Our Past Is Present September 29, 2017

September 29, 2017

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

            The formal opening of the new expanded Thompson Building at 7^th and Washington Streets in Junction City took place in late October of 1909.  The offices upstairs and the large new billiard hall were visited by many people.  The Thompson Smoke House, which with the Loeb Drug Store, occupied the lower floor and was the largest billiard hall in central Kansas.  The front portion of the building was devoted to cigars, tobaccos, and pipes displayed in elegant new show cases and were partially separated from the billiard and pool tables by a partition. 

            In the rear of the building were two fine billiard tables and four pool tables.  There were four more pool tables on the south side, which opened on to East 7^th Street.  The floor of the new part was covered with rubber matting while the front part of the building retained the tile floor.  The tables were all refitted and a new supply of cues and balls had been added. 

            The big glass front of the East 7^th Street side furnished exceptional lighting and the central portion of the establishment was lighted by skylights.  At night there were new electric lights of high illumination.

            Mr. Thompson had ordered a supply of settees and writing tables for the convenience of customers.  The walls were decorated by the Durbon Company and were painted a light yellow color with the pressed steel ceiling painted in white.  Palms and other plants were used for decoration. 

             

Our Past Is Present September 28, 2017

September 28, 2017

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

            Sometimes we think about baking when we hear there was a Gold Medal Contest. However, the audience that left the Junction City’s Methodist Church on a Wednesday evening in September of 1907 had just been to a Gold Medal Oratorical Contest.  Because of some sickness and other reasons, the number of contestants was fewer than expected.  The medal was won by Mrs. J. B. Smeilney of Riley. This qualified her to be a contestant for the grand medal competition. 

Other entertainment was provided by the W.C.T.U. organization.  They gave a performance titled “Minute Women.”  The welcome song was sung by 22 school children.  Their graceful salute to the flag and the Kansas Rally Cry of the Loyal Temperance Union was outstanding.  The Rally Cry went like this:  “Saloons Must Go, Because Our Boys and Girls Say So.”  Apparently this brought about loud applause. 

            There were other musical selections presented by a chorus directed by a Mr. Elam. 

The Gold Medal Oratorical Contest was more than speeches being given, but also an evening of enjoying quality music.

            That is today’s story.  We hope you and your family will come to “Jammin in JC” for some great blues music, and some of the best food at the best prices at our booth in Heritage Park this Friday evening and Saturday all day and evening. 

Our Past Is Present September 27, 2017

September 27, 2017

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

            The September 3, 1921 edition of the “Junction City Daily Union” told how the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Harman had recently had one of his watercolor paintings printed in the “World Magazine.”  The picture showed a steeplejack view of New York’s Lower Broadway.  The article accompanying the picture stated “Truth is stranger than cubism when it comes to seeing and depicting the unbelievable skyscraper of Lower Manhattan.”  The perspective from which the picture was made was one that few artists would attempt.

            Bertram Hartman was born in Junction City in 1882.  He graduated from Junction City High School with 28 others in 1900.  The 1900 Year Book published an appropriate prophecy for each graduate and beside Bertram’s name was written “An artist who may produce excelled designs, but they will avail little, unless the taste of the public is sufficiently cultivated to appreciate them.”  Harman painted three murals for the old Bartell Hotel dining room in 1910 and it is these for which he is most remembered by area residents.  There were also four oil landscape paintings of Geary County that hung in the George Smith Library, which was located at the corner of Seventh and Washington Streets.  These landscape paintings were donated to our Museum in 1984.

            Bertram went on to study abroad and returned to live in New York where he opened a

studio.  Just prior to his death in 1960, he wrote letters to the head librarian of the George Smith Library.  These letters also contained sketches in crayon and ink.  A time capsule buried by the graduating class of 1900 was opened in 2000 and one of Harman’s sketches was found in the capsule. That’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present September 26, 2017

September 26, 2017

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

            Today’s story is titled “The Lights Came On In Junction City.”

