Extracted & Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Pages 205-06

Recollections of Mrs. Charles West.

Westward the course of empire takes its way.

Eli Caine was one of the earliest landlords of the old Tampico House, one of the first buildings in town. James Cain was one of the earliest merchants, and still owns two buildings on west side of Main street. Alfred and Fred Smith have been hardware dealers for nearly 35 years. The old store is beside the new implement building. The first store and postoffice building occupied by S. B. Winter, now 84, living in New Jersey, was replaced a year ago by a brick. A part of the home of Delos Craddock belonged to a structure which occupied the site of Union hall, and was used by Dr. Taggart, the earliest physician, and later as a millinery shop. William Kilroy has the house which was occupied for many years by D. F. Gifford, the first editor of the Tampico Tornado. The tornado destroyed the back part, and left the front open to the weather until it was repaired. Thomas Dow occupied the first schoolhouse, moved to town from the prairie where it was originally built. It was used for town elections. The teacher was George Apley, now 79, and living in Nebraska. Charles Burden built an addition to an old brick, and with his brother, William, conducts a store. Above the two is Burden's Opera House. I think it was in the spring of 1874 that A. W. Bastian took charge of the school. That winter the upper part of Guffey's building was rented, and the younger pupils placed in charge of Miss Rose Laughlin, a lovely girl, sister-in-law of Fred Smith. Mr. Bastian was an exceptionally good teacher. At the dedication of the new building in 1874 a fine program was given. The music was by Isaac West and his son, De Witt, and daughter Lovina. It was the earliest orchestra I can remember. Afterwards a big supper was served in the unfinished room. It was a very pleasant occasion.