A Picture
Of A
Small Town
Whitewater, Kansas
Darryl Claassen & Kim Fields
1
A Picture
Of a Small Town
A perspective on 125 years of
Whitewater, Kansas
by
Darryl Claassen
with assistance from
Kim Fields
2
Published by
Whitewater Photo Museum
Whitewater, Kansas
in cooperation with the City of Whitewater
Printed by
Butler County Printing
El Dorado, Kansas
Copyright © 2015 by Darryl
All rights reserved.
3
Contents
Introduction
Page 5
Section 1
Page 7
The Neiman Family and the Beginning of Whitewater
Section 2
Page 20
Recollection and Progression of Whitewater
Section 3
Page 112
Whitewater Extras
Section 4
Page 135
Comparison of the Decades
4
Introduction
The city of Whitewater was incorporated on April 15, 1890. In
1990, residents of Whitewater and the surrounding area celebrated the
centennial in a majestic manner. Along with the many events of
celebration, a fine book was compiled and, due to its nature, was soon
sold out.
As the 125th year of Whitewater approached, the question of a
book was proposed. Following some discussion about reprinting the
original Centennial book, it was determined by the City Council to
authorize a new book.
Central to this book are the photos and images which give the
reader a visual tour of the Town. Several histories of Whitewater have
already been told. We hope this book will give a clear picture of the
Town. Due to obvious constraints, the content is based within the city
limits of Whitewater and is centered upon available photographs.
The first section of the book puts faces to the organization of
Whitewater and shows one family’s contribution and dedication to the
area.
The second section utilizes a history written by E.L. Neal in 1935
and published in The Independent (the Whitewater newspaper) in
February of that year. Neal’s history is a list rather than an organized
article. The entirety of Neal’s writing is printed in Times New Roman
bold font. All notes or explanations by the authors are printed in this
Calibri font. When possible, a photo or other image has been inserted
immediately following a mention by Neal of a place or Business. Other
photos have been added to show the extension or progress of various
subjects. Examples: After mention of the Whitewater Flour Mill,
several pictures are used to show the growth and expansion. After
mention of the first church, additional pictures illustrate other churches
known to exist in Whitewater.
5
The third section of the book includes various items of intrigue
and interest within Whitewater not mentioned by Mr. Neal.
The fourth section is an appendix of various businesses which
existed over the decades. The lists were compiled from advertising in
the local newspapers or other media. Due to lack of a complete record
or memory, it is not possible to identify every business which has used
Whitewater as an address. A final editorial closes the book.
Considerable effort has been made to accurately identify and
date each photo and give appropriate credit. The absence of a credit
indicates the photo is part of the Whitewater Photo Museum collection
or taken by the editor.
In reality, this project began in 2010 with the intent to compile a
collection of photographs which would sufficiently illustrate the history
and progress of Whitewater and the immediate area. The collection has
been housed in the Whitewater Photo Museum on Main Street. All
effort has been rewarded by the numerous visits of people looking for
family history, students researching for a school project, and those who
have a general interest in history.
Shortly before being put to this task, I had the privilege of
making the acquaintance of Kim Fields. She is not only a fine historian
but also has a personal interest in Whitewater’s past. Her great
Grandfather was Frederick Breising, the proprietor of the first meat
market. Her diligence to research, attention to detail, and selfless
dedication has been a most significant contribution to the outcome of
the book.
In addition, the generosity of many Whitewater area residents
to loan or donate photographs has made this book possible.
Darryl
6
Section 1
The Beginning
Photos and data of the Neiman family and early photos of their houses in this
section are courtesy of Dr. D.J. Martin excepting the 1893 photo of George’s
house which is from Marilyn Umbach. Both are descendants of the Neiman
family.
The Neiman Family
Isaac (1813-1862) and Eliza (1821-1900) Neiman & Sarah
late 1840s photo
Isaac and Eliza began their family in New Berlin, Pennsylvania. In 1854,
they moved to Tipton, Iowa. Isaac was a farmer and was helped by his
older sons until his death.
Ten children were born to Isaac and Eliza. The 7th born, Emma Loveza
Neiman, was born in 1854 and died in infancy. Mrs. Neiman, two
daughters, and seven sons all eventually moved to Kansas.
After the incorporation of Whitewater, each of the seven sons built a
house. All of the seven houses still exist.
7
George Peter Neiman
1842-1925, 1st born
Built the house at
421 S Main in 1890
Top: 1893 photo
Bottom: 2011 photo
8
Sarah Ann Neiman Brainerd, 1843-1902, 2nd born
Married Elisha Brainerd (1840-1911) for whom Brainerd, KS was named
Elisha Brainerd homestead of 1876, NE ¼ Section 22,
Milton Township, Butler County, Kansas, 1900 photo
9
Samuel Robert Neiman
1844-1931, 3rd born
Built the house at
305 N Elm in 1900
Top: 1910 photo
Bottom: 2011 photo
10
Isaac Howard Neiman
1846-1935, 4th born
Built the house at
405 S Main in 1890
Top: 1907 photo
Bottom: 2011 photo
11
Arthur Lewis Neiman
1847-1935, 5th born
Built the house at
16548 K196 in 1892
Top: 1934 photo
Bottom: 2011 photo
Katherine & Isaac Howard Neiman with 1934 DeSoto Airflow
on west side of Arthur’s house
12
Charles Andrew Neiman
1849-1936, 6th born
Built the house at
525 S Elm in 1910
Top: 1912 photo
Bottom: 2011 photo
13
Jerome Schwartz Neiman
1855-1930, 8th born
Built the house at
124 S Locust in 1892
Top: 1910 photo
Bottom: 2011 photo
14
Mary Margaret Neiman
1860-1950, 9th born
Married J.D. Joseph in 1892
and they lived with her
brother, George, who never
married
James Dew Joseph
1864-1952
15
John Franklin Neiman
1862-1917, 10th born
Built the house at 603 S Elm
in 1910
(unable to locate an early photo)
2011 photo of house
16
George Neiman was twelve years old in 1854 when his family
moved to Tipton, Iowa. He helped on the farm until his father’s death in
1862 and then assumed responsibility for the farming operation for two
more years. In 1864, George left for California in search of gold. Three
years later he returned to Iowa to continue farming. His success in the
gold fields is unknown.
In 1869, George and his brother, Isaac Howard, left Iowa to
homestead in Butler County and, soon to be, Harvey County, Kansas.
George’s claim was on Section 18, T24, R3E of Butler County, beside the
Whitewater Creek. He built a log house east of the Creek right on the
current Main Street of Whitewater.
A painting of George’s log house, copy courtesy of Marilyn Umbach
The Missouri Pacific Railroad laid an east to west track in 1885
which passed through George’s property. Two depots were built along
the line. One was three miles east in Brainerd and the other was three
miles west in the town of Annelly.
According to the State census, George’s mother and the
remainder of his siblings (except Samuel who came 1895) joined him in
Kansas by 1885.
17
The Rock Island Railroad was laying a track from north to south
and, in 1886, began surveying a route from Peabody to Wichita. The
original survey indicated passing close to Brainerd.
The granting of subsidies by a community or organization to any
company whose presence might benefit that community has likely been
a practice since the beginning of time. An editorial in the November 11,
1886 issue of the Brainerd Ensign indicates that Brainerd was hesitating
in making an offer to the Railroad when it states, “shall we go to the
company or wait for the company to come to us? Let’s be wise in time”.
