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A Rich Railroading History
Downs, Kansas, was founded in 1879 when Major William F.
Downs brought the Central Branch Union Pacific Railroad into
the area. The Central Branch (as it was called and will be
referred to in this article) laid out the town at the "Y"
junction where the railroad tracks split, with one branch
going southwest toward Osborne, where it followed the south
fork of the Solomon River west, and the other northwest
following the north fork of the Solomon.
Downs sprang up from the prairie almost overnight. In its
boom, the railroad had eighteen trains running daily. With
both passengers and freight, the trains were constantly on
the move. Downs also had one of the largest roundhouses in
the state with a capacity for ten locomotives and, with its
well-balanced turntable, could turn the heaviest locomotive
with ease. Several freight trains still run through Downs
weekly, operated by the Kyle Railroad of Phillipsburg.
>A detailed
description of Downs' beginning is laid out below, copied
from the Downs News & Times' Centennial Edition dated July
26, 1979. Of course, not all of the history could be
presented here, but interesting tidbits should give you an
overview of the town's history.
The Birth of Downs
Downs is a modern town in the midst of a fertile
agricultural valley, catering to the needs of the
surrounding agricultural area where fields of wheat, milo,
sorghum, alfalfa and corn dominate the landscape. Little
remains to remind newcomers that Downs was, for many years
after its establishment by Major William F. Downs and his
fellow railroad builders, a bustling rail center and
division point. The roundhouse where the steam engines were
serviced and repaired is gone and the steamers have whistled
their last shrill blast, the water tower is gone from
trackside, as are the sidings, the loading docks, the coal
supply and other necessities of the division point west of
Atchison. The daily crowds that debarked from the passenger
trains have faded into memory and visitors arrive in Downs
these days in sleek new automobiles, pickups, trucks, and
occasionally on four-wheel-drive tractors. Few residents
today remember much about the ever-changing face of main
street.
The
town's commerce began, of course, with a railroad store at
the junction of the Central Branch rails as they were built
westward from here up both forks of the Solomon River in
1879. The first private business on this site was the
Pioneer Store established by N. M. Hardman, who first sold
his goods from a tent and later constructed a wooden frame
building. Forgotten in the course of events is J.B. Craney,
the town's first mayor, who was credited in the first issue
of The Downs Times (February 19, 1880) with being the first
merchant to put in a heavy stock of general merchandise. On
down through the years, many merchants' names became
familiar to those who drove their wagons and buggies, their
Maxwells and Model T's, and their ever more modern
conveyances into this business center. Once well-known at
their local establishments were the Washburns, the Skinners,
the Johnsons, the Pheasants, the Carneys, the Meibergens,
and a legion of other equally active and prosperous
merchants.
The
interplay of economic conditions such as the Populist revolt
and the Dust Bowl days, along with personal trials and
triumphs, contributed to the ebb and flow of individual
enterprises -- and the same can be said for towns. Downs was
a strong force in this area for many years because of the
impetus provided by the railroad. In more recent years, a
great deal of enterprise has been shown by the local
residents as they kept their town healthy with new industry,
new businesses and services, and a spirit which breathes new
life into the town.
In
the beginning, with small 160-acre homesteads as the
enticement, the people literally flowed into this area from
farther east. Until about
1870, this country had been occupied by the Indians ...
except for an occasional hardy soul who was willing to risk
his scalp -- as was the case with buffalo hunter Him
Higgins, whose life was taken by Indians in a skirmish north
of this site before the settlers arrived -- but at least his
name has been perpetuated by those who are familiar with
Higgins Bluff.
Settlers Arrive
The
year 1870, in this general area, saw the beginnings of the
white man's influx. In the aftermath of the Civil War, most
of our earliest settlers came from the Northern states, and
there was a liberal sprinkling of immigrants from foreign
countries -- the most notable being the settlement of Dutch
who had their own little Rotterdam northeast of here until
the settlement's name was changed to Dispatch. Some were
adventurers who moved on West when the early boom subsided.
Others gave up in the face of illness, drought and other
privations, and they headed back East.
But
many stuck it out, suffering through a life of dawn to dark
work, meager food and clothing, and makeshift living
quarters. The dugouts and sod houses eventually were
replaced by wooden frame houses ... an early status symbol.
They bought the latest in mowers, hay rakes, binders, and
many even could afford a modern windmill -- so they no
longer faced the back-breaking task of hand-pumping water
for the livestock on the farm. Huge new barns were built,
outbuildings were even more sumptuous than the early houses,
and there was a rug on the living room floor and a piano in
the parlor of many farm homes.
Despite the economic panics, the wars, the plagues of
influenza, and the other hardships, the country became
settled and prosperous. It filled up with people, and there
were customers for the towns that had survived the early
boom and bust. As the area passed into the Twentieth
Century, the booming little city of Downs sometimes was the
largest town in Osborne County, often being locked with
Osborne in an annual battle to see who could come up with
the most inhabitants. The countryside was dotted with homes,
one on nearly every quarter section of land.
