A Social Center
Rupert was on the frontier in 1905, yet new settlers soon
connected to the rest of the world. Even before the railroad was
completed, mail found its way to the Schilling Store, via John
Rupert's mail bag. The first post office opened July 17, 1905.
By mid-September, the city had both telegraph and telephone
offices and double railway service in both directions daily. Two
newspapers were established. The first issure of The Rupert
Newswent out September 21, 1905. The next day, The Rupert
Pioneer published its paper. These became The Pioneer Record
in 1908.
A virbrant hub of civilization was being created, and citizens
were gaining a commmon identiy. This was expressed in the
culture and social life of the community, revolving around
churches, fraternal organizations and schools. Young people
from all faiths met together for Sunday School. From this
cooperative effort, the need for public education becane
apparent. The Methodist Church was established in September
of 1905, the Christian Church in 1906, the Catholic Church and LDS Church in 1907, and the Baptist Church in 1909.
The Odd Fellows Lodge Began August 30, 1905, the Modern Woodmen of America a month later. In 1909, The Culture
Club and its auxiliary, The Royal Neighbors began. That same year, the Commercial Club was organized. They built the
gazebo in the center of the Square, where the City Band held Saturday night concerts. A woman's social hall opened May 1,
1909, providing rest, comfortable chairs and reading material.
Another expression of the town's newfound identity was its
championship baseball team, which was victorious over all
challengers in the spring of 1906. In 1917, a large dance and
concert hall was built in the Bush building on the south side of the
Square.
Social entertainment was very importamnt to early settlers.
Peformers arrived by rail and the hard-working construction workers
and merchants, provided the market. Beginning in 1905, several
theaters/"opera houses" were built, the Lincoln on the north side of
the square, with two or thee others on the west. The Star and
The Mutual came to be operated by Daniel Ward Wilson. In 1919,
Wilson proposed a grand, triangular theater, seating 700, to replace
the smaller ones. He thought it would cost $30,000, however, when
completed, it cost $75,000. It still stands as a community center
today.
[Picture captions]
The Multi-Denominational First Rupert Sunday School
Early Rupert Bandstand in Winter