Again, in the Brainerd Ensign of January 6, 1887, a writer states, “but
had her people discharged their full day one year ago, they would have
obtained the road.”
Meanwhile, George Neiman was apparently making a sales
pitch to the Rock Island to locate the road across his property. Rumors
began to circulate of “liberal private offers” (December 16, 1886
Brainerd Ensign) being made to the Railroad. The November 25, 1886
Brainerd Ensign reported a letter from Mr. Long, a representative of the
Railroad, to a prominent Brainerd businessman as stating “the company
has not sold out and will not sell out as has been maliciously reported.”
Also in 1886, the Golden Belt Town Company incorporated for
the purpose of establishing towns along the railroad. Communities thus
started include: Ramona, Lincolnville, Lost Springs, Aulne, Whitewater,
Furley, Gladys, Peck, and others. The primary purpose of the Golden
Belt was to obtain land along the road and resell to towns for a
significant profit. The general office of the Golden Belt was in Peabody.
The President of the company was F.H. Kollock, also the banker in
Peabody. George Neiman served for a time as the Treasurer. After a
few years, the Golden Belt Town Company disorganized and George
Neiman organized the Whitewater Town Company of which he was
President and Mr. Kollock was the Treasurer. The “town company”
concept stayed in effect until the town itself incorporated and
established its own government.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
18
Calling card for the Officers of Golden Belt Town Co
The history is that, about two and a half miles north of
Whitewater, the railroad track makes a turn to the west (still referred to
by some as “the Neiman curve”) instead of to the east toward Brainerd.
Did Mr. Neiman persuade the Rock Island with a “liberal private offer”
as per the rumors or by good salesmanship for a more direct route to
Wichita? Could the Rock Island be “bought”? These questions were
being discussed with or without sufficient information.
Regardless, the place to be was at the intersection of the two
railroads. Brainerd moved west and Annelly moved east. Soon, both of
those towns, though only a few years old, were all but gone. An article
in the June 20, 1889 Whitewater Tribune reads: “The Brainerd people
have staked out lots and signed contracts for eighteen buildings to be
moved at once to Whitewater. We find in that number Horace McLain
with bank and livery barn, Roach Brothers, G.W. Neal lumber yard, and
others. Most of the buildings from Brainerd are store rooms. Every lot
on Main Street was sold and staked off this week; lumber on several lots
ready for building. Even the last rose from Annelly. Mr. Otte & Son has
made arrangements to be here by June 15. Ha! Ha! Just think of it, the
mayor of Brainerd buying the city and then running away with it.” And
below that was this statement: “This was written but a few days ago
but the number already reaches near thirty business buildings and
dwellings. Mr. Otte came in on time.”
Whitewater had been birthed!
19
Section 2
(Text in bold type by E.L. Neal, 1935)
“The town site of Whitewater was laid out in 1887 by the
Golden Belt Town Company, on land owned by G.P. Neiman.
In later years, additions to the same were made by A.L.
Neiman on the east and S.R. Neiman on the north. The original
town site was from the corner of Seventh and Church (3rd & Elm)
streets, south to the corner of First and Church (Carr & Elm), the R.
Penner place, and from Church (Elm) Street west to the Rock Island
railroad (the County line), four blocks (streets).
1905
20
The first building moved here from Brainerd now is part of
the H.H. Norris house on South Church Street, occupied at present
by Walter Duncan and family. It was brought here by the McLains.
The McLains owned the Whitewater Bank.
Doc Norris house, 120 S Elm, 1906 photo
Doc Norris house. The house was torn down after a fire in 1989.
1976 photo
21
The old frame Smith building which stood on the corner
where their brick building is today was the first building in old
Whitewater. It was moved here from Annelly in 1887 and housed
several families the first season.
The Smith Building is on the right, 201 S Main, c1905 photo
Whitewater once had a carpet weaving plant operated by
C. Smith.
22
Whitewater has two principle automobile agencies with
operators born and raised here or in Butler County nearby, Frank
Gronau, and G.O. Neal and Scott Stuart. The Chevrolet is handled
by Gronau and the Ford is taken care of by Neal and Stuart, with a
business using four lots on Main Street.
Gronau Chevrolet, 109 S Main, Frank Gronau, 1929 photo from Tony
Gronau. The Company moved across the street to 116 S Main in 1931.
Neal-Stuart Ford, 206-212 S Main, 1939 photo from David Neal
23
Business Letterhead
From 1971 Boy Scout calendar
Advertisement in 1981 Remington High School “Trailblazer”
24
The first garage was established in Whitewater in 1909 by
Eberhard, Thompson, and Francis. Their first sale was a Fuller
Auto to Peter Zuercher. They also handled the Gleason car. The
second year the Maxwell was handled by Eberhard and Golden. Dr.
Horner and Henry Gale were early buyers.
Peter Zuercher house NE of Whitewater and 1910 Fuller car. 1910 photo
from Dwight Zuercher.
25
H. Eberhard sold the first auto tires in Whitewater and also
was the first real estate agent here.
Whitewater Land & Loan Co. (on sign to left of brick building), 125 S
Main, 1910 photo
From early Kansas state map.
26
W.H. Lambert & Son were the first grocers to add a meat
counter. There are now three firms carrying groceries and fresh
meats: Lamberts, Penners, and Breising.
Lambert Store, 123 S Main, George and William Lambert, 1925 photo
New Penner Store built in 1912, 201 & 203 S Main
27
Breising Store, 205 S Main, c1950 photo from Kim Fields
28
Klassen Brothers purchased the Lambert Store in 1946.
Henry Brucks, employee. 1952 photo from Pete Klassen
Pete Klassen purchased his brothers share in 1956 and the store
became Klassen’s Grocery. The store was moved to 201 S Main in 1968.
Others who followed in the grocery business were Kevin Wohlgemuth,
Ed Inskeep , and Brian Johnson
29
The R.G. Kirkwood Lumber Co. is the oldest and largest
lumber and coal yard in northwest Butler County.
East side of 300 Block S Main, 1921 photo
Neiman’s lumber & coal business, east side of 200 Block S Main, 1909
postcard
30
In the early days, Whitewater had a broom factory. It was
run by one of the Kinneys after the drug store moved out.
The first school house or room was situated one block west of
Main Street and one half block north of Rock Island Avenue on the
east side of the street. It is now a part of the Spencer Hotel.
School building was located about 106 S Ash. The building was
previously the Holden School one mile east of town.
Mary Neiman, Teacher. 1888 photo from Marilyn Umbach
31
Spencer Hotel, 127 S Ash, Edith Foster and Mary Spencer, 1913 photo
C.H. Bruhn is the older in a continuous business way than
anyone here.
C.H. Bruhn to left of door, about 218 S Main, 1891 photo from Ron Hill
32
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
The Whitewater Telephone Co. was the first telephone
company to do business in this city. The organizer was J.D. Joseph;
the first lineman was Ben Beck. The first telephone operator was
Fay Davis. The first phone office was in a lean-to on the north side
of The Independent office, the first phone being installed in the same
place and was No. 1. The company was first organized with twentyfive phones; the shares were $25 each for town people only. Soon
country lines were built; a mutual system was established; next, a
joint stock company with other city connections made; and about
300 miles of line strung.
Emma Breising in telephone office, about 219 S Main, 1907 photo from
Kim Fields
33
The Bank of Whitewater was organized April 3, 1891. Its
first officers were J.C. Kirkwood, president; I.H. Neiman, vicepresident; G.P. Neiman, cashier; R.G. Kirkwood, assistant cashier.
