Our Past Is Present June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017

You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Today’s story is from a letter printed in the “Junction City Union” in 1890 written by John Mulligan.  He describes the first Fourth of July celebration in our area, which took place in 1854.  Mr. Mulligan explains that he arrived with the first batch of mechanics and laborers at Fort Riley.  He was hired by Major Ogden to take charge of the quarrying of rock for buildings. Mr. Mulligan went on in his writing to state that “in the summer of 1854, the soldiers and citizen laborers were determined to celebrate the Fourth of July.  In order to do so they made a private agreement with some parties outside the post to secretly deliver one hundred and fifty gallons of whiskey and ten gallons of wine to a location on Three Mile Creek.  Private Drum was to receive the goods and was on hand the night of July 1^st as agreed.  As the last keg was rolled into the brush, a Sergeant and two soldiers appeared on the scene and arrested the entire party.  The threat was made to confiscate the whiskey and wine, have Private Drum court martialed and have all of them sent to the penitentiary for not less than ten years.  Drum threw himself on the ground crying bitterly and begging for the Sergeant to let them go stating they would never be caught doing such a thing again.  A proposition was made to the Sergeant that the liquor and ten dollars in gold would be given him, if he would let them off.  The Sergeant did so with the understanding that the heads of the kegs were to be knocked in and liquor poured on the ground.  As the party began to leave the Sergeant began to knock in the heads of the kegs, but wait…. That’s not the end of the story.  The Sergeant only pretended to destroy the liquor.  He actually saved it… and sold the liquor for a dollar a quart.  The Fourth of July celebration for him and others was a huge success.” This has been “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present June 29, 2017

June 29, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            The Cozy Theater opened in November of 1918.  It replaced the Aurora Theater, which had been established on the site in 1917.  The Cozy had the finest motion picture equipment in the Midwest and a new brown brick façade, which showed the influence of the Prairie Style of architecture, which originated with the Chicago architects Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan. 

            The Cozy Theater opened during the era of silent films.  Mrs. George Brown was hired to play the piano to provide background music for the films.  She was often joined by a trumpet player and a violin player.  The trio received cue sheets with each new film in order to appropriately accompany the action on the screen. 

            When you take a walk and visit Junction City’s downtown district, look up at the top of the building at 616 North Washington and you will still see the word “Cozy” carved in the stone. This building is number 32 of the 41 buildings highlighted in our free pamphlet titled “A Walking Tour”.  Stop by and pick up a copy and take a walk through our downtown. Reflect on the beauty of the architecture of the buildings and appreciate that “Our Past IS Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.   

Our Past Is Present June 28, 2017

June 28, 2017

            You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today’s story was written by Darren Gunderson and published in “The Daily Union” newspaper in July of 2000.  The article was titled “Junction City’s Forgotten Railroad Empire”

Darren wrote: “Anyone who has had to sit at the railroad crossing on Chestnut, Ash or Eighth Street is very familiar with the fact that the Union Pacific Railroad line goes through Junction City and we were also served by the Missouri, Kansas, Texas railway or MKT line before it ceased service November 12, 1957.  Junction City also had a third short-lived railroad empire in the early 1950’s – the Junction City Flyer or the #1069.  The train was purchased by Bert McKinsey and brought from Wichita.  Bert owned McKinsey and Phillips Barber Shop in the 600 block of Washington Street.  It came with “some assembly required” and it was said the train, tracks and all could be set up in one day.  Raymond Eller, who lost the use of his legs, because of polio and was attending Kansas State, was hired to operate the train in Fifth Street Park during the summer months.  There were promotions for young people to get free rides if they brought three wrappers from Marvel Bread.  The Junction City Flyer had a fairly short life of only a couple of years at Fifth Street Park and one or two years in Coronado Park.  The “Flyer” was purchased and taken from the area – last seen in Indiana.”  If anyone has stories they are willing to share about the “Junction City Flyer” #1069, please contact the Museum at 238-1666. 

That’s today’s story from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present June 27, 2017

June 27, 2017

            You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Another in our series of historic buildings in downtown Junction City is today’s story.

