Earliest Photo of Newton, 1871
Taken in the summer of 1871, this is the earliest photo known photo of Newton. The photographer was standing in the middle of Main looking over the railroad tracks to the north with a view of the 400and 500 Blocks of N Main. Kristine Schmucker, Curator, Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives
First Saloon
In 1871, 4th & Main was the site of Newton's first saloon run by Henry Lovett, others soon popped up with names like "The Mint", "Alamo" and "Bull's Head" along Main street. A reporter for the Wichita Tribune (24 August 1871) observed that Newton had ten bawdy houses “in full running order and three more underway. Plenty of rotten whiskey and everything to excite the passions was freely indulged in . . . Rogues, gamblers, and lewd men and women run the town.”The O.K. Saloon was located on 5th Street with two additional “houses” located east of the OK. One writer claimed that every third building was a saloon.The Gold Room, owned by future Newton mayor James Gregory, was located between 5th & 6th on Main and was considered the "grandest."At one point in the summer of 1871 Newton had an estimated twenty-seven saloons.By 1873, the number of saloons had diminished to six.
5th & Main - Town Well
Newton's Water SupplyA good water supply was essential and two wells were dug in Newton in the summer of 1871 at the intersection of 5th & Main. There actually is a marker in the street at the intersection of 5th & Main to indicate the location (wait for a long train to go look).Well is visible in the photo in the center of Main Street.(Kristine Schmucker)
5th & Main - First Businesses
First Businesses at 5th & MainWalton BlacksmithThe first business that opened in what would be Newton was a blacksmith shop owned by Robert Walton. Walton left his home in Darlington, WI, for the vast prairies of Kansas in 1871. He arrived in the area before the exact location of the railroad and town site was known. He took a chance and began building his blacksmith shop three miles northeast of present day Newton. When he learned the exact location site of the new town, he dismantled his nearly complete shop, moved to what would become W 5th, 2 blocks from Main. (opposite side of the street) A. F. Horner's Supply & StorageLocated at 5th & Main, A. F. Horner's Supply & Storage store is believed to be the first building located in Newton. Horner moved the structure from Florence, Ks to Newton in the spring of 1871. A year later he moved it to Hutchinson. Legend has it that Horner received three monetary prize in contests sponsored by the railroad company for erecting the first building in each of these towns. Photo 1: Blacksmith Geabhart, mid 1880s.Photo 2: East side of Main***Note: The first building in Newton is either A.F. Horner's, Peter Luhn's or Robert Walton's depending on the source.(Kristine Schmucker)
6th & Main - Peter Luhn's Pioneer Store
Several Newton's earliest business, including some of the most notorious, were established in the 500 Block of N Main. Since the east side of the 500 block had a major fire in 1914, the buildings on the west side of the street are some of the oldest in Newton. Unfortunately, over time, styles have changed and so have the facades. The actual buildings though can be traced back to 1880-1890.In late April 1871, the lumber for Peter Luhn's Pioneer Grocery arrived. Luhn hired carpenters to begin building immediately at structure at 6th and Main. The Newton Kansan reported in April 13, 1893, that Peter Luhn's store sustained $1,000 worth of damage to the building and $11,000 loss of contents in an early morning fire that occured at 6th & Main. Also destroyed was J. Weigand Cigar Store. The editor noted that Luhn's store was the first building on the townsite in the spring 1871 and the "the only building to escape the great conflagration of 1873."***Note: The first building in Newton is either A.F. Horner's, Peter Luhn's or Robert Walton's depending on the source.Kristine Schmucker, Curator, Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives
500 Block of Main, West Side
In December 1873 a large fire destroyed the entire 500 Block on the west side inlcuding six buildings. Peter Luhn's building at 6th & Main was the only one to escape the inferno. This probably led to the adoption of the February 1874 Ordinance #69. The ordinance state that any building on Main street between 4th & Broadway had to meet the following qualifications. the outer walls must be brick or stone and no less than one foot in thickness . . . "no building shall be erected . . . without substantial fireproof wall extending one foot and six inches above where the roof conneccts with the walls and shall have a slate, metal or other fire proof roof."(Kristine Schmucker)
515 N. Main - Gold Room Saloon & the Shooting of George Halliday
