Notorious Newton - 515 N Main

Saloons, Prayers, and Drug Stores: the building at 515 N Main.

The Gold Room Saloon 1871 - 1873

In 1871, Isaac Thayer opened the Gold Room Saloon at 515 N Main. Described by a Topeka Commonwealth reporter, the Gold Room Saloon was a large, roughly constructed, frame building. Inside, a twenty foot bar was left of the front door. Barrels containing all kinds of liquors and wine were behind the bar. The “mantle or show part of the bar, lined with clusters of decanters daintily arranged and polished until their shimmer is like that of diamonds” was above. Opposite the bar, were the gaming tables. A raised platform for entertainers was at the rear. (Topeka Commonwealth, September 17, 1871).

At some point James Gregory became a partner or bought him out. From 1871 to 1873, Gregory was the primary wholesale dealer for liquor in Newton. He was also the first mayor of Newton.

First Church Service

515 N Main was the site of the first church service in Newton when Rev. Milton Haun gave a sermon in the Gold Room Saloon.

The Gregory Family says Good bye to Newton

In August, James Gregory, along with his wife, said goodbye to Newton. The August 7 notice in the Newton Kansan reported that Mr. G.S. Bradley purchased the Gregory home in Newton. By December 1873, a new business featuring fancy notions and millinery, opened in the building in the 500 block of Main. Tragedy quickly befell the new business venture. After beginning as one of the 'grandest' saloons in Newton and a hub for early politics, the notorious Gold Room Saloon building burned to the ground in an overnight fire on Dec 8, 1873 (Wichita Eagle Dec 11, 1873).

The site of several shootings

June 15, 1871 Snyder shot and killed Welsh in front of Gregory’s saloon. Both were “cow-boys”. A few days later Johnson killed Irvin in the Parlor Saloon. His pistol was accidentally discharged, the ball passing though a partition and killing Irvin. . a man of no known character."

The Shooting of George Halliday

On the morning in question, George Halliday was at James Gregory's Gold Rooms Saloon, 515 Main, Newton. Even at the early hour of 10 am, he was reportedly intoxicated.

At the same time M. J. Fitzpatrick "had been upon a drunk for perhaps two weeks" and as a result "that wicked nature of his had began to overcome his senses." The previous evening, he had "hunted several parties of his associates with pistol in hand to kill them" with no success. This was his mood when he entered the Gold Room Saloon at 10 am and saw his friend, George Halliday.

Some comment passed between the two men that "were ordinarily good friends." Whatever was said caused Fitzpatrick to strike Halliday on the head with the revolver "at the same time he pulled it down to his breast and miss fired once, pulling it again and it was discharged, killing Mr. Halliday almost instantly."

Following the shooting, Fitzpatrick "walked into the street defying any person to attempt to touch him. Crowds of men immediately rushed to satisfy themselves as to the affair and in two minutes fifty men ran for firearms and swore him to death."

The City Marshall, Jack Johnson, did attempt to arrest Fitzpatrick, "who immediately drew the revolver on him." At which time, Johnson "calmly surveying the situation . . . crossed the street, borrowed a Henry rifle and in another minute put an end to his existence . . . in front of Hamill & Co store."

Within fifteen minutes of the shooting, a committee was formed to search out "several hard cases . . . and ordered them to leave town and never come back."

At the same time a Coroner's Inquest was convened with John Reid, Justice of the Peace of Newton Township, Harvey County, Ks as the acting coroner. Twelve men, six for each case, were called as jurors. In the case of Fitzpatrick, the jurors included D. Hamill, who owned Hamill & Co located "first door north of the depot" where Fitzpatrick lay dead. Seven witnesses were called. After hearing the statements the jurors, "at the body of M.J. Fitzpatrick, there lying dead" decreed that Fitzpatrick "came to death from a gun shot wound, in the hand of a lawful officer whose attempts to arrest him" failed.

The cost of the Inquisition was $16.15.

Testimonies and statements were also taken related to the death of George Halliday for the consideration of the six jurors. Five witnesses were called to describe the events of the morning.

It was ruled that his death was caused by the actions of M.J. Fitzpatrick. The cost for the Halliday Inquisition was $14.65.

Active in the public since his arrival in Newton in 1871, George Halliday was well known in Newton and his former home, Topeka. Shortly after his arrival in Newton, Halliday was appointed justice of the peace following the resignation of Judge C.S. Bowman on August 31, 1871. On February 29, 1872, he, along with R. M. Spivey, was instrumental in the organization of Harvey County, introducing bill H.B. 504 which created the new county. Just seven days prior to the fatal encounter, Halliday was listed as a Republican delegate from Newton.

Kristine Schmucker, Curator, Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives, Voices of Harvey County