A reporter at the “Junction City Tribune” paid a visit to the Fogarty Mill west of the Smoky Hill River in September of 1886 to see the starting of the city’s new electric lights at its source.  In the basement of the new building he found a roomful of complicated, powerful and nicely adjusted machinery.  The person in charge was Mr. J. W. Wilkins, who represented the Western Electric Company of Chicago.  The wheels were first put in motion simply on a trial run.  After a short stoppage, some adjustments were made and a pulley was replaced.  The power, which was conveyed across the river by a wire belt was then gradually applied.  The lighting appeared at once in the mill room and in two dozen businesses and houses on Washington Street a mile and a half away. This occurred all at the same moment.  The reporter stated that this was one of the most wonderful practical applications of the powers of nature put to use in the nineteenth century.  Electricity would light the business streets and houses in of the city much more perfectly than could be done with oil lamps – not to mention that it would be cheaper.  Twenty-four streetlights were installed and more were on order.  It was believed that the supply of waterpower could be expanded by three times the original size by adding more machinery and fixtures.  The “Junction City Tribune” stated that it could now date the lighting of Junction City with electricity as of ….. September 1886.

            And… that is today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present September 25, 2017

September 25, 2017

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

            Today’s story is another written by Gaylynn Childs, our former and now retired Executive Director during the year of the sesquicentennial anniversary celebration of the founding of Junction City.

            “One of Junction City’s great selling points in the beginning years was the existence in abundance of quality building stone.  Early promoters described the stone quarried in the immediate area as “magnesium limestone of a light gray or buff tint.”  It was found in the outcroppings sometimes called rim rock, which ran throughout the area.  However the best stone for sawing purposes was found beneath the surface of the soil down to a depth of 12 to 15 feet.

            One of the great advantages of Junction City stone was its workability when it was first taken from the ground and the fact that it hardened with exposure to the air and elements.  Thus, it could be worked and carved into beautiful shapes and forms that would endure as the stone aged.  Junction City’s first real industry came as a result of the effort to utilize this building stone.       

            Major O.J. Hopkins, who had earlier served at Fort Riley, settled in Junction City after the Civil War and in 1866 he initiated the commercial process of sawing this local limestone.  It is reported that he probably got the idea from Daniel Mitchell, an area settler, who in the summer of 1864, experimented with the use of a hand saw to saw this stone while constructing his house.  Hopkins had apparently witnessed this experiment and later initiated correspondence with the operation of eastern quarries to learn more about quarrying methods. 

            He then interested Junction City founder James McClure and others and formed a company to undertake the sawing of local limestone.  This venture became one of the largest industries in the early history of Junction City employing as many as 60 men and turning out about $1,500 worth of stone per month.  The company used the McFarland Quarry, which was probably the earliest quarry in the area. 

            In 1867, primarily through the efforts of George W. Martin, editor of the “Junction City Union”, The Junction City Stone Sawing Company secured a contract to furnish all the stone needed in the construction of the State Capitol building, which is now the east wing.

            Although the Junction City Sawing Company eventually went bankrupt, it had paved the way for the production of building stone, which would be used throughout Kansas and in the surrounding states for over a century.

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

Our Past Is Present September 22, 2017

September 22, 2017

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

            It’s football season!!! We thought that today, we would review some newspaper reports on the football season in years past. 

            The first article found was dated 1894.  The author had an obvious bias and concern about players getting injured when he wrote:  “Football is, if possible even more brutal and dangerous than prize-fighting.  But it is now a popular fad and it is supposed it will continue in “favor” until some of our bright and sturdy boys are maimed for life.  Thus far, in the season a broken arm and numerous bruises and contusions were the extent of the injuries received by local players, but it was felt that parents and teachers would avert much future regret, if they would strongly use their influence against this barbarous pastime.”

            By 1912, there was a more acceptance of the sport.  A football banquet was given by local merchants at the Bartell House at Sixth and Washington Streets.  Twenty-one players and as many merchants enjoyed an evening of dining and hearing short talks given by Dr. Smiley (the team’s coach), Dr. Carr, Mr. Platt and Mr. Shideler.  After the banquet the boys were treated to free entertainment at the Lyric Theater.   

            A 1913 article related some changes to the rules of playing football.  Neither the head coach nor anyone would be allowed to walk up and down the sidelines.  The words “running into the fullback after the kick” were changed to “roughing the kicker.”

            We found the report of the 1918 Junction City versus Salina game to be surprising.  JCHS lost.  This was their first game of the season and the score was 32 to 2.  One of the suspected reasons for the loss was that several players had car trouble and were unable to get to the game during the first half.

            It is football season and we wish all of our local teams the best – not only on the field but in using the many life skills that are learned from playing sports. 