Many of you know that J.J. Pennell was a well-known Junction City photographer between 1886 and 1922.   In 1908 he built the building at 801 North Washington Street, which housed the Miller Pharmacy at the street level and his photography studio upstairs.  After Pennell’s death, his widow and son moved from their home on Fourth Street to the second floor of this building.  It was here that Joseph Stanley Pennell, J.J.’s son, wrote the novel The History of Rome Hanks, which was a best seller in 1944.  In 1960, Joseph sold the building to the College of Emporia and moved to Oregon after his complaints about a noisy calliope was not dealt with by city officials. 

The main floor was then occupied by Gambles Department store, the second floor by the Red Cross and apartments and the basement by Republic Printing.  In 1998, the building was restored and occupied by Geary County Court Services.

            There are 41 buildings highlighted in our free pamphlet, “A Walking Tour”, which is available at our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets. The information about the historic buildings was collected by Bruce McMillan and Eric Stahl.   Stop by our Museum for a visit and take the walking tour of our historic downtown business district.

           

Our Past Is Present June 26, 2017

June 26, 2017

            You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            One of Geary County’s most famous military connections happened when the county was still known as Davis County, in the mid 1800s.  General George Armstrong Custer and the 7^th Cavalry live on in history for their untimely end at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876, but before that, Custer arrived at Fort Riley as Colonel to the newly formed 7^th Cavalry.  He brought with him his wife, Libby Custer, who recorded her husband’s life in her books Tenting on the Plains and Following the Guidon.   In these books, she recalls not only her husband’s movements, but also her own time in Geary County and her interactions with other famous historic figures. One of those was Wild Bill Hickock, who had acted as a scout for Custer.  We have a picture of Will Bill, which was taken in Junction City by A.P. Trott. There are other items in a display, which  contains one of Libby Custer’s books and a picture of Wild Bill that would be of interest are located in our Main Street Gallery on the first floor of our Museum.

           

Our Past Is Present June 23, 2017

June 23, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Before beginning today’s story, I would like to again thank Gaylynn Childs, our past Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, for doing most of the research and writing the articles shared on “Our Past Is Present”. She spent countless hours and days putting together stories we have shared since her retirement.  This is one of those many stories.

            In mid-June of 1949, it was announced that the supervision of the Fort Riley Grade School through the Junction City school system had been authorized by the Board of Education. The signing of a contract to put the plan into effect was approved at their monthly meeting. 

            The arrangement, authorized by the recent session of the Kansas Legislature, meant that the Post school should be operated the same as any other unit of the Junction City school system, according to D.A. McConnell, Superintendent of Schools. The announcement explained that all teachers would be hired locally and would be expected to meet the same qualifications required in the city schools.  It was expected that all Fort Riley children from Kindergarten through sixth grade would attend the school.  It was tentatively planned that there would be seven teachers, one of whom would be the Principal. In 1948 the Post school had more than 200 pupils.  So some of the fourth, fifth and sixth graders attended school in Junction City due to over-crowding.  The Department of the Army funds would be provided for all expenses of the school, but the funds received would be administered by the local officials.  It was further determined that the Fort Riley School would have its own Board of Education, however, today Fort Riley schools are responsible to the USD 475 Board of Education. That’s today’s story.  

Our Past Is Present June 22, 2017

June 22, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            We have shared that there are 41 buildings listed in the free pamphlet “A Walking Tour”, which is available at our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets.  Building number 18 listed in the pamphlet is the Rockwell Building. 

            Bertrand Rockwell was a Civil War veteran, who began his dry goods and grocery business in Junction City in 1865.  In 1880, he built a new brick building at 723-725 North Washington Street.  The building burned in 1888.  In 1889 the B. Rockwell Merchandise and Grain Company reopened on the same site and in the present building.  The Rockwell firm continued in business until the 1920’s.  The ground floor was later occupied by Woolworth’s, the Scott Store and later it was a Duckwall Store.  In 1986, the original façade was restored by Dr. Ned Price, who was a local veterinarian, and others. 

            When you take a close look at the building you will see decorative holes in the north wall.  This was known as woodpeckering.

            The Rent-A-Center is currently located at 723 and Edward Jones Investments is located at 725 North Washington Street. 

