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A Picture Of A

Small Town

Whitewater, Kansas

Darryl Claassen & Kim Fields

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A Picture

Of a Small Town

A perspective on 125 years of

Whitewater, Kansas

by

Darryl Claassen

with assistance from

Kim Fields

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Published by

Whitewater Photo Museum

Whitewater, Kansas

in cooperation with the City of Whitewater

Printed by

Butler County Printing

El Dorado, Kansas

Copyright © 2015 by Darryl

All rights reserved.

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Contents

Introduction Page 5

Section 1 Page 7

The Neiman Family and the Beginning of Whitewater

Section 2 Page 20

Recollection and Progression of Whitewater

Section 3 Page 112

Whitewater Extras

Section 4 Page 135

Comparison of the Decades

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Introduction

The city of Whitewater was incorporated on April 15, 1890. In 1990, residents of Whitewater and the surrounding area celebrated the centennial in a majestic manner. Along with the many events of celebration, a fine book was compiled and, due to its nature, was soon sold out.

As the 125th year of Whitewater approached, the question of a book was proposed. Following some discussion about reprinting the original Centennial book, it was determined by the City Council to authorize a new book.

Central to this book are the photos and images which give the reader a visual tour of the Town. Several histories of Whitewater have already been told. We hope this book will give a clear picture of the Town. Due to obvious constraints, the content is based within the city limits of Whitewater and is centered upon available photographs.

The first section of the book puts faces to the organization of Whitewater and shows one family’s contribution and dedication to the area.

The second section utilizes a history written by E.L. Neal in 1935 and published in The Independent (the Whitewater newspaper) in February of that year. Neal’s history is a list rather than an organized article. The entirety of Neal’s writing is printed in Times New Roman

bold font. All notes or explanations by the authors are printed in this Calibri font. When possible, a photo or other image has been inserted immediately following a mention by Neal of a place or Business. Other photos have been added to show the extension or progress of various subjects. Examples: After mention of the Whitewater Flour Mill, several pictures are used to show the growth and expansion. After mention of the first church, additional pictures illustrate other churches known to exist in Whitewater.

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The third section of the book includes various items of intrigue and interest within Whitewater not mentioned by Mr. Neal.

The fourth section is an appendix of various businesses which existed over the decades. The lists were compiled from advertising in the local newspapers or other media. Due to lack of a complete record or memory, it is not possible to identify every business which has used Whitewater as an address. A final editorial closes the book.

Considerable effort has been made to accurately identify and date each photo and give appropriate credit. The absence of a credit indicates the photo is part of the Whitewater Photo Museum collection or taken by the editor.

In reality, this project began in 2010 with the intent to compile a collection of photographs which would sufficiently illustrate the history and progress of Whitewater and the immediate area. The collection has been housed in the Whitewater Photo Museum on Main Street. All effort has been rewarded by the numerous visits of people looking for family history, students researching for a school project, and those who have a general interest in history.

Shortly before being put to this task, I had the privilege of making the acquaintance of Kim Fields. She is not only a fine historian but also has a personal interest in Whitewater’s past. Her great Grandfather was Frederick Breising, the proprietor of the first meat market. Her diligence to research, attention to detail, and selfless dedication has been a most significant contribution to the outcome of the book.

In addition, the generosity of many Whitewater area residents to loan or donate photographs has made this book possible.

Darryl

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Section 1 The Beginning

Photos and data of the Neiman family and early photos of their houses in this section are courtesy of Dr. D.J. Martin excepting the 1893 photo of George’s house which is from Marilyn Umbach. Both are descendants of the Neiman family.

The Neiman Family

Isaac (1813-1862) and Eliza (1821-1900) Neiman & Sarah late 1840s photo

Isaac and Eliza began their family in New Berlin, Pennsylvania. In 1854, they moved to Tipton, Iowa. Isaac was a farmer and was helped by his older sons until his death.

Ten children were born to Isaac and Eliza. The 7th born, Emma Loveza Neiman, was born in 1854 and died in infancy. Mrs. Neiman, two daughters, and seven sons all eventually moved to Kansas.

After the incorporation of Whitewater, each of the seven sons built a house. All of the seven houses still exist.

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George Peter Neiman 1842-1925, 1st born

Built the house at 421 S Main in 1890

Top: 1893 photo

Bottom: 2011 photo

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Sarah Ann Neiman Brainerd, 1843-1902, 2nd born Married Elisha Brainerd (1840-1911) for whom Brainerd, KS was named

Elisha Brainerd homestead of 1876, NE ¼ Section 22, Milton Township, Butler County, Kansas, 1900 photo

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Samuel Robert Neiman 1844-1931, 3rd born

Built the house at 305 N Elm in 1900

Top: 1910 photo

Bottom: 2011 photo

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Isaac Howard Neiman 1846-1935, 4th born

Built the house at 405 S Main in 1890

Top: 1907 photo

Bottom: 2011 photo

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Katherine & Isaac Howard Neiman with 1934 DeSoto Airflow on west side of Arthur’s house

Arthur Lewis Neiman 1847-1935, 5th born

Built the house at

16548 K196 in 1892

Top: 1934 photo

Bottom: 2011 photo

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Charles Andrew Neiman 1849-1936, 6th born

Built the house at 525 S Elm in 1910

Top: 1912 photo

Bottom: 2011 photo

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Jerome Schwartz Neiman 1855-1930, 8th born

Built the house at 124 S Locust in 1892

Top: 1910 photo

Bottom: 2011 photo

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Mary Margaret Neiman 1860-1950, 9th born

Married J.D. Joseph in 1892 and they lived with her

brother, George, who never married

James Dew Joseph 1864-1952

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John Franklin Neiman 1862-1917, 10th born

Built the house at 603 S Elm in 1910

(unable to locate an early photo)

2011 photo of house

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George Neiman was twelve years old in 1854 when his family moved to Tipton, Iowa. He helped on the farm until his father’s death in 1862 and then assumed responsibility for the farming operation for two more years. In 1864, George left for California in search of gold. Three years later he returned to Iowa to continue farming. His success in the gold fields is unknown.

In 1869, George and his brother, Isaac Howard, left Iowa to homestead in Butler County and, soon to be, Harvey County, Kansas. George’s claim was on Section 18, T24, R3E of Butler County, beside the Whitewater Creek. He built a log house east of the Creek right on the current Main Street of Whitewater.

A painting of George’s log house, copy courtesy of Marilyn Umbach

The Missouri Pacific Railroad laid an east to west track in 1885 which passed through George’s property. Two depots were built along the line. One was three miles east in Brainerd and the other was three miles west in the town of Annelly.

According to the State census, George’s mother and the remainder of his siblings (except Samuel who came 1895) joined him in Kansas by 1885.

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The Rock Island Railroad was laying a track from north to south and, in 1886, began surveying a route from Peabody to Wichita. The original survey indicated passing close to Brainerd.

The granting of subsidies by a community or organization to any company whose presence might benefit that community has likely been a practice since the beginning of time. An editorial in the November 11, 1886 issue of the Brainerd Ensign indicates that Brainerd was hesitating in making an offer to the Railroad when it states, “shall we go to the

company or wait for the company to come to us? Let’s be wise in time”. Again, in the Brainerd Ensign of January 6, 1887, a writer states, “but

had her people discharged their full day one year ago, they would have

obtained the road.”

