davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1910-12-15
CLAY cENTERs FINE ACTON.
rs Recognition Of the Towns Found
or, A. r. Dexter.


II you visit the big court house IN
Clay Center you will see on the cor
ner stone Of the building the words,
Grounds donated by A. F. Dexter F."
and then II you go to the second
floor, at the head Of the stairs you
will find this inscription on a door:
"A. r. Dexter, superintendent OF the
a
court house"
II you feel any curiosity to meet
la. F. Dexter he will answer your
knock. He will tell you. II you press
him, the story of the time when he
founded Clay Center and Of the time
when he was the richest citizen In
Clay Center, and of the weary months
that followed the crash of his ven
lures in 1895, until his appointment
| in 1900 to the position of "Superin-
tendent Of the court house."
1.-THE ingratltude Of republics" Is
proverbial. But such an Indictment
cannot be returned against at least
one Kansas county-Clay.
In the year 1852 Alonzo F. Dexter
and his brother, John Dexter, with
about $4,000 in gold, which they
had taken from mines in California,
went to Kansas to establish a town.
After some debate, they selected a
stretch Of rolling prairie near the
Republican river as the site OF their
future efforts. A surveyor was
brought up from Garden City, Kan,
and the town plat made.
1--WE will be generous and progress
i've" Alonzo Dexter suggested to John,
so the surveyor was given instruc-
tons to provide wide streets, 5-acre
tract for a city park, a whole block
for a school, and another for a county
court house. Without dispute the
brothers determined to name the town
Clay Center.
The broad streets-one, by the way,
named Dexter street.-the city park,
the block for the school and the
block for the courthouse have all
been put to their appointed purposes.
And the brothers? John died. Alonzo,
enthusiastically working for his town.
managed to nurse it from a prairie
to a city of $500 people, And mean
while he became rich, owning a MILL
an electric light and power plant and
several stores. For a long while A.
F. Dexter was the political and busi-
ness leader of Clay Center. Then
there was series Of disasters-the
dam which supplied power to the
electric light plant was washed out
the mill burned and In 1895 a. f.
Dexter failed. A year later he was
practically penniless
The county built Its new courthouse
in 1900. without dissenting vote
It was determined to create q place
n the building for the man who had
donated the grounds. The position
Of superintendent was created, with
only nominal duties and a regular
salary from the county. A large
room was fitted up for the combined
office and living room, and in that
room, since then, the founder OF
Clay Center has lived. He is ~
years old, without relatives. His
time is divided between reading, do
ing his homework, which includes
cooking, and receiving visitors.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1910-12-15

Expert Horseshoer and Blacksmith.
/. G. Langley at Toliver's shop
does expert work in horseshoeing
and general blacksmithing. See
him. 15wSt
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1910-12-15
organ for Sale Cheap.

Organ for Sale Cheap.
Second hand, in good repair, fine
for school house. See Clarence Gish,
piano tuper, at Broughton's Music
store. 81
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1910-12-15

For sale, easy terms, ten room
house, modern, barn, three lots.
Close in. s. Kirk, SO5 East 9Th St.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1910-12-15
THE VILLAGE DEACON.
Bert Walker in Osborne Farmer,

Some people imagine that because
they drop a nickel into the collection
box at church on Sunday morning 1t
gives them license to be ornery all
week and still hang onto their pass
mort to heaven. Lots of folks be-
lieye that al that is necessary to have
a cinch on happy home in the New
Jerusalem is to go to church two or
three times a month and look sancti-
monious. Some fellows hesitate
whether or not they had better give
IN a nickel or a dime when the box
comes round. They finally decide
in favor Of the nickel, on the theory
that it will at least admit them with
In the pearly gates, and after they
once get inside they are so ALFRED
smooth they can square things for the
best seat In the choir. 1t beats the
world the number of people trying to
buy their way into heaven. They
look upon a good seat there in the
same light they do box at the the
atre. If they have the price they can
get in. may be mistaken, but some
how or other have an idea that q
good many of the ones who wear the
brightest crowns Over Yonder will
not be the ones who have occupied
the front seats here. Because there
lis no use talking, We may be able 10
fool a lot Of the brethren, but we
cant fool the Lord.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1910-12-15
LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS.
address letters Santa Claus care
Reflector, Abilene, Kansas

