The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1914-10-03
Past and Present


much that we have neglected to make
definite record of the tragic events OF
the early pioneers. In New England
the traditions and legends Of the fathers
nave been preserved Nothing attracts
and interests as more when we visit the
''cradle of American liberty" than the
plates and monuments marking the
places of historic value.
But in new countries like ours the
general population is largely made up
of builders. constructors, doors and
newcomers, and they care but little for
the traditions because they are q part
of them. But 1t seems to me we have
reached the time when some of our lit
erary genIuses make definite record Of
the thrilling happenings of the near
past,
The story of New Rome that grew.
faded and died in ninety days would
interest and instruct many strangers
and members of the younger generation.
The exploits of Hickok, alias ''Wild
Bill'' and his official relations to our
OASJ "OAAa OO IA0A " IAAC
coming generations than those told the
children of today of Paul Revere and
Mad Anthony Wayne" of Revolution
ary days. II is not generally known
that Buffalo Bill" who has become
famous on two continents, got his start
to fame in Hays. Gathering around
him are many events of intrinic value
and should be preserved by the histo-
rian, Then in the late sixties Peter Ian
ahan wrote his name "Iarge" in our To-
cal annals and he, as our first sheriff in
one of the Main Street. brawls should
not be foegotten.
But perhaps of all tho men who have
figured IN the story of early frontier
brutalities, more has been charged TO
Jim Curry than to all others. Accord
ing to the memory Of man he was the
most depraved 5pecinan of humanity
that ever lived upon the western bord-
ers of civilization. It seems that there
was not q single eommendable quality
to be found in him He was q killer of
men and glosted in shedding humun
blood.
Gathering around such characters
are stories Of Boot Hill, u Dead Mans
Hollow" 1.-The Haunted WELL ''The
Spooks of The Bridge" and the "Old
Man" of Main Street. Perhaps no
where In Kansas ara there to be found
50 many traditions as cluster about
Hays City. Sherman, Sheridan and
Custer are men Of world renown and
belong In part TO us. They had much
to do with "Old FeEk lIa9sn In those
days. Their influence did much to clear
the social atmosphere OF the early seven
ties.
1t pleases the writer to aote that one
of our citizens, William Philip. has tax
en- an active interest in preserving one
of the ancient land marks Of our county
by erecting stone monument marking
sthe site of Fort Fletcher, sometimes
known as Fort PauldooH. This fort
was located eleven miles south east of
Hays City on the famous Big Greek
Ranch" owned by Alexander Philip and
Son. This fort has many incidents of
adventure, hardship and suffering told
about it. Through this ranch passed
the ''Old Denver Trail" Mr.. Philip has
erected suitable cement monuments on
his ranch, marking this noted trail. It
would be of historic value if the farmers
and town people living along this trail
would also mark II with suitable pillars
of stone or monuments of cement. Mr.
Philip is quite anxious that others of the
Iandholders along this trail should do
as he has and put up Rarke-s Of some
lasting material
One day this week the writer spent a
part of day on the Philip ranch. He
does not recall of ever seeing q more
perfect plot of ground tor Fanchin2
Much OF it is gently rolling OF the
1900 acres, at least $500 acres of it have
never felt the touch of the plow 1t has
seven miles Of running water. The
banks Of the creek are shaded by elm
and boxelder trees It hiss large sheds
for the cattle. up.to-date machinery to
take care Of the silage, good farm hous
es for both the owner and hired help
And this ranch supports 600 head of the
finest Hereford cattle in the state. The
rlnch is the finest in Kansas, consider.
ing all things. Where in the state
could be found S719 acres covered with
crinkly, nutritious native Buffalo grass.
ideal wheat land in the heart Of the win
ter wheat belt that have never been crl
tivated, 1000 acres of this farm are idea
alfalfa land. The charms of this beau
tiful ranch home are accentuated by the
cordial greeting and generous hospital
ity accorded to the guest within the
gates by "BiIl" Philip and his adorable
wife.
Tne surprise p saned for Ed Blender'
birthday, was happily carried out las
Saturday evening. Over thirty wer,
IA attendance.
It Is a little unusual for ladies' to b
gwen places in district eonfere1ce pro
grams, but We see that Mrs. Chamber