            We hope you have enjoyed the information about some of the historic buildings in downtown Junction City.  Take some time to visit us at the Museum and take the walking tour downtown to become even more aware of why we say “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present June 21, 2017

June 21, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today we are sharing information about the Steadman Building in downtown Junction City.  The exact date of this building’s construction is unknown, but photographs show a single story frame building as late as 1905.  A 1910 Junction City Souvenir brochure stated that Dr. C.E. Steadman and his son Dr. L.S. Steadman had well-appointed offices at 708 North Washington with Downing’s Pharmacy at the same address.  In 1913, the building housed Kibbey’s Drug Store and in 1923 it became Costello’s.  By 1925, Quality Drug was located at this site with the dental offices of Dr. Wade upstairs.  In the 1940’s Claire’s Ready-to-Wear Dress Shop took over the location. The Dress Shop,  which was run by Clair Dickman, had some famous clientele who frequented the shop.  Among those were Lana Turner, Gene Tierney and Sally Rand, who were in the area at that time.  In the 1990’s the First National Bank purchased the building.  The current occupant is the Exchange Bank Trust and Financial Office.  

            The building has been remodeled, but when visiting the inside of the building, it is easy to imagine the displays of dresses and displays both on the main floor and along a balcony where some of the formal dresses were available for trying on and purchasing. 

Our Past Is Present June 20, 2017

June 20, 2017

            Parks are important to the quality of life in any city and Junction City’s Heritage Park has been a focal point for all kinds of local happenings.  A number of years ago Theresa Durand, the daughter of one of Junction City’s early mayors, reminisced about growing up in this town in the late 1800’s. She stated that her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.O. Rizer, arrived here in 1865 and the park was here then.  “I shall never forget how my sisters and I enjoyed marching through the park around the fountain and onto the corner of Washington and Sixth Street, where Lily Murphy, a young widow operated a popcorn stand.”  Theresa stated that the “aroma of the hot buttered popcorn was irresistible, so we bought a sack of it for five cents.”

            The special night of the week in the park was Friday.  That was band concert night.  People from all over Geary County brought their families in to enjoy the music.  Three Bandstands were built in the park over the years and the Friday night concerts by the Junction City Municipal Band have been a community custom for over a century. 

            Band concerts continue this summer, but they are held in the air conditioned C.L. Hoover Opera House every Sunday in June beginning at 7:00 PM. The concerts are free and delicious popcorn is available for a donation. You can enjoy the popcorn and a cold soft drink or adult beverage while listening to our Community Band.  

Our Past Is Present June 19, 2017

June 19, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            68 years ago in our town, the philanthropy of a local young man got the summer’s swimming season off to an exciting start.

            It was reported in the “Junction City Union” that the six year old boy could have won a popularity contest at the Municipal Swimming Pool during a June afternoon in 1949.  He was passing out $20.00 bills.

            The youngster found the bills in a billfold at home and immediately started on  his brief, but highly successful project of giving the money away.  There was a total of $240.00.  On his way to the swimming pool, he met a couple of other youngsters, who agreed to accept $70.00 of the money.   

            The money went even faster at the swimming pool, when there were others eager to help the young lad with his philanthropy.  That was until --- someone notified the police.  Most of the money had been distributed when Police Officer Berl Woodland arrived.  He suggested that some of the receivers might like to give back the money.

            Well…. Some did, but some did not.  The final score was about one dollar for every two given away was recovered.  $151 of the $240 was returned. 

            Philanthropy is a good thing – if the money comes from a legitimate means. It is wise to keep in mind that what seems too good to be true, probably is too good to be true.  

Our Past Is Present June 16, 2017

June 16, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today’s story is about the role of a water boy at a construction site in 1912.

According to the “Junction City Union” newspaper an old fashioned “water boy” was still employed by the Ziegler/Dolton Construction Company. Clarence Cubes was the young lad who carried buckets of water to the men employed by the construction company.

In July of 1912, Clarence was working at the Zee Dee Building which was then under construction on Washington Street.  All day long he climbed from the top to the cells, down ladders and over scaffolding to give every man on the job a drink of water.  The job of the water boy was a hard one and Clarence made about 16 rounds each day to the 40 men employed on the building site.  This was one of the labor saving methods employed by the contractors so the workers didn’t have to stop their work to get a drink by leaving their work site and walking down to the hydrant. 