Dear Santa: Bring me doll and
doll buggy, and anything else and
bring some other children in Abilene
who haven't any parents to get them
presents. Ella Mae Barr.
~ y
Dear Santa: win you bring me
a sewing box II you have any, and
II you haven't any bring me any
thing. Bring me a little doll with
a little hat and which has a Jersey
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1910-12-15

A good friend was giving me 4 lee.
iure on economy the other dAy. Z
smoke alto6ether too many cigars. q
should set . pipe. Ny friend nIled
Ne PIPE as he talked. He borrowed
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1910-12-15

/. i have discovered to my full salts
faction that this old saying Of early
to bed and early to rise makes a man
healthy. wealthy and wise Is right In
some respects. Il makes him wise as
far as maKims are concerned.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18
A. Surprise.

On Monday the friends and neigh
bors Of Grandma Macdonald invaded
her home, en- mass, during Grandma's 3
absence. When she returned every
thing had been arranged for n grand
surprise. And to say it was Is surprise
only half expresses it. Those who en-
joyed 1t were Mr.. and Mrs. Idris Thorn
rs aud son Willie; Mr.. and Mrs. NJ. 5.
Cunningham and family; MIR. and Mrs.
GOoseman; Mrs. Partridge and family;
Mrs. Pconni and children; Mrs. Gar
barino aud family; J. B. Millard; &. w.
Carriers children and A. KnoblOck'
children. The day was very pleasantly
spent 10y all.
Grandma was the recipient of a num-
Der of presents, and all departed with
the wish that she may live to celebrate
many more birthdays.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18
Owen Riordan Passes Away.

Owen Riordan died at his home near
Arriola Tuesday. He ate his dinner
and went out to the salt room where
he was found later in an unconscious
condition. He was taken to the house
and died without gaining consciousness,
only living about an hour after being
found. Heart trouble IL supposed to
have caused his death.
He leaves three daughters and two
sons to mourn his departure. Mrs.
Riordan passed away three months ago.
The funeral was held Thurday from
the Dolores Catholic church, Father
Bruner conducting the services. The
body was laid to rest in the Dolores
cemetery.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

That splendid comedy drama "Uncle
DAMP or '.The Messenger From Jarvis
Section In which Mrs. Fiske aud the
late Barney McCauley made such q
notable success few years ago, will be
the attraction at the Opera House one
night Wednesday February %. 1t Is
promised that the performance will be
first class in every respect. Several
high-class specialties will be introduced
throughout the action of the play and
splendid orchestra will render popular
and standard selections.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

The Business Mems aud Citizens
club held an interesting meeting Ia. I
Friday evening. The matter of a water
system and light plant for the town
was discussed to considerable length.
The advertising committee was In
structed to make report at the next
meeting, and other matters pertaining
to the upbuilding Of the town were
discussed. The meeting adjourned to
Monday evening, February 81, at s
O'Clock, sharp, when Mr.. Eby's maps,
plans and estimates Of the proposed
water system and lighting plant will
be displayed in the meeting. It is de-
sired that all members be present at
this meeting.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

A town, situated as Dolores is, can
not afford to turn down a proposition
that will give it an adequate supply of
pure water. 1t is an easy matter to
put down a well here for the water
runs near the surface, but the gravelly
condition of the soil allows all waste
from cesspools, streets and corrals t"
sink to the water and flow into the
wells. The only reason that conta-
Reous diseases are not common in DolO-
res is due to the fact that we have the
most healthful climate in the world.
The sanitary conditions of the town
are simply horrible, but with water
system and the enforcement of the
ordinances regarding the dumping and
accumulation of manure and offals
Dolores could be made as sanitary as
it IL possible TO make place. Can we
afford to sacrifice our health and the
health Of our loved ones for the sake of
probably saving dollar or two in taxes.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18
Cortez ltems.