Meanwhile, George Neiman was apparently making a sales pitch to the Rock Island to locate the road across his property. Rumors began to circulate of “liberal private offers” (December 16, 1886 Brainerd Ensign) being made to the Railroad. The November 25, 1886 Brainerd Ensign reported a letter from Mr. Long, a representative of the Railroad, to a prominent Brainerd businessman as stating “the company has not sold out and will not sell out as has been maliciously reported.”

Also in 1886, the Golden Belt Town Company incorporated for the purpose of establishing towns along the railroad. Communities thus started include: Ramona, Lincolnville, Lost Springs, Aulne, Whitewater, Furley, Gladys, Peck, and others. The primary purpose of the Golden Belt was to obtain land along the road and resell to towns for a significant profit. The general office of the Golden Belt was in Peabody. The President of the company was F.H. Kollock, also the banker in Peabody. George Neiman served for a time as the Treasurer. After a few years, the Golden Belt Town Company disorganized and George Neiman organized the Whitewater Town Company of which he was President and Mr. Kollock was the Treasurer. The “town company” concept stayed in effect until the town itself incorporated and established its own government.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

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Calling card for the Officers of Golden Belt Town Co

The history is that, about two and a half miles north of Whitewater, the railroad track makes a turn to the west (still referred to by some as “the Neiman curve”) instead of to the east toward Brainerd. Did Mr. Neiman persuade the Rock Island with a “liberal private offer” as per the rumors or by good salesmanship for a more direct route to Wichita? Could the Rock Island be “bought”? These questions were being discussed with or without sufficient information.

Regardless, the place to be was at the intersection of the two railroads. Brainerd moved west and Annelly moved east. Soon, both of those towns, though only a few years old, were all but gone. An article in the June 20, 1889 Whitewater Tribune reads: “The Brainerd people

have staked out lots and signed contracts for eighteen buildings to be

moved at once to Whitewater. We find in that number Horace McLain

with bank and livery barn, Roach Brothers, G.W. Neal lumber yard, and

others. Most of the buildings from Brainerd are store rooms. Every lot

on Main Street was sold and staked off this week; lumber on several lots

ready for building. Even the last rose from Annelly. Mr. Otte & Son has

made arrangements to be here by June 15. Ha! Ha! Just think of it, the

mayor of Brainerd buying the city and then running away with it.” And below that was this statement: “This was written but a few days ago

but the number already reaches near thirty business buildings and

dwellings. Mr. Otte came in on time.”

Whitewater had been birthed!

From 1889tewater

Tribune

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Section 2 (Text in bold type by E.L. Neal, 1935)

“The town site of Whitewater was laid out in 1887 by the

Golden Belt Town Company, on land owned by G.P. Neiman.

In later years, additions to the same were made by A.L.

Neiman on the east and S.R. Neiman on the north. The original

town site was from the corner of Seventh and Church (3rd & Elm) streets, south to the corner of First and Church (Carr & Elm), the R.

Penner place, and from Church (Elm) Street west to the Rock Island

railroad (the County line), four blocks (streets).

1905

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The first building moved here from Brainerd now is part of

the H.H. Norris house on South Church Street, occupied at present

by Walter Duncan and family. It was brought here by the McLains.

The McLains owned the Whitewater Bank.

Doc Norris house, 120 S Elm, 1906 photo

Doc Norris house. The house was torn down after a fire in 1989. 1976 photo

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The old frame Smith building which stood on the corner

where their brick building is today was the first building in old

Whitewater. It was moved here from Annelly in 1887 and housed

several families the first season.

The Smith Building is on the right, 201 S Main, c1905 photo

Whitewater once had a carpet weaving plant operated by

C. Smith.

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Whitewater has two principle automobile agencies with

operators born and raised here or in Butler County nearby, Frank

Gronau, and G.O. Neal and Scott Stuart. The Chevrolet is handled

by Gronau and the Ford is taken care of by Neal and Stuart, with a

business using four lots on Main Street.

Gronau Chevrolet, 109 S Main, Frank Gronau, 1929 photo from Tony Gronau. The Company moved across the street to 116 S Main in 1931.

Neal-Stuart Ford, 206-212 S Main, 1939 photo from David Neal

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Business Letterhead

From 1971 Boy Scout calendar

Advertisement in 1981 Remington High School “Trailblazer”

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The first garage was established in Whitewater in 1909 by

Eberhard, Thompson, and Francis. Their first sale was a Fuller

Auto to Peter Zuercher. They also handled the Gleason car. The

second year the Maxwell was handled by Eberhard and Golden. Dr.

Horner and Henry Gale were early buyers.

Peter Zuercher house NE of Whitewater and 1910 Fuller car. 1910 photo from Dwight Zuercher.

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H. Eberhard sold the first auto tires in Whitewater and also

was the first real estate agent here.

Whitewater Land & Loan Co. (on sign to left of brick building), 125 S Main, 1910 photo

From early Kansas state map.

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W.H. Lambert & Son were the first grocers to add a meat

counter. There are now three firms carrying groceries and fresh

meats: Lamberts, Penners, and Breising.

Lambert Store, 123 S Main, George and William Lambert, 1925 photo

New Penner Store built in 1912, 201 & 203 S Main

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Breising Store, 205 S Main, c1950 photo from Kim Fields

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Klassen Brothers purchased the Lambert Store in 1946. Henry Brucks, employee. 1952 photo from Pete Klassen

Pete Klassen purchased his brothers share in 1956 and the store became Klassen’s Grocery. The store was moved to 201 S Main in 1968. Others who followed in the grocery business were Kevin Wohlgemuth, Ed Inskeep , and Brian Johnson

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The R.G. Kirkwood Lumber Co. is the oldest and largest

lumber and coal yard in northwest Butler County.

East side of 300 Block S Main, 1921 photo

Neiman’s lumber & coal business, east side of 200 Block S Main, 1909 postcard

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In the early days, Whitewater had a broom factory. It was

run by one of the Kinneys after the drug store moved out.

The first school house or room was situated one block west of

Main Street and one half block north of Rock Island Avenue on the

east side of the street. It is now a part of the Spencer Hotel.

School building was located about 106 S Ash. The building was previously the Holden School one mile east of town. Mary Neiman, Teacher. 1888 photo from Marilyn Umbach

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Spencer Hotel, 127 S Ash, Edith Foster and Mary Spencer, 1913 photo

C.H. Bruhn is the older in a continuous business way than

anyone here.

C.H. Bruhn to left of door, about 218 S Main, 1891 photo from Ron Hill

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From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

The Whitewater Telephone Co. was the first telephone

company to do business in this city. The organizer was J.D. Joseph;

the first lineman was Ben Beck. The first telephone operator was

Fay Davis. The first phone office was in a lean-to on the north side

of The Independent office, the first phone being installed in the same

place and was No. 1. The company was first organized with twenty-

five phones; the shares were $25 each for town people only. Soon

country lines were built; a mutual system was established; next, a

joint stock company with other city connections made; and about

300 miles of line strung.

Emma Breising in telephone office, about 219 S Main, 1907 photo from Kim Fields

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The Bank of Whitewater was organized April 3, 1891. Its

first officers were J.C. Kirkwood, president; I.H. Neiman, vice-

president; G.P. Neiman, cashier; R.G. Kirkwood, assistant cashier.

