Published by permission from the historical society.

Transcribed by Mrs. McElroys' MMS class.

HOWARD-George

The Village Blacksmith 

            Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! No, that was not a sonic boom, nor a bomb explosion. It was the sound of an anvil being fired into the air, to awaken the citizens of Mulvane for the big Fourth of July celebration. In the early days of Mulvane, and at daybreak on the Fourth, the anvil was being shot into the air with the sound of a sonic boom, by George Howard, the village blacksmith. Henry Lentz and Ed Albright assisted him.

            Old timers remember that as a wonderful memory of a wonderful day’s beginning- free lemonade served from a big tank with attached tin cups (Not so germ conscious then, were we?), foot races, band concerts, drum and bugle corps, picnic dinners, many contests-you name it as an old time activity and celebration and Mulvane had it. George Howard was often “Marshall of the Day”, riding a horse and informing the crowd as to what other events were coming. From the beginning of the day to the very end when the merry-go-round and Ferris wheel were dismantled, George Howard was on hand to make it a happy day for everyone in every way he could.

            George and Bessie Howard came to Mulvane in February 1892. At that time, they had four children: Harry, Clarence, Myrtle, and Eunice. Beulah and Lucille were born in Mulvane. The Howards came to Mulvane from Florence, Kansas. Mrs. Howard was born in England; Mr. Howard came from Iowa.

            George Howard considered a location in Wichita.  Money-wise he might have been more successful in Wichita. But from the standpoint of the family, the children were glad he made Mulvane his choice. It was (and still is) fun to grow up in Mulvane. There’s nothing like a small town for fine and lasting friendships.

            From the day the Howards arrived in Mulvane, they worked to help build a good community. They joined the Methodist Church and were loyal members ever after. Each member of the family played a significant role in the life of the church.

            All six Howard children graduated from the Mulvane High School. Harry and Clarence went into the heavy hardware business. The four girls became teachers.

            Mrs. Howard, a wonderful mother and wife, preceded Mr. Howard in death. She was a charter member of the Mulvane Women’s Club and a loyal W.C.T.U. member. She was devoted to her church and her God, rearing her family in the Christian faith. She had many friends because of her acts of kindness. For many years she was the superintendent of the home department of the Methodist Church, making many calls in homes in the interest of the church.

            George Howard was a master craftsman and guaranteed his work. Children as well as adults loved to watch him shoe horses, sharpen plowshares, and keep his forge fire burning. He spent forty-six years of honest toil and service to the community. When automobiles began to supersede the wagon and buggy business, he added a garage to his blacksmith shop. He built up a reputation for fair dealing and honest workmanship. To the youth of the community he was an example of honesty and fairness. He taught a Sunday school class of young men for many years. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge. He helped organize the volunteer fire department and was chief for many years.

            George Howard died June 6, 1938. He left this world in the way he had so often said, “When my time comes, I do not want to linger or be a burden to anyone.” God granted him that desire. He dropped dead right next to his anvil.

            His contribution to the town of Mulvane can best be summed up in an editorial in the Wichita Eagle on June 11, 1938: (titled “George Howard) “In these busy, careless times, it is seldom a community will cease all activity while it pays tribute to a departed citizen. But Mulvane did that very thing on Thursday of this week, while the funeral services of George Howard were being held.

            George Howard was a blacksmith by trade, and a good one. For nearly fifty years, his shop had served the community. The man himself had become a symbol of industry. But George Howard was more than a blacksmith, however worthy that calling may have been. He was a citizen who had been accorded every honor within the gift of his community. Mayor, councilman, school board official, civic club president, and churchman – he met every requirement of a good citizen with intelligence and zeal.

             But these were not all. It is said of him that he spread more sunshine than any other man who ever lived in this town. His kindly smile lighted the shop more brightly than did the fire on the forge. His acts of kindness were of daily occurrence.

            It may be said, with no discredit to any other man, that Mulvane has lost her leading citizen in the death of George Howard.”

Contributed by the George Howard Family.