Meyers, the son
of Jake and Molly Meyers. Wilson
Meyers went by his nick-name,
Jake.
This view of the north side of the flour mill and the elevated storage
buildings was taken c. 1910. In the 1930’s the milling machinery
was taken out. Later on the top two stories were removed because
of fire damage. In 1956 the main house’s (center building) top two
floors experienced a dust explosion and fire and were later removed.
This is a grain storage facility which was
located in the Stranger Creek area.
c. 1914. The Fairchild Dairy was a modern operation for the time that
hand milked 20 cows three times a day. This was one of the largest
dairy operations in Kansas. This barn was destroyed by fire and was
replaced by a more modern facility. The second barn is situated north
of Washington and west of US 24-40. The new barn now houses the
Tonganoxie Community Historical Society.
This is a view of the Fairchild house, adjacent to the dairy. This house
dates from 1874. It was razed by the new owner in 2008.
View inside one of Tonganoxie’s general stores.
Bill Ridgeway’s dray service at the uptown lumber yard. This
lumber yard was located on the northeast corner of 5th and Bury.
It was in business from 1920 to 1967.
The Union Pacific depot was in use by the railroad for a century from 1872
to 1972. The building is still occupied by a private commercial enterprise.
The passenger cars on the track were used to transport passangers and
freight to and from Leavenworth and Lawrence. They could then transfer
to other trains to travel anywhere in the U.S.
The Union Pacific Railroad station still stands at this writing at 5 th and
Main Street. This view, looking north, shows a motor car on the track.
c. 1920. Missouri-Pacific Northwestern engine and cars north of
Neely, KS. This railroad serviced towns from Kansas City Union
Station to Sidney, Nebraska.
This is a view of the Missouri-Pacific Railroad depot at Neely, Ks.
A.D. Hamilton operated one of several livery stables in Tonganoxie. This
building, located on the east side of the 300 block of Main St., was in use for
over 75 years and was finally torn down in 1970. Hamilton rented buggies,
riding horses and dray wagons. He was also reputed to be a good animal
doctor. Although gambling was strictly forbidden by Kansas law, his hay loft
was a favorite gambling nook, with a watchman at the steps to the loft.
This photograph shows one of several home talent bands that
entertained us through the years. Some of the musicians played in
other town bands. During these early days the local band was
always a central attraction at public events.
c. 1947. The Oaks, a filling station, motel and dining room, was located
where Smiley Rd. meets highway US 24-40 in the northwest part of
town. Ice skating parties were held on the pond behind the dining room.
The facility no longer exists.
This horse drawn fire powered fire department pumper was probably
used by the Lawrence, Kansas Fire Department.
Automobile and tractor show held in Tonganoxie in 1926.
Automobile and tractor show held in Tonganoxie in 1926.
Postmaster Greever Allen and his wife, Nancy, on a “bicycle built for
two.” They are participating in one of the many parades held in
Tonganoxie on 4th Street over the years.
Charlie Brown; Tonganoxie’s own vaudevillian. Charlie was the
featured ventriloquist, magician, card trick artist and character actor
of many traveling road shows from 1862 to 1947. In his later years
he would delight little children by drawing pictures for them.
Some of Charlie Brown’s
character studies.
This is a rural family, perhaps having a Sunday afternoon
one horse sleigh ride.
The End
A production of the
Tonganoxie Public Library
Tonganoxie, Kansas