            

Our Past Is Present September 21, 2017

September 21, 2017

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

            This Sunday, September 24 at 3:00 in the afternoon, we will be hosting another in our series of “Memories at the Museum.”  Come and share your memories of Ninth Street in Junction City.  We would love to hear your stories. 

            Now for today’s story….

            One of the most attractive and best equipped drug stores in the West opened in October in 1909 and it was located in Junction City.  Louis B. Loeb was the owner.  The store was located at the corner of 7^th and Washington Streets.  It was furnished in mission style mahogany and the fixtures were manufactured especially for Mr. Loeb by Whitcomb Cabinet Company of Kansas City, Missouri.

            There was a 14 foot soda fountain that occupied the north side of the store.  It was made of onyx and white marble and was beautifully lighted with colored globes.  The fountain was built for Mr. Loeb by the Liquid Carbonic Company of Chicago.  Another feature of the store was the balcony in the rear.  This space had green carpet, comfortable chairs and several small tables for serving hot and cold drinks. 

            There was a large mirror in the rear of the room downstairs.  Drugs in bottles and packages were in closed cabinets with glass doors. The cabinets on the north side of the room contained attractive displays of stationary, perfumes and toilet articles on one side and cigars and candies on the other. 

            The well-known photographer, J.J. Pennell, took a picture of the Loeb store, which we can show you at our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets any day Tuesday through Sunday from 1 until 4 in the afternoon.  Stop by and see this picture and the many displays we have of Geary County History. 

           

Our Past Is Present September 20, 2017

September 20, 2017

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

            On September 12 of 1923, two Geary County citizens were hospitalized, two automobiles badly wrecked and a buggy smashed to firewood as a result of three weekend accidents.  Mrs. Ed Moritz was taken to the city hospital after the car driven by her husband had crashed into one of the heavy posts used to barricade the section of the Milford Road, which was cut through by the Republican River several months earlier.  Lack of light was said to have caused the accident.  Mr. and Mrs. Moritz had traveled to town to do their trading and at Fifteenth Street, both globes in the cars headlights burnt out.  The Moritz’s went back to town to get new globes, but shortly after beginning their trip home, the new globes stopped working.  Mr. Moritz was familiar with the road and decided to make the rest of the journey to their home in Milford without the lights.  He said he was on the lookout for the barricade, but was on it before he could stop the car.  Mrs. Moritz was thrown through the windshield sustaining cuts to her face and wrists.  She also had severed arteries, which caused her to lose a great deal of blood.  Mr. Moritz improvised a bandage and they set out on foot for the James Dixon place one and half miles up the road.  A passing car failed to stop, despite Mr. Moritz’s frantic waving of his wife’s bandaged wrist. Mr. Dixon took the Moritz’s to the hospital where a physician worked for several hours to repair the injuries. During that same night a large quantity of groceries and tools were stolen from the Moritz car by thieves. 

Charles Miller of Chapman was also taken to the hospital with a broken leg after his Ford had wrapped itself around a Cottonwood Tree on Grant Avenue. 

            A horse owned by a teamster named Paggett, had to be shot after an automobile collision broke the horses leg and the buggy… was smashed beyond repair. 

            September 12, 1923 was a busy day for accidents in Junction City.  Fortunately, everyone except the poor horse survived. 

            And… those are today’s stories on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 

Our Past Is Present September 19, 2017

September 19, 2017

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

            In the early 1900s, Junction City’s Charles Henry Manley was known as a newspaper editor, a real estate broker, a poultry fancier and was described as a “man of leisure.”  In September 1907, he held his annual chicken sale in the Ballinger Feed Store on Jefferson Street.  It was not generally known that during the previous spring, Mr. Manley decided to make a little money on the side and so he ventured into the chicken business.  He sent several hundred poultry breeders all over the nation a message that if they sent him some of their best eggs, he would give them free advertisement for a month in the Republic newspaper.  Breeders of chickens believed in advertising and by the next train the eggs started to arrive. On one shipment, an express wagon was filled and the express charges were $26.00.  Manley paid the bill without hesitation, because he knew he was going to get his money back in the end.  Manley made an additional agreement with some of the farmers who provided eggs, that half of the chicks hatched after September 1 were to be his. The following week after the agreement had been made, the finest bunches of chickens ever seen in this part of the state were sold to fancy breeders at good prices.  Breeders from surrounding towns attended the sale and secured a select lot of high-grade fowl.  Mr. Manley had proven himself to be successful at his part-time job of… raising chickens. 

