The first birth in Manning, was to Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Emery, Oct. 31, 1881.

The first death was that of Mrs. Elizabeth Merry, Oct. 9, 1881; age, 18 years.

The first social event was a Thanksgiving Hop in the fall of 1881. There, were about seventy five people in attendance. Supper was served at the Garfield House.

The first theatrical performance was given, February 10, 1881, by home talent. The cast consisted of H. Foote, H. N. Morsch, W. A. Hinzman, E. B. Wilson, Paul Winter, Miss Hunter, Mrs. Winter, Miss E. Perry.

The first store was kept by Whealen Brothers in a building which had been erected by Mr. Jefferies for a granary. It was located north of the Milwaukee Warehouse.

The first dwelling erected was, the building which is illustrated on page 9.

The first blacksmith shop was operated by Tidd & Foot, and was located in the middle of Sixth Street, south of Block 9, and north of Whealen Brothers' grocery store.

The first carpenter shop was opened by Charles Brent.

The first informal assessment was taken just a year after the first lots were placed on sale. The value of the real and personal property was estimated at $200,000.

The first stock of drugs consisted of a market full of medicines which Dr. McKenna brought with him when he located here.

The first train of cars run into Manning, July 4, 1881, via., C. & N. W.

The first religious services were held in this vicinity as early as 1878.

The first attending physician in this vicinity was Dr. R. R. Williams, who located in this section of the county, long before the town was started.

The first livery and feed establishment was the open lots south of where the Park Hotel now stands. The trees and clouds were the only shelter for the horses and rigs against the burning sun, while mother earth served as mangers and feed boxes. The stalls consisted of a circle, about fifteen in diameter, encircling each post or tree, or the segment of a circle around a wagon wheel.

The first saloon consisted of, a well patronized keg, a focet, a tin bucket or cup, and a jug or a bottle, while the store houses were a lot of empty stomachs whose capacities were regulated by as many thirsty palates.

ROLL OF HONOR. On pages 11 and 12, is a list of the voters who cast their vote at the first election in Manning. This, with a very few exceptions, contains all of the voters who were eligible at this time. The last polling list would indicate that there are scarcely enough of the first voters, residing here, to form a good sized "corporals guard".

O. E. Dutton