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.