Rev. Randall began q series Of meet
inns Tuesday evening. There is great
need OF these meetings here.
The Valentine social given BY the
congregational ladies Monday evening
was success, receipts were $50. net.
We were pained to hear Of the sud-
9eh death Of Owen Riordan Of Arriola,
tuesday evening. The valley has lost
a good citizen.
lhe event OF the season was the
social evening given by the Ladies' of
The Woodcraft Friday evening.
The Ladies Aid of the NJ. f. church
Reelected the same officers that served
Ine past six months, at their meeting
Tuesday.
Mrs. James Hammond Of Dolores,
Mas the guest of Mrs. II. II. Smith this
week
Mr.. Stevenson Of the firm of Hopper
and Stevenson is Obliged on the ac-
count of illness to retire from business.
aud leave the valley.
DIR. Crawford of Mancos has been
here since Sunday looking after his
dentistry business.
Clarence Honaker's new house i.
nearing completion, Hall Il Filey have
the contract.
II. G. Kermode has recovered from a
severe spell of sickness.
Rev. Randall bought forty acres Of
laud this week Of p. A. Peterson.
Chancellor Buchtel Of the State Uni
versity at Denver will lecture here
Saturday evening, we hope to have n
large crowd, fifty cents admission.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

The Ladies Auxiliary OF the Baptist
church met Wednesday and elected
the following officers for the ensuing
year: Mrs. Lottie Miller, president;
Mrs. II. b. Wallace, vice president;
Mrs. Lulu Brumley, secretary; Mrs.
Alice Akin, treasurer. The next meet
ing will he held Wednesday, February
%, at 2 p. m. at the home of Mrs.
Hattie Burgwin.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION.
tPublisher.)

Department. OF the Interior,
u s Land Office at Durango, Colorado.
January 10, 1910.
Notice is hereby given that Ellis X. Ellis.
Of Dolores, Colorado, who on April nth,
lAOs, made Homestead Application No. 1924,
Serial No. 0l62l, for the n W 4 Of the s W 1 of
section 2. township, 80, North, Range Is West,
OF NJ = Meridian, has filed notice OF inten.
ton to make Final Communication Proof, to
establish claim to the land above desc ri bed be-
fore Z. J. Scharnhorst, Clerk of the ounty
Court OF Montezuma county, olorado, at his
of February, 1910
Claimant names as witnesses:
ID. a. Milliken, G. 4. Rentz, John ". witbers
and A. B. Cole all Of Dolores, Colorado.
q. II. Charlton,
Register.
First pub Jan. II 1910; last pub Feb. IS, IslO.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

L. s. Foote and Randolph Williams
Of Paonia, spent several days in Monte
yuma county the latter part of last
week and first Of this week. These
gentlemen are interested in the Arri-
ola Land and Improvement company.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18
NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO LEASE
STATE LANDS
Office of the State board of Land Commits.

Denver, Colorado February End. 1910.
Notice is hereby given that Robert s. Brown,
whose pOstoffce address is Dolores, Colorado
has made application No 1929 to lease the fol-
lowing described Agricultural College Lands,
situate in Montezuma County, Colorado to wit !:
west. w of section 5, township 81 north,
range l6 west. w 9 of 4 section 5, township
~ north, range ID west. n Il of n + 4 section
), township 5. north range l6 west. $ 2 of s w
section ~, township ~ north, range l6 west
81 OF 5 Z section 32, township 3s north, range
.6 west.
No other application to lease the above des-
cribed lands will be considered after March 4ti
1910. b. l.. ,JEFFERsoN
Register State Board Land Commissioners
First pub Feb II, 1910. Last pub Mar eth, 1910
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18
Notice,

If you are not subscriber to The
Star but receive sample copy or two
do not he afraid of receiving a bill for
same. This is one Of our ways of aG-
vertising. Take the paper and read it
and If you like it subscribe for it, If not
hand it to your neighbor, may be he
will like it.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18
Applications For Grazing Permits.

Notice is hereby given that all applications
for permits TO Craze cattle, horses and sheep
within the MONrELUM MA NATIONAL FOREST
during the season of 1910 should be filed in my
office at Mancos, Colorado. or before March
10, 1910. Full information in regard to the
grazing fees to be charged. and blank forms to
be used in making application will be furnish
ed upon request. kESS PHILIPS, Forest Su-
pervisor.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

Work was begun on the May bridge
Monday morning. This bridge will be
a 2OO-foot span steel structure and is to
be twelve feet above low water mark.
A part Of the old bridge will be used
to replace the one that went out at
Beaver creek last spring.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

For Sale-We have surplus of low
wheel, three inch tire, second hand
wagons of Schuttler and Fish Bros,
make. In sizes 3t and 81 inch. All are
in first class condition. At the lumber
yard. The Rust Lumber & Mercantile
Company. 2t
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

Let the citizens Of Dolores get to-
gether on the water system aud light
ing plant proposition. Let us study
the matter from all sides and not decide
what is best for me as an individual
but what is best for the town as n
whole
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