Saloons, Prayers, and Drug Stores: the building at 515 N Main. The 500 Block was the location of some of the first saloons in Newton including the notorious Gold Room SaloonThe Gold Room Saloon 1871 - 1873In 1871, Isaac Thayer opened the Gold Room Saloon at 515 N Main. Described by a Topeka Commonwealth reporter, the Gold Room Saloon was a large, roughly constructed, frame building. Inside, a twenty foot bar was left of the front door. Barrels containing all kinds of liquors and wine were behind the bar. The “mantle or show part of the bar, lined with clusters of decanters daintily arranged and polished until their shimmer is like that of diamonds” was above. Opposite the bar, were the gaming tables. A raised platform for entertainers was at the rear. (Topeka Commonwealth, September 17, 1871).At some point James Gregory became a partner or bought him out. From 1871 to 1873, Gregory was the primary wholesale dealer for liquor in Newton. He was also the first mayor of Newton. The Site of the First Church ServiceIn that hot summer of 1871, Rev Milton Haun, a determined Methodist minister, gave the first sermon in Newton in the Gold Room Saloon.The Site of Several ShootingsJune 15, 1871 Snyder shot and killed Welsh in front of Gregory’s saloon. Both were “cow-boys”. A few days later Johnson killed Irvin in the Parlor Saloon. His pistol was accidentally discharged, the ball passing though a partition and killing Irvin. . a man of no known character."The Shooting of George HallidayEarly on November moring in 1872, George Halliday was at James Gregory's Gold Rooms Saloon, 515 Main, Newton. Even at the early hour, he was reportedly intoxicated.At the same time M. J. Fitzpatrick "had been upon a drunk for perhaps two weeks" and as a result "that wicked nature of his had began to overcome his senses." The previous evening, he had "hunted several parties of his associates with pistol in hand to kill them" with no success. This was his mood when he entered the Gold Room Saloon at 10 am and saw his friend, George Halliday.Some comment passed between the two men that "were ordinarily good friends." Whatever was said caused Fitzpatrick to strike Halliday on the head with the revolver "at the same time he pulled it down to his breast and miss fired once, pulling it again and it was discharged, killing Mr. Halliday almost instantly."Following the shooting, Fitzpatrick "walked into the street defying any person to attempt to touch him. Crowds of men immediately rushed to satisfy themselves as to the affair and in two minutes fifty men ran for firearms and swore him to death." The City Marshall, Jack Johnson, did attempt to arrest Fitzpatrick, "who immediately drew the revolver on him." At which time, Johnson "calmly surveying the situation . . . crossed the street, borrowed a Henry rifle and in another minute put an end to his existence . . . in front of Hamill & Co store."Within fifteen minutes of the shooting, a committee was formed to search out "several hard cases . . . and ordered them to leave town and never come back." At the same time a Coroner's Inquest was convened with John Reid, Justice of the Peace of Newton Township, Harvey County, Ks as the acting coroner. Twelve men, six for each case, were called as jurors. In the case of Fitzpatrick, the jurors included D. Hamill, who owned Hamill & Co located "first door north of the depot" where Fitzpatrick lay dead. Seven witnesses were called. After hearing the statements the jurors, "at the body of M.J. Fitzpatrick, there lying dead" decreed that Fitzpatrick "came to death from a gun shot wound, in the hand of a lawful officer whose attempts to arrest him" failed.The cost of the Inquisition was $16.15.Testimonies and statements were also taken related to the death of George Halliday for the consideration of the six jurors. Five witnesses were called to describe the events of the morning.It was ruled that his death was caused by the actions of M.J. Fitzpatrick. The cost for the Halliday Inquisition was $14.65.Active in the public since his arrival in Newton in 1871, George Halliday was well known in Newton and his former home, Topeka. Shortly after his arrival in Newton, Halliday was appointed justice of the peace following the resignation of Judge C.S. Bowman on August 31, 1871. On February 29, 1872, he, along with R. M. Spivey, was instrumental in the organization of Harvey County, introducing bill H.B. 504 which created the new county. Just seven days prior to the fatal encounter, Halliday was listed as a Republican delegate from Newton.The End of the Gold Room Saloon In August 1873, James Gregory, along with his wife, said goodbye to Newton. The August 7 notice in the Newton Kansan reported that Mr. G.S. Bradley purchased the Gregory home in Newton. By December 1873, a new business featuring fancy notions and millinery, opened in the building in the 500 block of Main. Tragedy quickly befell the new business venture. After beginning as one of the grandest' saloons in Newton and a hub for early politics, the notorious Gold Room Saloon building burned to the ground, along with the rest of the 500 Block, in an overnight fire on Dec 8, 1873 (Wichita Eagle Dec 11, 1873).Kristine Schmucker, Curator, Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives, Voices of Harvey County
501 N. Main - Prohibition in Newton
