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Book IV on Nannie's Scrapbooks was originally a 1929 sales catalogue from the Benjamin Allen Wholesale Jewelry Company of Chicago, Illinois. The Scrapbook has eighty eight pages which start with the year 1927 and ends in 1930. Book 4 page 1-3
Graduates of Belton High School Since its Establishment in 1886-Following is a list of all the graduates of the Belton High School from its establishment in 1886, to the present time. Names of graduates of the years prior to 1915 are taken from a very old file of the Belton Journal. Those from 1915 to date are supplied by Superintendent Paul B. BAKER, to whom the Journal is very grateful. (Note by submitter: The years 1886-1915 are listed in Book 5 pages 64-65. I will only transcribe the years 1916-1928 below) 1916 1917 1918 1919 Stella ARCHER 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928
The superintendent of the Belton schools, Mr. Paul BAKER, has been a teacher in Belton High School for about seven years. This is his third year as superintendent. During the time that Mr. BAKER has held this position, our school has been benefited in such a way that the services he has rendered will never be forgotten. Mr. BAKER came from the town that produced Mr. BOGGESS, our history and English teacher and Mr. George YOUNG, a former teacher in Belton High School. To hear these men tell of their boyhood experience is always a source of interest to the students. Mr. BAKER received his A. B. degree from Southwestern in 1919. He was the permanent president of his class. He played on the Southwestern baseball team four years. The fourth year, he was captain of the team . He was a member of the Y. M. C. A. during that time. At the University of Texas, Mr. BAKERS'S major subjects were Educational Administration and American History, the two principal parts of the latter course being "The Development of the Great West" and "American Political and Social History from 1875 to the Present." He was a member of the Phi Delta Kappa and the past summer he was a member of the Young Men's Honor Council. Mr. BAKER is one of the four members of the faculty who are married. His wife was before her marriage Lillie Lee ISLEIB. When Mr. HUBBARD resigned his position as superintendent of the Belton Public Schools three years ago, Mr. BAKER was chosen to take his place. Since he has been superintendent two science courses have been added to the list of affiliated credits of Belton High School. The former eighth grade study hall has been changed into a science laboratory. The elimination of the eighth grade study hall has given the teachers a free period in which to attend to duties other than of the classroom. Five teachers have been added to the faculty since Mr. BAKER came. The conditions for the teachers have been bettered. Acting as an agent of the Board of Education, Mr. BAKER succeeded in getting through the Legislature this fall a bill creating an enlarged Belton independent school district-the addition being the present suburban territory, this district has all the rights, theoretically, of a municipality and in the future, if required, will be in a position to vote bonds for school improvements of any nature. One of Mr. BAKER'S greatest hopes is to build up a large central high school here that will be accessible to all students who live within a radius of ten miles of Belton. Mr. BAKER stated that the local and immediate needs of the High School were physical education for all the students, a separate manual Training building, and a complete Physics and Chemistry department. When these things are accomplished, according to Mr. BAKER, Belton High School will take its place second to no school in the state. Mr. Baker is interested in all the students and it is his desire that they continue their education in college after they are graduated from high school. He is one of the most likeable of our teachers. He is a favorite with the students. The following statement from Mr. BAKER shows his feeling toward the Belton students: "I am sincere when I say that the Belton school boys and girls are the most courteous, that I have every known, and that as each one grasps the value of a well rounded education there is no end that he cannot attain conscientious work." Book 4 page 4 The Belton Tiger-A Semi-Monthly of Belton High School -Texas High School-Founded 1923-Baylor College-Press Association- Beth MEANS Editor-in-Chief Senior Class Organizes The Senior Class met Thursday, September 14, to elect its officers for the year. Madge FOREMAN, vice-president of the junior class of 1925-26 had charge of the meeting. The following officers were elected: J. D. BASSEL, president; Dow BALLARD, vice-president, and Joe MILLER, secretary and treasurer. Mr. SWENSON was chosen as class sponsor. The class it to hold another meeting soon for the purpose of selecting their motto, colors, and flower. Under the leadership of these capable officers and with the co-operation of each member of the class the seniors are looking forward to a very successful year.
