The Fort Dodge Messenger: Dec. 16, 1905
A Joke on the Chronicle
Where the Interesting Letters to Santa Claus Received by it, Came From
For the past week the Chronicle has been regaling its readers with cute, witty little letters, written by the little folks to Santa Claus, and placed in care of the Chronicle. The space killing pastime has evidently amuse the scribe on the aforesaid daily, and each day’s edition has contained a few of the missive. They kept pouring in, and finally announcement was made that on Saturday all those that had accumulated up to that time would be run. The little folks were given a “jolly” about the good old Saint Nick, told how he turned over the letters to them, and instructed to watch for Saturday’s issue to see their letters inprint.
It may be interesting to Chronicle readers to learn that a member of the Messenger staff, appreciating the bobby of the rival scribe decided to aid him a little in his work, and has spent his spare time during the long evenings of the past few days writing in a scrawling hand, the letters that the Chronicle has been re-producing. The writer will enjoy very much seeing his letters in print.
Tags: 1905, Christmas
The Fort Dodge Messenger: Dec. 16, 1905
Christmas With Fort Dodge Poor
People of City Make Plans to Aid Them Wherever Possible
County Already Overtaxed
Is Only Able to Provide Necessities – Figures Show 200 People Now Cared For in City at the County’s Expense.
With the near approach of the Yuletide season it is well to give a thought to those within the city who are unable to partake in the spirit of the time, in so far as the same relates to good cheer and plenty.
A visit to the commissioner of the poor this morning, and inquiries as to the situation with the needy has brought forth the information that the county is already overtaxed in providing the poor of Fort Dodge with necessities, and that absolutely no provision can be made for Christmas.
40 Families Cared For.
At the present time forty families in the city of Fort Dodge, and more than two hundred separate persons are being cared for at the county’s expense. The poor fund is overdrawn in doing this, even through no attempt is made to provide the needy with more than the bare necessities of life, extending merely to fuel and food. Clothing is given by the Mosaic club, Salvation Army and Associated Charities in considerable amounts, and these organizations lend a helping hand in providing food and coal also. But even under this circumstances all are taxed to the utmost to keep body and soul together in many families that exist in poverty, dirt and squalor in the lower parts of the city.
An earnest appeal for aid, from the well-to-do people of the city is made by the county and by the charitable organizations of the city, for help in providing with more than the usual fare, and attempting to bring Christmas cheer into the homes of the poor during the coming week.
Tags: 1905, Christmas
The Fort Dodge Messenger: Dec. 16, 1905
Chief Tullar Sells Livery Business
His Stock of Horses and Rigs Sold to Charles Smith of Iowa Falls
A deal was completed last night by which Charles Smith of Iowa Falls becomes the sole owner of the livery barn of Chief of Police Tullar on First avenue south.
Mr. Smith is an old and experienced liveryman. He has been in the city for some time looking for a location and takes possession of the Tullar stables at once. Mr. Tullar states that he has found his duties as chief of police to great for him to give proper care to his business so decided to sell.
The entire stock of vehicles and horses except those kept by Mr. Tullar for his personal use were involved in the transaction. the consideration for the stock was $15,000.
(Editor’s note: The amount of $15,000 in 1905 would be equivalent to about $359242 today.)
Tags: 1905, Tullar
The Fort Dodge Messenger: Dec. 16, 1903
Fire at Corpus Christi Academy
Early This Morning For Time Threatens Destruction of Building
Starts in the Furnace Room
Blaze Discovered by Sisters at 3 A.M. – First Floor is Badly Damaged.
Spontaneous combustion in the coal room of the Corpus Christi academy, situation at the north end of Eighth street, was the cause of a run by the fire department at an early hour this morning to extinguish a blaze which for a time threatened the destruction of the building. The fire was extinguished only thru the utmost efforts of the firemen and that the damage was not greater is due to its early discovery and the prompt arrival of the department.
The loss could not be estimated today, although it is probable that much of the first floor of the building will have to be replaced. The remainder of damage is due to smoke, which for a time filled the entire structure.
The blaze was discovered at 3 o’clock this morning by members of the order of Sisters of Charity, who have charge of the school and live in the building. The firemen found the blaze to be confined to the northwest corner of the basement where is situated the coal and furnace room. Before the department could control the flames the latter had burned thru the floor of the room above and promised to envelope the entire building. The blaze was finally controlled and extinguished.
To spontaneous combusion (sic) can be assigned the only cause whereby the fire could have found its origin. An early discovery undoubtedly prevented a bad fire.
Corpus Christi academy is a new building, dedicated a year ago last October and its loss would means no little to the congregation of the Corpus Christi church.
Tags: 1903