Note on the building - the J.A. Randall Building that currently is located at 501 N. Main was built in 1911 after the building in the photo burned.Prohibition In NewtonIn 1913, the editor of the Evening Kansan Republican took some time to reflect on memories of one of the "finest hotels of the middle west." In his musings, he highlighted a forgotten story from Harvey County history."The well-known door under the main staircase through which the thirsty traveler might follow the colored porter, or some well-posted friend, down along a long corridor, around the toilet rooms into a well-appointed bar, and there secure anything in the line of liquid refreshments - this door is still there. . . no doubt hundreds of Kansans . . . can recall many a pilgrimage through the devious windings required to secure the morning eye-opener or the parting night-cap in the old building during the period when the prohibition was gaining a stronghold in Kansas." (Evening Kansan Republican, 19 April 1913)In Newton, several businessmen took advantage of the lax enforcement of the “prohibitory laws” in the late 1890s.In the 1890s, the Newton City Council adopted resolutions to “fine the jointists of the city.” However, enforcement continued to be a problem as the editor of the Newton Daily Republican noted, “only three arrests have been made” since the resolutions. Exactly who should enforce the laws was unclear. Some blamed the county attorney for not enforcing the law and shutting down the ‘joints.’ The other side pointed out that the county attorney relied on information brought to his office for consideration. The county attorney was not a detective. Early in August 1897, Edward C. Willis complained that the “city authorities have been . . . a little slow in doing their sworn duty.” He quoted “the entire Sec. 2532, Statutes of 1889” to make his point that it was the responsibility of the sheriffs, constables, mayors, marshals, police officers “having notice or knowledge of any violations of the provisions . . . to notify the county attorney.” The tension between the two groups no doubt continued.On August 26, 1897, events came to a head when Sheriff Dick Judkins, under the direction of County Attorney W.S. Allen, “moved down on the offenders, having a wagon outside to convey the spoils to the county jail for cold storage.” The Newton Daily Republican reported that four men were arrested for “violation of the prohibitory law, temporary injunctions issued upon them, and goods confiscated.”At the Clark Hotel and a restaurant known as “Gallup’s place,” the sheriff met with some resistance. The paper reported that “at the Hotel Clark, the negro cook flatly refused to allow the sheriff to make search or look into the ice box, sitting down on top of it to prevent ingress.” The cook finally allowed the search “at the point of a revolver.”The next place searched was Conrad’s Drugstore, where “no liquor of any kind could be found.” The sheriff did however, confiscate “the icebox from the bottling works counter, with other paraphernalia.”Judkins met with more resistance at Gallup’s when the cook again sat on the ice box, and again the sheriff’s “revolver was brought into play, with satisfactory results.” The next day, the paper retracted the stories of resistance noting that he did not know “how the story that the two cooks at the two places were so obstinate and that the revolver . . . was necessary . . . is not known. . . . Sheriff Judkins says, however, that all was peaceful.” The editor further notes that yesterday when he printed the story most people believed this to be true.Regardless, five wagon loads of “goods” were hauled to the county jail and stored in the basement for “future disposal” as a result of the raids. Two were sent to jail, George English and Henry Gallup. The other two, E. Horan and E.E. Conrad were able to post the bond of $500 each.A day later, more injunctions were filed against two more “druggists” and two more restaurant owners. After prohibiting the various owners from selling liquor, Probate Judge J.W. Johnson personally “went to the drug stores of E.E. Conrad, O.W. Roff, and W.D. Pearson and took away their permits to sell intoxicating liquors.” Judge Johnson noted that this was “in the best interests of the people . . . by taking away the privilege to sell liquors, which privilege had been abused grossly. . . . he meant to removed it for the good of the community.”Sheriff Judkins was not finished, the paper reported that “immediately after arresting Mr. Porter and Mr. Roff, [Judkins] took the west bound Santa Fe No. 5 for Burrton and Halstead, where this evening he will arrest Ed Debrulier [Burrton] and . . . Charles Steininger and Carl Kaiser of Halstead. These three men are keepers of restaurants and have been violating the prohibitory law.”The Kansas City Gazette reported the next day that “Newton Has Gone Dry” noting that ‘the joints have been running wide open in Newton for many months and until now there has been no attempt to close them.” The paper further noted that “Horan and Conrad are prominent citizens” and that “County Attorney Allen means to push the enforcement of the law and will close every place in the city.”The Harvey County District Court convened on October 5, 1897. The docket included “the cases for the unlawful sale of intoxicating liquors.” Several went to trial, but Conrad, Horan, Porter, Roff and Pearson plead guilty to one count – “the nuisance clause.” The men paid the fines and left. County Attorney Allen cautioned that the cases were not entirely dismissed and that “the county attorney holds the whip hand and can keep the men from violating the law at any future time.”Cases against violators of “prohibitory law” continued to appear in the newspapers throughout the early 1900s as officials sought to enforce the laws at the local level. In 1917, the “bone dry” bill, which banned alcohol statewide, was signed by the Kansas governor. Two years later in 1919, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution made prohibition the law of the country.Kristine Schmucker, Curator, Havey County Historical Museum & Archives, Published 05/06/2015, Voices of Harvey County
421 N. Main - Murder on Main
Murder on MainShortly before 10:00 on Thursday morning, February 14, 1895, Thomas Williams, the head cook for the Clark Hotel, stepped out of P. Byer's Store at 421 Main after placing an order. He walked south toward the Clark Hotel and had reached Fred Brandt's place when Patrick Rickman rushed out.Some eyewitnesses said that Rickman shouted, "Now I've got you!" before shooting his No. 44 Colt Navy Revolver at Williams. Williams ran and Rickman fired again hitting Williams in the back. Rickman then chased Williams. The two continued to fight. Rickman threw Williams down the stairway to a basement on the south side of the Clark Hotel. He continued to beat Williams with the gun handle. One observer described Rickman as "insane with rage" and Williams "powerless to help himself."Marshall Ainsworth came to the scene and tried to disarm Rickman with little success. Two men, W.C. Conrad and Mart Covert, tried to help. Finally, Covert gave two blows to the head and was able to daze Rickman enough that Ainsworth was able to get the gun away. By the time they were able to separate the two men six shots had been fired. Williams had a gunshot wound and was severely beaten.Williams was carried to Dr. O.W. Roff, where he was pronounced dead.In the Coroner's Inquisition later that day, it was noted that Rickman shot and killed a man on Main street and "more than hundred men saw the brutal act." Thomas Williams, a Black man, was roughly 30 years of age, described as "quiet, industrious, quite a flashy dresser." He had worked for Van Duyn, manager at the Clark Hotel, for 4-5 years. The initial newspaper reports note that he had a wife and child. The report also noted that this "was not the first experience of this sort" involving Williams. However, "for a good number of years he has borne a good reputation." Patrick Rickman was well-known in Newton and described as "a powerfully built negro of large mold and fine physical build, about 35 years . . . one-eighth Indian and has always been a steady and industrious man." A builder by trade and he had even served for a time on the police force.The reporter for the Newton Daily Republican noted that the cause of the fight "was the same old story. A man came between husband and wife and paid his life as a forfeit."An inquisition was held. Of the men interviewed for the inquest most knew Rickman. Only three knew Williams, but not very well. Only one of those interviewed did not know either man.The jurors conclusion"Thomas Williams (Colored) a resident of Newton, Harvey County Kansas, came to his death as the result of a Gun shot wound from a Revolver in the hand of Patrick Rickman (Colored) on Main Street City of Newton, Harvey County, Kansas on the 14th day of February 1895 about the hour of 10 o'clock a.m. upon the above named Thomas Williams (Colored)Patrick Rickman was charged with 1st Degree Murder for the death of Thomas Williams on February 14, 1895.The charged carried the possibility of the death penalty. On July 10, 1895, the Newton Daily Republican began coverage of the trial.Harvey County Attorney, Charles E. Branine spoke for 16 minutes, describing the details of what happened the morning of February 14, 1895. He concluded that the because of the "motive and spirit of the act committed by the defendant" jury would be "unable to return any other verdict than guilty as charged."Attorney Charles Bucher gave the opening statement for the defense. He talked for 30 minutes, describing a family man that found evidence of his wife's adultery. The resulting despair led him to become insane. Bucher concluded that "it would be proved that insanity was in the Rickman blood and that several of Pat's relatives had died . . . with diseased minds." The defense claimed Temporary Insanity.After several days of testimony, the case went to the jury. The jury returned with the verdict after an hour and 15 minutes."When the clerk of the court Foltz read the words 'not guilty' such a shout went up from the court room that no doubt was left as to the popular feeling on the subject. Pat Rickman is a free man."Kristine Schmucker, Curator, Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives, Published 06/23/2017 Voices of Harvey County.