Downs Drove the Rails Westward
The
Herculean efforts of Major William F. Downs drove the rails
of the Central Branch Railroad west from Waterville 160
miles into the newly-settled Solomon Valley area in the
three years ending in 1879. Then, late in 1879, only a few
months after our town of "Downs" was named for him, the
Major suffered a slight stroke of paralysis, followed the
next year by one of greater severity, and he was an invalid
until he died at Santa Monica, CA, at 8:15 a.m. on March 16,
1883, only 46 years of age. He had gone to Europe,
accompanied by his wife and daughter, and while there
consulted with the best physicians, but found no relief. He
then visited a number of the most noted health resorts in
this country, and went to California a few months before his
death in hopes of being benefited by the waters of Santa
Monica. But it had been evident to friends for months that
he was failing gradually and that the end could not long be
postponed.
So
the man who did most to build the Central Branch along the
Solomon Valley died in what should have been the prime of
his life. He was survived by a wife and four children. He
had been born at Seneca Falls, NY, in 1837. At the age of
20, on September 25, 1857, he was married at Fremont, Ohio,
to Louisa Kridler, and they moved to Wyandotte, KS, where he
engaged in the tinware and stove trade. He was a citizen of
Kansas from that time. Downs came to Kansas without means or
friends, going to work as a tinsmith, and soon gained
prominence. Early in 1861, as the Civil War was being
fought, he was appointed to a clerkship in the Treasury
Department at Washington, D.C. He soon was made a special
agent for the department. When the Bureau of Internal
Revenue was organized, Downs was made chief clerk and
assisted in organizing its machinery and system of reports,
collections and returns.
In
1865, the building of the Central Branch Railroad was
commenced west from Atchison, and Downs, having been
appointed land commissioner of the company, came west to
Atchison to take charge of its government land grant. Prior
to this, the land grant railroads had done little toward
disposing of their lands, and not one of them had any
well-defined system of land records. Downs perfected such a
system, and did his work so well that his plans were adopted
by all of the land-grant railroads in the West. The Central
Branch completed its line to Waterville about 1868. About
this time, Downs was appointed general superintendent, and
held this post until his illness forced his resignation on
January 1, 1880. For about the first 10 years of his tenure
-- before the work of extending the railroad westward from
Waterville was commenced -- Major Downs was practically the
railroad's only official. He was general superintendent,
land commissioner, and general freight and ticket agent. But
when the great work of extending the railroad began (with
hopes that it would cross the plains to Denver), Major Downs
was in sole charge of construction, and it was during this
time that his ability for organization and his relentless
drive were shown to best advantage.
This area of Osborne, Mitchell and Smith counties had
started to fill up with settlers in 1870-71, and by the time
the Central Branch neared this country in early 1879 the
settlers were awaiting it eagerly -- or some other railroad
in its place. The settlers wanted easily accessible markets
for the crops they were raising, for at that time they had
to haul crops for many miles to shipping points.
Railroad Reaches "Downs"
As
the Central Branch railroad built westward from Cawker City,
there was confusion as to the name of the town that was
expected to blossom at the point where the rails branched.
On June 17, 1879, the Atchison Globe reported: "The Central
Branch track layers expect to reach The Junction, 7 miles
west of Cawker City, day after tomorrow ... Inasmuch as both
forks are to be ornamented with tracks this season. The
Junction is likely to become a very promising town."
And
on June 19, 1879, the Ross Township columnist for the
Osborne County Farmer wrote enthusiastically: "The site of
the future great city in Ross Township is located 6 miles
west and one half mile south of Cawker City, and is the
center of a large and densely populated section of country
with good but as yet unimproved waterpower within one mile
of it ... But, oh, what will its name be?"
The
town was actually named soon, when a party of about 30
Central Branch officials and their families made an
expedition up the newly laid railroad. The Atchison Champion
reported: "The party attended three directors meetings ...
and last but not least named a new town. This happened at
the junction 7 miles beyond Cawker City on the north and
south branches of the Solomon Valley road. Here all got out
of the cars, and President R.M. Pomeroy solemnly declared
the name of the town to be 'Downs,' in honor of Major W.F.
Downs. The prospects of the town of Downs are bright. The
party highly enjoyed the trip, especially the night at
Beloit."
