Tycoon Harrington was excited when his train arrived with the Daily Iowegian’s new printing press. He summoned T. Jewett who had Teamster Thomas arrive with a wagon to deliver it to Magnate Lawson, waiting at the newspaper office for their arrival.

 

“That’s an impressive looking machine,” the Tycoon said. 

 

“It’s the latest technology,” Magnate Lawson said. “Quality in, quality out.”

 

Meanwhile, Ms. Winona spent her time walking the beat and getting to know the key influencers of Centerville, starting with Mayor Moritz, and Ms. Jessica, heiress to a California Goldmine fortune that dated back to the 49ers Gold Rush.

 

Ms. Winona was very impressed with Ms. Jessica and planned to describe her as a “lady sophisticate with charm and sensibility,” and her home on Drake Avenue “built with the finest of materials, of ultimate design, and impeccable elegance.”

 

Mayor Moritz, on the other hand gave Ms. Winona a strange vibe. There was a hint of something nefarious going on in the city government, and Ms. Winona was determined to find out what it was. Her initial thoughts of describing the Mayor was, “aloof, and smelled of the spirits,” but by the end of the day she thought better of it.

 

 * * * * *

 

Baron Anderson, Foreman Wright and all of the cowboys finished with the roundup and the drive to the railhead at Demry Stockyard commenced. Joining them were two other cattle ranchers from south of Centerville, who the Baron often referred to as the “Two Don’s.”

 

D. Downey had served the Union in the 6th Iowa Infantry Regiment, and after the Civil War, upon returning to his home south of Centerville, near Cincinnati, he purchased a war widow’s farm, allowing her to stay and live freely, which started the philanthropy adopted by Baron Anderson and others.

 

D. Van Blaricom considered himself a man of the wilderness, but made his living in the cattle trade. His Cincinnati ranch, contiguous to Downey’s, had been passed down for three generations, his grandfather had lived among the Sac and Fox natives and learned many agricultural techniques unique to their Iowa land.

 

Baron Anderson often criticized many of the Cincinnati cattle outfits, but he had the highest praise for the Two Don’s. “Not just cattlemen, but men of the highest caliber.” And because of this admiration and friendship, the Two Don’s joined the cattle drives every year.

 

 * * * * *

 

Ms. Tina was pleased to have the help of Ms. Connie, who supervised the children on the playground while she caught herself up on grading the student’s work. Her work was interrupted, however, when she heard a child cry, and ran to the playground to find Ms. Connie with a student who had fallen and hit his head on a nearby fence rail. 

 

Ms. Tina studied his welt and decided that he must be taken to the hospital and examined by Nurse Donna. The Centerville Hospital had a doctor, but he was more often than not found passed out at his desk, or sleeping in one of the hospital beds, for spending too much time in Ms. Micki’s saloon. For this reason the townspeople depended on Nurse Donna, who knew as much as any doctor and her tenderness with patients was heartfelt among the community.

 

 * * * * *

 

The people of Centerville gathered on the town square to see the arrival of “The Bonus.” He paraded the brick street walking with Mayor Moritz to the boxing ring that had been assembled at the entrance of Main Street.

 

Baron Anderson had convinced Mayor Moritz that being the first to compete against The Bonus would be good for his image, for the town, and his legacy. The Mayor balked at first, but when Baron Anderson suggested they consider the idea over some Clarkdale Wine, the Mayor concluded the Baron was right.

 

The Baptist Women’s League could not be convinced, however, and stood nearby protesting the event because of the ringside wagering that was never sanctioned, but nonetheless expected.

 

The event would be one of the most memorable for Centerville that year, and Ms. Winona was quick to make it a headline article in the next day’s issue of the Daily Iowegian.

 

After the event Baron Anderson went to the Jefferson House to take Mr. Bonus to dinner. The attendant explained that Mr. Bonus had already left. 

 

“Well that’s a shame,” the Baron said. “Wonder what his hurry was?”

 

“Not sure,” the attendant said. “He only stated that he had personal business.”

 

 * * * * *

 

In the next episode of CENTERVILLE 1884: the community is raving about the quality of their new newspaper the Daily Iowegian. After the cattle drive Baron Anderson notices his horse has gone lame and makes a visit to the community veterinarian. And the Baptist Women’s League welcomes their new pastor.