409 N. Main - The Clark Hotel
From the "finest hotel in the state" to the site of murder and raids by law enforcement, the buildings at the corner of 4th & Main had a unique history.The southwest corner of 4th and Main was a ideal location for a lodging, and since the mid-1870s a hotel had been located at this corner. Business men of the late 1800s preferred rooms in downtown boarding houses or hotels within easy walking distance of the business district and railroad. For several years, the Rasurre House, located at 4th and Main, provided a place for travelers to stay that was conveniently next to the depot and railroad tracks.In 1869, Illinois native, George Clark settled near Fort Riley, Kansas. Clark later moved to the new "hamlet" of Wichita where he worked as a messenger for several years. During that time, he visited the growing community of Newton, and with the help of his sister, Mrs. Mary L. Howard, decided to enter the business of running a hotel.George Clark purchased the two story Rasurre House in 1876. The hotel was renamed "Howard House" after his brother-in-law, Lt. Ruben Howard, who died in 1875. Clark began to make improvements almost immediately. For a time, Mary, assisted him in the running of the hotel and lunch room.Due to the efforts of the Clark siblings, the reputation of the "Howard House" grew over the years.Newton Daily Republican noted in the 6 August 1886 issue:"We can conscientiously advise our friends to visit the Howard House when at Newton. It is just across from the depot, and is strictly first-class and the proprietor, Mr. Clark would be sure to make you feel at home."In 1886, Clark decided to expand. He hired Varney Bros from Detroit, as architects.The result was a grand four story structure with a basement. The hotel had a frontage of 64 feet on Main and 69 feet on 4th with a circular tower extending to the roof. Clark Hotel, a stone, four story, turret-clad structure, was regarded as one of the “finest hotels in the state.” The interior was also luxurious. The basement housed bath rooms, water closets, and a barber shop in addition to a boiler and laundry. The first floor included a dining and lunch room, reading room, sitting room and clerks office.The dining room was described as the "handsomest in Kansas" with mahogany finished wainscoting on the walls and a ceiling of imitation hammered brass. The separate lunch room was near the front entrance facing Main and was "fitted up with all the modern conveniences and will seat about forty persons." An elevator was located near the clerks office. The second floor contained a bridal parlor, "richly carpeted and furnished." A private residence for the Clark family was also on the second floor. The rest of the second and third floor was contained bedrooms with closets, 76 in total, and each floor had a bathroom.The first floor had both gas and electric lights, and only gas lights on the upper floors. The furniture was also quality.[It came] "direct from the factory at Grand Rapid's, same as that in Coronado House. It is of antique oak and mahogany finish. The carpets are velvet, Wilton and body Brussels, . . . the mattresses . . . were manufactured in the house under the person supervision of Mr. Clark."The Clark Hotel officially opened on Sunday, November 27, 1887 at noon with an elaborate meal and guests from as far away as London.In 1892, George Clark retired from the hotel business for health reasons. George Clark died of consumption a year later on 25 November 1893. He was 50 years old.Thomas J. Simpson from Fredonia, Kansas "assumed charge of Clark's hotel." For the next 20 years, the impressive building at the corner of 4th and Main would undergo changes in management and ownership and eventually be condemned and torn down.In December 1898, it was announced that the Santa Fe Railroad had purchased the Clark Hotel. The Santa Fe used the upper stories of the Clark Hotel building for offices and the Fred Harvey General Store was located on the lower floor.For the next 14 years the building served as headquarters for the Santa Fe railroad. The "spacious dining room was partitioned off into suitable rooms, stairways were blocked and rebuilt, the sleeping rooms were changed and hallways rearranged." Over the years, the structure deteriorated and by 1913 it was "well known . . . that the office building was badly in need of repairs." In a letter published in Evening Kansan Republican Judge Bowman noted that "the building [Clark Hotel] became wind shaken and the officers fearing a wreck vacated the building." On April 19, 1913, the Santa Fe moved the offices to the Dotson Building on East 5th. Initially, the move was temporary, "pending the completion of repairs on the old quarters." However, the needed repairs proved more extensive and expensive than the Santa Fe expected and the once grand landmark was demolished.Kristine Schmucker,Curator, Harvevy County Historical Museum & Archives, published 04/21/2016, 05/07/2016, & 05/025/2016.
300 Block - Santa Fe Land Office
The Santa Fe Land Office was located on the south side of the track on the west side of Main. Constructed in 1871, the stone structure was torn down in 1967. Muse & Spivey were land agents for the Santa Fe and sold land to early residents and businesses. Over the years, the building was home to many different businesses. In 1962, the vacant building was condemned and torn down. Photo is from ca 1960.(Billie Wilson)
203 N Main, Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives (Carnegie Library Building)
Stop in to see us to learn more about Harvey County! Hours: 10-4 Tues - Fri. Free Admission.Visit us on Facebook at (6) Facebook or our web page Voices of Harvey County Archives - Harvey County Historical Society (hchm.org)
Hide Park, 1871