Rev. H. A. Miller was Durango
passenger on Saturdays train. On Sun
day he filled the pulpit of the Baptist
church in that city, and returned
home Monday.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

The entertainment given in the
Dolores opera house Tuesday evening
by the primary department of the
NJ. E. Sunday school was well attend
ed, and all present were pleased with
the program. Mrs. Wiltsie and Mrs.
Akin had charge of the training of the
little tots and deserve much credit
for the excellent entertainment they
gave. The receipts were S20.05.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18
NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO LEASE
STATE LANDS.
Office OF the State Board OF Land Commits

siOners.
Denver, Colorado February 2nd, 1910
Notice is hereby given that James Hammond,
whose postoiiice address is Dolores, Colorado,
has made application No. T74 to lease the fol-
lowing described School Lands. situate in
Montezuma County, Colorado, to wit. n OF
w section ID, township 81 north, range Is
west
No other application to lease the above des-
cribed lands will be considered after March
9TH, 1910. Il. l.. JEFFERSON,
Register State Board Land ,'omm issi toner's.
First pub Feb II. 1910; Last pub March 4. 1910.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

than All oil lamp, especially in home
where there are children. How often
one reads of life aud property being
destroyed by the turning over of laml 8
caused by children at play. Electric
lights make such an accident inipossi-
hIo
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

A Sunday School has been organized
al Quarry. This is good news as there
WIS no Sunday school on the Dolores
Riter, between here and Rico.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

Rev. Turnbull of Durango, preached
to large audiences in the Dolores Bap-
tist church Sunday morning and even
ing. His discourses were enjoyed by
all present.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

The M. +. Sunday School will meet
In the new church building sunday
morning at 10 o'clock u. m. You ar.
invited to be present.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18
LOCAL NEWS NOTES.
Nuulce.

On March 3lst, will quit practicing
Dentistry. All those who are In need
Of dental work should come in at once
For ] positively will not do any dental
work after March 3lst.
J. E. Bell, Dentist.
Dolores, Colorado.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

County Commissioner w. /. Myler
WAS business caller at The Star Office
yesterday.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18
Dedication Services.

This has been moving week for the
Methodist people. They are moving
from the school building, where the,
have held services for the past -four
years, to their new home on Eighth
street. Everything has been hustle
and hustle about the new building this
week. A lighting plant has been in
stalled, the transon,, half-circle and
hall windows have been put in place,
the floor mopped, the chairs set up,
and other preparations made for the
dedication services which will be held
Sunday.
A recent letter from District Superin-
tendent Lee states that Ex-Governor
Buchtel and himself will arrive Satur-
day. Mr.. Buchtel goes to Cortez TO
lecture on Saturday evening but will
be back to Dolores for the Sunday
morning service at IL o'clock. There
will also be an evening service. As
many chairs as possible will be placed
in the building so that all who come
may be comfortably seated. A cordial
Invitation is extended to everybody to
be present
The dedication of this building is
another step forward in the progress of
our beautiful little city, and these SER
vices should be hailed with delight not
only by Methodists and professed
Christians of every denomination, but
by every man and woman of Dolores
regardless of their attitude to the
Christ. Church and school buildings
are monuments which attract the home
seeker and the mau who is searching
for a suitable place to rear family.
Dolores has handsome school
building and three excellent church
buildings which are convincing proof
to visitors that our people have the
right kind of public enterprise. Let
us gather together Sunday and show
our appreciation of the push and enter
prise which an All Wise Providence
has given us by helping to dedicate this
building to His service.
DEDICATION PhOGkAM.
Sunday Morning II O'Clock
1 Voluntary
Hymn SO
3 The Apostles Creed
frayer .,...... .--.-.....-.-.D Dr. N. n. Lee
anthem m-........-.--. .---.....r..- Cnolr
Old Testament Lesson Rev. II. A. Miller
Gloria Patria
Duett .. Mr. and Mrs. Wade Bryan
9 Notices
10 New Testament Lesson 49,. Rev. W. F. Clark
IL Solo. ......................M Mrs. Wade Bryan
l2 Sermon n................Ex Governor Buchtel
chancellor of Denver University
IS Hymn 261
Il Financial Statement
Is Doxology and Benediction
Sunday Evening 100 O'Clock
1 Voluntary
2 Hymn 26
3 Prayer
Anthem -..-................. ....Choir
5 Lesson
6 Notices
Duett ..............M Mr. and Mrs. Wade Bryan
s Sermon ............... ..Ex Governor Buchtel
| 9 Solo ................. Mr. Wade Bryan
10 Hymn s6s
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

