Christmas in Colfax characterized by parties

One of the earliest accounts we have of a Christmas in Colfax comes not from any extant Colfax Sentinel newspapers, but from a Colfax news column that appeared fairly regularly in the Newton Journal, a Republican weekly published every Thursday in the county seat by Ralph Robinson. The year was 1878.

The holiday spirit was reported on as early as the Dec. 12 issue of the Journal. Parties were abundant!

“Several social hops have been given with much satisfaction to the young folks about town,” the Spring City correspondent reported. Oh, that we had more details regarding these parties!

On Dec. 6, Mrs. Emma J. (Joseph R.) Rodgers entertained a “pleasant” party of Newton ladies. “Gossip was strictly forbidden” (!).

There was a surprise party at the E. O. Stone residence at the corner of Walnut and Howard Streets that night in honor of Miss Lida Batcheldor, of Pella. “The Cornet Band furnished the music,” the paper said, “and all went merry as a marriage bell.” The Misses Small and Bodley, the town’s dressmaker and milliner, respectively; Miss Williams, Miss Sanders, and “other leading belles” were present. It was reported that a very enjoyable time was had by all. “Chickens, mangoes, and sweet cider were among the delicacies furnished.” Stone was a general merchant and a member of the school board.

Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Rodgers entertained “a large number” of their friends at their “beautiful new residence” the evening of Dec. 7. It was a surprise party given for Miss Etta Manning, of Newton.

“Winter put on his white jacket” the paper noted, on Dec. 8, “in consequence of which the merry clang of the sleigh bells were heard.”

“Joe” Rodgers called at the offices of the Journal on Dec. 20. “He was feeling good over the manner in which his neighbors celebrated the 15th anniversary of his marriage on the 16th inst.,” Robinson reported. “Without any warning they gathered into his house in the evening, and with broken lamp chimneys, damaged gobblets [sic], glass dishes whose days of usefulness were over, and crockeryware in every state of dilapidation, they piled him with presents. While for refreshments they brought brick-bats, cobble stones, corn cobs and pine shingles. After keeping up the fun until after mid-night, the party left with many wishes for numerous returns of the wedding anniversaries of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Rodgers.” Quite the partiers, Capt. and Mrs. Rodgers!

A birthday party was held Dec. 21 at the W. P. Cain residence in honor of Miss Effie. It was reported that “a large number” of invited guests “whiled the merry hours away” that night. Cain was a member of the firm of Cain & Hefford, general merchandise, and a trustee of the town.

The Masons were reported to be “making money at the rate of a hundred dollars a month in the old ‘busted up’ City Hotel.” The Colfax correspondent for the paper said “they have renovated it all over – the table is so good that it is a real pleasure to dine there nowadays.” W. W. Mason was the proprietor.

One week later: “There is not a turkey within three miles of Colfax. Mason’s have bought ‘em all up to feed their bloated bondholders (boarders.)”

Speaking of hotels, the Journal of Dec. 12 reported on the progress of the new mineral spring being drilled and the bathhouse being erected.

“The new Springs has a bath house being finished off, two stories, 24x36, and the grounds are handsomely enclosed by a good fence, but the water is not so highly impregnated with medicinal properties, as the old spring water. There are some twenty patients at Dixon’s and some of them persons who have been there on yearly visits. There has been no analysis yet of the new springs. Tilden has struck a vein of gas, but no water, though indications are strong.”

J. F. Dixon was proprietor of The Spring House.

From the Newton Journal, Dec. 19: “Mr. E. B. Tilden has struck an excellent flow of mineral water at a depth of 300 feet. The flow seems stronger than either one of the others. The well is a few rods west of the old spring.”

“The building at the new spring is about completed,” the paper indicated. “The lower part will be used for baths and the second story for a hall at present.”

Also from the same paper: “The new steam baths are now in operation at Dixon’s, so that one can get a bath at any time. There will be a pleasant time there Christmas night among the visitors.”

Susan Myers, “one of the blessed nurses of this world of sorrow,” was taking care of the sick at the Mineral Springs Hotel.

The Pacific House was another hotel entertaining Spring City visitors at this early date.

It was reported that the Colfax Cornet Band was making arrangements for a “grand Christmas ball.” They planned to play at Mitchellville Christmas Day.

The two churches, Presbyterian and Methodist, were preparing for trees on Christmas Eve. Rev. G. H. Hammer, of Des Moines, was pastor of the Presbyterian Church. Rev. D. Thompson preached for the Methodists.

(One has to wonder how the Modern Spiritualists of Colfax planned to observe the holidays. M. L. Wheat, a new arrival in Colfax, was “a preacher under spirit influence.”)

“The sportsmen of Colfax are fixing for a grand shooting match, Christmas,” the Journal advised its readers. But a “Northwester” and the blanket of snow a week previous “put a quietus to fishing, and now the ‘finny tribe’ can rest.”

School was out for two weeks! (No complaints from the children or the “school marms!”)

Business was reported to be “quite brisk,” which kept Colfax merchants “in good spirits.” They anticipated a good trade during the holidays.

W. C. Jenks was “selling groceries lively.” The firms of West & Weaver-W. L. West and J. F. Weaver, and Tilden & Bliss also sold groceries.

West & Weaver, general merchants, were keeping four clerks “on the buzz, and times look lively around the old corner in spite of most active competition – the pioneer firm holds its own well.” E. O. Stone and Cain & Hefford were the “competition.”

“Miss Bodley has been in her new Millinery shop for two months,” the Colfax reporter observed about the party-going milliner, “and we were quite surprised to see her elegant stock of goods. The ribbons, ostrich tips, flowers, and fancy articles, are far superior to most stocks found in a small place. Miss Small superintends the Dress-making Department, and for a year has given the ladies of Colfax the best satisfaction in their fitting. No matter how rich the material, if a dress does not fit, it is useless for a stylish woman. Miss Small understands her business well, and both ladies have an immense patronage here in Colfax.”