April 1, 1892, J.D. Joseph, the present president/ cashier, became a

director and assistant cashier. The first board of directors was:

G.P. Neiman, I.H. Neiman, T.C. Newcom, J.C. Kirkwood, A.H. Rich,

J.W. Steiger, and R.G. Kirkwood.

Bank of Whitewater, J.D. Joseph, Eleanor Neiman, Bertha Breising, Arthur Nigg. c1940 photo from Marilyn Umbach

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Until 1897, the bank occupied the quarters of the old

Whitewater Bank in the Williams building east of the present

location, from which place it moved to their newly erected brick

building at the corner of Main and Rock Island.

Williams building can be seen behind the new bank building. c1910 photo

It is now the oldest bank in Butler County. Of the depositors

in its first year of business, the following are the only known living

persons: J.T. Beans, Herman Entz, R.G. Kirkwood, A.L. Neiman,

John Regier, S. Eskridge, Gus Claassen, W.H. Barker, I.H. Neiman,

E.L. Neal, J.W. Steiger, John Epp, John Harder, C.A. Neiman, R.

Penner, W. Worthington.

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Bank of Whitewater, 126 S Main, 2011 photo

The first post office was in the I.H. Neiman building (now the

Hazlett) on the northwest corner of Main and Rock Island streets.

Whitewater Post Office was established May 15, 1888.

I.H. Neiman building on the left, 127 S Main, seen here as the Peffley & Vancil store, c1905 photo

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The first postmaster was I.H. Neiman.

c1885 photo from Dr. D.J. Martin

The Post Office was at 119 S Main from early 1920s to 1955.

Henry Jessen, J.W. Vancil, 1940 photo

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J.W. Vancil, 1940 photo

Post Office at 117 S Main, 1956 to present, 2011 photo

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The first harness maker was John A. Dilzer, who later sold

out to his brother, F.W. Dilzer, who later added hardware to the

business.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

The first regular produce dealer was H.M. Nolder in the old

G.A.R. building which was on the corner now occupied by the Dow

Produce who bought the present tile structure from Mr. Nolder.

102 S Main, Fred Breising Jr. & H.M. Nolder, 1922 photo

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The first band was organized in 1890 with Dr. J. Horner as

instructor. Of this band of eighteen members, only two are known to

be alive: Wm.J. Golden and E.L. Neal.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

Front: Roy Liptrap, Jessie Peterson Schmidt, Robert Norris, Pearl Hanstine Norris, Ora Markee, Bill Eaton 2nd: Mr. Winn (Band Leader), Winn’s sister, Mrs. Winn, Harry Edris, Tom Finch, Bessie Markee, Clarence Cochran, Lulu Kinsey Sanders, Corb Leap, Isabella Finch Hanstine, Ernest Hanstine, Mabel Mellor, Tom Lewis 3rd: Fred Finch, Frank Brockway, Blanche Leap, Sedman Kinsey, Minnie Monroe Diller, Sidney Chaney, Gussie Turner, Hal Finch Back: J.W. Vancil, Luella Neiman, Grace Liptrap, Roy Peterson, Maude Ashenfelter, Harold Cochran

1906 photo

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Front: Hal Finch, Clarence Cochran, Roy Liptrap, Bill Eaton, Harold Cochran, Ernest Hanstine Middle: Mr. Winn (Band Leader), J.W. Vancil, Corb Leap, Tom Finch, Robert Norris, Tom Lewis, Roy Peterson, Harry Edris Back: Fred Finch, Sedman Kinsey, Frank Brockway, Sidney Chaney

1906 photo

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The first elevator on the Mo. Pac. was owned by E.T. Burns.

He was also the first grain and coal dealer.

Burns Elevator in background. c1900 photo

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

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The first elevator on the Rock Island was built by C.F.

Weber. It was torn down a few years ago.

Looking west from Main & Topeka, elevator in center, c1905 photo

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The first church in town was the Reformed. It was

remodeled a few years ago and is now the parsonage of the

Federated Church.

Grace Reformed Church, 1889-1929, 126 S Elm, 1901 photo Building dedicated August 25, 1889.

Grace Reformed Church building, 126 S Elm, 2015 photo

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Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1889-1929, 102 S Elm, 1901 photo The original building, dedicated June 9, 1889, burned in 1893 but was replaced with the building in this photo. The Lutheran Church stood on the location of the present Federated building. The congregation began in Annelly in 1881.

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Methodist Episcopal Church, 1890-1958, 202 N Elm, 1920 photo This building was dedicated September 18, 1904.

Federated Church, 1929-present, 207 E Central, 1935 photo Federated was formed from the joining of the Reformed, Lutheran, & Christian churches in Whitewater.

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Swiss Church, 1954-present, 125 S Oak, 1957 photo The congregation began north of town in 1886.

Swiss Church building, 703 E Central, 2015 photo

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Grace Baptist Church, about 124 W Central, Established August, 1972. A house donated by Mrs. Blackford was moved and attached to the old Scout Building on that site. It was used by the Church until 1983 when a new building was built one mile west of town. Pastor David Camp & family. 1972 photo

Centre Point Church, 212 S Main, Established in 2010, 2011 photo

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The first station agent of the Rock Island railroad was Frank

Broadstreet; on the Mo. Pac., P.D. McArthur was the first resident

agent.

From 1889

Whitewater

Tribune

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Rev. H. Acker was the first resident minister. He was the

first pastor of the Lutheran Church and continued as such for

several years.

Rev. H. Acker, Lutheran Church Pastor, 1881-1897

The first resident dry cleaner and hat rebuilder was Chas.

Wilson.

The first tinner and tank maker was E.L. Neal in 1891,

coming here in 1888.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune (prior to the tinner occupation)

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In the early days, all store fronts were decorated with a

wooden awning. The one on the Breising building was among the

first and was the last to go.

Whitewater (Breising) Meat Market, 113 S Main, Frederick Breising, 1915 photo from Kim Fields

Dr. H.H. Norris is the oldest first settler physician in town.

He came here from Annelly in 1888.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

W.A. Sterling was the first coal dealer and grain buyer on the Rock

Island tracks.

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The first school teacher was Miss Mary Neiman, now Mrs.

J.D. Joseph.

1885 photo from Dr. D.J. Martin

The first lawyer in town was P.E. Ashenfelter.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

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The first meat market was started here in 1888 by Fred

Breising at the same location occupied by his son.

Whitewater Meat Market, 113 S Main, Frederick Breising, 1905 photo (above), 1915 photo (below) from Kim Fields

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Whitewater Locker Company, 114 West Topeka, 2015 photo

The first flour mill was built by Burns and Farr. This

formed the nucleus of the present large plant of the Whitewater

Flour Mills Co.

Whitewater Flour Mill, 222 S Ash, c1905 photo

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Whitewater Flour Mill, 3-story white building is the milling building, c1915 photo

Whitewater Flour Mill with single set of silos, 1940 photo

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Whitewater Flour Mill with second set of silos, 1944 photo

Whitewater Flour Mill with third set of silos, 1952 photo from David Neal

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Whitewater Flour Mill with 2nd elevator leg at north end, 1980 photo

After the flour mill building was razed. 2015 photo

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The first hardware dealer was H.H. Weachman in the, now,

Norris building. He was also the first farm implement dealer.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

The first mayor was G.H. Otte. The first city clerk was S.L. Motter.