April 1, 1892, J.D. Joseph, the present president/ cashier, became a
director and assistant cashier. The first board of directors was:
G.P. Neiman, I.H. Neiman, T.C. Newcom, J.C. Kirkwood, A.H. Rich,
J.W. Steiger, and R.G. Kirkwood.
Bank of Whitewater, J.D. Joseph, Eleanor Neiman, Bertha Breising,
Arthur Nigg. c1940 photo from Marilyn Umbach
34
Until 1897, the bank occupied the quarters of the old
Whitewater Bank in the Williams building east of the present
location, from which place it moved to their newly erected brick
building at the corner of Main and Rock Island.
Williams building can be seen behind the new bank building.
c1910 photo
It is now the oldest bank in Butler County. Of the depositors
in its first year of business, the following are the only known living
persons: J.T. Beans, Herman Entz, R.G. Kirkwood, A.L. Neiman,
John Regier, S. Eskridge, Gus Claassen, W.H. Barker, I.H. Neiman,
E.L. Neal, J.W. Steiger, John Epp, John Harder, C.A. Neiman, R.
Penner, W. Worthington.
35
Bank of Whitewater, 126 S Main, 2011 photo
The first post office was in the I.H. Neiman building (now the
Hazlett) on the northwest corner of Main and Rock Island streets.
Whitewater Post Office was established May 15, 1888.
I.H. Neiman building on the left, 127 S Main, seen here as the Peffley &
Vancil store, c1905 photo
36
The first postmaster was I.H. Neiman.
c1885 photo from Dr. D.J. Martin
The Post Office was at 119 S Main from early 1920s to 1955.
Henry Jessen, J.W. Vancil, 1940 photo
37
J.W. Vancil, 1940 photo
Post Office at 117 S Main, 1956 to present, 2011 photo
38
The first harness maker was John A. Dilzer, who later sold
out to his brother, F.W. Dilzer, who later added hardware to the
business.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
The first regular produce dealer was H.M. Nolder in the old
G.A.R. building which was on the corner now occupied by the Dow
Produce who bought the present tile structure from Mr. Nolder.
102 S Main, Fred Breising Jr. & H.M. Nolder, 1922 photo
39
The first band was organized in 1890 with Dr. J. Horner as
instructor. Of this band of eighteen members, only two are known to
be alive: Wm.J. Golden and E.L. Neal.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
Front: Roy Liptrap, Jessie Peterson Schmidt, Robert Norris, Pearl Hanstine
Norris, Ora Markee, Bill Eaton
2nd: Mr. Winn (Band Leader), Winn’s sister, Mrs. Winn, Harry Edris, Tom Finch,
Bessie Markee, Clarence Cochran, Lulu Kinsey Sanders, Corb Leap, Isabella
Finch Hanstine, Ernest Hanstine, Mabel Mellor, Tom Lewis
3rd: Fred Finch, Frank Brockway, Blanche Leap, Sedman Kinsey, Minnie Monroe
Diller, Sidney Chaney, Gussie Turner, Hal Finch
Back: J.W. Vancil, Luella Neiman, Grace Liptrap, Roy Peterson, Maude
Ashenfelter, Harold Cochran
1906 photo
40
Front: Hal Finch, Clarence Cochran, Roy Liptrap, Bill Eaton, Harold Cochran,
Ernest Hanstine
Middle: Mr. Winn (Band Leader), J.W. Vancil, Corb Leap, Tom Finch, Robert
Norris, Tom Lewis, Roy Peterson, Harry Edris
Back: Fred Finch, Sedman Kinsey, Frank Brockway, Sidney Chaney
1906 photo
41
The first elevator on the Mo. Pac. was owned by E.T. Burns.
He was also the first grain and coal dealer.
Burns Elevator in background. c1900 photo
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
42
The first elevator on the Rock Island was built by C.F.
Weber. It was torn down a few years ago.
Looking west from Main & Topeka, elevator in center, c1905 photo
43
The first church in town was the Reformed. It was
remodeled a few years ago and is now the parsonage of the
Federated Church.
Grace Reformed Church, 1889-1929, 126 S Elm, 1901 photo
Building dedicated August 25, 1889.
Grace Reformed Church building, 126 S Elm, 2015 photo
44
Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1889-1929, 102 S Elm, 1901 photo
The original building, dedicated June 9, 1889, burned in 1893 but was
replaced with the building in this photo. The Lutheran Church stood on
the location of the present Federated building. The congregation
began in Annelly in 1881.
45
Methodist Episcopal Church, 1890-1958, 202 N Elm, 1920 photo
This building was dedicated September 18, 1904.
Federated Church, 1929-present, 207 E Central, 1935 photo
Federated was formed from the joining of the Reformed, Lutheran, &
Christian churches in Whitewater.
46
Swiss Church, 1954-present, 125 S Oak, 1957 photo
The congregation began north of town in 1886.
Swiss Church building, 703 E Central, 2015 photo
47
Grace Baptist Church, about 124 W Central, Established August, 1972.
A house donated by Mrs. Blackford was moved and attached to the old
Scout Building on that site. It was used by the Church until 1983 when a
new building was built one mile west of town. Pastor David Camp &
family. 1972 photo
Centre Point Church, 212 S Main, Established in 2010, 2011 photo
48
The first station agent of the Rock Island railroad was Frank
Broadstreet; on the Mo. Pac., P.D. McArthur was the first resident
agent.
From 1889
Whitewater
Tribune
49
Rev. H. Acker was the first resident minister. He was the
first pastor of the Lutheran Church and continued as such for
several years.
Rev. H. Acker, Lutheran Church Pastor, 1881-1897
The first resident dry cleaner and hat rebuilder was Chas.
Wilson.
The first tinner and tank maker was E.L. Neal in 1891,
coming here in 1888.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune (prior to the tinner occupation)
50
In the early days, all store fronts were decorated with a
wooden awning. The one on the Breising building was among the
first and was the last to go.
Whitewater (Breising) Meat Market, 113 S Main, Frederick Breising,
1915 photo from Kim Fields
Dr. H.H. Norris is the oldest first settler physician in town.
He came here from Annelly in 1888.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
W.A. Sterling was the first coal dealer and grain buyer on the Rock
Island tracks.
51
The first school teacher was Miss Mary Neiman, now Mrs.
J.D. Joseph.
1885 photo from Dr. D.J. Martin
The first lawyer in town was P.E. Ashenfelter.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
52
The first meat market was started here in 1888 by Fred
Breising at the same location occupied by his son.
Whitewater Meat Market, 113 S Main, Frederick Breising, 1905 photo
(above), 1915 photo (below) from Kim Fields
53
Whitewater Locker Company, 114 West Topeka, 2015 photo
The first flour mill was built by Burns and Farr. This
formed the nucleus of the present large plant of the Whitewater
Flour Mills Co.
Whitewater Flour Mill, 222 S Ash, c1905 photo
54
Whitewater Flour Mill, 3-story white building is the milling building,
c1915 photo
Whitewater Flour Mill with single set of silos, 1940 photo
55
Whitewater Flour Mill with second set of silos, 1944 photo
Whitewater Flour Mill with third set of silos, 1952 photo from David
Neal
56
Whitewater Flour Mill with 2nd elevator leg at north end, 1980 photo
After the flour mill building was razed. 2015 photo
57
The first hardware dealer was H.H. Weachman in the, now,
Norris building. He was also the first farm implement dealer.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
The first mayor was G.H. Otte. The first city clerk was S.L. Motter.