Senior Division of U. D. C. Meets-Misses Dorothy DUCKWORTH and Madge FOREMAN were hostesses to the Senior division of the U. D. C. Saturday afternoon, December 11, at 3 o'clock at the home of Miss Mary Alice HUNTER, Miss HUGHES, president of the chapter, presided over the business meeting. Mrs. H. B. STROTHER, leader, lead the Historical lesson on the State Convention. An interesting Christmas program was given. Christmas songs were sung, papers were read by Mary VANNESS and Beth MEANS, Silent Night was sung by a trio and a poem was read by Madge FOREMAN. During the social hour delicious refreshments were served by the hostesses. Mr. SWENSON ill-The students of Belton High School are very sorry to hear of the sickness of our manual training instructor, Mr. E. W. SWENSON. Mr. SWENSON has been confined in bed for the last several days at the Belton sanitarium with poison ivy, contracted last year on a Senior hike of which he was chaperon. Although we regret to hear of Mr. SWENSON'S illness, we are glad that we have in our midst once more a former student who is substituting for Mr. SWENSON during his illness. This young man in Ben HIGGINBOTHAM who is himself a capable manual training instructor and holds a warm place in the hearts of all the students of Belton High School. Ben would have been a star football performer for the Tigers this year had it not been for illness from which he is just recovering. We have been informed that Mr. SWENSON will be back at his post after the holidays. Book 4 page 5 "Honor Bright" to be Presented by Students After Christmas-Cast Chosen for Dramatic Club Play to be Given First of Year.-Mr. HORGER has started work on a High School play which will be given after Christmas holidays on January 3, at the Little Theater. The play is "Honor Bright," a comedy written by Meredith and Kenyon NICHOLSON. Madge FOREMAN has the title role, "Honor Bright," a book agent out canvassing the summer homes of the wealthy in Rockmere, New Jersey. Cratus DOUTHITT has the part of Richard Barrington, a wealthy young man of distinguished ancestry, and Kathryn CLINE impersonates Mrs. Barrington, his mother. Richard is engaged to a chorus girl, Tot Marvel, (Mary Frances MILLER) of whom his aunt, Mrs. Carton disapproves. When Bishop Carton (Lee MADDEN) and Mrs. Carton visit Mrs. Barrington for the purpose of meeting Richards fiancée, Tot fails to appear and Dick introduces Honor Bright to the family in place of Tot. Complications begin when Tot arrives and he has two fiancées on his hands. How Richard gets out of his predicament makes an interesting story. Watts, the family butler, is played by Sam MORGAN; Rev. James SCHOOLBY a friend of Bishop Carton, by Oliver BEALL. Bill Drum, a former fiancée of Tot is played by Franklin TOMLINSON; Foster, the gardener, by Box HUGGINS; and Michael, the chauffeur, by Lovick LAW. Madge FOREMAN is one of our best all-round girls. She is good in dramatic work, good in looks and in athletics, good in scholarship and everything else. She is popular not only among Seniors but the teachers and the other students. Madge is a good declaimer, having represented Belton High in declamation last year. She has been chosen by Mr. HORGER to play the title role in "Honor Bright" a play that is to be given January 3. She is also a member of the Choral club and the Paul Baker Literary society. The Junior Class elected her vice-president of their class last year. Madge is witty, good natured, and always has a smile for everyone. She will leave a place in Belton High that will be hard to fill.(Note by submitter: Madge FOREMAN is Nannie's youngest daughter. She married Alfred Matthews. Alfred was in the Class of 1924. Madge still lives in Belton (1998) and still has the same characteristics as mentioned in this article.) Robert HANEY-Among the most popular boys in the Senior class is Robert HANEY, football manager of 1926. Robert was assistant manager last year and learned the trade and this year proved to be a very good manager. He is sports editor for the Tiger and furnishes all the material along the athletic line. He has been one of the most faithful staff members so far and we hope his services will continue in the future. His popularity is probably indebted to his pep and enthusiasm for Belton High School and the Senior Class and to his good humor which often causes some amusement among the young ladies particularly. We shall always remember Robert as one of our tallest members and as one who co-operated with us in our class work and helped to make our Senior year one to be remembered. Belton Young People Kill 21 Rattlesnakes While Out on a Hike-Belton Bureau-Temple Telegram-Belton, Jan. 16-Twenty-one rattlesnakes ranging in length from eight inches to six feet were killed Sunday by a party of young people who were out hiking near Youngsport. The den was discovered by the young folks and the task of killing them was at once begun. Those in the raid were Bernice RAY, Anderson GIBBS, Miss Ruby WEATHERSBY, Boy HOUSE, Bennie GIBBS, Valiant GIBBS, Miss Dorothy VICK, Henry RAY and Miss Althea RAY. The young people had assembled at the home of John RAY of Youngsport for a family reunion. (Note by submitter: The following poem was written by Mrs. J. T. POWERS the wife of Thomas Powers, Nannie's brother. Mr. and Mrs. POWERS were living in California. The letter head on this poem reads as follows: Service Multigraphing Co.-Mrs. J. T. POWERS-514 Quinby Bldg., 650 S. Grand Ave-Los Angeles-Phone Vandike 4748. The poem is as follows) Hello Pearl, Book 4 page 6 BELTON-Large Crowd is Expected to Attend the event-Business men Will Serve as Hosts in Same Manner as in Previous Years-(Note by submitter: Nannie hand dated this article 1927) - Belton is to have a party all her own, to which all the little boys and little girls from two months to 105 years of age are invited. The affair will be informal, and should any guests come attired in evening dress they will be laughed at and will not be legible to kiss the prettiest girl present. The Christmas party was decided upon at Tuesday night's meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, which organization has sponsored the Christmas party plan of entertaining the people one day during the yuletide season. Business and professional men of the city, both members and non-members of the Chamber of Commerce have willingly agreed to cooperate with those in charge of arrangements, and all indications at this time point to a very successful and profitable party to visitors and business men of Belton. This year's party will be conducted along the same lines as heretofore, with the exception that this time a greater variety of features will be introduce. Prizes will be distributed by a number of merchants, in accordance with plans of their own the picture shows will have something special, band will play weather permitting, radios victrolas and special music will be going on all over town during the afternoon and evening of next Tuesday. It is not customary to tell what is supposed to take place at a party but visitors to Belton next Tuesday will remember the day many years and will not be sorry they accepted the invitation. Belton Has Many New Improvements-Several Business Houses Being Remodeled; Repairs to Courthouse-Belton Bureau-Temple Telegram-(Note by Submitter: This article has been hand dated 1927 by Nannie) Belton, Dec. 2.-Remodeling of several Belton business houses and the repainting and repairing of the Bell County Courthouse are going steadily forward and at this time there is probably more improvements being done here than in any other Texas city the size of Belton. The old NIGRO building is being made into a handsome structure and when completed will be occupied by Sam NEUMAN and the Square barber shop on the first floor. The second story is being fitted into modern offices and it is said that the entire floor will be occupied by two Belton attorneys. Work on the old First State Bank building is also going steadily forward. A modern front is being put into the building and other extensive improvements made. Work was begun yesterday on the Chas. AUSTIN building on Central Avenue. This building, it is said, will undergo extensive improvements. It is, so said that work of remodeling the building formerly occupied by the Blue Bird Tea room and which was recently purchased by Sam BRASHARA of Houston will begin within the next few days. With the completion of these buildings and with the courthouse painted and lighted as is planned the business section of Belton will be one of the prettiest of any town in Texas. Central Texans Attend Belton's Christmas Party-Record Breaking Crowd Invades City at the Invitation of Belton Merchants. (Note by submitter: This article hand dated 1927 by Nannie)-Belton Bureau-Temple Telegram-Belton, Dec. 13-A record breaking crowd was in attendance at Belton's fourth annual Christmas party which was held here tonight. People from every section of Bell County and people residing in Coryell and Williamson counties were in attendance. Band concerts on the streets, singing of Christmas carols by members of the Seventh-grade of the Tyler ward school and special programs put on by various merchants featured the evening's program. And Santa Claus was here too. The grand old man arrived in the city at exactly 7:30 o'clock and visited most of the stores. He met lots of little boys and girls and promised to visit them Christmas. People who came seemed especially pleased with the unusual display of Christmas merchandise which Belton merchants have this year. The stocks of Christmas goods were never greater and in most places the visitors found what they want. Though the streets and side walks were congested with pedestrians and traffic the people were unusually orderly. In general the request of Mayor a. E. TAYLOR that fire works be not shot was granted. Everybody seemed to have a good time and everybody seemed filled with the spirit of the holiday season. The merchants were pleased and the visitors were pleased and prospects are unusually bright for a record breaking Christmas business for Belton merchants.