Label on the back of an envelope. Date unknown

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The first school building built here was a frame structure

two stories and four rooms. It was built by Wert and Froese,

carpenters. Neal and McDowell contracted the painting. It was

built on the grounds near the present grade school. The school

board at that time was John Eilert, C. Smith, and Jos. Weatherby.

The first school principal was John G. Sheldon of El Dorado.

First constructed Whitewater School building, 1889-1908, 1900 photo

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Being moved for construction of new brick building. 1908 photo

Construction of brick school building, 1909 photo

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Whitewater School building, about 114 S Oak, 1909-1966

Whitewater High School, about 319 E Central, Dedicated December 11, 1923, used for High School until May, 1963, 1960 photo

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Whitewater High School gymnasium built in 1960, 100 Block S Locust (Also note the Chevrolet semi-tractor and trailer used for the High School Senior trips.) 1961 photo

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In the first years of Whitewater, the farmers brought in their

whole milk to the skimming station in the northwest part of town. It

was owned by the Hesston Creamery Co. and was run by O.E.

McDowell.

Rail freight ticket from Whitewater to Peabody Creamery, 11/25/1889

O.E. McDowell was the first barber. He later operated a

grocery store, also.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

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Joe’s Barbershop, 110 E Topeka, Joe Motter, Lester Rose, Bill Roth, unknown Photo from July 5, 1953 Parade Magazine

The first plasterer in town was Ben Todd.

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The first bank in town was the Whitewater Bank moved here

from Brainerd. A.H. McLain was president and Horace McLain

cashier. It failed in 1890 along with the Newton National Bank, of

which it was sort of a branch.

Notice from February, 1893 Whitewater Tribune

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From 1889 Whitewater Tribune, advertisement for Brainerd location

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From 1889 Whitewater Tribune, advertisement for Whitewater location

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The first brick business house was the H. Penner building in

1890. It was built of Whitewater made bricks.

Penner Store in center, 205 S Main, 1900 photo

The first blacksmith in town was C.H. Bruhn.

Bruhn Blacksmith Shop, 1891 photo from Ron Hill

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C.H. Bruhn 2nd from left, Herman Bruhn 3rd from left

C.H. Bruhn in foreground Bruhn Blacksmith Shop, 1912 photos from Ron Hill

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Bruhn Blacksmith Shop, two-story building, built 1910, 1997 photo prior to demolition

From 1935 Whitewater Independent

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The first automobile in town was owned by R.H. Farr, a

Rambler.

Robert H. Farr house, 120 N Elm, built 1890. Mr. Farr founded the Whitewater Flour Mill in 1899, the People’s State Bank in 1908, and commercial electricity in Whitewater in 1913. c1895 photo

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The first drugstore was the Kinney establishment on the

corner lot south of The Independent office in 1888. It was in charge

of Dr. H. Henderson, who was also the first physician here.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

The first and only brick yard here was along the east bank of

the creek between the R.I. depot and Mo. Pac. Bridge. It was run by

L. Fessler of Newton.

73

The first lumber yard was started by G.W. Neal, who moved

his stock of lumber and hardware here from Brainerd in 1889.

G.W. Neal Lumber receipt of April 26, 1890

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The first railroad through here was the Mo. Pac. in 1885.

Missouri Pacific Depot, about 309 S Main, c1905 photo. Wade Poe on right.

Missouri Pacific section crew, c1910 photo

75

The Rock Island came through in 1887.

Building the Rock Island track bed near Whitewater, 1887 photo from Rolland Ensz

Looking north, Rock Island Depot was “between” Topeka & Central, c1915 photo

76

The first newspaper was the Whitewater Tribune, formerly

the Brainerd Sun, moved here from Brainerd in 1889. The office

was on the second floor of the John Eilert store and was reached by

an outside stairway on the north side. The first editor was A.M.

Hendee.

The first wooden sidewalks were of the hit-and-miss variety.

Receipt of April 25, 1890 for payment of $2.25 to Josiah Fowler for work on sidewalks.

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The first dray and general hauling business was run by C.C.

Carter.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

The first fire of any importance was the Carter barn in

which a mule burned. The next was a stable of C. Smith in which a

cow burned. The two greatest fires to date are the Korber Garage

and Smith Bros. Furniture in April 1930 and the Lamar and Neal

buildings in August of the same year.

Korber Garage, 116 S Main, Lewis Foster on left, others unknown. Building burned April, 1930. 1920 photo from Marge Yarbrough

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Fire of August 10, 1930, on east side of 200 block of S Main. Brick building on right still stands.

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The first brick street crossing was laid between the John

Eilert (now Lamar) and C. Smith corners across Main Street. It was

put in by Geo. Swartz of Peabody.

Eilert Building on left, 202 S Main

Smith Building on right, 201 S Main (Notice walkway across the street in both photos)

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In the early 90s, the Davis Co. of Peabody had a branch

tinware store in one of the Smith buildings.

The first livery stable was owned and run by O.C. Shay on

part of what now is the C.H. Bruhn business property.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

Geo. McSparrin Livery, same location as Shay, 226 S Main, 1905 photo

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Kelley’s Livery, same building as McSparrin, 1903 photo

Dean Livery, about 120 W Topeka, c1910 photo

82

The first baseball grounds in town were in the now main business

block on the west side of Main Street. (Most of the 200 Block S Main) The Kinney building was used as a backstop, there being no

buildings between that building and the Smith building.

Current baseball fields in SE part of town, 2011 photo

83

The first brick sidewalk was put down by the Bank of

Whitewater in 1897.

Note brick sidewalk in front, J.D. Joseph, Bertha Breising, Eleanor Neiman, Fred Finch, Donald Joseph, 1935 photo

C.S. Stuart and C.V. Chaney were the first grain and livestock

buyers to have an office on Main Street. They also tended the city

scales.

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Wm. Newberry [sic] was the first shoe cobbler in town. He

was also city marshal for some time and handled cold drinks and ice

cream of the homemade variety in season.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

The first regular dentist here was C.V. Alexander, DDS, who

took over that line of practice from the local medicine doctors.

From 1938 Whitewater High School Orange & Brown

Natural ice from the creek and ponds was put up each winter

in the early days by Fred Breising.

85

The first waterworks was put in by the McLains of the

Whitewater Bank. It was built by John E. Ford of Newton, a

waterworks contractor, in 1890. It was bought by the city in 1892.

The plant was run by windmill power and was on lots opposite the

schoolhouse on the west, which, at that time, was also the site of the

first city jail (NW corner of Topeka & Oak).

Note early water hydrant and horse trough of first water system built in 1890. c1900 photo

Note the modern fire hydrant (lower right) for new fire protection water system installed in 1935. 1935 photo

86

First jail building authorized. From February 16, 1893 Whitewater Tribune. A calaboose was often a wooden structure designed to be a quite secure jail.

The first bakery was put in by Gus Williams in his building

now occupied by Reffner Barbershop.

The first section foreman on the Mo. Pac. was Sol Schreffler,

who was moved here from Brainerd. On the Rock Island was Wm.

Miller, who was moved from Peabody.

