Settlers traveling westward after reaching Russell County in the late 1800′s faced a new peril of the prairies. A prairie fire had completely destroyed all grassland areas in the southern section of Russell County. Searching for food for their animals, they pushed northward to find to their delight a creek and vast grasslands surrounding this creek. To them this was an answer to their prayers – a paradise! And so many settled by this creek – now Paradise Creek - also naming the new found lands Paradise.
History records indicate Paradise was a town with two names, one being Paradise as the town and post office were officially known the other, Iva Marr, the daughter of rancher Dave Marr, was known for her rare beauty, surpassing all young ladies among the early 1900′s. Paradise’s historic landmark – the native stone water tower – even bears her name to this day.
As did many county towns, Paradise flourished in its early days with the railroad reaching western Russell County in 1889. The typical stores – a bank, hotel, and a physician, accomodated this growing town.
Paradise was even known to have a bank robbery in 1912. According to stories, bank employees were bound, but eventually freed themselves, only to find telephone lines cut. Alarming local townsmen of the robbery caused a group to set out in search of the villain. They were successful in their search and found and shot the thief.
As mentioned earlier, one historic landmark in Russell County today is the native stone water tower which stands near Kansas Highway 18 and is the only one of its kind in Kansas. It was erected in 1937 by funds from the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Local men comprised the main construction work force for the project.
If Mother Nature’s fury in storms, drought, fires or grasshoppers didn’t take its toll on the weaker settlers, the Depression did. With no influx of popluation during the Depression, World War I and World War II, Paradise did not grow, yet it has not disappeared. It stands today with the pride of it;s local citizens still considering it a paradise - a quiet, yet accomodating town!
Recent Comments