Richard McGlochlin, who has been
contined to bis bed with appendicitis
for the past two weeks, is improving in
hoalth
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

from Lone Dome Sunday visiting
Dolores friends.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

Born Tuesday, February 8, to DR..
aud Mrs. J. +. Bell, son. Mother
aud child are doing nicely.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

Pat o. Donnell came III from Durango
yesterday on business.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

Mrs. James Hammond spent several
days this week visiting with friends In
Cortez.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

Lila Bradfield returned home Sat ur-
day from Denver where she has beer
visiting with her sister, Mrs. Dave
johnson, for the past year.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

Mrs. Ella Goodwin aud grand
daughter left for Telluride, Wednesday,
OH u visit.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

John Braden is up from the Bluff
oil fields this week.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

T. l.. Case of Cortez, was in town
several days this week putting in lights
at the NJ. T.. Church.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

Mrs. J. r. Hughes returned home
Tuesday after two weeks visit ut the
home Of Mr.. and Mrs. T.. II. BOpp.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

That argument, which appeared in
last weeks issue of the Montezunla
Journal, showing why it is more
dollars for piece of work than it is to
pay one man five dollars for the same
work, should be as clear as mud to the
county commissioners and taxpayers
of Montezuma county.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

Walter Wallace has gone to Denver
for q short visit.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18

The Town of Dolores has purchased
lots and plans are being made by the
board of trustees for the erection of a
town hall. This is wise move in the
right direction. Dolores has long been
in need of hall of this kind where all
gatherings of a public nature can he
held, and now is the time to get busy.
The Dolores star., 1910-02-18
Market Report.

The following prices are copied from Tues.
days Denver paper.
DRESSED POULTRY
The Washington herald., 1910-03-26

An uncut diamond looks very much like
bit Of the best gum arabic
The Washington herald., 1910-03-26

herself appeared before the various pro-
vincial school boards urging the advis-
ability Of a day for patriotic exercises
Her efforts met with such success that at
a meeting OF the Dominion Teachers As
ISOLATION held at Halifax. Nova Scotia,
on August a. 1S9S. the idea was unani-
mously adopted. Mrs. Fessenden had in
the meantime been thinkingso out her plans
for carrying on the work and thus was
satisfactorily established an organization
which met with the cordial approval of
the late Queen about two years before
her death. and Empire Day is now cele-
brated annually in the Dominion in close
on 10000 schools by pupils numbering
1900. co.,
Empire Day, which is kept on the last
school day before May "a, is given up
specially to the history of Canada in its
relation to the British empire and TO such
exercises as might tend to the Increase
Of the interest of the pupils in the his
tory Of their own country and strengthen
their attachment to the empire TO which
they belong. 1t must be understood that
thes day Is not for children alone, since
Canadian schools number among their
pupils many who have left their early
youth behind, nor was the call made to
Canada only. though the response was
warmest there, but TO the whole British
world.
The Washington herald., 1910-03-26
ORIGIN OF EMPIRE DAY.
IL Was "A Canadian Woman Who
Started Ii Eleven Years Ago.

The Kirg has no more loyal and faith
ful subject in all his wide dominions.
says a writer in the Queen. than Mrs.
Clementina Fessenden. the founder Of
Empire Day, which has now been cele-
brated IN her native country of Canada
for over eleven years.
The idea had its first conception In a
very simple incident. In the year 1897
Mrs. Fessenden attended a meeting of
the Wentworth Historical Society &C
companied by her little granddaughter.
The little girls pride and pleasure were
unbounded. and the intelligent interest
which, though only about eight years OF
age. she displayed caused the thought to
fash through Mrs. Fessenden's mind: eff
one child is capable OF such enthusiasm
in what its elders in their presumption
decide is quite above its level. why not
another? Why should not hundreds and
thousands ind a similar delight in learn
ing the history OF their own and their
mother land, that land from which their
forbears came. 1t may be, centuries be-
fore?'
Mrs. Fessenden, besides writing 70 the
then minister Of education and TO all who
might in any way forward her scheme.