"Hell upon Earth, with all It's Horrors." Even before the first train arrived in Newton, the town was getting a reputation. Tales of constant gunfire and lawlessness were spreading already in June. One can imagine the heat, dust and smell that surrounded the town with herds of cattle adding to the mix. Increasing the chances for violence were the Texas cowboys arriving after a long drive ready to blow off some steam and the complete lack of law enforcement. Newton in 1871 was the perfect storm for lawlessness and general mayhem.One example that was recorded occurred on July 4th. A group of cowboys decided to celebrate at Perry Tuttle's dance hall in Hide Park. Not content with gambling, drinking or the dancing girls, they thought up some mischief. They forced everyone out of the building, made all of the dance hall girls lie down on the ground, and proceeded to riddle Tuttle's building with bullets. (Topeka Daily Commonwealth, 11 July 1871.)Another Texas cowboy observed, "Newton was one of the worst towns I ever saw, every element of meanness on earth seemed to be there." Still another gave this advice; "when the dance halls were flaming and the saloons frothed trouble, when it was best to keep your hand on your holster and your mouth shut going down that avenue."Newton was earning a reputation as one observer put it, as a "Hell upon Earth, with all it's horrors." Hide Park,*** the most infamous area of early Newton, was the setting for most of the violence, including the General Massacre. The rough and tumble, anything goes section of the new town was located just south and west of the AT&SF Railroad tracks. The area got it's name from a newspaper description that claimed the area was called Hide Park, "because the girls showed so much hide."While businesses with new wood frame structures were springing up on the north side of the tracks, the south side consisted of hastily built shacks ready for the cowboys. Although the businesses catered to the 'cowboy trade,' local men also found their way to Hide Park. This unique mix of men prompted a reporter for the Daily Commonwealth to observe that "the society of Newton is mixed and incongruous. Gentlemen associate with roughs, and gamblers seem to be held in high esteem." Cattlemen were seen everywhere "in the gambling shops, drinking saloons, and in the establishments at "Hide Park'."By the late summer of 1871, five buildings made up Newton's 'red light district.' The buildings included two large dance houses and three smaller buildings that served as brothels. Late into the night music would pour from the dance halls and one could hear the "hippity hoppity of the dancers" at all hours. The women drank and danced with the men and made "exhibitions too indecent for description. . . a staid man would think hell had broke loose assuredly, to witness one of these disgusting dances."One observer noted:"Here you may see young girls not over sixteen drinking whiskey, smoking cigars, cursing and swearing until one almost looses [sic] the repect the [sic] should have for the weaker sex. I heard one of their townsmen say that he didn't believe there were a dozen virtuous women in town." (Wichita Tribune, 24 August 1871)Gambling tables were arranged around the dance floor.Judge Muse described Hide Park."Festive cowboy, gamblers, saloon men, and roughs of every description began to flock in . . . "at the beginning of June and "three or four dance houses were erected on block 52, each with ample room for dancing, and also, for dispensing the inseparable concomitant whiskey. . . . All night the halls were filled with cow-boys, gamblers and roughs who, in company with the 'soiled doves' 'treaded the mazes of the giddy waltz' until daylight came, or weary nature failed to furnish strength. . . .In harmony with the character . . . all went heavily armed, their pockets loaded down . . . making each one appear like a 'travelling arsenal'." Muse, History of Harvey County)Although gambling of every kind could be found on both sides of the tracks, Muse noted that those on the north side had a "gambling house and bar attached, and recently some of the establishments have added fine lunches and concert music." The more refined entertainment were added to hopefully retain "the crowds that have found greater attractions at the dance houses at 'Hide Park.'"The new entertainments north of the tracks did affect the Hide Park saloon owners. One reported that he regularly had sales of one hundred dollars a night "previous to the opening of the dance houses, [on the north side] since the establishment of the high-toned institutions they have been reduced to twenty dollars." He was considering offering free lunches and music to attract his customers back. He was no doubt referring to the saloons located in the 600 block of Main the most popular of which was the Gold Room Saloon."Nothing but a Piece of Hardware is Left"Hide Park's heyday was short lived. By June 1872, it was observed that "many of the saloons and the greater portion of Hide Park are emigrating from Newton to other new towns." Some, like 'Rowdy' Joe Lowe, loaded their buildings onto a flat car and physically moved the entire business. By 1873, the number of saloon owners in Newton was six. The Newton Kansan proudly noted the sale of the last Hide Park property in the spring of 1873. The reporter observed that "nothing but a piece of hardware is left to mark the spot where one year ago was a den of brothels."During the winter of 1871-72 leading businessmen worked to reform Newton's image. One Wichita reporter noted that Newton "is gradually outgrowing the evil reputation of its early days. The morals of the place are improving most decidedly, and in consequence good families are locating in and around the city." The removal of the last remnants of Hide Park went a long way to creating a new image for Newton. (Newton Kansan, 31 October 1871)
Hide Park - Perry Tuttle's Saloon & the General Massacre, 1871
August 20 marks the date of the most violent days in the history of Newton, Kansas. "Newton's General Massacre" captured the attention of the nation and gave the new town the reputation as "Bloody Newton." The events of the early Sunday morning hours of Aug 20, 1871 at this site are still the subject of questions, books, and even, a screen play. In the 1870s there was a saying . . .