Local History - Home and Vicinity: Life Within Gilboa, 1917

GILBOA - January 4, 1917, the surrounding communities and Gilboa itself began the new year with steady activity within their businesses and daily life, despite the harsh conditions of the winter season.

In response to the growing appeal for wood on subscription, residents such as Grant Wilbur and D.K Haner of Conesville delivered a generous amount. Their contributions were highly appreciated and reflected the continued spirit of cooperation within their community.

Farming had a notable change as Ora Cain’s sale of his Clay Hill farm to his son, Cornelius who will continue the operations in the spring. After many years of labor and agriculture, it is seeming that Mr. Cain intends to step back from the demands of the farm life.

Holidays were also highly celebrated throughout the town, as the Minekill Falls school held many Christmas exercises and even had a tree. The students enjoyed the exercises and the tree as well on December 22, the attendance was reduced due to a storm hitting the town. Despite it, the event was still considered a success and held a lot of enthusiasm by the students.

Work was also being continued on the dam project where drilling operations near the iron bridge and the creamery are testing the depth and quality of rock. The newspaper also reports the several drill sites that have been reported reaching rock formations, though some of them may require further excavation. 

The Gilboa Hose Company also announced their annual supper and dance which would be held on January 12th at grand hall. With a full orchestra engaged and a chicken pie supper planned as well, the event was expected to draw a large crowd as well as many enjoyed the past annual events that were held. 

From agricultural changes and growing industries to social gatherings and seasonal labor, Gilboa begins 1917 as a town that regularly updates their town with the recent events that are happening within their community, while giving praise to the local people that help their community. We see this throughout The Gilboa Monitor, as hard work, farm operations, planned suppers, and even labor hard are highlighted throughout the town which shows how well connected they were during this time period as well and shows how much appreciation they have for one another as well.