            Today many construction workers prefer to have their own water bottles or large containers of water near their site.  We hope everyone who is working outside remembers to drink plenty of water to protect themselves and stay hydrated.

Our Past Is Present June 15, 2017

June 15, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today’s story is about a new machine at a local quarry.  In June of 1866, Captain O.J. Hopkins’ new stone cutting machine was used for the first time in the Junction City Quarries.  It was set to work on a Tuesday morning and was said to have worked “positively delightfully."  It was a simple machine formerly used for sawing logs using horse power.  For sawing stone, it was a perfect success.  A stone 22 inches by 17 inches was sawed through in exactly two minutes.  This success wrapped up Captain Hopkins’ big goal in the stone business as he prepared to add steam power and improved saws.  He predicted this would revolutionize building interest in the whole country by facilitating stone work and greatly reducing the cost.  The next month another visit was made to the quarries by the newspaper and the editor noted that the Captain had rigged his quarry with a derrick and track making it resemble a coal mine.  The saw machine ran perfectly for 7 or 8 hours a day without failing and without sand or water, which demonstrated the suitability of the local stone for sawing.  

Our Past Is Present June 14, 2017

June 14, 2017

            You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today’s broadcast is about another in our series about historic buildings in downtown Junction City.  This information comes from our free pamphlet titled “A Walking Tour”, which is available at our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets in Junction City. 

            Today we will be sharing about the Hall and Porter Building located at 712 to 714 North Washington Street.  This is one of the oldest buildings in downtown Junction City.  It housed Hall and Porter Drugs, which was organized by E.T. Porter in 1866.  An 1870 photo shows a flat stone façade, which was replaced with the current brick in the 1940’s.  The stone is still visible on the north side in the alley.  Later tenants included: People’s Drug Store, Louis Teitzel Photography (which was upstairs), the W.G. Glick Jewelry store, the J.C. Teitzel Shoe Store, Lashelle Shoe Store and Lancaster Grocery Store. 

            The current business at 712 North Washington is Flint Hills Investment and Midway Travel is at 714 North Washington Street.  We again encourage you to take a walk downtown and see some of these historic buildings, but first stop by our Museum and pick up a copy of the free “Walking Tour” pamphlet to make your tour even more interesting. 

Our Past Is Present June 13, 2017

June 13, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            During the next couple of weeks of broadcasts during this time we will be sharing more information about the historic buildings in downtown Junction City. 

The source is a free pamphlet we have at our Museum titled “A Walking Tour”. 

Today we will visit the Blattner and Blakey Building at 615 to 617 North Washington.  615 is occupied by a video games store, however, 617 North Washington is currently unoccupied. The Blattner and Blakey Building was a hardware business as early as 1874 and was mostly in the south half of that building.  By 1885, John Davisons’ carriage and buggy business was located there and Palace clothing occupied the northern part of the building, which was added in about 1880.  The date at the top of the Blattner and Blakey Building represents a remodeling, which visually joined the two buildings.  Other later occupants of this building were the Glick Jewelry Store, the Rizers’ shop, Lytle’s Berkshire Department Store and Gatherings on the Prairie.

            Next time you are downtown, take a closer look at the Blattner and Blakey Building at 615 to 617 North Washington Street.  Take along a copy of our free pamphlet and see downtown Junction City in a different way than perhaps you have seen it before.  You will see why we say:  “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.  

Our Past Is Present June 12, 2017

June 12, 2007

            You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today’s story is about a new town, which was to be started between Ogden and Fort Riley.  This is according to an article in the “Junction City Union” newspaper in June of 1917.  It was reported the town would be called Kellyville, but it was later named Army City. 

            H.P. Powers of Junction City had earlier bought the old Dyche Farm east of the Fort Riley reservation boundary.  This was a property consisting of over 3,000 acres with about 150 acres  on either side of the Union Pacific right-of-way between the post and Ogden. Mr. Powers had no sooner purchased the place than the announcement was made that the new Fort Riley training area Camp Funston would be located on the Ogden Flats and he was asked by many to name a price for the property.  The Carolina Land Company made a contract to handle all the building for Army City and an advertising campaign began announcing the public sale of lots.  As a site for thousands of WWI soldiers stationed at Camp Funston in 1917 and 1918, this new boom town thrived.  However, its lifespan lasted only five years.  Following the end of WWI the Camp was closed and razed in 1922.  