Know This About Our City of Belton-By J. B. D.-Belton has a public school system second to none in the state of Texas. The Belton High School boasts a grand total of 31 1/2 credits. There are 13 teachers in the High School and 14 in the Ward school. Also, Baylor College adds a very great unit in Belton's educational facilities. It is one of the best of its kind in the South. Belton has numerous industries to enhance the desirability of making this your home. There are five cotton gins here, ginning around 10,000 bales of cotton yearly. There is over $1,000,000 worth of this cotton sold in Belton, placing this amount into circulation in Belton and its trade territory. Also, there is a yarn factory here consuming over 5,000 bales of cotton per years. Belton gets its water supply from three flowing artesian wells, located in the city, which furnish an everlasting supply of water. Tests of this water are made every thirty days, to protect his consumers against its possible, but not probable, contamination. The register shows it to be 99.6 per cent pure. A local natatorium, using this water, offers hot Turkish and electric baths winter and summer. Physicians recommend these baths for general health. It was officially stated at one time that Belton was one of the two most healthful cities in the United States. Look for this column each week. You may learn something beneficial about your city you did not know before. Know this About Our City of Belton-By J. B. D.-More about the air-mail route. Belton is on one of the international air-mail routes passing through the United States. Air-mail for all places South of San Antonio can be place in the post office here either night or day and it will make connections at San Antonio for Laredo and on into Mexico City within less than half the time it takes by rail. Air-mail going north leaves here at 11:45 a.m. leaves Ft. Worth 7:30 p.m. for points north via Oklahoma City, Kansas City, St. Joseph, Mo., and arrives at Chicago the next morning at 7:00 o'clock. Leaves Chicago at 7:30 for New York, arriving in New York City that afternoon at 7:00. This schedule shows you how much more quickly mail reaches its destination from here than formerly. The plane on the route are equipped for carrying passengers also. Belton has one of the best theatres in the state. Of course some of them have larger buildings in which to operate, but we are seeing pictures all the time from three days to a week earlier than many towns a great deal larger than Belton. The management presents a double program each Saturday night-one a Western picture, the other a feature-for the benefit of those desiring to see each type of picture. Book 4 page 7-8 Thousands Flock to Belton to Enjoy Varied Attractions of Great July 4 Celebration-Hundreds Turned Away at Rodeo-All Belton is Well Pleased with Events of the Day.-Belton Bureau-Temple Telegram-Belton, July 4(A.P.)-A crowd variously estimated from 12,000 to 15,000 visited Belton today and enjoyed the many forms of entertainment which had been provided for the ninth annual reunion of Confederate veterans, World War veterans, Spanish-American war veterans and home coming of former residents of Bell County. The crowds, came and went from early morning until late tonight. They were at the Yettie Polk park; they were on the streets; they were scattered up and down Nolan for over a mile and they were at the rodeo. An estimated crowd of 7,000 people saw the rodeo and hundreds were turned away because there was no room left in the park. Masses of people were literally packed and jammed throughout the reserved sections. People perched upon fences and in trees and clung to housetops to see thrill after thrill of the wildest and most sensational rodeo ever held here. The big day was started off promptly at 9 o'clock this morning with a parade by the White Horse band headed by Miss Marguerite WARREN, sponsor of the organization and who was officially known today as "Miss Belton." Following the parade and band concert on the courthouse lawn, the band proceeded to the Yettie Polk park where a patriotic address was delivered by County Attorney Henry TAYLOR and where political guns were shot, political bombs exploded and where friend met friend. Every candidate for public office was given a chance to present his claims. At the park there were many entertaining features for the children and for the grown ups too. Tonight there was a special band concert and a free moving picture entitled "The Legend of Sleepy Valley" was put on by C. V. ROBINSON field representative of the Farm Bureau and County Agent Jimmy PARKS. A big dance was also held at the Elks Club rooms and at the Belton Armory which provided entertainment for those who delight in the fantastic to movement. The traffic was unusually well handled and local officers are due much praise for their efficient work. Not a single serious traffic accident was reported and only two person were arrested for drunk. As a rule the crowd was very orderly and thought only of the wholesome pleasures which this city provide. A special feature of both the day and night entertainment and a feature which was especially enjoyed was the fire works display. This special entertainment was under the direction of the local post of American Legion, the organization which started the Fourth of July celebration nine years ago. The American Legion boys did their part well and put over the fire works display in grand style. Had they had other things to do they would have done it and would have handled any task or situation which may have been put on them, in a credible manner as is always the case. Many people who attended the celebration today brought their lunches with them and ate them on the banks of shady Nolan, the one place which is becoming famed far and wide for its picturesque spots. Belton was satisfied tonight with the day's entertainment. It was a big day and a big job to put over. Every committee worked hard for the success of the day and those who were here are bound to admit that every committee succeeded. The day is considered on of the biggest and best the city has ever had and already plans are under way for a still bigger celebration in 1929. Named Sponsor of White Horse Band-Belton June 23.