Label on the back of an envelope. Date unknown
58
The first school building built here was a frame structure
two stories and four rooms. It was built by Wert and Froese,
carpenters. Neal and McDowell contracted the painting. It was
built on the grounds near the present grade school. The school
board at that time was John Eilert, C. Smith, and Jos. Weatherby.
The first school principal was John G. Sheldon of El Dorado.
First constructed Whitewater School building, 1889-1908, 1900 photo
59
Being moved for construction of new brick building. 1908 photo
Construction of brick school building, 1909 photo
60
Whitewater School building, about 114 S Oak, 1909-1966
Whitewater High School, about 319 E Central, Dedicated December 11,
1923, used for High School until May, 1963, 1960 photo
61
Whitewater High School gymnasium built in 1960, 100 Block S Locust
(Also note the Chevrolet semi-tractor and trailer used for the High
School Senior trips.) 1961 photo
62
In the first years of Whitewater, the farmers brought in their
whole milk to the skimming station in the northwest part of town. It
was owned by the Hesston Creamery Co. and was run by O.E.
McDowell.
Rail freight ticket from Whitewater to Peabody Creamery, 11/25/1889
O.E. McDowell was the first barber. He later operated a
grocery store, also.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
63
Joe’s Barbershop, 110 E Topeka, Joe Motter, Lester Rose, Bill Roth,
unknown
Photo from July 5, 1953 Parade Magazine
The first plasterer in town was Ben Todd.
64
The first bank in town was the Whitewater Bank moved here
from Brainerd. A.H. McLain was president and Horace McLain
cashier. It failed in 1890 along with the Newton National Bank, of
which it was sort of a branch.
Notice from February, 1893 Whitewater Tribune
65
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune, advertisement for Brainerd location
66
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune, advertisement for Whitewater location
67
The first brick business house was the H. Penner building in
1890. It was built of Whitewater made bricks.
Penner Store in center, 205 S Main, 1900 photo
The first blacksmith in town was C.H. Bruhn.
Bruhn Blacksmith Shop, 1891 photo from Ron Hill
68
C.H. Bruhn 2nd from left, Herman Bruhn 3rd from left
C.H. Bruhn in foreground
Bruhn Blacksmith Shop, 1912 photos from Ron Hill
69
Bruhn Blacksmith Shop, two-story building, built 1910, 1997 photo
prior to demolition
From 1935 Whitewater Independent
70
The first automobile in town was owned by R.H. Farr, a
Rambler.
Robert H. Farr house, 120 N Elm, built 1890. Mr. Farr founded the
Whitewater Flour Mill in 1899, the People’s State Bank in 1908, and
commercial electricity in Whitewater in 1913. c1895 photo
71
The first drugstore was the Kinney establishment on the
corner lot south of The Independent office in 1888. It was in charge
of Dr. H. Henderson, who was also the first physician here.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
The first and only brick yard here was along the east bank of
the creek between the R.I. depot and Mo. Pac. Bridge. It was run by
L. Fessler of Newton.
72
The first lumber yard was started by G.W. Neal, who moved
his stock of lumber and hardware here from Brainerd in 1889.
G.W. Neal Lumber receipt of April 26, 1890
73
The first railroad through here was the Mo. Pac. in 1885.
Missouri Pacific Depot, about 309 S Main, c1905 photo. Wade Poe on
right.
Missouri Pacific section crew, c1910 photo
74
The Rock Island came through in 1887.
Building the Rock Island track bed near Whitewater, 1887 photo from
Rolland Ensz
Looking north, Rock Island Depot was “between” Topeka & Central,
c1915 photo
75
The first newspaper was the Whitewater Tribune, formerly
the Brainerd Sun, moved here from Brainerd in 1889. The office
was on the second floor of the John Eilert store and was reached by
an outside stairway on the north side. The first editor was A.M.
Hendee.
The first wooden sidewalks were of the hit-and-miss variety.
Receipt of April 25, 1890 for payment of $2.25 to Josiah Fowler for work
on sidewalks.
76
The first dray and general hauling business was run by C.C.
Carter.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
The first fire of any importance was the Carter barn in
which a mule burned. The next was a stable of C. Smith in which a
cow burned. The two greatest fires to date are the Korber Garage
and Smith Bros. Furniture in April 1930 and the Lamar and Neal
buildings in August of the same year.
Korber Garage, 116 S Main, Lewis Foster on left, others unknown.
Building burned April, 1930. 1920 photo from Marge Yarbrough
77
Fire of August 10, 1930, on east side of 200 block of S Main. Brick
building on right still stands.
78
The first brick street crossing was laid between the John
Eilert (now Lamar) and C. Smith corners across Main Street. It was
put in by Geo. Swartz of Peabody.
Eilert Building on left, 202 S Main
Smith Building on right, 201 S Main
(Notice walkway across the street in both photos)
79
In the early 90s, the Davis Co. of Peabody had a branch
tinware store in one of the Smith buildings.
The first livery stable was owned and run by O.C. Shay on
part of what now is the C.H. Bruhn business property.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
Geo. McSparrin Livery, same location as Shay, 226 S Main, 1905 photo
80
Kelley’s Livery, same building as McSparrin, 1903 photo
Dean Livery, about 120 W Topeka, c1910 photo
81
The first baseball grounds in town were in the now main business
block on the west side of Main Street. (Most of the 200 Block S Main)
The Kinney building was used as a backstop, there being no
buildings between that building and the Smith building.
Current baseball fields in SE part of town, 2011 photo
82
The first brick sidewalk was put down by the Bank of
Whitewater in 1897.
Note brick sidewalk in front, J.D. Joseph, Bertha Breising, Eleanor
Neiman, Fred Finch, Donald Joseph, 1935 photo
C.S. Stuart and C.V. Chaney were the first grain and livestock
buyers to have an office on Main Street. They also tended the city
scales.
83
Wm. Newberry [sic] was the first shoe cobbler in town. He
was also city marshal for some time and handled cold drinks and ice
cream of the homemade variety in season.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
The first regular dentist here was C.V. Alexander, DDS, who
took over that line of practice from the local medicine doctors.
From 1938 Whitewater High School Orange & Brown
Natural ice from the creek and ponds was put up each winter
in the early days by Fred Breising.
84
The first waterworks was put in by the McLains of the
Whitewater Bank. It was built by John E. Ford of Newton, a
waterworks contractor, in 1890. It was bought by the city in 1892.
The plant was run by windmill power and was on lots opposite the
schoolhouse on the west, which, at that time, was also the site of the
first city jail (NW corner of Topeka & Oak).
Note early water hydrant and horse trough of first water system built in
1890. c1900 photo
Note the modern fire hydrant (lower right) for new fire protection water
system installed in 1935. 1935 photo
85
First jail building authorized. From February 16, 1893 Whitewater
Tribune. A calaboose was often a wooden structure designed to be a
quite secure jail.
The first bakery was put in by Gus Williams in his building
now occupied by Reffner Barbershop.
The first section foreman on the Mo. Pac. was Sol Schreffler,
who was moved here from Brainerd. On the Rock Island was Wm.
Miller, who was moved from Peabody.
