Moberly Monitor-Index and Moberly Evening Democrat from Moberly, Missouri • Page 19

Mobarly Monitor-lndtx Democrat, Aug. 22, 1972 The Spotlight On HIGBEE WllUm Dywrt, A. J. G. M.

Ntdwb, w. i T. H. Dtawttdie and J. Wlnn, and accident! kept Ihtw dedicated busy, Twj- often wentoncallion hone wck or in swiftly drawn Consumption (TB) wai prevalent especially among the swing ladies the oMnmunily.

Membranous croup fatal. Scarlet and smallpox look Ihelr toll in spile of strictly enforced qiiarantlnej. Run-a-ways caused broken bones. Knifings, stab- wngs and pistol play demanded lulck and expert care. Amputations were not uncommon.

Polluted water caused many cases of typhoid fever. Those returning from excursions to Texas had long tussles with malaria. InlBI, six hundred feet of board sidewalk was laid In Higbee. In im several carloads of lumber were unloaded in Htabet to be used for building sidewalks, All residence property was to be fenced and gates had to swing dear of the board sidewalk. In September 1896, the First cinder walk was laid between 4 A depot and the Randoiph Hotel.

The streets in town were so deep in mud at limes a poetry store owner freojienUy wed a wheel barrow to deliver orders. By the summer of 1904.jffanatold, brick and stone replace the board sidewallks. In 1903 a coal yard was established in town as the road to the mines was too muddy lor private wagons to reach mines. In 1906the city purchased a road drag which greatly improved the roads though no hard surface was added to the city streets for many years, In the early IWO's company stores and company houses built jind owned by the mine began lo appear in Higbee. In 1904, thirty new residencies were built and there was not a vacant house in town.

The medium of exchange In the company stores were coupon books and flickers. In 1892, the city ordinance required the street lights (coal oil) to be lighted on dark nights On Aug. 26, 1905 the Higbee Electric Light Co. turned on the electricity in Higbee from dusk until midnight in both homes and on streets. Teen life in early Higbee was hved with equally as much enthusiasm as it is in the 1970's.

To Missouri )n This Centennial Year! WHOLESALERS As early as 1890 rail road excursions as far as Qulhcy, ni, were popular. Home and public dances called "social hops" held. In March iDMa grand masquerade ball was held wllh music provided by the popular Silver Cornel Band. Candy pulls and "pie and pund" parties were held in homes. Ice skating In winter months on the Alton Lake was enjoyed by young and old, One of the most outstanding features that brought fame to Higbee was this Silver Cornet Band.

Besides playing (or local "social concerts were given in the center of Randolph and Division Streets, This band was organized in January 1891, When William Jennings Bryan, campaigning for the presidency of the United Ssales, came to Moberly the Higbee Silver Cornet Band furnished themusic and ted the parade. The Higbee Blues, a crack base ball team in mid-Missouri was the pride and joy of Higbee. Organized in 1891, the team continued to enjoy four decades of success. In June 1891 Higbee defeated its arch opponent, Armstrong, 11 to 9. In June of (he following year Armstrong, whose team was made up of Krauses and MarMands, defeated the Higbee Blues 21 to 15.

In 1915 the Higbee Blues won the central Missouri championship and were fourth in all- state competition. Rural postal routes were established in 1903. W. F. Cleeton, J.

C. Herron arid Joe Lay were the first rural carriers. They traveled on horseback or in light carls. Later, Cal Thomas, Hale Avery, Miller Robb, J. W.

(Rake) Winn, Walter Dougherty, Wilbur Ware ant Roy Haden were carriers. To conclude, let us follow chronologically event of interest prior lo the 1920's: July 4. 1891, the Knights of Pythias hosted a state picnic in a grove at the site of the Old Higbee school. Over 2,000 members attended. March 9,1892, fifty Cenlralites and Howardites from the colleges in Fayette changed (rauis in Higbee on their way to St.

Louis to attend an oratorical contest. During their slay between trains they bacame so Concrete Block Plant Congratulations HIGBEE This is the Orlin Hicken concrete block plant, located where the Randolph Hotel once stood, just south of the Gult, Mobile and Ohio noisy they were charged with disturbing the peace. When brought before Mayor Blythe the mayor concluded they were no more noisy than the average college student so sent them on their way rejoicing. March 1892, local option was adopted in Higbee by a 373 lo 83 vote. In 1892 Lessly and Son advertised ladies Booties, the latest agony, 20 buttons high.

In 1896, two hundred feet of hitch racks were built. During the entire 1890's the hobo (tramps), as many as 30 each day; frequented Higbee. January 28, 1893, the ground was frozen to a depth of 20 inches. The ice was stored in local ice houses for summer use during that cold spell. 1903, twenty sewing machines were sold by Murphy Hardware in two weeks.

Higbee-a good town in its past, good town in its present- gives every promise of being a good town in years to come. Its past concentrated on coal digging. Its future concerns its possibility as a residential area and gives promise of becoming a commuters' locale for younger couples as the town is in the heart of an industrial region railroad. Hicken also has a lumber yard. The street in foreground runs north and south through the main part of town.

City Buildings Higbee'sjlre truck and the rural fire truck are lt council meets in this also used for the voting place. At one time the police station was here. The buildino at once housed a garage. uunmng at Happy 100th Birthday Long Way Baby When You Use The Services ELLorrs Housing Project taken, roofs were added to the Donald Newman.