            And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.   

Our Past Is Present September 18, 2017

September 18, 2017

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

            Gaylynn Childs, our retired Executive Director, shared this story in a 2008 broadcast in recognition of the 150 anniversary of the founding of Junction City.     

            “To most who are relatively recent residents of this area, the idea that steamboats once piled the rivers of Kansas is hard to imagine.  But indeed they did and they played a significant role in the early settlement of this region.  Sonie Liebler, a “Steamboat buff” and a former resident of Junction City, has researched and documented this riverboat era in local history and she writes that between 1854 and 1866, over 20 steamers plied the Kaw River.  “In those days, rivers were the natural road ways on which settlers and cargo were carried west as the frontier opened up for settlement.  The Kansas River was no different from other tributaries of the Missouri, Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.  Traveling the river was not easy, but it could and was done by perseverance and river smart men who knew their business.” 

            The three stern-wheelers that carried trade to Fort Riley were: The Excel, which made six trips during June of 1854; the Financier No. 2 that made two trips in 1855 and one unloaded at Fort Riley then continued up the Republican River as far as present day Clay Center.   The third was the Colonel Gus Linn, which made six trips during the flood year of 1859.  The Colonel Gus Linn was perhaps the most successful steamer on the Kaw, carrying a cargo of Commissary supplies, building materials and passengers to the Fort and returning with corn, hides, produce and passengers to Kansas City. 

            The fluctuations of the river boaters dictated the success and frequency of riverboat travel on the Kaw River until the start of the Civil War.  The railroad also brought an end to the era of the riverboats in Kansas.”

            

Our Past Is Present September 15, 2017

September 15, 2017

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

            In September of 1904, a man by the name of Ed Block was arrested for taking a ring from a girl in the north part of Junction City.  Mr. Block claimed to be a fortune teller and said he was making a forecast of the girl’s future then he slipped the ring on his finger and ran away.  He later pawned the ring at a saloon.  Law enforcement caught up with him and he spent the night in the city jail.  The next morning he was given 15 minutes to get out of town.  He left as fast as he could, but as the city limits were beyond a fifteen minute walk or run from the police station, he was only about half-way out of Junction City when he was apprehended again.  The attention of the Chief of Police and the Police Judge was direct to the fact that Junction City was a bigger place now and it might do well to lengthen the running time between the police station and the city limits.  There needed to be more time give to thieves to get out of town when told to do so by the court.

                        This Sunday is the Geary County Historical Society’s Ice Cream Social on the grounds of the Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets. We will serve from 3:00 until 6:00.  There will be homemade baked goods, ice cream and other foods available and… free entertainment by members of the JCHS Jazz Band and the JCHS Orchestra and you could win a free cake in the “Cake Walk.”   The proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards maintaining the Museum facilities. 

             

Our Past Is Present September 14, 2017

September 14, 2017

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

            We had a story last week about a circus that came to town in September of 1904.  Well, today’s story is about a carnival that was here, only a month later – in October of 1904.

            A Fall Festival involving a street carnival was held in town from October 4^th through the 8^th.  The World’s Fair Carnival Company had been secured for the event, which was being sponsored by the local Aerie of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.  The company carried 14 first class amusement features.  Four of those were to be used free and the other 10 were paid attractions.  It was the intention of those who organized the event to have the carnival features set up in the streets in the business portion of the city providing the City Council granted their permission.  The location of the carnival was to be between Seventh and Eighth Streets and Jefferson and Washington Streets.  Everywhere this traveling company had appeared, they drew great crowds. It was hoped that the railroads would give excursion rates to those people traveling to this area in order to encourage out-of-towners to visit.  This was the first time Junction City had put on such an event and the community was confident the people of Central Kansas were going to be entertained in a way they would remember for a long time. 

            During Sundown Salute the Ottaway Amusements provide quality entertainment, which attracts people of various age groups and from different parts of the United States. It seems to me – being in the older age group - that some of the rides have become more challenging than the “Tilt-A Whirl”, merry-go-round or Ferris wheel, which were a part of the carnivals in the 50’s and 60’s.  So what do you think?  

            Well… that is today’s story from the Geary County Historical Society.   

