Death Ditch • It’s Thursday, July 22, 1920, at the home of Harriet “Hattie” Moore Jennings, 220 Sherman East Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas. Living with widowed Hattie, 52, are three of her five children: Don, 31; Mack, 29; and Beulah, 20. Hattie’s still holding a $3,500 check when Beulah enters the room carrying a cup of coffee. * “Is it hot in here?” asked Hattie. Before Beulah could reply, Hattie placed the check on her desk and began unfastening the top button of her … [Read more...] about Reno County: Death Ditch
Behind the Books Blog
Reno County: Who Wants a Baby?
"Who Wants a Baby?" • It’s Friday night August 8, 1913, at Riverside Park’s airdome outdoor theater in Hutchinson Kansas. Alta June Barnes Beck, 35, is watching her husband, Konrad Christopher Beck, 37, on stage, stirring up the crowd. He couldn’t be happier. * "When will this heat wave ever end?" Alta overheard a man ask his wife, or a woman she presumed was his wife. "We might as well stay out late," she responded as she waved a hand fan in front of her face. "With this humidity, it … [Read more...] about Reno County: Who Wants a Baby?
Reno County: Saloons in Hutchinson
Saloons in Hutchinson • It’s Monday, May 27, 1907, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Florence Tharp Duckworth is visiting her husband, Sheriff George “Came” Duckworth, in his office on the second floor of the Reno County Courthouse at Avenue B and Main Street. * “How was court?” asked Florence. “Tim Casey didn’t show up,” answered George. “Judge Galle rendered a summary judgement against Casey, declaring the $500 bond he had given forfeited, and ordered the clerk of the court to immediately … [Read more...] about Reno County: Saloons in Hutchinson
Reno County: Vice President Theodore Roosevelt
Vice President Theodore Roosevelt • It’s noon Wednesday, August 14, 1901 in Hutchinson, Kansas, as the Santa Fe train pulls away from the crowded depot, headed east, then north out of town towards Kansas City. Sarah “Sally” Lowber Hooper, 40, and John Walter Hooper, 46, with six of their seven children, are still waving at Vice President Theodore Roosevelt who remains on the rear-end platform as it picks up speed. Veterans and others are rushing after the Pullman car, attempting to … [Read more...] about Reno County: Vice President Theodore Roosevelt
Reno County: Diamond Dicks
"Diamond" Dicks • It’s Tuesday, November 14, 1899, at the Reno County sheriff’s residence attached to the jail, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Sheriff William “Bill” Long, 37, and his under sheriff, Ed Metz, 60, are drinking coffee. Sarah “Cassie” Baker Long, 28, is supervising the feeding of 16-month-old Clella Elizabeth. * Alex Millar, 63, the jail’s turnkey, is waiting for the sheriff and under sheriff to pick up two prisoners. The lawmen will be escorting “Diamond” Dicks and Ed Clark to … [Read more...] about Reno County: Diamond Dicks
Reno County: 1893 Chicago World’s Fair
1893 Chicago World's Fair • It’s Thursday, September 21, 1893, at the Bon Ton Bakery, 15 North Main, Hutchinson, Kansas. Julia “Maria” Bacon Patten, 38, and John Quincy Patten, 38, are celebrating their one-month-old’s birthday, Hiram Burnham Patten. He’s taking a nap while they prepare to order treats. * “It sure is convenient having Bon Ton Bakery and Confectionery so close to Mr. McInturff’s Photography Studio,” said Maria as she smelled the fresh bread, admired the … [Read more...] about Reno County: 1893 Chicago World’s Fair
Reno County: 1893 Cherokee Strip Land Run
1893 Cherokee Strip Land Run • * It’s Saturday night, September 16, 1893, in Hutchinson, Kansas, at the Reno County sheriff’s residence, 15 Avenue East. Roscoe, 3; Ethel, 10; Victor 12; Bud (John Jr.), 13, and Mabel, 15, are in bed. John, 37, and Jennie Jones, 35, take a minute to reflect on the day. * “This would have been a bad day to count noses for a census,” said John. “I wonder how many families we’ll lose to the Strip.” “Those with claims today have a long row to … [Read more...] about Reno County: 1893 Cherokee Strip Land Run
Reno County: “She Jumped from the Train”
"She Jumped from the Train" • It’s Wednesday, April 3, 1889, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Daniel Miller, Reno County sheriff, 45, returns home to the sheriff’s residence at 15 Avenue East. Cecelia Edmunds Miller—Mrs. Sheriff—41, spots a new gray hair on her husband’s head. * “Hello, honey, how are you and the children?” asked Dan, as he entered the sheriff’s residence, gave his wife a kiss, and hung up his hat. “We’re fine,” answered Cecelia. “How did Sarah respond to the Topeka Insane … [Read more...] about Reno County: “She Jumped from the Train”
Reno County: The Yellow Wallpaper
The Yellow Wallpaper • It’s Monday, June 21, 1897, at 102 East Sherman Street, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Julia Latimer Whiteside, 29, is visiting with Alice Lewis Smith, 36, at Alice’s business of cure baths. * As Alice prepared the cure bath for her first customer of the day, she heard the whistle of the departing Hutchinson & Southern train. Meanwhile, Julia felt like she was on olfactory overload. What are those different smells? thought Julia. Peppermint? Ginger? … [Read more...] about Reno County: The Yellow Wallpaper
Reno County: The Worst Week Ever for Florence Evaline Field Jordan
The Worst Week Ever for Florence Evaline Field Jordan • It’s Sunday night, May 13, 1900, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Roy E. Jordan’s body is finally in the ground, buried at Eastside Cemetery. * When Florence read the wire the previous Monday evening, it was hard. She knew that her son, Roy, 24, had been so sick with dysentery that he had been sent back to the US from Manila, where he was stationed in the Philippines. Stateside, since April 28, he’d been under care at the Army … [Read more...] about Reno County: The Worst Week Ever for Florence Evaline Field Jordan