There was some confusion, however, as to the town's exact
name, as it was called "Downs," "Downsville," and
"Downstown." But another trip by the top railroad officials
to this point early in July 1879 ended the confusion. They
were here to complete the consolidation of leased lines into
a new corporation to be known as the Atchison, Colorado and
Pacific Railroad -- actually a continuation of the Central
Branch. The Atchison Champion reported: "Railroad business
does not wait even for Fourth of July celebrations. Another
meeting was held ... Roy and Charles Downs and James
Canfield were left to assist at the Beloit festivities and
the special went on to the new town of Downs, the last
station on the extension. The name of this place excited
considerable discussion, participated in by everybody except
Major Downs himself. Downs City was pronounced too
pretentious and Downsville too common and, besides, too
long. A mental calculation was made of the amount of breath
the brakesmen would save in 20 years by calling 'Downs'
instead of 'Downsville' and this settled the question.
Downs it is!"
The City of Downs is Born
A
first-hand view of the new town of Downs was recalled a few
months later in the Osborne County Farmer by an anonymous
writer who had passed through here in July of 1879: "The
writer, satchel on shoulder and railroad ties under foot,
passed over the territory now embraced within the corporate
limits of the city of Downs (in July 1879). The railroad had
reached the then embryonic city and to a point a quarter of
a mile beyond the junction. The only building that had been
erected was a rude shed where cooling drinks, oranges and
cheap candles were dispensed, and a small house was in
course of construction which was to be used as a general
supply store for the railroad men. About 30 canvas tents
were scattered over the prairie, and a few worn-out,
old-style passenger cars, in which the laborers were
boarded, stood upon a temporary side track."
The
new town was described in detail in the July 24, 1879, issue
of the Osborne County Farmer: "A fortnight ago there was but
a single building on the town site. We found about a dozen
in course of erection, and sites for as many more in
immediate contemplation had been purchased and, in many
instances, material for construction was being got onto the
ground. Dr. W.E. Taylor of Waukesha, Wis., has a two-story
frame building 20x50 feet nearly completed, which he will
occupy with a stock of drugs. The post office also will be
kept in this building. W.W. Diamond is postmaster. Mr. John
A. Beal, who is joint proprietor with the railroad company
of the south half of the townsite, will have a commodious
boarding house and hotel completed ... in a few days, and
also has the frame up for a first-class livery stable 30x60.
Upwards of 50 lots have already been sold, at prices ranging
from $50 to $150 for the business lots, and $20 to $40 for
residence lots. The northeastern quarter of the townsite
embraces the farm of A.Z. Blunt, and from the way that
gentleman is selling off lots his prospects of making a
blunt fortune seem good. The railway company has erected a
good depot, 22x60 feet, and on the 16th commenced receiving
freight at the station from all territory lying west and
contiguous to their line."
Downs Celebrated in 1885
~ Downs Times, July 16, 1885
The
people of Downs, Osborne County, have set aside the 27th day
of July, as the annual holiday, that being the anniversary
of the settlement of the town. This month Downs reaches the
age of six years and in accordance with the established
custom the 27th will be appropriately observed, and with
even more than the usual enthusiasm. Gov. Martin, Senator
Plumb, Senator Ingalls, Ex-Governor Glick, Hon. Lewis
Hanback, Judge Borton, Judge C.A. Smith, Hon. L.L. Uhl, Hon.
A. Saxey and other eminent speakers are expected to be
present. The Osborne, Alton, Cawker City and Downs Cornet
Bands and the Downs Martial Band will furnish the music for
the occasion. The program of amusements is extensive and
varied. The celebration will close with a grand display of
fireworks in the evening by the Downs Flambeau Club.
Against Billiard Halls
~ Downs Times, April 22, 1886
The
Women's Christian Temperance Union has been circulating
petitions to the City Council, asking that body not to renew
the licenses of the billiard halls now existing nor to grant
licenses to any other billiard halls during the coming year.
We are glad to see these petitions very numerously signed by
our citizens. It is very evident that the majority of our
people desire that Downs be without billiard halls, and we
have no doubt that the city authorities will carry out their
expressed will.
Above, the roundhouse burns in February of 1906.
Rebuilding the Burned Roundhouse
~ Downs News, October 11, 1906
The
long-talked-of roundhouse for Downs to replace the one
burned on February 19th is now an assured fact and actual
construction work began yesterday ... The building will be a
ten stall frame structure costing in the neighborhood of
$15,000. The contract has been let to E.A. Steininger
Construction Co. of St. Louis, Mo. The contractors expect to
give as much work as possible to local laborers, and those
desiring work should make application to Mr. Myerhoff, who
is supervising construction.
$5,000 Carnegie Library to be Built
~ Downs News, February 23, 1905
Downs is to have a public library and Andrew Carnegie is to
donate $5,000 to build it. About three months ago Mayor
Welty opened correspondence with the secretary of Mr.
Carnegie asking that a library building be located at Downs
... on February 14 ... letter was received from Mr.
Carnegie's cashier informing the Mayor that the money was
ready and would be forwarded as needed. The real library
work was begun in Downs several years ago by Mrs. Edward
Allen when she organized the present Library Association.