“There is no Sunday west of Newton . . . and no god west of Pueblo.”In Hide Park, the largest and best known saloons were owned by Perry Tuttle and Ed Krum.Law enforcement in Newton was uncertain. The new town had to rely on township authorities from Sedgwick or special policemen hired by the saloon owners.The Topeka Commonwealth observed one "of the constables and the deputy sheriff have been appointed policemen. They receive their pay from a fund raised by the gamblers." Fights were not uncommon.Into this environment of lawlessness comes the Texas cowboys, many of whom sided with the Confederacy during the Civil War, and northern veteran businessmen looking for a new start. The two groups mixed together on the streets and in the saloons with sometimes tragic results.Early August 1871, Mike McCluskie, an Irishman from Ohio, also known as Arthur Delaney or Art Donovan, was in town. He had a rough reputation and was described as “among the hardest individuals to ever walk Newton.” Previously he had worked for the Santa Fe Railroad as a night policeman. In August 1871, he was hired by the Newton authorities as a Special Policeman to help keep order during the railroad bond election on August 11.Also hired as a Special Policeman for the elections was “Billy” Bailey, a Texan, described as a "thoroughly offensive and officious” gambler. It was rumored that he killed at least two other men in gun fights. The two men, McCluskie and Bailey, had a long standing feud, possibly over a woman, which came to a tragic conclusion August 11, 1871.August 11, Friday – Election DayDuring the day, McCluskie and a drunk Bailey argued. Later, at the Red Front Saloon, the argument escalated into a fistfight. Bailey left the saloon with McCluskie following, guns drawn. Two shots were fired at Bailey, who died the next day. McCluskie, realizing he is in danger from Bailey’s Texas friends, left for Florence by a train.August 19, SaturdayA week later, feeling the danger had passed, McCluskie returned to Newton and went to Perry Tuttle’s Hide Park Dance Hall to gamble.August 20, Sunday Morning1:00 a.m. Apparently, sensing trouble, Perry Tuttle attempted to close the dance hall. Customers refused to leave, even after the band left.2:00 a.m. McCluskie remained at the faro table. Three Texans, Billy Garrett, Henry Kearnes, and Jim Wilkerson, entered the dance hall, one joined McCluskie at the faro table. A short time later a Texas cowboy, Hugh Anderson entered, gun in hand.Anderson was the son of a wealthy Texas cattleman, and was in Kansas working as a cowboy in August 1871. He had recently ridden with John Wesley Hardin and had been part of a brutal killing of a Mexican cowboy earlier in the summer. Now his mind was on revenge for the death of his friend Bailey. McCluskie’s return to Newton on Saturday was Anderson’s opportunity.The Emporia News described the next few minutes inside Tuttle’s Dance Hall.Anderson walked directly to McCluskie, “with murder in his eye, and foul mouth filled with oaths and epithets, he steps up to McCluskie and shot him,” striking him in the neck. Mortally wounded, McCluskie fell to the floor while attempting to fire his own pistol, which misfired. This account goes on to note that “shooting then became general” ending with five men killed and three wounded. (Emporia News, 25 August 1871)Several newspaper correspondents were in Newton covering the cattle drives that summer. Murder and revenge filled the headlines in the days following the “General Massacre” adding to Newton’s image of lawlessness. The Topeka Daily Commonwealth reported on the violence on 22 August 1871."We received . . . the following full and graphic account of the Newton tragedy, from a correspondent of the N.Y. World. We publish it to the exclusion of our usual variety of local matter, knowing that it will be read with interest by our readers.On Sunday last . . . Blood and murder was rampart to an unusual degree. . . .Ever since the shooting affair between McCluskie and the Texas man, Bailey, which resulted in the death of the latter . . . “war” was declared to the bitter end against McCluskie . . ."Accounts of the shoot out varied. All agree that Anderson shot McCluskie, and that McCluskie attempted to return fire, but his gun misfired. What happened next, took the fight beyond the two men. After Anderson shot McCluskie, another unknown person began firing.Most accounts agree that Jim Martin, the first person shot by the second gunman, ran out of the door, bleeding from the neck, and fell dead in front of Krum's saloon, the Alamo. Martin was a well liked and most agreed that he was an innocent bystander who tried to calm the situation down. Instead, he was fatally shot. After Martin, six more men were shot. The original shooter, Hugh Anderson, was severely wounded. Patrick Lee, a brakeman for the railroad, and Texans, Billy Garrett and Kearnes were fatally shot, each dying after several days. Two other men, James Wilkerson and a man known as Hickey, were wounded and later recovered.Anderson's father arrived to insure the care of his son and a plan was devised to sneak him out of town. Once Dr. Boyd determined that Anderson could be moved, a group of men including A. Baker, George Yocum, Judge Muse and Dr. Boyd began their work. A litter was constructed, and at 2:00 a.m. Anderson was removed from the back door of Hoff’s store where he had been recuperating."To avoid detection, we carried him north, past the residence of Dr. Lewis, and there striking the cattle trail, followed it down to the car. The night was dark and rainy; the grass rank, high and wet, and the ground muddy, and our task a hard one, as we dare not use a light."Anderson was placed in a rail car with a closet that was then locked. All of this had been arranged with the conductor. He was to remain in the rail car until he reached Kansas City.The Emporia News reporter concluded that “this was the bloodiest affrays that ever occurred in our State.”History is full of unanswered questions, strange events and mysteries. One in Harvey County is the identity of the second shooter on August 20, 1871. Judge Muse described the mystery shooter;“a friend of McCloskey, a boy named Riley, some 18 years of age, quiet and inoffensive in deportment, and evidently dying from consumption . . .” According to Muse, the young man was known around Newton as “McCluskie’s Shadow.” He was a “thin, tubercular man who followed the railroad gunman around like a little dog that barked and snapped from behind his master.”Muse theorizes that after witnessing his friend’s death, Riley "coolly locked the door, thus preventing egress, and drawing his revolver, discharged every chamber." He shot a total of seven men, then, his gun empty, he walked out of the dance hall and was never heard from again.The facts of the shooting. Five men died and three were wounded in Perry Tuttle's Saloon in the early morning hours of 20 August 1871. McCluskie was shot dead by Hugh Anderson and the seven others by a shooter known as Riley, five of which died. Following the shoot out, Anderson is transported to Kansas City to recover from his wounds and the second shooter, Riley, disappears.by Kristine Schmucker, Curator, Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives, published 08/14/2014, 08/22/2014, 08/29/2014, Voices of Harvey County.