The first restaurant was run by W.F. Wakefield from
Peabody. It was on the east side of Main Street where the Lowther
Hardware store is now.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
86
Lowther Hardware, 212 S Main, first restaurant site, 1930 photo
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune, advertisement for this restaurant was
always upside down
87
Ott Hayes Café, (center of photo), 202 S Main, late 1940s photo
Mom’s Café, 213 S Main, 2011 photo
Also the site of M&V Café, Golden Wheel Restaurant, Whitewater
Junction, Our Place, Whitewater Café
Building was built in 1945.
88
Whitewater Pizza, 209 S Main, 2011 photo
Building was built in 1946 for a tavern and used as such until 2004.
The first automobile brought here for livery use was owned by Dean
and Company.
Dean Livery, about 120 W Topeka, c1910 photo
89
The first electric light system was installed by R.H. Farr of
the Whitewater Flour Mills. He also established an ice plant in
connection.
Whitewater Flour Mill, c1910 photo
90
The first hotel in town was the Spencer Hotel, W. Spencer,
Proprietor. They came from Annelly in 1887.
Spencer Hotel, 127 S Ash, c1915 photo
Spencer Hotel, Edith Foster and Mary Spencer, 1913 photo from Marge
Yarbrough
91
Spencer Hotel, 127 S Ash, c1900 photo
Bishop Hotel, east side of 200 Block S Ash, c1930 photo
92
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
The first furniture store was run by H. Haggard in one of the
C. Smith buildings.
The first police judge was C. Smith.
Known Police Judges: (From Butler County election records)
Joseph Weatherby
CE Markee
MH Boyles
JS Kilpatrick
EF Lowther
MM Bishop
SR Neiman
CE Francis
Frank Lowther
JL Pearsons
PE Ashenfelter
WS Curry
JG Turner
Samuel Waterfall
The first moving picture show was in one of the Pace
buildings.
The following persons live in Whitewater who lived on the
original town site before 1890: Mrs. Mary Spencer, Mrs. Cora
Motter, Mrs. Fannie Smith, Mrs. Edith Norris, Miss Edna Smith,
C.H. Bruhn, Wm. Whiteside, E.L. Neal, G.A. Roach, Dale Spencer,
A.H. Penner, S.L. Motter.
Until 1890, the residents of Whitewater went to Brainerd to
vote as there was only one voting precinct established in this (Milton)
township at that time.
The present section foremen are Forest Story, Mo. Pac. and
I.T. Griffith, Rock Island.
93
In 1889, Whitewater had five general stores: Roach Bros.,
John Eilert, G.H. Otte, T.J. Whiteside, and S.L. Motter.
94
Above five advertisements from 1889 Whitewater Tribune
95
The first harvesting machines sold here were by the
following: McCormick, Henry Weachman; Plano, L.H. Oldfield;
Deering, Irwin Bros., E.L. Neal, agent; Champion, G.W. Penner.
Bruhn John Deere dealership, 216 S Main, 1914 photo
Kirkwood McCormick Deering dealership, 302 S Main, 1912 photo
96
Neuman Implement, 109 S Main, began in 1929, moved here in 1935, Art
Neuman on tractor, Pete Neuman center doorway. 1940 photo from FRAHS
Ravenscraft Implement (Allis Chalmers, Kubota) 223 S Main, 1962-present .
2011 photo(Previoulsy, Zuercher Implement, Allis-Chalmers) 2011 photo
The first high class hotel venture was the Hotel Leslie by
W.D. Chaney.
Leslie Hotel, 202 S Elm, built 1909, 1915 photo
97
The first filling station was operated by Pace and Son at the
Neiman building. (It was located on east side of 100 Block of S Main)
Whitewater Oil Station, NE corner of Central & Main, Walt and Peter
Zuercher, 1920 photo from Dwight Zuercher
Neal-Stuart Station, 206 S Main, 1939 photo from David Neal
98
Neal-Reeves station, 206 S Main, c1950 photo from David Neal
Blackford Service Station, 226 S Main, 1961 photo from Jack Spratt
99
Whitewater was incorporated as a city in 1890.
Last part of Ordinance found in Whitewater records of 1890
The first carpenters in town were Joseph Weatherby, J.
Fowler, and W.H. Wert.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
100
Whitewater was one of the first towns to have an alfalfa mill.
G.B. Hanstine was manager.
Alfalfa Mill, north of Central and east of Rock Island railroad, c1910
photo
Alfalfa Mill, c1910 photo
101
Hanstine house, 104 N Elm, moved from Brainerd, c1900 photo
I.H. Neiman was an early stock buyer in the market. He also
fed many cattle and hogs at the yards south of town.
From 1889 Whitewater Tribune
102
Neiman farm along Whitewater River, 1907 postcard
Sam Sanders farm, K196 & Main, 1910 photo
103
The present school board is: Theodore Roth, director; Orin
E. Moore, treasurer; Paul Ross, clerk; Geo. Edris, school house
custodian.
The present city officials are: Mayor, D.M. Clawson;
Councilmen, E.D. Davis, Lloyd Dow, E.H. Eberhard, E.F. Lowther,
Herman Bruhn; Marshal, Joe Hindman; Street commissioner, Ervin
Hawley; Police judge, J.L. Pearson.
The first and last tread mill used for power in this town was
by E.T. Burns to run his elevator in the first few years. Later he
used the first gasoline engine to replace it.
G.P. Neiman plowed the first furrow in Milton Township.
I.H. Neiman plowed the first furrow in Harvey County.
At one time in the early years of the nineteen hundreds, this
city took a revenue from the jointists. The same was used to help
build the crosswalks for the large amount of brick sidewalks being
built at that time. Since that time, there have been no joints,
consequently, no revenue from that source.
(Note: The term “jointest” was primarily used from 1885-1933 to
indicate an operator of an illegal drinking place or “joint”, perhaps
leading to the title “beer joint”.)
The first streetlights and church front lights were coal oil,
the next, gasoline mantle system, and then electricity.
The first balloon ascension here was by Thomas Lankford, a
hometown young man who was a plasterer by trade. It came off at a
grove northeast of town one-half mile. A Fourth of July celebration
was in progress at the time. He landed from a parachute in Dr.
Horner’s pasture.
I.H. Neiman was the first Sunday School superintendent.
Main Street south to the section line was not laid out or
opened for traffic for several years after the town started.
104
The Independent is 50 years old. The paper was established
in Towanda and moved here by E. Davis, its first editor and owner,
in June 1893, who changed its name to The Independent in 1896.
Except for the first few months of its life, the business has never left
the ownership of the Davis family.
From January 17, 1963 edition
The Independent printing press, c1900 photo
105
Edmund Davis Sr., 1822-1904, Whitewater Cemetery
106
Whitewater was named from Whitewater Creek, which was
formerly known as Whitewoman Creek, so named because of finding
the dead body of a white woman in the creek, who had been
massacred by the Indians.
Whitewater River, 2015 photo
In early years the name of the town was often seen as two words:
WHITE WATER. This designation was used on depot signs, the postal
cancellation stamp, land deeds, and addressing. The Post Office
changed their stamp to one word (WHITEWATER) in 1950.
The A.L. Neiman first addition to the town of Whitewater
was plotted before the city was incorporated.
107
The first gasoline lighting system for stores was installed by
the Penners.
Penner Store, 205 S Main, Arthur “Nix” Penner, Henry Brucks, (2)
unknown, Gerhard Penner, 1899 photo from Dr. D.J. Martin
The first wind power was used by the Rock Island to pump
water from the creek nearby. It was an Eclipse with a 16 foot wheel.
The Holliday mill of the waterworks was next.
108
Milton Township, in which is Whitewater, was so named
from Milton C. Snorf, one of the earliest settlers.