-Miss Marguerite WARREN was tonight announced as the winner of a spirited contest for the honor of being "Miss Belton" and acting as sponsor during the coming year of the recently organized White Horse Band. Her total vote is given as 2, 983. Miss Pauline WRIGHT ran an excellent race, her total number of ballots being 2, 635. A fine complimentary vote was given to Miss Leora LUSK, who made no canvass, and had no active workers in her behalf. The interest in the contest rose rapidly today, and the supporters of the leading candidates redoubled their efforts to bring victory to their favorites. Large packages of ballots were deposited during the closing hours: and the task of counting these was no small one. The executive board of the band is composed of President F. B. RUSSELL, Secretary, Fred LEWIS, Manager, Ed KIRCHNER, Grover SMITH, and Bill FRODERMANN; and they had a man sized job on their hands this evening. However, they stayed with it until the last vote was counted, and the anxiety of the contestants and their friends was replaced with exultation or disappointment. All of the contestants have reason to be proud of the support given them, and the feeling is general that any one of them would have made a most acceptable sponsor; but since only one could have first place, the others must rest content with the memories of the fine work done for them by their friends and the fine support given by the citizens of the town. What Has Belton to be Thankful For at this Time?-Review of What's going on in Belton for Which we Should be Thankful-(Note by submitter: This article was hand dated 1928 by Nannie) - At this, the Thanksgiving season of the year, when each and everyone is called to count the blessings coming his or her way, has Belton any to count? Let's see: The RAY & ELLIOTT store, northwest corner of the courthouse square, has been converted into a modern and well-equipped filling station and storage garage, by John R. BIGHAM & Sons. The building on the northeast corner, property of the estate of the late Mrs. Henry AUSTIN, is being completely remodeled. A modern front with attractive show windows is to be installed. The bank vault is to be torn away and the building extended through the room formerly occupied by the Bell County Abstract company's office. The several other offices and stores facing on East street will remain. The interior of the enlarged store cornering on the courthouse square and East street will be neatly finished throughout. The Bell County Abstract company's office was moved to the east side of East street into a building recently purchased and remodeled by A. G. VICK. The NIGRO building, at the north corner of the east side of the square, is undergoing very extensive remodeling and improvements. The first floor will be made a modern store in every respect, and the second floor will be made into neat office. The Blue Bird Café will also be remodeled. These buildings were recently purchased by Sam F. BASHARA of Houston, who since 1922 has been owner of the building occupied by Duke & Ayres. The Chas. AUSTIN building on East Central Avenue is to be remodeled, both the first floor recently occupied by "The Collegian" confectionery and also the offices on the second floor. If seventy-five men at work along the streets of a city give it a busy look, such an aspect is given to Belton by the seven-five men who are at work for the Community Natural Gas Company, laying the gas mains in this city. Local and other plumbers are equally busy with the connections for private homes and business houses. Superintendent PAUL states that within a few day pipes will be ready for connecting with the mains at the city limits and one section of pipes within the city will be ready for service. With favorable weather, the work will be completed within thirty days, stated Superintendent PAUL. The Texas Power & Light company is also adding to the busy outlook of the city. The big crew of men, which was here for the main line connections to the north and east of the city, has just completed this work and a corps of seven or eight men are now re-wiring the Belton Yarn Mills for connection with the high voltage wires just strung, and which will take the entire service to the Yarn Mills off the lines supplying the city. The repainting of the Bell County courthouse, interior and exterior, is employing a corps of eight painters in addition to the cleaners who have almost completed their work of removing the stains from the exterior walls. This work is being done under the direction of the commissioner's court, with Leland PHILLIPS supervising. The workers are all Bell County men. The contract for furnishing the paint was awarded to G. A. GRAY of this city, at the total price of $1,965.00, on competitive bid. The exterior work is being done with "concrete paint." Mr. PHILLIPS and other painters requested especially that the statement be made that the stone work will not retain the yellow tint it now has, when the work is completed. The work will probably require sixty to ninety days for completion. The work on the new Santa Fe station and its grounds is also adding a large number to the men engaged in construction work in the city. This station will if no unexpected delay occurs, be ready for use by December 12th. With the large number of men here for the work noted above, many of them accompanied by their families, together with the many families who come for the sessions of Belton schools and Baylor College, the housing and boarding facilities of Belton are being rapidly filled up. Almost all furnished rooms and apartments are taken up; both the Park and Belton hotels have opened their dining rooms during the past two months; and cafes report fine patronage. The men who are here for the drilling on oil wells in Tennessee Valley and at the Petoskey plant on the Kolls' farm, add to the business outlook of the city and to those requiring housing and eats. Belton public schools, which have for years been the pride of the city and its multiplying territories, are enjoying a banner year in regular work and extra curricula activities. Baylor College also has a fine outlook for the year, and is bringing to the city a number of conventions, and also nationally, even internationally known speakers and artist in many lines. The marketing of pecans and turkeys, the advanced price of eggs and dairy products, following the marketing of cotton and staple products, is putting farmers of this trade territory ahead in their bank accounts. Know This About Our City of Belton-by J. B. D.-Mayor TAYLOR is all busy this week talking to some people we did not know and he was even so busy that we did not interrupt him to try to found out what it was all about. But we will just tell you some things from elsewhere besides the city hall. It will not be many months now, if all plans go through, until we will be boasting of one of the biggest and best conservatoires of music in a very great area. Suppose you read the good article presented to the Journal readers last week about it? This big gift from the distant concern goes to prove that Baylor College is a very fine institution in the conception of those who investigate matters up there-and you remember that Baylor College is part of the city of Belton. Belton is very adequately served by different modes of transportation. The "Greyhound and other bus lines in connection with our railroad facilities give ample transportation for those coming in or going out of the city. Then aside from the railway transportation for freight we have a motor-freight line running through the city, making it possible for us to get any product we may need in a very short length of time.