Ebnother Buys Drug Store
~ Downs News, August 10, 1905
J.J. Ebnother has purchased the Central Drug Store of
Hannibal Craney, and will open up for business next Monday.
The stock will be replenished with a nice line of toilet
articles and other accessories usually found in a first
class drug store.
Meibergen & Sons into New Building
~ Downs News, September 7, 1905
H.
Meibergen & Sons, the clothiers, moved into their new
building last Friday and are now comfortably located in one
of the finest store rooms to be found anywhere in north
central Kansas. The entire front is of glass, which not only
gives them an elegant display window, but also furnishes
abundant light to all parts of the room.
Business College Quits
~ Downs News, April 29, 1909
It
is with a feeling of regret that we announce to our readers
the decision of Prof. and Mrs. Chas. Berkman to close the
Downs Business College at the close of the present term, May
14. The reasons for closing are two-fold. First, it has been
thoroughly demonstrated that the town and country are not
sufficiently developed in population to maintain a school of
that character. Second, a new law was passed last winter
which enables two high schools in each county to inaugurate
the normal training department.
Downs Gets a White Way
~ Downs News, February 6, 1919
Downs is fast getting in the class of the live, up-to-date
towns. We have as fine a sewer system as can be found in any
town of this size, five blocks of our business streets are
paved with brick, and now we are to have a splendid white
way. The white way will extend five blocks, or the length of
the paving, eight lamps to the block.
Roller Skating Rink to be Built
~ Downs News, November 25, 1909
J.F. Bergier is remodeling his building on the south side
into a skating rink. The floor is being put in excellent
shape and a gallery which will seat 250 people has been
built. He has ordered one hundred pairs of Winslow steel
roller skates, which are said to be the finest rink skates
made.
Chamber of Commerce Organizes
~ Downs News, September 2, 1920
Thirty-four citizens met at the Woodman Hall Thursday night
of last week, responding to the call of Chairman W.O. Selby,
electing a board of directors and adopting constitution and
by-laws for the new Chamber of Commerce. Those present were
asked to sign the membership roll. Thirty-four of those
present signed up, paying dues to January 1, 1921, amounting
to $5. Twelve men were then placed in nomination to fill the
seven places on the board of directors. Ballots were spread
and the following declared elected: D.B. Harrison, C.L.
Cushing, E.L. Getty, S.H. Domoney, M.W. Hardman, W.O. Selby,
A.S. Hale and I.E. Petitt. Elected as president was E.L.
Getty.
Downs Hospital Opened
~ Downs News, May 5, 1930
The
Downs Hospital opened May 5th. People have been misinformed
about this being an osteopathic hospital. It is a hospital
admitting any doctor with a patient requiring hospital care.
Our aim is to please the doctors, patients and public in
general. Hospital rates can be obtained from the doctors or
by calling the hospital.
National Bank Opens
~ Downs News, March 13, 1919
On
next Friday evening the Union State Bank will close its
doors to reopen Saturday as The Downs National Bank, with
the following officers in charge: president, Al Dougherty;
vice-presidents, Val Wright and H. Rody; cashier, C.L.
Cushing; assistant cashier, Harold P. Smyth; and directors,
Al Dougherty, Val Wright, H. Rody, C.L. Cushing, Jack
Huiting, A.W. Hefley and Peter Junk.
New Swimming Pool
~ Downs News, June 4, 1925
Floyd Botsford informed us last Saturday that unless
something unforeseen happens to delay the work, the big
swimming pool will be ready for the public to take a plunge
on the Fourth of July, if not sooner.
Memorial Hall to be Built
~ Downs News, August 11, 1921
Once more the good citizens of Downs have stepped forth and
upheld our slogan, "Downs Duz It." They have gone forth and
pledged themselves to build for the American Legion boys and
the community at large, a handsome $30,000 Memorial Hall.
U.S. 24 Highway Will Open
~ Downs News, June 29, 1950
According to Lloyd Reese, superintendent of the Hanson
Construction Company, and T.W. Hicks, assistant state
division engineer, the 11-mile stretch of U.S. 24 highway
beginning at the county line east of Downs to the
intersection eight miles west, which has been under
construction for about two years, will be thrown open to
traffic some time this Thursday afternoon or evening.
Last Passenger Train Through Downs
~ Downs News, November 17, 1960
The
passenger train left Downs Monday for the last time with
only four passengers present. The train was to have been
discontinued Saturday, and a number of persons rode the
Saturday train to Downs and took pictures. But the trainmen
were greeted by an order continuing the train for two more
days and there was a general shaking of hands and a feeling
of respite. Thus ended 80 years of railroading in a town
that once had hopes of being the division point between
Atchison and Denver. From now on the town will have
tri-weekly freight trains. |
