“A Town Between Two Rivers” by Charles A. Knouse presents an informal history of the city’s founding, development, and significant events. This book, published as part of the Osage Valley Centennial in 1954, provides a comprehensive narrative based on documented history and personal accounts from residents. The narrative focuses solely on factual events, avoiding conclusions or opinions.
Osawatomie, though not on major westward routes like the Santa Fe or Oregon Trails, holds historical significance for its early stance against slavery, marked by the events and conflicts that thrust the town into national prominence. Knouse aims to deliver a balanced and thorough portrayal of Osawatomie’s history over the past century, encompassing its religious, educational, social, civic, and commercial evolution.
Through the contributions of numerous individuals and extensive research, this volume captures the essence of life in Osawatomie. The city, located along the Marais des Cygnes River and Pottawatomie Creek, is depicted through various phases, shedding light on both the serious and humorous aspects of its residents’ lives.
The book is intended to be a valuable historical resource, reflecting on Osawatomie’s first hundred years with the hope of inspiring future growth and prosperity. The Osage Valley Centennial celebration, which the book commemorates, highlights the unique heritage and enduring spirit of this Kansas community.
Table of Contents
- The Osage Valley Centennial, p. 3
- The First Inhabitants, p. 4
- The Coming of the White Man, p. 5
- First Reunion Held in 1857, p. 6
- Life in the Early Days, p. 7
- Looking Back in History, p. 11
- Early History, p. 12
- The First Manufacturing Plant, p. 13
- The Old Salt Wells, p. 13
- Two Hand Laundries, p. 13
- Short Biography of John Brown, p. 14
- Free Vote was Heavy, p. 18
- Battle of Osawatomie, p. 19
- Beecher Bibles, p. 20
- First Fourth of July Celebration Here, p. 20
- The Eventful Year of 1856, p. 21
- Frederick Brown Memorial Tablet, p. 21
- The Soldiers Monument, p. 22
- An Almost Forgotten Character, p. 23
- Semi-Celebration of Battle, p. 23
- The Old Sheeps Shed, p. 24
- John Brown’s Lookout, p. 24
- The Giant of Greasy Bend (Lewis Wilkins), p. 24
- The Old Stone Church, p. 26
- More Guns than Hymn Books, p. 28
- Incident of the Peacock Feathers, p. 28
- Trolley Lines were Proposed Here, p. 28
- The First Automobile, p. 28
- Early Day Entertainment, p. 29
- Prices “High” They Thought, p. 29
- First Methodist Church, p. 30
- First Baptist Church, p. 31
- First Christian Church, p. 32
- St. Philip’s Catholic Church, p. 32
- Pilgrim Holiness Church, p. 33
- Assembly of God Church, p. 34
- First Presbyterian Church, p. 35
- First Church of Christ, Scientist, p. 35
- Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, p. 36
- Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, p. 37
- Church of the Nazarene, p. 37
- Brown Chapel, A. M. E. Church, p. 38
- Incidents in the Early Days, p. 39
- The Expression “Jayhawker”, p. 39
- John and Sarah Everett, p. 39
- But it wasn’t Carry Nation, p. 39
- An Incident in Love Making, p. 40
- Carry Nation Visits the City, p. 40
- The Streets were Muddy, p. 41
- Paola Records Buried near Mullins House, p. 41
- Pay for Carrying the Mail, p. 41
- Gas was Discovered Here in the Early 1800s, p. 41
- Lot of Mouthfuls in a Jug, p. 42
- Ice Plant Proposed in 1913, p. 42
- Republican Party in Kansas, p. 42
- Family Records and Possessions Hidden in Corn Shocks, p. 42
- Massacre at Pottawatomie Creek, p. 43
- Animals Hidden in the Ravines, p. 43
- Quantrill Taught School Near Here, p. 43
- Grasshopper Invasion, p. 43
- Moved Two-Story Brick Building Intact, p. 44
- Old City Jail Now a Bedroom and a Kitchen, p. 44
- Old Land Office, p. 44
- He Was Just Advertising, p. 44
- Five Hotels in the City at One Time, p. 45
- Old Postoffice Now Part of a Dwelling, p. 45
- The Big Apple and Corn Stalk, p. 45
- Fainted at Brown’s Execution, p. 45
- First Newspaper Press, p. 45
- A Most Fantastic Tale, p. 47
- Beer Mug on the Window, p. 47
- Osawatomie State Hospital, p. 48
- The Telephone Company, p. 50
- Coming of the Iron Horse, p. 51
- Letters from England, p. 55
- Blacks in the History of the City, p. 56
- John Brown Memorial Park, p. 57
- Col. Theodore Roosevelt Visits the City, p. 58
- United States post Office, p. 59
- Progress in Education, p. 60
- The Place of Agriculture in the Community, p. 62
- City Hall and Auditorium, p. 63
- City Lake and Picnic Grounds, p. 63
- Oil and Gas Development, p. 65
- Newspapers in Osawatomie, p. 66
- Free Fair Association, p. 67
- City Fire Department, p. 68
- City Officials Today (1954), p. 68
- City Council Adjourned in a Hurry, p. 68
- Municipal Water and Light Plant, p. 69
- Early City Government, p. 69
- Seal of Lykins County, p. 70
- Osawatomie Historical Society, p. 70
- City Adopts Fluoridation Program, p. 71
- Chamber of Commerce, p. 71
- Lions Club, p. 71
- Carnegie Public Library, p. 72
- Business and Professional Women, p. 73
- Missouri Booster Club, p. 74
- Rotary Club, p. 74
- Junior Chamber of Commerce, p. 74
- Masonic Lodge, p. 75
- DeMolay Chapter, p. 75
- Order of Eastern Star, p. 75
- Independent Order of Odd Fellows, p. 75
- Rebekah Lodge, p. 76
- Elks Lodge, p. 76
- Elk Ladies Booster Club, p. 77
- Royal Neighbors of America, p. 77
- Women’s Booster Club, p. 77
- Some Who Have Lived and Worked here, p. 78
- American Legion Post, p. 80
- American Legion Auxiliary, p. 80
- Veterans of Foreign Wars, p. 80
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, p. 80
- Many Other Clubs Active in the City, p. 81
- First Woman Senator, p. 81
- Honoring the City’s War Dead, p. 82
- Osawatomie Today, p. 84
- Chronology of the City, p. 93
- Miami County Formerly Lykins County, p. 96