Our Past Is Present September 13, 2017

September 13, 2017

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

            Thomas Dixon, who was a Geary County pioneer and Junction City’s well-known feed and grain merchant, received word in September of 1908 that he had been awarded the contract for furnishing oats for the two Kansas Army Posts – Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth.  The contract called for 18 million pounds of oats. There was to be 13 million pounds for Fort Riley and 5 million for Leavenworth.  The contract was to begin October 1^st of 1908 and end July 31^st of 1909.

            Mr. Dixon had the contract the previous year also, but the new contract called for considerably more oats with this new one.  The announcement in the “Junction City Union” newspaper stated that “The fact the contract was given to a man from this city means much to the farmers of the county.  Mr. Dixon will this year, as in previous years, buy as much of the grain here in the home market as he can.  Of course, the quality must be the best and for this the highest market price would be paid.”

            This Sunday is the Geary County Historical Society’s Ice Cream Social on the grounds of the Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets. We will serve from 3:00 until 6:00.  There will be homemade baked goods, ice cream and other foods available and… free entertainment by members of the JCHS Jazz Band and the JCHS Orchestra and you could win a free cake in the “Cake Walk”.   The proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards maintaining the Museum facilities. 

            Thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 

Our Past Is Present September 12, 2017

September 12, 2017

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

            The “Junction City Union” newspaper reported in September of 1949 that “the firm of Hornbaker and Harper had collapsed.” However, they were also quick to point out that it was the cleaning business of the younger members of the families that had ended and not the law firm of their fathers. Apparently the young teenagers, David Hornbaker and Doug Harper had contracted with Grace Campbell to clean her cellar.  Miss Campbell had some jars of old canned foods she wanted destroyed and she gave the boys directions on how to break the glass safely with a hammer.  Nevertheless, first one and then the other boy came to her to be treated for a cut.  Although Miss Campbell gave first aid with a nurse’s skill, both boys began to feel faint.  She wound up with her cellar cleaners on the bed!  The boys soon recovered, however, and were back on the job and considered the incident all in the line of duty.  The newspaper suggested that perhaps Miss Campbell should think about carrying Worker’s Compensation Insurance. 

            Both of the boys became successful in fields other than cleaning and neither joined their father’s law firm.  Well… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present”. 

Our Past Is Present September 11, 2017

September 11, 2017

            A young Junction City businessman needed a car in the fall of 1905, but he couldn’t find any good bargains in Junction City.  So he decided to take a look at the car market in Kansas City.  He had not been there long, when he came across an old acquaintance, who offered to show him around.  On learning that the young man wanted to buy a car, the friend – just by coincidence- said HE was in the trade and would be glad to assist the young man in his search.  The next morning they drove out to the friend’s place of business.  There was a vehicle, in which the Junction City man showed interest.  It was in excellent condition with low mileage.  A deal of $500 was paid and the young man began his return to Junction City in his new car.  His joy was short lived, however.  The young man was stopped by the police and charged with being in possession of a stolen vehicle.  Apparently, the young man’s friend was the owner of a business full of stolen cars.  The Junction City man got on the train and came home without a car and . . . without his $500.00.  He came to the conclusion that from now on - - -it would be better to shop in Junction City in the future.

           

Our Past Is Present September 8, 2017

September 8, 2017

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

            Today’s story is another about an incident involving the Junction City Fire Department in 1897.  At about 4:00 AM on Sunday, September 15, 1897, a fire alarm rang.  The gasoline stove in Shreve’s Restaurant, which was located at the rear of the Hauserman Barber Shop, was said to have been the cause of the fire.  The old building was made of wood and the entire rear of two other businesses were also quickly engulfed in flames.  However, the fire department DID quickly respond.  They spread four streams of water at the blaze and soon had it under control.  They did this so quickly that the big plate glass window in the Davidson Hardware near- by was untouched by the heat.  Most of Mr. Hauserman’s barbering fixtures were removed, but the Thiele and Guthrie store, which was also near, suffered a $500.00 loss.  The Shreve Restaurant was completely wiped out, including clothing and personal family keepsakes.  None of the shop owners carried insurance, although the building itself was insured for $1,000.  It was not known if Captain Knox of Fort Riley, who owned the building, was prepared to rebuild.  In the meantime, Hauserman relocated his Barber Shop in a vacant room in the Bartell block and Thiele and Gutherie temporarily located their business in the south room of the “Senate” Buildng.  