Milton C. Snorf, 1831-1904, Whitewater Cemetery
M.M. Bishop was the first photographer in the town. He
occupied one of the Dr. Horner buildings. He is now mayor of
Elbing.
The first mail carrier on Route 1 out of Whitewater was
Isaac Neiman. The first carrier on Route 2 was George Corfman.
Frank Ham, Mail Carrier, c1905 photo
109
The first city council was as follows: J. Weatherby, H.H.
Weachman, G.G. Coons, Fred Breising, E.T. Burns.
The first mail carrier from the Rock Island was O.C. Shay.
The Mo. Pac. was within the limit.
The first pastor of the Reformed Church was D.B. Shuey.
The board of canvassers for the first city election here were
S.L. Motter, W.E. Wakefield, and E.L. Neal.
The first city marshal was Wm. Newberry [sic].
Known Whitewater Marshals: (From Butler County election records)
1890s William Newbury
Chet Brenner
J Smith
CD Brenner
John Kelly
HM Hash
Bert Leach
RH Newberry
HS McCloud
CE Kelley
1910s Colon Stewart
Geo Lord
WD Chaney
AE Smith
Geo Hash
1930s JJ Regier
Guy Roach
W Schroll
Joe Hindman
1950s Harold Taylor
1900s Paul Bushkovski
Frank Brainerd
Clyde Miller
Frank Onacraft
J Bartlett
Ed Moskvea
Geo Eyler
1920s JG Turner
GA Roach
CB Hash
Wm Brainerd
Joe Wilds
1940s Ray Brown
1960s Bernie Long
John Osborne
1970s Blaine McMaster
Jim Hash
The City discontinued having its own Marshal for law enforcement
and began contracting with the Butler County Sheriff in 1975.
110
The first child born on the original townsite of Whitewater
was Lillian Smith, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Smith.
Chester C. Smith (1847-1923) was born in Ohio. He moved to
Peabody, Ks. and was a farmer according to the 1875 state census.
There he met Fannie L. Bettes (1854-1939) who was born near Akron,
Ohio. They married Oct. 17, 1883 and had 2 children, Howard (1884),
and Fannie Edna (1885). In 1885 they moved to Annelly, Kansas.
Chester and Dr. Finch were operating a drug store in Annelly in
December 1885. In 1887 the Rock Island Railroad was built and a new
town laid out three miles east of Annelly. Chester and his family moved
in November of that year to Whitewater. They moved their double store
building on November 1st, making them the first to locate on the new
town site. They also moved their house making them the first family in
Whitewater. Their daughter, Lillian (1887) was the first child born in
Whitewater. In 1888 Howard died and in 1889 Lillian died. They had
three more children: Harold (1889), Irving (1891), and Hylas (1894).
Chester was one of the first school directors of District #95, (Holden and
Whitewater) in Butler and Harvey County. In the 1900 federal census
Chester is listed as a carpet weaver. In the 1930 federal census,
Chester’s son Harold was a furniture dealer and Hylas was a mortician.
By 1940 they were both listed as undertakers and morticians. They had
the Smith Brothers Mortuary & Furniture in Whitewater from 19211958.
Lillian Smith, 1887-1889 (and brother, Howard), Whitewater Cemetery
111
Section 3
Whitewater Extras
Library
Whitewater Library (formerly Breising Meat Market), 113 S Main, 1949
to 1980. (The Public Library was included with the High School Library
from 1924-1949.)
Whitewater Memorial Library, 118 E Topeka, 1980 to present,
2011 photo
112
Wheat State Manor
Construction of 66-bed Nursing Home begun at 601 S Main, 1973 photo
Building was dedicated on April 7, 1974. Additional expansion has been
completed in 1991, 2011, & 2015.
2011 photo
113
Scout House
500 E Topeka, built in 1969 with lumber from a barn donated by
Kenneth Corfman, 2011 photo
Scouting was first chartered in Whitewater in 1936.
Front: Allen Wiens, Fritz Roth, Jim True, Carl Long, Glen Harms
Back: Wayne Clarey, Richard Edris, Bob Stubbs, Jerry Ravenscraft,
David Stubbs, Lewis Chaney, Archie Hayes; 1950 photo from David Neal
114
American Legion, Wm P. Phillips Post 65
106 E Topeka, built 1945, 2011 photo
The Legion began in Whitewater in 1920.
Memorial Day Ceremony, Whitewater Cemetery, 1987 photo
Rolland Eberhard, Jack Lockwood, Robert Krehbiel, Don Peters,
David Willits, Arliegh Markee, Dave Howry
115
American Legion Members, 1960s photo
Front: Lawrence Edris (WW2), Charles Osburn (WW2),
Orin Moore (WW1), Vern Yinger (WW1), Boyd Blackford (WW2)
Back: Ted Roth (WW2), Maurice Shields (WW2), Herman Bruhn (WW1),
Elwood Moore (WW2), _______, Rollan Eberhard (WW2),
Art Neuman (WW2), Joe Motter (WW2), _______, Lewis Foster (WW1),
Don Zuercher (WW2), John Gronau (WW2)
116
Fire Department: 1890 to present
Fire Station built in Whitewater in 1980, 2014 photo
January 1, 2000 saw a change from the “Whitewater Fire Department”
to the “Whitewater River Consolidated Fire District”, a tax-based entity
independent of the City.
117
Fire Station built in Elbing in 2000 as part of new District, 2011 photo
Office of Whitewater River Fire District, 119 S Main, 2015 photo
118
(Drawing by Julie Mosiman)
From this in 1890…
…to this in 2015.
2009 photo
119
Whitewater High School building razed in 2007
Above: Front door
Below: SW corner of building
120
Remington Middle School
New building constructed in 2007, 316 E Topeka, 2011 photo
From Central & Oak, new building south of 1960 gymnasium building,
2015 photo
121
Remington USD 206
Remington USD 206 District Office, 110 S Main, 2015 photo
Remington USD 206 Transportation Center, 116 S Main, 2015 photo
(Formerly Gronau Chevrolet)
122
Undertaking
From 1889
Whitewater Tribune
From 1911 Whitewater Independent
Bishop Undertaking, 1912-1921. Frank Bishop died in an accident with a
train while returning to Whitewater from a funeral.
123
Smith Brothers Undertakers, 1921-1958, from ad thermometer
Lamb Funeral Home began in 1958 as Lamb Mortuary. Mr. & Mrs.
Robert P. Lamb purchased the business from Smith Bros. Ty Zeiner
purchased the business in 2004. 2015 photo
124
Whitewater Jail
A lot was purchased by the City at 110 S Ash in 1910 and the above
notice was published in 1911 for the construction of a new jail.
The Jail was used until c1948, 2012 photo
125
In 2011, the City Council commissioned the restoration of the Jail.
Broken concrete & windows, and trees growing from roof, 2011 photo
The project was completed in 2012 and opened as a museum.
Front room for Marshall’s office, 2012 photo
126
Two cells, (doors, window bars, & bed frame are original), 2015 photo
“Gunfighters” helped celebrate the opening of the Jail Museum with a
reenactment skit during the Whitewater Fall Festival. 2012 photo
127
Breising Meat Market Building
Frederick Breising moved to Whitewater from Wathena, Kansas
in 1888 and established a meat market. The butchering was done
northwest of Whitewater along the Whitewater River and the meat
brought to the store at 113 S Main for marketing. Ice needed to be cut
in season from the River and stored for cooling the meat. Ice was also
sold from the market. (Ad from November 9, 1911 Whitewater Independent)
Frederick’s son, Fred “Butch” Breising
took over the business in 1925 and operated
there until 1944. The building was sold in 1946
to Pete Neuman who had the hardware and
implement business to the north. The building
housed the Public Library from 1949 to 1980.