The first restaurant was run by W.F. Wakefield from

Peabody. It was on the east side of Main Street where the Lowther

Hardware store is now.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

87

Lowther Hardware, 212 S Main, first restaurant site, 1930 photo

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune, advertisement for this restaurant was always upside down

88

Ott Hayes Café, (center of photo), 202 S Main, late 1940s photo

Mom’s Café, 213 S Main, 2011 photo

Also the site of M&V Café, Golden Wheel Restaurant, Whitewater Junction, Our Place, Whitewater Café

Building was built in 1945.

89

Whitewater Pizza, 209 S Main, 2011 photo

Building was built in 1946 for a tavern and used as such until 2004.

The first automobile brought here for livery use was owned by Dean

and Company.

Dean Livery, about 120 W Topeka, c1910 photo

90

The first electric light system was installed by R.H. Farr of

the Whitewater Flour Mills. He also established an ice plant in

connection.

Whitewater Flour Mill, c1910 photo

91

The first hotel in town was the Spencer Hotel, W. Spencer,

Proprietor. They came from Annelly in 1887.

Spencer Hotel, 127 S Ash, c1915 photo

Spencer Hotel, Edith Foster and Mary Spencer, 1913 photo from Marge Yarbrough

92

Spencer Hotel, 127 S Ash, c1900 photo

Bishop Hotel, east side of 200 Block S Ash, c1930 photo

93

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

The first furniture store was run by H. Haggard in one of the

C. Smith buildings.

The first police judge was C. Smith.

Known Police Judges: (From Butler County election records)

Joseph Weatherby MM Bishop PE Ashenfelter CE Markee SR Neiman WS Curry MH Boyles CE Francis JG Turner JS Kilpatrick Frank Lowther Samuel Waterfall EF Lowther JL Pearsons

The first moving picture show was in one of the Pace

buildings.

The following persons live in Whitewater who lived on the

original town site before 1890: Mrs. Mary Spencer, Mrs. Cora

Motter, Mrs. Fannie Smith, Mrs. Edith Norris, Miss Edna Smith,

C.H. Bruhn, Wm. Whiteside, E.L. Neal, G.A. Roach, Dale Spencer,

A.H. Penner, S.L. Motter.

Until 1890, the residents of Whitewater went to Brainerd to

vote as there was only one voting precinct established in this (Milton)

township at that time.

The present section foremen are Forest Story, Mo. Pac. and

I.T. Griffith, Rock Island.

94

In 1889, Whitewater had five general stores: Roach Bros.,

John Eilert, G.H. Otte, T.J. Whiteside, and S.L. Motter.

95

Above five advertisements from 1889 Whitewater Tribune

96

The first harvesting machines sold here were by the

following: McCormick, Henry Weachman; Plano, L.H. Oldfield;

Deering, Irwin Bros., E.L. Neal, agent; Champion, G.W. Penner.

Bruhn John Deere dealership, 216 S Main, 1914 photo

Kirkwood McCormick Deering dealership, 302 S Main, 1912 photo

97

Neuman Implement, 109 S Main, began in 1929, moved here in 1935, Art Neuman on tractor, Pete Neuman center doorway. 1940 photo from FRAHS

Ravenscraft Implement (Allis Chalmers, Kubota) 223 S Main, 1962-present . 2011 photo(Previoulsy, Zuercher Implement, Allis-Chalmers) 2011 photo

The first high class hotel venture was the Hotel Leslie by

W.D. Chaney.

Leslie Hotel, 202 S Elm, built 1909, 1915 photo

98

The first filling station was operated by Pace and Son at the

Neiman building. (It was located on east side of 100 Block of S Main)

Whitewater Oil Station, NE corner of Central & Main, Walt and Peter Zuercher, 1920 photo from Dwight Zuercher

Neal-Stuart Station, 206 S Main, 1939 photo from David Neal

99

Neal-Reeves station, 206 S Main, c1950 photo from David Neal

Blackford Service Station, 226 S Main, 1961 photo from Jack Spratt

100

Whitewater was incorporated as a city in 1890.

Last part of Ordinance found in Whitewater records of 1890

The first carpenters in town were Joseph Weatherby, J.

Fowler, and W.H. Wert.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

101

Whitewater was one of the first towns to have an alfalfa mill.

G.B. Hanstine was manager.

Alfalfa Mill, north of Central and east of Rock Island railroad, c1910 photo

Alfalfa Mill, c1910 photo

102

Hanstine house, 104 N Elm, moved from Brainerd, c1900 photo

I.H. Neiman was an early stock buyer in the market. He also

fed many cattle and hogs at the yards south of town.

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

103

Neiman farm along Whitewater River, 1907 postcard

Sam Sanders farm, K196 & Main, 1910 photo

104

The present school board is: Theodore Roth, director; Orin

E. Moore, treasurer; Paul Ross, clerk; Geo. Edris, school house

custodian.

The present city officials are: Mayor, D.M. Clawson;

Councilmen, E.D. Davis, Lloyd Dow, E.H. Eberhard, E.F. Lowther,

Herman Bruhn; Marshal, Joe Hindman; Street commissioner, Ervin

Hawley; Police judge, J.L. Pearson.

The first and last tread mill used for power in this town was

by E.T. Burns to run his elevator in the first few years. Later he

used the first gasoline engine to replace it.

G.P. Neiman plowed the first furrow in Milton Township.

I.H. Neiman plowed the first furrow in Harvey County.

At one time in the early years of the nineteen hundreds, this

city took a revenue from the jointists. The same was used to help

build the crosswalks for the large amount of brick sidewalks being

built at that time. Since that time, there have been no joints,

consequently, no revenue from that source.

(Note: The term “jointest” was primarily used from 1885-1933 to indicate an operator of an illegal drinking place or “joint”, perhaps leading to the title “beer joint”.)

The first streetlights and church front lights were coal oil,

the next, gasoline mantle system, and then electricity.

The first balloon ascension here was by Thomas Lankford, a

hometown young man who was a plasterer by trade. It came off at a

grove northeast of town one-half mile. A Fourth of July celebration

was in progress at the time. He landed from a parachute in Dr.

Horner’s pasture.

I.H. Neiman was the first Sunday School superintendent.

Main Street south to the section line was not laid out or

opened for traffic for several years after the town started.

105

The Independent is 50 years old. The paper was established

in Towanda and moved here by E. Davis, its first editor and owner,

in June 1893, who changed its name to The Independent in 1896.

Except for the first few months of its life, the business has never left

the ownership of the Davis family.

From January 17, 1963 edition

The Independent printing press, c1900 photo

106

Edmund Davis Sr., 1822-1904, Whitewater Cemetery

107

Whitewater was named from Whitewater Creek, which was

formerly known as Whitewoman Creek, so named because of finding

the dead body of a white woman in the creek, who had been

massacred by the Indians.

Whitewater River, 2015 photo

In early years the name of the town was often seen as two words: WHITE WATER. This designation was used on depot signs, the postal cancellation stamp, land deeds, and addressing. The Post Office changed their stamp to one word (WHITEWATER) in 1950.

The A.L. Neiman first addition to the town of Whitewater

was plotted before the city was incorporated.

108

The first gasoline lighting system for stores was installed by

the Penners.