Our Past Is Present June 9, 2017

June 9, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

           

            Yesterday’s story was about the flood of 1908.  Today’s story takes us back to June of 1905, when a tornado struck the northeast part of Jefferson Township in Geary County at about 10:00 in the evening.  It caused a great deal of damage to property and crops.  The first flood took place near the crossing of the Kaw River.  This was the Country Club on Whiskey Lake. Tents and camper’s outfits were carried off into adjoining fields.  Some of the fourteen persons were there to spend the night and they took refuge in the clubhouse where they had to remain.  Big trees were broken by the force of the wind.  Further away from the river, the storm seemed to gather force.  At Jake Boiler’s place corn cribs and a windmill were blown away.  At John Cameron’s farm the out buildings and front porch to the farmhouse were wrecked.  Mr. Cameron had finished putting up two stacks of alfalfa a few hours before the storm came and in the morning there was nothing to show where the stacks had been.  The wind turned the large barn on John McIntyre’s place on its foundation, and the back part of Mrs. Rasmussen’s house was blow away.  Clarks Creek was out of its banks in the morning and it was impossible to cross the Coffey, Settgast or Conrow bridges with teams of horses on account of the water being as much as ten feet deep on the approaches. 

            We have had some strong winds lately, but apparently nothing the tornado of 1905. 

Our Past Is Present June 8, 2017

June 8, 20017

            You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today’s story is about the “Flood of 1908”. On June 8, 1908 the local newspaper headlines read:  “Bottom Land Along the Republican River Under Water – Many Fields Destroyed-Street Car Line Out of Business- Washington Bridge Damaged – North Span went out.”  This was the damage inflicted on Geary County by the flood of 1908.

            Shortly after midnight the rain began to pour down and continued for several hours for a total rainfall of 1 and 3/8 inches.  However, a great deal of rain had fallen in the previous 12 hours in all parts of central Kansas.  Saturday evening the Republican River stood at 13 feet and it was thought the crest of the flood had passed.  However, by 11:00 it was at 15 feet and by 8:00 AM had reached 17 feet and remained stationary.

            Water had been over the fields at Alida for several hours and was rising, causing great damage to the fields and killing some livestock.  Between Junction City and Fort Riley, the Republican was now one-half mile wide and flowing with a terrific current.  About 40 feet of the north approach of the Washington Street Bridge had gone out and the current was rushing through the gap. 

            By Sunday afternoon the local Union Pacific agent received word that the UP train number 104 eastbound would not come here.  It would leave Abilene on the Santa Fe tracks to go to Kansas City.  The Rock Island tracks between Manhattan and Topeka were under water and washed out in many places.  Water was also over the Union Pacific tracks between Junction City and Fort Riley, and much damage would end up being done there.  

Our Past Is Present June 7, 2017

June 7, 2017

            You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            On June 14 of 1900, the public was invited to inspect their new Court House.  The following invitation appeared in the local newspaper as follows:

            “The Junction City Commercial Club invites you to inspect your new Court House and has prepared the following general program: 

            9:00 AM-2:00 PM inspect the Court House

            2:00 PM there will be a dedication address by Judge O.L. Moore

            2:30 PM there will be a band concert and speeches at the City Park

            Everybody come out and have a good time.  Per order of the Committee.

Court House.”

            Well, that was the plan.  However this dedication was postponed by the Commercial Club and the County Commissioners after consulting with each other and concluding that since the wheat harvest would be in full operation during mid and late June, a better date to invite people to see the new Court House would be July 4^th.  This would attract more people and not interfere with the wheat harvest. 

            We have a picture of the Court House being built at our Museum.  The picture is hanging on the wall on the first floor of the Museum.  Stop by and see it and other displays when you have a few minutes or a few hours.  We are open from 1 until 4 every day Tuesdays through Sundays.  We would love to show you around and hear your stories about Geary County.  