Well… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present September 7, 2017

September 7, 2017

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

            In 1904, the Knights Templar was a group of people who were committed to carrying out charitable works and historical research to protect Christian sites in the Holy Land through diplomatic rather than military means. It is now recognized as a non-governmental organization with special consultation status to the United Nations. Some members of the Knights Templar were on their way home to Providence Rhode Island, after attending a meeting in San Francisco in September 1904, when their two special Pullman cars were in a train wreck six miles west of Junction City.  The Knights were brought into town and given accommodation at the Bartell House on Washington Street.  The local Knights Templar and the Ladies of the Eastern Star did everything in their power to make the strangers comfortable.  There were 49 Knights and ladies in the group involved in the train wreck.  Six of the Knights were seriously injured in the wreck and ten or twelve more had painful, but less serious injuries.  The others were shaken and had sustained scratches and bruises.  Most of the injured were in the rear car that rolled down a 15 foot embankment turning three quarters of the way over before stopping at the river’s edge. A special Union Pacific train was sent out to bring back the injured, which were taken to the hotel in wagons.   Many local physicians worked through the night to tend to the injured.  Doctors from Fort Riley also came to town to assist as needed. 

That is today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.  Thanks for listening. 

Our Past Is Present September 6, 2017

September 6, 2017

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

            Today’s story is about the circus coming to town in 1904.  The parade of the Sells and Downs Circus Show arrived on the morning of September 8, 1904.  It was witnessed by the usual group of curious happy-hearted people from around the area.  The pageant proved to be interesting as the gilded cages, open dens of wild animals, dancing and prancing horses and attractively attired acrobats and performers mounted on splendid animals appeared.  There were also chariots, bands, elephants and camels.  The horses attracted the attention of those who loved well-groomed animals. 

The afternoon show was a highly entertaining one with performances by the Elliot Family, who were acrobats.  There were tricks on bicycles by the Martell Family and the Earl Sisters gave a breathtaking trapeze act.  Many clowns also provided many laughs.  This show came highly recommended by those who attended the circus in 1904.

Recently, some of the larger circuses have gone out of business. If you have never been to a circus, we hope you will attend a show before that form of entertainment is completely discontinued.  

Our Past Is Present September 5, 2017

September 5, 2017

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

            We receive quality service from our police, fire and EMT’s and sheriff departments and showing appreciation for those who are public service providers is important. Even in 1897 the citizens of Junction City were a little slow in showing THEIR appreciation for the excellence of the local fire department.  On several occasions, the members of the fire department had participated in contests.  They brought back fame and honor, not only to themselves, but to the city, however, without much fanfare or recognition.  In September of 1897 there was a contest in Salina at which the firefighters again claimed victory.  Only this time they found a band to lead a demonstration of praise and recognition on the streets of Junction City.  This was followed by a banquet.  Those invited were the contest team, the band and a few outsiders.  The celebration was paid for by the fire department.  The “Daily Union” newspaper had an article in which the author stated “the community had displayed a rather mean spirit to allow the firefighters of Junction City to go away to an important competition, return with a victory banner and then expect them to put on and fund their own celebration.  They deserved better treatment.  The firefighters were in need of new uniforms.”  It was recommended by the author of the article that the citizens could be saved from their previous oversight by contributing to the purchase of those uniforms. 

            We could do more to show appreciation for our law enforcement and firefighters.  Even if it is only give them a heartfelt thank you.

            

Our Past Is Present September 4, 2017

September 4, 2017

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

            The dedication of a new school is a “Big Deal.”  This is a culminating event in celebration of the investment, planning and establishment of a learning environment for students to be successful during their formative years, and then into their future and for the community to use also.  In the early days of rural school buildings the dedication of a new school building in the Maple Grove District was for the same purpose.  It was September of 1926, when the new school was formally dedicated.  It was north of Junction City on the Milford Road. The building was completed during the summer months and was built to replace the school previously destroyed by fire.  The new school was made of stone.  It had a large basement with half of the being above the ground. It was intended that this area would also serve as a community affairs room.  The crowd at the dedication packed the building and many in attendance had to stand outside.  An instrumental duet was performed by Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild of Milford followed by a vocal solo by Mrs. T.L. Jones.  Dr. Draper conducted the dedication and Mrs. Ida Grammar, the County School Superintendent made a brief speech, as did Dr. John Brinkley.  At the conclusion of the dedication, a basket supper was served in the basement.  The Maple Grove School had fifteen students with Miss Margaret Harris as the teacher.  She later became Mrs. Pierce Powers.