Belton can justly boast of a federal building for post office as something to be really proud of. There are many cities larger than Belton that have not been granted this honor yet by the Postal Department. This is not official, but it is evidence to us that this post office is doing more business than other offices and of course that means our town is getting a better share of business than some towns larger than ours. You would be surprised to see how much business is done here each day.
Belton has a Carnegie Library, something that very few cities in the state of Texas enjoy. Those who are acquainted with the manipulation of these public institutions know that a city is not awarded a Carnegie Library without some effort on the part of the city. According to reports reaching this office, funds for building these libraries are furnished by Mr. CARNEGIE and the city has to guarantee, that is, furnish funds for their maintenance. Belton has done this, along with a few other requisites exacted by the donor before he will give said funds-another proof that Belton is a live, wide-awake little city. We should be very grateful for this additional educational source. One thing else about it-every citizen in Belton could draw out a book from the library at one time and there would still be books left for outside people. You can read fifty books for five cents at this library. Could you ask for any more economical literature? Belton seems to be a Protestant city. At least, if there is anything else here we have been unable to ascertain the fact: but there is almost any kind of a Church here that there is anywhere. Anyone planning to live in Belton need not stand back because of deficiency of religious organizations. If you faith is Catholic, it only eight miles to Temple, and there are churches of that faith there. Belton is well served by its religious organizations, a factor any city should be proud of. Santa Fe to Open New Belton Depot to Public Sunday-Program Celebrating Completion of Structure to be at Later Date-Belton Bureau-Temple Telegram(Note by submitter: This article was hand dated 1927 by Nannie)-Belton, Dec. 13-Belton's new $40,000 Santa Fe depot will be opened for use Sunday Afternoon, it was said here today. The west bound Santa Fe passenger train Sunday afternoon will be the last passenger train to back into the city of Belton to the old depot. The new depot is one of the prettiest on the entire Santa Fe line and is a big addition to Belton and especially Baylor College and that section of the city. A program is being arranged by the Young Men's Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening. The date for this opening has not been definitely decided upon it was said by Dr. J. L. CURRY, president of the Young Men's Chamber of Commerce. It will probably be one day next week. Book 4 page 9
Above is shown part of the crowd that thronged Belton July 4 for one of the most enjoyable celebrations of the glorious holiday since it became an annual affair nine years ago. The scene was photographed looking across Lake BASSEL into the beautiful park.
The above picture is from a recent photograph of the Belton White Horse Band, composed of Belton and Temple musicians. This band furnished music at the Fourth of July celebration in Belton this year. Winner in Many Beauty Contest is Visitor in Belton-Mrs. W. V. R. SMTIH adjudged Most Beautiful Girl in U. S. Two Years-Belton Bureau-Temple Telegram-Belton, Jan 31-Mrs. William Van Renseieer SMITH of Los Angeles, California, arrived in this city yesterday to be a guest in the home eof her grandfather, V. NIGRO on North Main Street. Mrs. SMITH before her marriage last February was Miss Beatrice ROBERTS who for two years was adjudged the most beautiful girl in the United States and by many was considered the most beautiful in the world. She was formerly known as Miss Manhattan and also Miss Greater New York. Mrs. SMTIH and her mother, Mrs. Beatrice SNIDER, have been in the movies quite a bit playing with Bebe DANIELS and other stars. Book 4 page 10 Sidelights on the Big Dirigible-When the monster U. S. navy dirigible "Los Angeles," came into view Monday afternoon The Journal man first thought it was the Angel of the Lord coming to reward him for his good deeds. R. L. HENDERSON, who could be led into talking natural gas appliances by most any smooth-tongued individual, was counting his money when the announcement was made that "The Los Angeles" was headed for Belton at full speed. Mr. HENDERSON scattered bills of every denomination from $1,000 down to the rare $1.00 variety, and covered the distance from his sanctum to the sidewalk in three jumps. After gazing at the big ship a minute or so he remarked: "Boys, ain't she a blowskinner? If the owner calculates on trading her off, and is in the marked for a good cultivator, I'd like to get in touch with him." "Speaking of punk cigars," said Bill HARGETT, who conducts a drug store on one of the down-town streets and peddles cigars and the like in connection with his tonics and tablets, "I bet it would take more cabbages to build that critter than I have handed over the counter during my young life." Two colored boys stopped in front of the Journal office to look at the monarch of the air as it sailed over the city. "Samuel," said the one with the four-inch under lip, "Ah'd lakter fly rat inter Abrahms bosom in dat machine." "Boy", remarked his companion, "ef you is ebber in one o' dem airplanes, yo'll be nearer Abraham's bosom dan what ye ebber will be, and' ef de boss found you' dere he'd kick you' out an' you'd lan' rat whar you' is eventually goin'. Anybody dat would set in a game an'hold three aces, an' me wid two of 'em, oughin't to take no kind of a ride, 'ceptin' to jail." Ed KIRCHNER was in his sandwich shop busy with his morning geometry lesson (trying to figure how he could slice ham thin enough to have only one side) when he saw the people everywhere looking up and commenting on the visitor. When he saw the cause of the sudden stop of the