Our Past Is Present June 6, 2017

June 6, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today is “D-Day”, which was June 6, 1944.  This was the day when 160,000 Allied troops landed on the 50 mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Adolf Hitler’s Nazi German soldiers.  More than 9,000 Allied soldiers lost their lives or were wounded.  This began the slow defeat of Hitler’s threat to the world. 

            On the third floor of our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets, Heather, our Curator, has created a display titled “I am sending my love and kisses, catch em, Honey!!!”

She has found letters that were donated by Geary County soldiers and their families, which may have been tucked away in attics, closets and basements throughout the county. Many of these letters in the display are those of eyewitness accounts of famous battles, historic events, or encounters with prominent military leaders.  The more personal items of correspondence, such as heartfelt expressions of affection or words of support and encouragement between separated loved ones, offer valuable insight into the wartime experience.   

            Geary County is a community with a long history of military involvement.  Families from this area have sent sons and daughters into the military from the 1850’s, when the county was founded and Fort Riley was established, to the present day.  Likewise, many military families have chosen to make Geary County their home. The letters and souvenirs that soldiers sent home helped their family and friends and now us to connect to wartime experiences.  

Our Past Is Present June 5, 2017

 June 5, 2017

            You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today, most of us have cell phones.  We are able to make calls from almost anywhere, search the internet, check our Facebook pages, post pictures, use many different apps to get special deals on items we may want to purchase, play video games, word games and use our phones for many other uses. 

            However, in 1905, on the east side of Junction City, the farm telephone lines were just nearing completion in June.  Manager Tom Dorn of the Wareham Dewey Exchange informed the “Junction City Daily Union” newspaper that he would be connecting the lines as soon as arrangements could be made and the materials could be laid out on the ground. (By the way, Thomas Dorn was also one of the early managers of the Opera House in Junction City).  The connecting lines cost the Telephone Company about $75 to $100 per mile.  The lines going to Alida connected with all those to the north and northeast and part of Dickinson County, which made it the longest connecting line in the area.  The farmers and townspeople had to pay a toll of 15 cents per use.  With the completion of the eastern lines, there would be few points in any area within 25 miles of Junction City that could not be reached by telephone. 

            Just think how far we have come since 1905 with the ability to call almost anywhere in the world from our house, business or even while traveling in our car.   Simply amazing!!!

Our Past Is Present June 2, 2017

June 2, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Today’s story is about a steamboat by the name of “The Western Call”.  We had been aware that boats were used on the Kansas River east of Junction City, but were unaware that at least one vessel had traveled the waters of the Smoky Hill west of here.  Early in June of 1904, it was announced that a steamboat had been sunk in the Smoky Hill River around Enterprise, Kansas.  It seems this boat, which was named “The Western Call” made trips between Salina and Junction City and had become fairly well known.  The vessel did not make regular trips between the two cities, because it could not pass a dam site unless the river was up. 

            On June 15, 1904, “The Western Call” went down with all on board.  However, there were three occupants rescued by the life-saving crew at the Enterprise Mill Dam.  The boat had floundered while trying to fight the high tide near the dam, but despite the efforts of the heroic pilot to steer clear of the breakers, the noble craft lurched to leeward and was buried in the billowy deep.  The gallant crew did not abandon the ship until it was fast sinking beneath them.  It was then too late to lower the life boats and the crew cast themselves bravely upon the mercy of the tempest-tossed ropes hurled to them from shore.  The loss of the boat, which had recently been bought by Will Insley of Junction City, was estimated at about $200. 

Our Past Is Present June 1, 2017

June 1, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

The annual report of the Ladies Reading Club for the period covering June 1882 to June 1883 held some interesting news of the club’s activities for that year.  IT seems they had been meeting in Centennial Hall until it was sold in July of 1882.  So, in early autumn the room in the City Hall, which was in the Opera House on Seventh and Jefferson Streets, was given to the club by the City County to use for their meetings and library room.  In June of 1883 there were 500 volumes collected.  In the spring of 1883, an effort was made by the Ladies Reading members to keep the library open to the public free of charge. However, the club decided against doing so.

The club membership had increased by 12 that year.  The Secretary’s report concluded that she believed it was now universally felt that the Ladies Reading Club is in a prosperous and progressive condition.  It continued to grow in not only membership, but also in the contributions made to our community just as  it had in the beginning and is still doing today after more than 130 years.