Our Town 100 Years Ago: January 1921, part 2

January 1921, Part 2

The "Our Town" articles will have an extra bonus this year. The first couple of paragraphs will be taken from an 1895 edition of the Jefferson Valley Zephyr and will be as written in that edition. The 100 years ago news is rewritten from notes made by Roy Milligan, Sr. when he reviewed decades of the Jefferson Valley News newspapers.

From the January 18, 1895 Zephyr: CHICKEN THIEF – Will Hurlburt, on the Noble ranch south of town, had a fine flock of chickens-about 60 or 70-last fall, and now he has only about 20, and he and his family have been going without chicken pies at the same time. A few days ago Mrs. Hurlburt came upon the thief unawares, within a few feet of him in fact, and the surprise was mutual, and each lost no time in seeking other quarters. The fact of the matter is Mrs. Hurlburt did not know at the time that she was out of any pets in the way of lynxes, or bob cats, and therefore did not seek closer acquaintance with the animal, which from her description must have been a large lynx. These animals as well as bob cats seem to be getting rather numerous in the timber south of here.

NOTICE – The Whitehall Cornet band will give a dance in Fergus hall on the night of January 25th. Everything possible will be done to make this the most enjoyable affair of the season. No objectionable characters will be admitted. Ernie M'Call, Chas. M'Call, Mate Goodiel, Committee.

Whitehall News from January 1921: Our American Legion post is doing well. There were 20 members present at the last meeting. The commander is Ed Peck.

If you want ice, J. F. Donohoe is the man to contact. His recent harvest has yielded about 250 tons that is available for delivery. The Whitehall Creamery is looking forward to another great year, as reported by Mr. Woll, the manager. Last year they made 105,611 pounds of butter compared to 80,490 in 1919. A new dairy operation will help provide more raw materials for the creamery. Mr. Wilhelm of Waterloo has given up his cigar business, license No. 42 , to devote his time to dairying. In other dairy related news, William Schaustrom of the Dairy Store, has reduced his milk price from 15 cents per quart to only 12½.

The local Boy Scout troop took a winter hike this month. Those who braved the cold were Richard Bruner, Edward Harbison, Allen and Harry Burgoyne, Gerald King, Mark Orr, Ray and Milton Barnes, Lawrence Huston, Steve Wolverton, and Robert Manlove.

Mr. and Mrs. G. W. McKeown, who were married last October, have returned from their honeymoon. They enjoyed time in southern California and old Mexico and are happy to be back home on the McKeown ranch here in the valley.

There are problems brewing with the new mail route to Waterloo. Most of the people want to receive their mail at Loomont instead; but, the postal service says there has to be enough people to make it work.

In school news, the high school has a new motion picture machine to show educational material, especially that of agriculture. It cost an impressive $250.00. The high school gym now has two new shower/baths. The woodwork was done by the boys in the manual training class and the plumbing work was provided by E. C. Hackley. Teacher Nellie Hoey held a card party at her home south of town and netted money for the school piano fund.

Do not miss the Oyster Supper on January 24th presented by the Christian Church. Meal prices are 25 or 50 cents, and you will have your choice of fresh oysters that are fried, stewed or raw.