city's mad rush, he called: "shorty, fix up a couple of tender sandwiches, hand 'em to me and I'll pitch 'em up to the crew, with our compliments." A fellow a few doors up the street remarked, as he dodged out of sight: "You knock a hole in that thing, Ed, and the captain'll drop a barrel of nitro glycerin on you." George EADS was one of the first people in town to see "the big buzzard," as he called it, and so intent was his gaze that he forgot to shift his position as the ship floated over, with the result that his neck was wrenched to the shape of an elbow of stovepipe, to say nothing of his swallowing a nickel's worth of Brown Mule. Mitchell HUEY was in the act of shaving a lantern-jawed customer when his attention was called to the approach of the dirigible. He says he is at a loss to know how he nicked two notches in his razor, since he felt it touch but one of the customer's jaw teeth as he jumped for the door. No citizen was more interested in the visit of the "Los Angeles" than Gene UPSHAW. Mr. UPSHAW strained the left lens of his specs looking at the big bird, and when it passed over the city and was vanishing in the northern haze, he turned to the crowd he had joined and said: "Boys, I have ridden everything nature and science have been able to produce, and if that outfit will return and haul passengers, I'll try it once, if it doesn't cost over fo' bits." Sheriff BIGHAM said he'd like to try his new high-power rifle on the old bird, but not being personally acquainted with the crew, he was afraid they might not take a joke. A fellow in the crowd in front of the Journal office, whom nature really intended for a horse thief, said if the "Los Angeles" was in need of gas, and could hook up with The Belton Journal's front office, it could save a trip to Ft. Worth. Noticing that the big cigar headed downward in the vicinity of Temple, Olen LITTLE hopped into his car and headed for Belton's largest suburb, thinking perhaps engine trouble had developed and that the boat would land, in which event he might be instrumental in supplying some of the crew with new fall suits-or late model shrouds-as occasion might demand.
Oct. 18, 1928-Know This About Our City of Belton-Probably there are a number of people who have lived in Belton for many years who have never given our city park much serious thought. It is very close in, just a block to the west on Central Avenue off Main Street. There are many towns twice the size of Belton that do not boast of a city park as beautiful as the one here. The south portion of the park is devoted to the amusement of the kiddies, and is equipped with swings, merry mix-ups, merry go-rounds, chute-the-chutes, etc.; the north portion is a free tourists camp ground equipped with water, furnaces for the benefit of those who wish to cook and eat lunch in the open air, benches, tables, etc. The central part of the park has a band stand, seats, and an abundance of shade trees, and is an ideal place for musical concerts, public speakings and gatherings of various kinds. To the west is located the city tourist camp. This camp has a number of neatly built camp house, with water, lights, natural gas, shelters for cars, and many conveniences for the tourists who pass this way. This tourist camp is owned and kept by the Belton Chamber of Commerce. The city officials see that the other parts of the park are well kept. Nolan Creek is on the east of the park and a concrete dam across this streams forms beautiful Lake Bassel. Many visitors to the park enjoy feeding the swans on the lake. These birds are as gentle as house cats and seemingly are always hungry and are always on the lookout for a grain of popcorn, or any morsel of food given them. They tell you "thank you" by gracefully displaying their pretty snow white wings. There is a line of the Santa Fe railway running through Belton which goes directly into California. It has a California Special everyday. In keeping with modern progress, the Santa Fe about a year ago, erected a modern passenger station on the main line just north of Baylor College campus. This eliminates the necessity of trains backing or heading in and out of town, as was the case when the old depot was in use, and thus enables the railway company to give better service. The station is one of the most beautiful little stations to be found anywhere and adequately cares for the needs of the city in that line. Belton has some businesses that have been in continuous operation under the same management for over fifty years. Others are near to that high mark in years of service in handling merchandise for the people of Belton and its trade territory. Belton has been asked to raise $7,500 as its share of the building funds for the new Presser Foundation Music Conservatory building which is to be erected on Baylor College campus. The Belton Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations of the city have endorsed this request and are working to the end that Belton will not fail the college in complying with this one of the very few requests made of Belton by the college for aid. Dave WOOD Lauds Buick After His Trip to Seattle-C. D. BIRKHEAD of the BIRKHEAD Motor Co., local Buick dealer, has received the following letter from Dave WOOD, local man who is now in Seattle, Wash., praising the new Buick car: "Dear Tooter: When better automobiles are built, Buick will build them. Have been 3,396 miles over deserts and mountains, getting about 21 1/2 miles to the gallon. Lots of choking on the mountains. Changed oil four times. Same air except for one puncture. Very heavily loaded, pulled cars out of water at Deming, N. M. Went up to an altitude of 4,636 feet in abut three miles at Bisbee, Arz.: had to change gears Rest of mountains around Mr. Chasta Calif., in high 4,326 feet in about 10 miles. No knock understand One man from Los Angeles went up behind me in another car and said he sure envied me of my Buick he had to change gears every few minutes and his next car would be a Buick. "My only trouble was trying to heat the motor. I could not get her hot; I ran with the heat on those 10 or 12 mile grades going nearly straight up at times. If anyone tells you a Buick heats, you say they are wrong. I'd think I needed water after driving all day at high speed, 45 or 50 miles an hour, through the desert, but at night I wouldn't need water. When better automobiles are built (you tell'em) Buick will build them." "D. G. WOOD, 508 E. Union, Seattle, Washington. P.S. Temple to Los Angeles in six days; Los Angeles to Seattle in six days. Twelve days 3,396 miles or an average of 283 miles a day." Book 4 page 11