Penner Store, 205 S Main, Arthur “Nix” Penner, Henry Brucks, (2) unknown, Gerhard Penner, 1899 photo from Dr. D.J. Martin

The first wind power was used by the Rock Island to pump

water from the creek nearby. It was an Eclipse with a 16 foot wheel.

The Holliday mill of the waterworks was next.

109

Milton Township, in which is Whitewater, was so named

from Milton C. Snorf, one of the earliest settlers.

Milton C. Snorf, 1831-1904, Whitewater Cemetery

M.M. Bishop was the first photographer in the town. He

occupied one of the Dr. Horner buildings. He is now mayor of

Elbing.

The first mail carrier on Route 1 out of Whitewater was

Isaac Neiman. The first carrier on Route 2 was George Corfman.

Frank Ham, Mail Carrier, c1905 photo

110

The first city council was as follows: J. Weatherby, H.H.

Weachman, G.G. Coons, Fred Breising, E.T. Burns.

The first mail carrier from the Rock Island was O.C. Shay.

The Mo. Pac. was within the limit.

The first pastor of the Reformed Church was D.B. Shuey.

The board of canvassers for the first city election here were

S.L. Motter, W.E. Wakefield, and E.L. Neal.

The first city marshal was Wm. Newberry [sic].

Known Whitewater Marshals: (From Butler County election records)

1890s William Newbury 1900s Paul Bushkovski Chet Brenner Frank Brainerd J Smith Clyde Miller CD Brenner Frank Onacraft John Kelly J Bartlett HM Hash Ed Moskvea Bert Leach Geo Eyler RH Newberry HS McCloud CE Kelley 1910s Colon Stewart 1920s JG Turner Geo Lord GA Roach WD Chaney CB Hash AE Smith Wm Brainerd Geo Hash Joe Wilds 1930s JJ Regier 1940s Ray Brown

Guy Roach W Schroll Joe Hindman

1950s Harold Taylor 1960s Bernie Long John Osborne 1970s Blaine McMaster Jim Hash The City discontinued having its own Marshal for law enforcement and began contracting with the Butler County Sheriff in 1975.

111

The first child born on the original townsite of Whitewater

was Lillian Smith, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Smith.

Chester C. Smith (1847-1923) was born in Ohio. He moved to Peabody, Ks. and was a farmer according to the 1875 state census. There he met Fannie L. Bettes (1854-1939) who was born near Akron, Ohio. They married Oct. 17, 1883 and had 2 children, Howard (1884), and Fannie Edna (1885). In 1885 they moved to Annelly, Kansas. Chester and Dr. Finch were operating a drug store in Annelly in December 1885. In 1887 the Rock Island Railroad was built and a new town laid out three miles east of Annelly. Chester and his family moved in November of that year to Whitewater. They moved their double store building on November 1st, making them the first to locate on the new town site. They also moved their house making them the first family in Whitewater. Their daughter, Lillian (1887) was the first child born in Whitewater. In 1888 Howard died and in 1889 Lillian died. They had three more children: Harold (1889), Irving (1891), and Hylas (1894). Chester was one of the first school directors of District #95, (Holden and Whitewater) in Butler and Harvey County. In the 1900 federal census Chester is listed as a carpet weaver. In the 1930 federal census, Chester’s son Harold was a furniture dealer and Hylas was a mortician. By 1940 they were both listed as undertakers and morticians. They had the Smith Brothers Mortuary & Furniture in Whitewater from 1921-1958.

Lillian Smith, 1887-1889 (and brother, Howard), Whitewater Cemetery

112

Section 3 Whitewater Extras

Library

Whitewater Library (formerly Breising Meat Market), 113 S Main, 1949 to 1980. (The Public Library was included with the High School Library from 1924-1949.)

Whitewater Memorial Library, 118 E Topeka, 1980 to present, 2011 photo

113

Wheat State Manor

Construction of 66-bed Nursing Home begun at 601 S Main, 1973 photo

Building was dedicated on April 7, 1974. Additional expansion has been completed in 1991, 2011, & 2015.

2011 photo

114

Scout House

500 E Topeka, built in 1969 with lumber from a barn donated by Kenneth Corfman, 2011 photo

Scouting was first chartered in Whitewater in 1936.

Front: Allen Wiens, Fritz Roth, Jim True, Carl Long, Glen Harms Back: Wayne Clarey, Richard Edris, Bob Stubbs, Jerry Ravenscraft, David Stubbs, Lewis Chaney, Archie Hayes; 1950 photo from David Neal

115

American Legion, Wm P. Phillips Post 65

106 E Topeka, built 1945, 2011 photo The Legion began in Whitewater in 1920.

Memorial Day Ceremony, Whitewater Cemetery, 1987 photo Rolland Eberhard, Jack Lockwood, Robert Krehbiel, Don Peters, David Willits, Arliegh Markee, Dave Howry

116

American Legion Members, 1960s photo

Front: Lawrence Edris (WW2), Charles Osburn (WW2), Orin Moore (WW1), Vern Yinger (WW1), Boyd Blackford (WW2)

Back: Ted Roth (WW2), Maurice Shields (WW2), Herman Bruhn (WW1), Elwood Moore (WW2), _______, Rollan Eberhard (WW2), Art Neuman (WW2), Joe Motter (WW2), _______, Lewis Foster (WW1), Don Zuercher (WW2), John Gronau (WW2)

117

Fire Department: 1890 to present

Fire Station built in Whitewater in 1980, 2014 photo

January 1, 2000 saw a change from the “Whitewater Fire Department” to the “Whitewater River Consolidated Fire District”, a tax-based entity independent of the City.

118

Fire Station built in Elbing in 2000 as part of new District, 2011 photo

Office of Whitewater River Fire District, 119 S Main, 2015 photo

119

(Drawing by Julie Mosiman)

From this in 1890…

…to this in 2015. 2009 photo

120

Whitewater High School building razed in 2007

Above: Front door Below: SW corner of building

121

Remington Middle School

New building constructed in 2007, 316 E Topeka, 2011 photo

From Central & Oak, new building south of 1960 gymnasium building, 2015 photo

122

Remington USD 206

Remington USD 206 District Office, 110 S Main, 2015 photo

Remington USD 206 Transportation Center, 116 S Main, 2015 photo (Formerly Gronau Chevrolet)

123

Undertaking

From 1889 Whitewater Tribune

From 1911 Whitewater Independent

Bishop Undertaking, 1912-1921. Frank Bishop died in an accident with a train while returning to Whitewater from a funeral.

124

Smith Brothers Undertakers, 1921-1958, from ad thermometer

Lamb Funeral Home began in 1958 as Lamb Mortuary. Mr. & Mrs. Robert P. Lamb purchased the business from Smith Bros. Ty Zeiner purchased the business in 2004. 2015 photo

125

Whitewater Jail

A lot was purchased by the City at 110 S Ash in 1910 and the above notice was published in 1911 for the construction of a new jail.

The Jail was used until c1948, 2012 photo

126

In 2011, the City Council commissioned the restoration of the Jail.

Broken concrete & windows, and trees growing from roof, 2011 photo

The project was completed in 2012 and opened as a museum.