Wichita Cowtown Museum showed
interest in the meat market building. It was
said to be one of the last “19th century wood
frame vernacular Italianate, false front
commercial structures” left in the area. The Neuman’s agreed to
donate the building if the money was raised to move it. Hazel Breising,
wife of “Butch” Breising, made it her mission to raise the $4000 for
moving expenses
that
Cowtown
needed.
Hazel
wanted to leave a
legacy for her
grandkids.
The
building
was
moved to Wichita
in January of 1987.
Partially
dismantled for the
move. 1986 photo
128
1915 in Whitewater
2015 at Wichita Cowtown Museum
129
1905 in Whitewater
2015 at Wichita Cowtown Museum
130
Whitewater Fall Festival
Part of parade crowd, 1969 photo
Horse competition, 1969 photo
131
Greased pig catch, 1969 photo
Parade, 1990 photo
132
Remington High School Band in Parade, 1998 photo
Beginning of the 5K Run, 2012 photo from Dean Heinitz
133
Whitewater Photo Museum
A museum of local interest was begun in 2010 at 119 S Main. The
primary focus is on the collection of photographs which might
adequately depict the story of Whitewater and the immediate
surrounding area. Each photo is digitally reproduced and stored for the
viewing or research benefit of the public. Advertising items and
Whitewater memorabilia are exhibited along with photo displays.
134
Section 4
Comparison of the Decades
The following lists were taken primarily from advertising in the
Whitewater newspapers and High School annuals. Not all listed
businesses existed at the same time throughout the decade. This is not
meant to be exclusive nor exhaustive.
1906
Five General Stores
Three Grain elevators
One Bank
One Mill
Three Hardware Stores
Two Blacksmiths
One Lumber Yard
One Furniture Store
Three Restaurants
One Barbershop
Three Hotels
Three Drays
Two Livery Stables
Three Physicians
Two Coal Dealers
Three Stock buyers
One Newspaper
Three Churches
One Harness Shop
One Telephone System “that has connections and service”
135
1920s
Missouri Pacific Depot
Whitewater Mill
Rock Island Depot
Eskridge Hotel
Pace Hardware Store
Whitewater Jail
Telephone Office
The Independent
People’s State Bank
Neal Pool Hall
Hazlett Drug Store
Penner Department Store
Lowther Hardware
Neal Tin Shop
Motter Barber Shop
Mellor Real Estate Office
Lambert Grocery Store
Post Office
Gladfelters Bakery
Breising Meat Market
Kirkwood Lumber Yard
Smith Filling Station
Bruhn Implement Store
Neal And Lauther Hardware
Golbeck Cafe
Dr. Nossman Office
Lamour Filling Station
Bank of Whitewater
Smith Mortuary and
Furniture Store
Gronau Garage
Nolder Poultry
Reform Church
Evangelical Lutheran Church
Methodist Church
Dr. Regier Office
Alexander, D.D.S. Office
Stuart Grain Company
Spencer Hotel
Alfalfa Mill
136
1930s
Filling stations: L.S. Foster, Carl Smith, A.O. Lamer, Dan Resnik,
Frank Gronau, Neal & Stuart, Whitewater Mill, Claypool
Blacksmiths: Herman Bruhn, Dan Resnik, Frank Kennard
Automobile dealerships: Neal & Stuart (Ford), Frank Gronau
(Chevrolet), Dan Resnik (Chrysler/Plymouth)
Automobile repair: L. Foster, G.W. Stewart, Neal & Stuart, Frank
Gronau, Herman Bruhn, Dan Resnik, Frank Kennard
Barber shops: Wm. Reffner, A.O. Lamer, Joe Motter
Restaurants: J.R. Gladfelter, Carl Hindman
Tin shops: E.F. Lowther, L.M. Pace & Son
Implement dealers: C.H. Bruhn, L.M. Pace & Son, Neuman Hdwr Co.
Grocery: W.H. Lambert & Son, Penner Department Store, Fred Breising
Churches: Federated, Methodist
Carpenters: W.C. Whiteside, Boyd Karney
Brick masons: Ralph Krueger, Robert Krueger
Painters: F.M. Worline, Delbert Motter
Real estate agents: J.A. Thompson, Harry Mellor, Grueber
Secret societies: Royal Neighbors, Eastern Star, Odd Fellows, Rebekahs
American Legion
Kirkwood Lumber and Coal Co
Dr. W.E. Regier
Bank of Whitewater
Whitewater Flour Mill
Hazlett Drug Store
Smith Furniture
Smith Undertaking
The Independent
Bidwell Electric
Bert Spencer, cistern cleaner
Ted Roth, dairy
G.S. Long, dray line
Dale Spencer, roofer and tinner
G.A. Roach, pool hall
Wilson Dry Cleaning & Hatter
Mrs. Stansbury, beauty shop
G. Smith, shoe repair
A.O. Lamer, rooming house
Jimmie Johns, tailor
137
1940s
Smith Bros. Mortuary
Thompson Land Co.
Grueber Realty Co.
Jimmie Johns, tailor
Clawson Bros. Grocery
Stiner Service Station
Hazlett Drug Co.
Central Kansas Telephone Co. Inc.
W. H. Lambert and Son
Neuman Hardware and Implement Co.
Kansas Gas and Electric Co.
Delbert C. Motter Painting and Wallpaper
Neal-Stuart Motors
Ron Claypool Phillips 66
Blackford Ice Service
Home Café
W. W. Zuercher (Vickers dealer)
Penner Dept. and Grocery Store
H. F. Bruhn Pontiac
Stark Bros. Tree and Shrubbery
D. E. Resnik automatic water systems
E. F. Lowther Hardware
Frank Gronau Chevrolet
John J. Gronau Massey-Harris Tractor
Whitewater Cleaners
Hayes Service Station
The Powder Box
D. E. Resnik Garage, Chrysler & Plymouth
Motter’s Barber Shop
Bill’s Barber Shop
Kirkwood Lumber
Whitewater Flour Mills
H. A. Brockway, Contractor
Wilson Produce Station
A. S. Finch Phillips 66
Bank of Whitewater
138
1950’s
Hayes Café
JH Eberhard
Neal Realty
Whitewater Hatchery
Smith Mortuary
George Reeves Motor Co.
Roth’s Store
Whitewater Locker
Kirkwood Lumber Co.
Zuercher Oil & Implement Co.
Blackford Service Station
Tallman Sundries
Tom’s Market
Klassen Bros. Grocery
Motter Barber Shop
Hayes Service Station
Howard Wiebe Feed Store
Skelly Oil Company
Bob’s Service Station
Chaney’s Café
HF Bruhn Blacksmith
Bidwell Electric
Little Gem Café
Alan Nanninga Ford Sales
Stark’s Appliance
Breitenstein Service
Lamb Mortuary & Furniture
Pratt’s Dry goods
Smith Market & Sundries
HJ Wells
Stark’s Radio & TV
M & V Café
Zuercher Nursery
Dorothy Taylor Beauty Shop
Klaassen Honey Farm
Bank of Whitewater
139
1960’s
Well’s Bargain Center
Klaassen’s Variety
Stukey’s Barber & Beauty Salon
Lamb’s Ambulance
Lane’s AG Grocery
Duane Sander’s Auctioneer
Entz Oil & Implement
Bud’s IGA
Roth Plumbing & Heating
Chaney Insurance Agency
Smith Furniture Auction
The Country Kitchen
Sidney’s
A-1 Plumbing
Marjorie Neal Realty Co.