Miss Marguerite WARREN, sponsor of Belton's White Horse Band, let the parade of the band in Belton on July 4. She is shown above on her horse-smiling as though some of her friends were chiding her as to the color of the horse she is riding, which hardly harmonizes with the name of the band. Miss LASSATER writes Her Belton Friends-Dear Belton Friends: I wish you could have enjoyed the delightful ride to Ennis with us Monday morning. In the company with me were Mr. and Mrs. George EADS, Miss Lucile HODGES, superintendent of Belton Sanitarium and my sister, Miss Sallie LASATER of Austin, Every member of the party had eyes open for every beauty of sky line, tree wild flowers and homes along the highway and there were plenty of them, even to the comedy when the ambulance come along side of a group of colored school principles and the poor old man in the crown could only say, Yes, Sah! You are on the road to Ennis but couldn't tell us that we were only two miles out of town. Our first wave of welcome came from Margaret ANDERT, a little friend of my nieces and neighbors who knew we were coming in that day. Monday morning for breakfast I had "frog legs" home caught and I wish that anybody who thinks frog legs are only a "fad" could have as tender and deliciously cooked a pair as I had that morning. So far I have had English peas, beets, spinach, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes and eggs, all home grown and carrots, grown at the ANDERT home. In my room I have had so far had a spray of gladioli in delicate silver tints; a vase of sweet peas, with salt cedar background and nasturtiums all home grown, and I can look out from my bed onto the borders where they are growing in the yard. I still remember the beautiful flowers with which my room at Belton was filled and the thousands of other kindness' that were shown me there. One great kindness we received along the way was due to the alertness and kindness of Western Union at Belton in catching us at Grimes garage at Hillsboro with a message which reached Belton after we left there and which gave instruction regarding detour made necessary by rain of the preceding night. This detour sent us through Venus, Alvarado, Midlothian and Waxahachie, making the total trip more than 150 miles, but it certainly was a delightful one, for the air was so cool and clear and there were so many beauty spots on the highway and so many pretty homes and home yards in the different towns and all along the way. The doctors here add to the promise of those at home that if I just behave myself and rest that it is likely I will be all OK in a few weeks. I can say I am surely eating vegetables and sleeping well all night long and feel sure that I am recovering pretty nicely to have cracked head and shoulders as hard as I did on that bath tub, finding out that my head isn't quite as hard as I had sometimes thought. Love and best wishes and a pleasant summer to all there. Truly, S. Ada LASATER. Book 4 page 12 Belton Newspapers Have Been Numerous; Yes, Sir-Journal Only Survivor of a Long List, Which Include Daily and Magazine-(By Miss Ada S. LASATER)-To Mr. J. M. CARPENTER, who is generally known as "Uncle Bud: CARPENTER, is due the credit and thanks for the information that the paper which was on the Southern side during the Confederate war published under the name of The Belton Democrat. John Henry BROWN was editor, and Jim WHITE was in charge of the mechanical department, Mr. CARPENTER, who was born in Kentucky in 1833, came to this county in 1852, and soon after went to Bastrop for about a year returning to this county in 1853, where he has been a prosperous and progressive farmer during the active years of his life. He is still able to give public service, for the information regarding the name of our "Southern paper: is deeply appreciated. Mr. Chas. AUSTIN, whose father, Norman AUSTIN, Sr., came to Texas in 1831, has a file of papers which verifies almost completely the history of the newspapers of Belton as given in a recent issue of The Belton Journal. The file of Mr. AUSTIN begins with "The Belton Weekly Journal' published Saturday, September 20, 1873, with J. H. DAVENPORT, editor. Among the firms advertising in this paper are Potts Brothers, saddles and harness; MILLER, CHAMBERLAIN & Co., BANKERS, and MCGUIRE & Son, Druggists. The MCGUIRE drug store was located where R. E. TULLOCH now has his plumbing and tin work business, with the family home upstairs. Other copies of The Belton Journal in Mr. AUSTIN'S possession were published in May, 1890 and 1892, and show George C. ROBINSON as their editor. The Journal-Reporter, published July 3, 1903, with WEDEMEYER and CROUCH, publishers, contains a reproduction of a program of a school exhibition which was given in October, 1858, and includes the names of several who later served in the Confederate army. The paper in which this program was originally published was burned when the Belton Journal office was destroyed by fire in July, 1914, Mr. AUSTIN having lent it to Editor O. P. PYLE for reprinting. Copy of the Belton Reporter, which in 1898 was purchased by George C. ROBINSON, editor of The Belton Journal, that is contained in Mr. AUSTIN'S file is under date of November 21, 1894, with Frank L. DENISON Co., publishers. A copy of the Belton Daily News of May 13, 1890, with H. B. SAVAGE as editor, is testimony to some forty years' work here in the daily newspaper field. Other