Front room for Marshall’s office, 2012 photo

127

Two cells, (doors, window bars, & bed frame are original), 2015 photo

“Gunfighters” helped celebrate the opening of the Jail Museum with a reenactment skit during the Whitewater Fall Festival. 2012 photo

128

Breising Meat Market Building

Frederick Breising moved to Whitewater from Wathena, Kansas in 1888 and established a meat market. The butchering was done northwest of Whitewater along the Whitewater River and the meat brought to the store at 113 S Main for marketing. Ice needed to be cut in season from the River and stored for cooling the meat. Ice was also sold from the market. (Ad from November 9, 1911 Whitewater Independent)

Frederick’s son, Fred “Butch” Breising took over the business in 1925 and operated there until 1944. The building was sold in 1946 to Pete Neuman who had the hardware and implement business to the north. The building housed the Public Library from 1949 to 1980.

Wichita Cowtown Museum showed

interest in the meat market building. It was

said to be one of the last “19th century wood frame vernacular Italianate, false front

commercial structures” left in the area. The Neuman’s agreed to donate the building if the money was raised to move it. Hazel Breising, wife of “Butch” Breising, made it her mission to raise the $4000 for moving expenses that Cowtown needed. Hazel wanted to leave a legacy for her grandkids. The building was moved to Wichita in January of 1987. Partially dismantled for the move. 1986 photo

129

1915 in Whitewater

2015 at Wichita Cowtown Museum

130

1905 in Whitewater

2015 at Wichita Cowtown Museum

131

Whitewater Fall Festival

Part of parade crowd, 1969 photo

Horse competition, 1969 photo

132

Greased pig catch, 1969 photo

Parade, 1990 photo

133

Remington High School Band in Parade, 1998 photo

Beginning of the 5K Run, 2012 photo from Dean Heinitz

134

Whitewater Photo Museum

A museum of local interest was begun in 2010 at 119 S Main. The primary focus is on the collection of photographs which might adequately depict the story of Whitewater and the immediate surrounding area. Each photo is digitally reproduced and stored for the viewing or research benefit of the public. Advertising items and Whitewater memorabilia are exhibited along with photo displays.

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Section 4 Comparison of the Decades

The following lists were taken primarily from advertising in the Whitewater newspapers and High School annuals. Not all listed businesses existed at the same time throughout the decade. This is not meant to be exclusive nor exhaustive.

1906

Five General Stores

One Bank

Three Hardware Stores

One Lumber Yard

Three Restaurants

Three Hotels

Two Livery Stables

Two Coal Dealers

One Newspaper

One Harness Shop

Three Grain elevators

One Mill

Two Blacksmiths

One Furniture Store

One Barbershop

Three Drays

Three Physicians

Three Stock buyers

Three Churches

One Telephone System “that has connections and service”

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1920s Missouri Pacific Depot Whitewater Mill Rock Island Depot Eskridge Hotel Pace Hardware Store Whitewater Jail Telephone Office The Independent People’s State Bank Neal Pool Hall Hazlett Drug Store Penner Department Store Lowther Hardware Neal Tin Shop Motter Barber Shop Mellor Real Estate Office Lambert Grocery Store Post Office Gladfelters Bakery Breising Meat Market

Kirkwood Lumber Yard Smith Filling Station Bruhn Implement Store Neal And Lauther Hardware Golbeck Cafe Dr. Nossman Office Lamour Filling Station Bank of Whitewater Smith Mortuary and Furniture Store Gronau Garage Nolder Poultry Reform Church Evangelical Lutheran Church Methodist Church Dr. Regier Office Alexander, D.D.S. Office Stuart Grain Company Spencer Hotel Alfalfa Mill

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1930s

Filling stations: L.S. Foster, Carl Smith, A.O. Lamer, Dan Resnik, Frank Gronau, Neal & Stuart, Whitewater Mill, Claypool Blacksmiths: Herman Bruhn, Dan Resnik, Frank Kennard

Automobile dealerships: Neal & Stuart (Ford), Frank Gronau (Chevrolet), Dan Resnik (Chrysler/Plymouth)

Automobile repair: L. Foster, G.W. Stewart, Neal & Stuart, Frank Gronau, Herman Bruhn, Dan Resnik, Frank Kennard Barber shops: Wm. Reffner, A.O. Lamer, Joe Motter

Restaurants: J.R. Gladfelter, Carl Hindman Tin shops: E.F. Lowther, L.M. Pace & Son

Implement dealers: C.H. Bruhn, L.M. Pace & Son, Neuman Hdwr Co. Grocery: W.H. Lambert & Son, Penner Department Store, Fred Breising

Churches: Federated, Methodist Carpenters: W.C. Whiteside, Boyd Karney

Brick masons: Ralph Krueger, Robert Krueger Painters: F.M. Worline, Delbert Motter

Real estate agents: J.A. Thompson, Harry Mellor, Grueber Secret societies: Royal Neighbors, Eastern Star, Odd Fellows, Rebekahs

American Legion

Kirkwood Lumber and Coal Co Dr. W.E. Regier

Bank of Whitewater Whitewater Flour Mill

Hazlett Drug Store Smith Furniture

Smith Undertaking The Independent

Bert Spencer, cistern cleaner Ted Roth, dairy

G.S. Long, dray line Dale Spencer, roofer and tinner

G.A. Roach, pool hall Wilson Dry Cleaning & Hatter Mrs. Stansbury, beauty shop

G. Smith, shoe repair A.O. Lamer, rooming house

Bidwell Electric Jimmie Johns, tailor

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1940s

Smith Bros. Mortuary Thompson Land Co. Grueber Realty Co. Jimmie Johns, tailor

Clawson Bros. Grocery Stiner Service Station

Hazlett Drug Co. Central Kansas Telephone Co. Inc.

W. H. Lambert and Son Neuman Hardware and Implement Co.

Kansas Gas and Electric Co. Delbert C. Motter Painting and Wallpaper

Neal-Stuart Motors Ron Claypool Phillips 66

Blackford Ice Service Home Café

W. W. Zuercher (Vickers dealer) Penner Dept. and Grocery Store

H. F. Bruhn Pontiac Stark Bros. Tree and Shrubbery

D. E. Resnik automatic water systems E. F. Lowther Hardware Frank Gronau Chevrolet

John J. Gronau Massey-Harris Tractor Whitewater Cleaners Hayes Service Station

The Powder Box D. E. Resnik Garage, Chrysler & Plymouth

Motter’s Barber Shop Bill’s Barber Shop Kirkwood Lumber

Whitewater Flour Mills H. A. Brockway, Contractor

Wilson Produce Station A. S. Finch Phillips 66 Bank of Whitewater

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1950’s

Hayes Café JH Eberhard Neal Realty

Whitewater Hatchery Smith Mortuary

George Reeves Motor Co. Roth’s Store

Whitewater Locker Kirkwood Lumber Co.