Hide Park -Shooting of Carlos B. King
The whole town of Newton was on edge following the "General Massacre" in the early morning hours of August 20, 1871. Five men were dead. Hugh Anderson, one of the instigators had disappeared, as had the primary shooter, a man known only as Riley. The Texans and the townspeople both had an interest in restoring order or as the reporter Allegro noted;"All parties, and particularly the Texans, who own at least a third of the town, are keen and unyielding in the determination to preserve peace and the majesty of law." (Commonwealth, 27 August 1871.)Meetings were held "to appoint a police force composed of both Texas men and Newtonians." Allegro further noted that "an ordinance is published and rigidly carried out which disarms any and all persons who may be found carrying dangerous weapons within the township of Newton."At an informal meeting of the citizens, two men were nominated as deputy sheriffs, Tom Carson and Carlos B. King. The first jail, a modified caboose, was ready to go. Judge R.W.P. Muse declared "that the history of Newton is now to begin afresh."The peace was short lived. The Texans were not happy with the appointment of Tom Carson and tensions continued to simmer. In late September, the worst happened. Reporter for the Daily Commonwealth, Allegro again described the "details of the murder of Deputy Sheriff King."Around 10:00 pm, on the evening of September 23, 1871, Officers King and Carson, disarmed Thomas Edwards, a Texas cowboy, outside of a Hide Park establishment "in accordance with the requirements of the law." Edwards was released after he gave up is pistol. King remained in Hide Park, while Carson returned to Newton.About two hours later, Edwards returned to the Hide Park dance hall with a derringer. He approached Marshall King and pushed the weapon against King's chest and fired."King staggered into the house, exclaiming 'Who shot me?' and immediately fell over . . .and a moment later he died."Edwards "fled" town." In his account Allegro put forth the idea that Edwards had not acted alone, but that "it was a premeditated act - plotted by others and accomplished by Edwards."He concluded with words of praise for Carlos B.King."Thus perished Officer King, than whom there was no better gentleman nor truer friend, and no more respected man in Newton." -Allegro, Commonwealth Reporter.King's funeral was well attended and many of Newton's businesses closed during the ceremony. Carlos B. King was only 29 years old at the time of his death.King was born on March 19, 1842 in Pennsylvania or New York to Senaca and Maryette King. In 1850, Senaca and Carlos were living in the household of Gilbert King in Orleans, Ionia County Michigan. Carlos was 18 when the Civil War broke out. He served as a Union soldier during the Civil War with two Michigan units; 3rd Inf (2nd Org.) Co. C, Capt., and 16th Inf. Co. B, 1st Sgt. He married Amanda Arnold on January 23, 1864 in Ionia County, Michigan. They had two daughters, Nina born in 1864, and Edith in 1868. Two years after the birth of Edith, Carlos was living in Wichita, Kansas while Amanda and the girls stayed with Amanda's parents in Ionia County.After Carlos was killed in Newton, Amanda applied for a Civil War pension, but was denied. In 1885, Amanda married Daniel P. Chapman and they had one son, Arthur. Carlos' two daughters also died early, Nina in 1887 and Edith in 1891.In 1872, King's body was moved from the 'Boot Hill' cemetery to Greenwood Cemetery. He was one of the first to be buried there.Because the shooting occurred before the official organization of Harvey County and Newton was part of Sedgwick County, King is also the first law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty for Sedgwick County. His name is listed at the Law Enforcement Memorial in front of the City Building at Central and Main in Wichita, Ks.
Hide Park - The Alamo
According to descriptions the location of Ed Krum's saloon The Alamo.