editors of the Belton Daily News were Ned MCILHENNY, H. M. KINDRED, father of the present prominent flyer; John L. LUNSFORD, Andrew MCBEALTH and Col. R E. YANTIS. A copy of the Bell County Democrat of July 1, 1910, with Davis K. DOYLE as editor and Democrat Publishing Co., as publishers, shows the following business men of the city as stockholders: F.K. AUSTIN, Frank BAKER, E. C. CLABAUGH, T. W. COCHRAN (succeeded by his son, Harry T. COCHRAN), Geo. W. COLE, Jr., T. A. COOK, A. L. CURTIS, W. P. DENMAN, Coleman EADS, E. R. EVERETT, J. F. ELLIOTT, G.M. FELTS, Roy HAMMERSMITH, Dr. Clarence FREEMAN, C. S. FISHER, J. M. FRAZIER, J. H. HEAD, W. S. HUNTER, Dr. J. D. LAW, Dr. M. P. MCELHANNON, T. L. MEANS, J. Z. MILLER, Sr., a. M. MONTEITH, J. Z. MILLER, Jr., J. C. PRESTON, S. M. RAY, J. H. REESE, Hosea ROBINSON, C. D. SMITH, N. K. SMITH, W. A. STAMPER, B. R. STOCKING, George W. TYLER, Dr. W. A. WILSON and Thos. YARRELL. Members of the board of directors were: W. S. HUNTER, S. M. RAY, J. Z. MILLER, Jr., George W. TYLER, H. T. COCHRAN and C. B. SMITH. The return of the name of "The Belton Journal" to the mast head of the Belton paper is shown in the file of Mr. AUSTIN in a paper of December 19, 1912, with O. P. PYLE, editor. The newspaper history of Belton is not complete without mentioning the names of Ray and Harold SAVAGE, who were from some time on the force of The Belton Evening News; S. E. (Sam WELLHAUSEN, who began his newspaper work in the office of The Belton Reporter, and was one of the first workers in the mechanical department of the Bell County Democrat (both of these papers have been absorbed by the Belton Journal) and on the force of the Belton Journal itself with work on the Belton Messenger, founded by Davis K. DOYLE about 1914 and later purchased by D. M. WEST, who changed its name to The Belton Times, which was also owned and edited by the Rev. Sam GAY, and his son, Wilbur GAY, its publication having been suspended when Wilbur GAY enlisted for World War service (this was the only weekly paper which The Belton Journal has not absorbed except The Belton Progress, published for a while as the weekly edition of The Belton Daily News); also Grover SMITH, who has for some time been on the The Belton Journal force, and who was also editor and partner with D. M. WEST, business manager, of The Belton Times at the tie of its final suspension of publication in June, 1919. The Texas Poultry Journal, published for a number of years by H. B. SAVAGE, became nationally known. The Belton Journal is now striving to serve the people of Belton, its trade territory, and the people...(Note by submitter: This article ends at this point) A. D. POTTS Holds Longest Record as Business Man-Has Been in Business Here For Past Fifty-six Years; Fifty-Five Same Place-(By Miss Ada LASATER) The Belton man having the longest record for one man managing one business in one store is A. D. POTTS, who for fifty-six years has been in the saddle and harness business, and for fifty-five years has occupied the store which is now used as a carriage repository and display room. Early in 1871 Mr. POTTS opened a saddle and harness business in the building at the south corner of the east side of the square, now occupied by E. E. SINCALIR, grocer; and in 1872 moved to the last half of the two buildings now occupied by the POTTS' store. For the first five years there was associated with A. D. POTTS his brother, Skuyler POTTS, whose death occurred in 1876. Since that time Mr. POTTS has had no partner. The carriage and hardware business was added to the harness and saddles in the middle eighties. "Everything in harness and saddles was made by hand," stated Mr. POTTS in speaking of those earlier days; just as Col. Peter HAMMERSMITH said "I came here to make boots," and made them. As to the men who first worked with him in the making of harness and saddles, Mr. POTTS spoke of John and Will Vandiver as a peculiar and unique feature of the years when "everything in saddles and harness was made by hand." Mr. POTTS stated that they worked for him for some time a Mexican, who could not speak a word of English. Yet despite the Mexican's shortcoming in English, and Mr. POTTS lack of a word of Spanish, there was never a mistake made in the work which the Mexican was told to do. "I don't know how we made one another understand, but we did," said Mr. POTTS with a happy chuckle at the remembrance of the oddity of the situation. Mr. POTTS spoke with tender feeling of the late Chas. SPARRA, who for thirty-five years was his right hand helper in all leather work, whether for buggies, carriages, saddles, harness, or some of the out-of the ordinary pieces of mending or making men in all lines of work are sometimes asked to do. When asked it he had ever held any office in the administration of city affairs or business leagues, Mr. POTTS said most positively "No" and then added. "I have never seen an office which I thought I could fill that I would have."" Whether Mr. POTTS was willing to be a leader or not, he has had backbone enough to push steadily forward in his own business and to stand where everybody knew he would help whenever his help was needed by an individual or for the fostering of an enterprise undertaken for the up building of Belton. Mr. POTTS is one of the directors of the Belton National Bank, and is also a leading Knight Templar. In regard to the POTTS home having always been in one block, that block is just north of the present high school campus. Mr. POTTS and his family arrived in Belton October 17, 1870, coming from Creelsboro, Kentucky. Almost immediately the block in the residence portion of the city was purchased and a home erected on the southwest corner. A few years later a home was built on the northwest corner of the block, where the handsome POTTS' home now stands at the corner of Wall street and Fifth avenue. Now associated with Mr. POTTS in his business are his sons, A. H. (Arthur) POTTS and E. W. (Elbert) POTTS.
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