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
Behind the Books Blog
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
Reno County: When Two Deaths Make a Marriage
· When Two Deaths Make a Marriage * It’s Wednesday evening, January 2, 1901, at the home of Mrs. Mary E. Ingram Wilson, 114 9th Avenue East, Hutchinson, Kansas. Shortly, Reverend Anderson Forbes (A. F.) Irwin will be performing a marriage between a widow and a widower. * Hutchinson has been a good move for me, Belle, and the children, thought Anderson, as he considered the past twelve years serving as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, arriving from Peoria, Illinois, … [Read more...] about Reno County: When Two Deaths Make a Marriage
Reno County: Searching for Alice
· Searching for Alice, Finding Elizabeth: Alice Elizabeth Thomas Hartford * It’s Tuesday, February 12, 1935, at 108 E. 14th Street, Hutchinson, Kansas. Alice Elizabeth Thomas Hartford, 80, is on her death bed. * “Ethel, Ethel,” Elizabeth cried out, “stay with us, we love you.” Elizabeth was talking to her eldest daughter who was dying of typhoid malaria on a Saturday night, September 8, 1894, when Ethel Winter was 15 years old. “You’re our pride and joy, Ethel,” … [Read more...] about Reno County: Searching for Alice
Reno County: Grasshopper Invasion of 1874
· Reno County Picnic: Grasshoppers · It’s August 3, 1899, at the Old Settlers’ of Reno County picnic in Riverside Park, Hutchinson, Kansas. Loretta McMillan Collins, 51, eating watermelon; Sarah Jane Riddle McMurry, 45, drinking blackberry cider; and Julia Clementine Latimer Whiteside, 31, eating fresh cherry pie; are sitting in the shade. They’re all wearing fancy hats and talking about the good ole’ days. However, at age 31, Julia’s hardly eligible to be considered an old … [Read more...] about Reno County: Grasshopper Invasion of 1874
Reno County: Civil War Stories
· Old Settlers' of Reno County Picnic: Civil War Stories · The three men had often heard each others’ stories, but they were good listeners, and good friends. Charles Collins, Jon McMurry, and Houston Whiteside, all recalled the good old days, even when they were bad. * It’s Thursday, August 3, 1899, at Riverside Park in Hutchinson, Kansas. With the picnic dinner nearly over, early-day settlers are moving more slowly. They better hurry home for a nap. There's a big dance in the … [Read more...] about Reno County: Civil War Stories
Sheriffs of Reno County: Randy Henderson
· Randy Henderson (b. 1954) Sheriff 2002-2019 · It’s Election night, Tuesday, April 2, 2013, in Hutchinson, Kansas, at Reno County Sheriff Randy Henderson’s house. Smiling, new-jail supporters can’t believe the overwhelming success of the ½ cent sales tax vote. Unofficially, the bond issue is passing by an incredible 77.4%. The result is no miracle; instead, it’s the outcome from many conscientious individuals working together for a single community goal, led by the hard-working, … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Randy Henderson