Zuercher Oil & Implement Co. Blackford Service Station

Tallman Sundries Tom’s Market

Klassen Bros. Grocery Motter Barber Shop

Hayes Service Station Howard Wiebe Feed Store

Skelly Oil Company

Bob’s Service Station Chaney’s Café

HF Bruhn Blacksmith Bidwell Electric Little Gem Café

Alan Nanninga Ford Sales Stark’s Appliance

Breitenstein Service Lamb Mortuary & Furniture

Pratt’s Dry goods Smith Market & Sundries

HJ Wells Stark’s Radio & TV

M & V Café Zuercher Nursery

Dorothy Taylor Beauty Shop Klaassen Honey Farm Bank of Whitewater

140

1960’s

Well’s Bargain Center Stukey’s Barber & Beauty Salon

Lane’s AG Grocery Entz Oil & Implement

Roth Plumbing & Heating Smith Furniture Auction

Sidney’s Marjorie Neal Realty Co. Lamb Insurance Agency

Whitewater Lumber Florene’s Beauty Shop Albert’s Service Station

John’s Barber Shop Ted Abraham & Son Trucking Elma’s Flower & Variety Shop

Lamb’s Corner Ravenscraft Oil & Implement

Burt Bowlus Laundromat Bernie’s IGA

Orr’s Whitewater Laundromat

Carolyn’s Party Place Harder’s Appliance

Klaassen’s Variety Lamb’s Ambulance

Duane Sander’s Auctioneer Bud’s IGA

Chaney Insurance Agency The Country Kitchen

A-1 Plumbing Whitewater Cabinet Shop

Newcom Real Estate & Auction Jay’s Body Shop

Whitewater Barber Shop Sanner’s Farm Supply

Jean’s Beauty Shop Till’s Recreation

Mert Wiens Cope Plumbing & Repair

Anita’s Truck Stop Neuman Hdwr. & Imp.

Smith & Cope Carolyn’s Black and Gold Café

Farm Bureau Insurance Resnik Motors

Blackford Service Nanninga Ford

Gronau Chevrolet Lamb Mortuary

Bank of Whitewater Bruhn Blacksmith

Miller Laundromat & Dry Cleaning Ted Roth Cattle Transportation

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1970s

Whitewater Barber Shop Whitewater Flowers, Thelma Bidwell

DE Resnik Motor Company Klassen Grocery

Chaney Insurance Agency Newcom Real Estate & Auction Service Ravenscraft Oil & Implement Company

Abrahams & Son Trucking The Whitewater Flour Mills Company

Bank of Whitewater JUG Beauty Salon

Harold Beck, Postmaster Gronau Chevrolet

Whitewater Locker Blackford Service Station

Beauty Barn The Country Store

Lamb Mortuary Neuman Hdwr & Imp. Co. Golden Wheel Restaurant

Sam’s Auto Repair and Marine Kansas Crop Service, Inc.

Wheat State Manor McCoy’s Antiques and Flowers

Dale Swart Lumber Vi’s Diner

Whitewater Recreation Leland Wickham Home Sewer Rodding Service

Jim Marshall Car Wash Hopkin’s Insurance and Real Estate

Hill’s Storm Windows and Doors Alan’s TV and Appliance

Church Auto

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1980’s

Our Place Restaurant Rothliner Inc.

B&B Traveland Sam’s Service

Terre’s Barber and Style Wave Cave

Austin’s Buffalo Corner Me’s and McCoy’s

Miller Bros Equipment Co. Kevin’s Grocery

Lamb-Nutter Mortuary D J’s Service and Repair

Café Whitewater Dave and Jodi’s Whitewater Recreation

E & K Foods Cherry Blossom

Bank of Whitewater Resnik Motors

Jim Marshall Chevrolet Ravenscraft Implement

Blackford Service Whitewater Locker

Whitewater Mill, Inc. Federated Church

Swiss Church

143

1990s-early 2000s

Kevin’s Grocery

Roxy’s E&K Foods

Ravenscraft Implement Dave & Jodi’s Whitewater Recreation

Bank of Whitewater DJ’s Service & Repair

Victorian Rose Krueger Insurance

Artz Financial Butler County Rural Water District 7

Farmers Grain Coop Sister’s Country Café

Precision Cuts Wheat State Manor

Vogt’s Grocery Cherry Blossom

Bob Lamb Funeral Home Miller Bros Implement

Parson’s Financial Lamb-Nutter Mortuary

Bell Automotive Whitewater Grocery AdTech International

Koehn’s Appraisal Service

144

2015

Woodstock Kevin & Kim Pouch, Owner Osage Gardens Dana Lutes, Owner Whitewater Post Office Holly Heller, Postmaster Whitewater River Fire Dist. Office Darryl Claassen, Chief Whitewater Photo Museum Darryl Claassen, Curator Rural Water District #7 Office Kathy Hoch, Bookkeeper Krueger Insurance Office Vickie Beck, Manager Sommer Rose Travis & Rosemary McAdams, Owner Whitewater Locker Company Scott Bowlin, Owner Sweet Sugar Sensations Bakery Kristeen Gilbertson&Cecilia Johnson, Owner Whitewater Pizza Jerry & Debbie Bittle, Owner Mom’s Café Lynn Frazer, Owner AdTech International Office Tony Guhr, Owner Ravenscraft Implement Dan Ravenscraft, Owner Mid Kansas Coop Tom Beck, Manager Wheat State Manor Mike Smith, Administrator Bell Automotive Danny & Stacy Bell, Owner R&T Rentals Travis & Rosemary McAdams, Owner Bank of Whitewater Brandon Patry, President Lamb Funeral Home Ty Zeiner, Owner Remington USD 206:

Transportation Center Calvin Busenitz, Mechanic Office James Regier, Superintendent

American Legion Robert Brunn, Commander Precision Cuts Kara Sweazy, Proprietor Whitewater Memorial Library Jean Thiessen, Librarian City of Whitewater Office Kathy Wiebe, Clerk; Pat Ryan, Mayor Old Yank Collector Auto Parts Tim Stangohr, Owner Centre Point Church Jim Johnson, Chairman Federated Church Steve Bowman Swiss Church Jared Verwiel, Pastor

And a variety of home-based businesses

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In 1984, American Hasbro and Japanese Takara Tomy toy companies formed an entertainment franchise. Initially, a line of toys was introduced designed to change from one image to another. With just a few twists and clicks, the appearance of vehicles, electronic items, or weapons could be transformed into varying humanoid or robot type figures. The idea became a huge success that eventually included comic books, video games, and films which are still popular today.

That was not a new concept, just a new application. The City of Whitewater began transforming as soon as it was started. It changed a quiet prairie into a busy center of activity. It transformed two established towns into one. It gave people of varying backgrounds an opportunity to imagine, to dream, to succeed.

Whitewater began to find its place, to grow and change. Soon the stables and harness shops gave way to car dealerships and farm implement stores. The drays yielded to truck lines, the blacksmith to the mechanic, and the coal dealer to the oil companies. Privately owned motor vehicles claimed business from the rail passenger service and that meant hotels were no longer necessary. Automobile companies demanded quotas and soon our dealerships were gone. Small stores closed and the surviving ones became bigger.

As we look back, every decade exhibits change and with it some compromise. Whitewater has transformed. Has it been a decline? If so, when did it start? In 1995 when the Internet became popular? In 1980 when we lost our local newspaper? In 1974 when WalMart came to El Dorado? In 1963 when the schools changed? In 1949 when K196 was first paved? In 1913 when we got commercial electricity? Or 1910 when the first car was sold? In 1903 when the telephone was introduced? Perhaps Whitewater’s change is only a yielding for the future of the next generation.

146

Regardless, this is Whitewater – home to a resilient people from the very beginning. Home to a people who have been willing to adjust and expand and imagine and grow!

1905

2015 and beyond…