Published by permission from the historical society.

Transcribed by Mrs. McElroys' MMS class.

BLOOMENSHINE-C.W.

            The autumn of 1907 brought a new family to Mulvane – C.W. Bloomenshine and wife, Kate-their two oldest daughters, Ethel and Fay; a young son, Lockwood; and a four year old daughter, Leota. C.W. (Charles) was born in January, 1859, in Knoxville, Ill. And at the age of ten, moved to near Washington, Ill. His wife, Kate Hollywood, was born in June 1860 near Washington, Ill.

            In December 1883, Charles and Kate were united in marriage at Kruger, Ill. They farmed there for many years and their three oldest children were born there. For a few years, they farmed near Rockwell City, Iowa, where Leota was born.

            The Bloomenshines purchased a farm less than a mile north of Mulvane belonging to Clark Ellis. Possession of the farm wasn’t until March, so there was a period of six months spent living in a rental house in the south part of town. This was an enjoyable change from the farm life near Rockwell City. They were fortunate to have good neighbors, among them the George Hills, Maguires, Capt. Logan, Sam Wrights, Egans and many others whose names escape this writer’s memory. The “sheriff” of the town was Mr. Newman – a kindly man – but a “policeman”, and the very mention of his name brought terror to the heart of small youngsters. “Do you want Mr. Newman to put you in jail?” That was a question which needed no answer but brought instant good behavior.

            In March, the move was made to the new farm home. The house was enlarged and made more modern by the addition of a pipe furnace and one of the first Coleman gas lighting systems – plus an “indoor bathroom”.

            As the years went by, “C.W.”, as he was known, improved and beautified the farm and home until it became one of the most admired farm homes in that area. He was one of the founders of the founders of the Mulvane Cooperative Union of Mulvane, and served eleven years as president of that company. He was a member of the Mulvane Masonic Lodge.

            His wife, Kate, was most contented spending her time in the home, attending to all the duties of a farm homemaker. Her kindness and sense of humor won many friends. She lived to be 103 years and 6 months of age. Her husband passed away in 1938, and she in 1964. Both were members of the Christian Church.

            Ethel, the first child, married John C. Campbell, a citizen of Mulvane all his life. They made their home there until their death. She was active in Eastern Star and Women’s Club. They had many friends and interests.

            Fay did not marry, but stayed home with the parents while they lived. She, too, was a member of Eastern Star, but was not as active as Ethel. She worked ten years in Love’s Dry Goods Store, where she had the opportunity to make many friends. She spent her last years in San Diego, California, with her brother, Lockwood and wife, Helen.

            Lockwood, after college at Fairmount and teaching in some nearby high schools, went to California for more college. He spent the rest of his life in the San Diego school system, where he was Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education until his retirement. He was always good to his Mulvane family, as well as his own, and kept close touch at all times. He wrote many stories for his children of his early days in Mulvane. After his death, his wife, Helen, had the book, “Prairies Around Me”, published. People looking for interesting stories can find them in this book in the Mulvane City Library.

            Leota and husband, Park Love, lived in Mulvane until 1948, and then moved to Wichita. They are now retired and living in Shawnee, KS, near their son, Stanley.

Contributed by Park and Leota Love.