Whitewater Cabinet Shop
Lamb Insurance Agency
Newcom Real Estate & Auction
Whitewater Lumber
Jay’s Body Shop
Florene’s Beauty Shop
Whitewater Barber Shop
Albert’s Service Station
Sanner’s Farm Supply
John’s Barber Shop
Jean’s Beauty Shop
Ted Abraham & Son Trucking
Till’s Recreation
Elma’s Flower & Variety Shop
Mert Wiens
Lamb’s Corner
Cope Plumbing & Repair
Ravenscraft Oil & Implement
Anita’s Truck Stop
Burt Bowlus Laundromat
Neuman Hdwr. & Imp.
Bernie’s IGA
Smith & Cope
Orr’s
Carolyn’s Black and Gold Café
Whitewater Laundromat
Farm Bureau Insurance
Carolyn’s Party Place
Resnik Motors
Harder’s Appliance
Blackford Service
Nanninga Ford
Bank of Whitewater
Gronau Chevrolet
Bruhn Blacksmith
Lamb Mortuary
Miller Laundromat & Dry Cleaning
Ted Roth Cattle Transportation
140
1970s
Whitewater Barber Shop
Whitewater Flowers, Thelma Bidwell
DE Resnik Motor Company
Klassen Grocery
Chaney Insurance Agency
Newcom Real Estate & Auction Service
Ravenscraft Oil & Implement Company
Abrahams & Son Trucking
The Whitewater Flour Mills Company
Bank of Whitewater
JUG Beauty Salon
Harold Beck, Postmaster
Gronau Chevrolet
Whitewater Locker
Blackford Service Station
Beauty Barn
The Country Store
Lamb Mortuary
Neuman Hdwr & Imp. Co.
Golden Wheel Restaurant
Sam’s Auto Repair and Marine
Kansas Crop Service, Inc.
Wheat State Manor
McCoy’s Antiques and Flowers
Dale Swart Lumber
Vi’s Diner
Whitewater Recreation
Leland Wickham Home Sewer Rodding Service
Jim Marshall Car Wash
Hopkin’s Insurance and Real Estate
Hill’s Storm Windows and Doors
Alan’s TV and Appliance
Church Auto
141
1980’s
Our Place Restaurant
Rothliner Inc.
B&B Traveland
Sam’s Service
Terre’s Barber and Style
Wave Cave
Austin’s Buffalo Corner
Me’s and McCoy’s
Miller Bros Equipment Co.
Kevin’s Grocery
Lamb-Nutter Mortuary
D J’s Service and Repair
Café Whitewater
Dave and Jodi’s Whitewater Recreation
E & K Foods
Cherry Blossom
Bank of Whitewater
Resnik Motors
Jim Marshall Chevrolet
Ravenscraft Implement
Blackford Service
Whitewater Locker
Whitewater Mill, Inc.
Federated Church
Swiss Church
142
1990s-early 2000s
Kevin’s Grocery
Roxy’s
E&K Foods
Ravenscraft Implement
Dave & Jodi’s Whitewater Recreation
Bank of Whitewater
DJ’s Service & Repair
Victorian Rose
Krueger Insurance
Artz Financial
Butler County Rural Water District 7
Farmers Grain Coop
Sister’s Country Café
Precision Cuts
Wheat State Manor
Vogt’s Grocery
Cherry Blossom
Bob Lamb Funeral Home
Miller Bros Implement
Parson’s Financial
Lamb-Nutter Mortuary
Bell Automotive
Whitewater Grocery
AdTech International
Koehn’s Appraisal Service
143
2015
Woodstock
Kevin & Kim Pouch, Owner
Osage Gardens
Dana Lutes, Owner
Whitewater Post Office
Holly Heller, Postmaster
Whitewater River Fire Dist. Office Darryl Claassen, Chief
Whitewater Photo Museum
Darryl Claassen, Curator
Rural Water District #7 Office
Kathy Hoch, Bookkeeper
Krueger Insurance Office
Vickie Beck, Manager
Sommer Rose
Travis & Rosemary McAdams, Owner
Whitewater Locker Company
Scott Bowlin, Owner
Sweet Sugar Sensations Bakery
Kristeen Gilbertson&Cecilia Johnson, Owner
Whitewater Pizza
Jerry & Debbie Bittle, Owner
Mom’s Café
Lynn Frazer, Owner
AdTech International Office
Tony Guhr, Owner
Ravenscraft Implement
Dan Ravenscraft, Owner
Mid Kansas Coop
Tom Beck, Manager
Wheat State Manor
Mike Smith, Administrator
Bell Automotive
Danny & Stacy Bell, Owner
R&T Rentals
Travis & Rosemary McAdams, Owner
Bank of Whitewater
Brandon Patry, President
Lamb Funeral Home
Ty Zeiner, Owner
Remington USD 206:
Transportation Center
Calvin Busenitz, Mechanic
Office
James Regier, Superintendent
American Legion
Robert Brunn, Commander
Precision Cuts
Kara Sweazy, Proprietor
Whitewater Memorial Library
Jean Thiessen, Librarian
City of Whitewater Office
Kathy Wiebe, Clerk; Pat Ryan, Mayor
Old Yank Collector Auto Parts
Tim Stangohr, Owner
Centre Point Church
Jim Johnson, Chairman
Federated Church
Steve Bowman
Swiss Church
Jared Verwiel, Pastor
And a variety of home-based businesses
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In 1984, American Hasbro and Japanese Takara Tomy toy
companies formed an entertainment franchise. Initially, a line of toys
was introduced designed to change from one image to another. With
just a few twists and clicks, the appearance of vehicles, electronic items,
or weapons could be transformed into varying humanoid or robot type
figures. The idea became a huge success that eventually included comic
books, video games, and films which are still popular today.
That was not a new concept, just a new application. The City of
Whitewater began transforming as soon as it was started. It changed a
quiet prairie into a busy center of activity. It transformed two
established towns into one. It gave people of varying backgrounds an
opportunity to imagine, to dream, to succeed.
Whitewater began to find its place, to grow and change. Soon
the stables and harness shops gave way to car dealerships and farm
implement stores. The drays yielded to truck lines, the blacksmith to
the mechanic, and the coal dealer to the oil companies. Privately
owned motor vehicles claimed business from the rail passenger service
and that meant hotels were no longer necessary. Automobile
companies demanded quotas and soon our dealerships were gone.
Small stores closed and the surviving ones became bigger.
As we look back, every decade exhibits change and with it some
compromise. Whitewater has transformed. Has it been a decline? If
so, when did it start? In 1995 when the Internet became popular? In
1980 when we lost our local newspaper? In 1974 when WalMart came
to El Dorado? In 1963 when the schools changed? In 1949 when K196
was first paved? In 1913 when we got commercial electricity? Or 1910
when the first car was sold? In 1903 when the telephone was
introduced? Perhaps Whitewater’s change is only a yielding for the
future of the next generation.
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Regardless, this is Whitewater – home to a resilient people from
the very beginning. Home to a people who have been willing to adjust
and expand and imagine and grow!
1905
2015 and beyond…
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