Our Past Is Present January 31, 2018

January 31, 2018

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

            Today’s story comes from an article written by our Programs and Education Director, Jennifer Dixon. The article was titled “More Than 100 Years of Moving Pictures in Junction City”.  Jennifer wrote:” There is a long history of moving pictures in Junction City beginning in 1907 at the Lyric Theater.  One of the first of its kind, the theater was owned by Ira Bermant and was located at 603 N. Washington Street.”  Admission was five cents. 

            “On the same street was the Aurora Theater, also established in 1907.  It seated 400 people.  The Columbia Theater was established in 1917 at 925 N. Washington Street.  Unfortunately, the Columbia Theater burned down after World War I. In 1918, J.A. Howe opened The Cozy Theater on N. Washington Street after delays from the influenza epidemic.

In 1928, The Uptown Theatre debuted the silent feature “Four Walls” to a crowd of 800 people. The Uptown later became the Dickinson and in 1939 was called The Junction Theater. 

            During the Depression in 1934, The Kaw Theater opened at 907 N. Washington Street. Two of the most popular features were “Gone With The Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz”. 

In 1946 the Commonwealth Theaters purchased the old Opera House on Seventh and Jefferson Streets. It was called the Colonial Theater. And… who could forget the Midway-Drive on Grant Avenue as another form of watching a movie while sitting in your car.  

            Today we have the B&B Gem Theaters on Sixth Street with five theaters in one building.  There are reclining leather seats, a huge screen and surround sound. 

            That’s 100 years of movie history in about two minutes.  Join us tomorrow for more history of Geary County on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present January 30, 2018

January 30, 2018

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

            Today’s story will be continued over a series of Tuesday. It is about the C.L. Hoover Opera House and the information is taken from a paper written by Rob Stevens for the Division of Continuing Education at Kansas State University. He wrote: “When Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bramlage gave the former Colonial Theater Building (which is now the Opera House) to the City of Junction City in November of 1982 to be used as a convention center and home of the Junction City Little Theater, many people in the community looked for the day the former symbol of the town’s culture and power would come alive again.  The city accepted the fight, the JCLT Board immediately put its own Opera House Committee into operation and the future looked bright for the tired, old building with its white painted bricks badly chipping and its worn out roof springing leaks.

            Three and a half years later, after numerous organizations, boards, panels and individuals had spent thousands and thousands of hours trying to come to a logical solution as to what the next function of the building was to be, the voters of Junction City rejected an $840,000 bond proposal to renovate the structure.”

            Even though the bond issue failed, The Junction City Little Theater was determined and committed to the project. An Opera House Committee was formed to see it through.   Original committee members were Jolana Montgomery, Mona Kessinger, Riley Werts, Gretchen Haas, John Triplett and Rob Stevens.

            The city solicited architectural bids for a renovation of the building.  Seven firms submitted bids.  With the recommendation of the Committee and City Engineer Tom Neal – Peters Kubota Glenn of Lawrence, the firm which had designed the new Dorothy Bramlage Public Library, received the $4,500 bid with the entire cost to be paid by the city.

            To be continued next Tuesday …. On “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 

Our Past Is Present January 29, 2018

January 29, 2018

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

            Today is the birthday or anniversary of when Kansas became the 34^th state to enter the Union in 1861. The state was named for a tribe of Native Americans, which occupied a large part of what is now the eastern half of the state.  The tribe was of the Dakota group, which was a subculture of the Sioux. The Dakotas came down from the north-central part of the continent.

Early French explorers called them the Kansa. The first maps and early workings of French explorers who visited the Louisiana Territory, spelled the tribe’s name as C-A-N-S-E-Z.  Other spellings included K-O-N-Z-A, K-A-N-Z-A-S, C-A-N-Z-A and others.  The letter K at the beginning of the word marks the dropping out of the French influence in the writing of the name. Since 1803, the time of the Louisiana Purchase, the spelling with the C practically never appears.

It is true that Kansas (spelled K-A-N-S-A-S) was named for the dominant Indian tribe of the territory when it was first traversed by white men and it is spelled as it is today, because somebody made an error and wrote it that way using an S instead of a Z. It is possible that the letter Z was included in early spellings to best express the sound made to correctly pronounce the name of our state as Kansas. 

Anyway, no matter how Kansas WAS spelled, today marks the 157^th anniversary or birthday of becoming a state.  Happy Birthday, Kansas – from the Geary County Historical Society. 

Our Past Is Present January 26, 2018

January 26, 2018

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

            Today’s story is about the Post Cemetery on Fort Riley. The information comes from the “Junction City Union” newspaper in 1934.  Faith Foster, the author of the article, wrote that “because of the simple beauty of a ravine and hillside to the northwest of Fort Riley, the spot was chosen for a cemetery.  At one time the hill was covered with trees and shrubbery on the east side and on the north was a trail destined to be U.S. Highway 40 on the South.

            A wall of native stone was built around a large area and most of the trees and underbrush were cut out.  Here and there a maple, oak or dogwood was left.  As the time passed, evergreen trees and shrubs were planted.

            A woman who visited the cemetery in 1899 described the cemetery as one of the most beautiful spots she had ever seen.  “On a late summer afternoon with the sun filtering through the trees and everything partially in shadow, the place seems holy.”

            In looking through the records for the dead buried in the Fort Cemetery, the earliest grave found is 1854.  That grave is marked with the name of Joseph O’Donnell, Sargent, B Troop, Infantry, died August 27. 

            There are many stories about the early days when Fort Riley was a frontier post and Junction City was a typical “wild and wooly Western town.  In looking through old records, one finds interesting statistics and some of the stories that went with the untimely deaths of those buried at Fort Riley.  For instance, 25 Fort Riley people died in the year 1866.  Under “remarks” on their death certificates, the cause of death was listed  were: Killed in a railroad accident; pistol shot wound, which entered the mouth, lodged in the brain – suicide; drowning, typhoid fever, acute alcoholic poisoning and others.” 

            The Fort Riley cemetery is also a reminder about the ultimate sacrifice some soldiers made for our freedom and way of life.  Our listeners are encouraged to visit the Post Cemetery for not only its beauty, but also for an opportunity to spend some time among our fallen heroes.

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

Our Past Is Present January 25, 2018

January 25, 2018

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

            Today’s program will be in a different format.  Instead of sharing a story about Geary County History, our time together will be spent “charging” your memories about businesses in our town in 1953.  This comes from a list created by J. Howard Shellhaas and Myron Coryell.   Their research included the name of the original business and then what that business was in 1953.  I found it very interesting and hope you will too. Here we go:

            *The Horseshoe Saloon was operated from the early 1870’s until 1906.  In 1953 it was the Firestone Store at 805 N. Washington Street.  Of course, the Firestone Store is now at 128 W. Eighth Street.

            *J.F. Meeder Blacksmith Shop was the Bob Steele Filling Station in 1953 at the corner of Eight and Jefferson.  The Cox Solution Store is now located at 140 W. Eighth Street.

            *The Boller residence, which was built in 1875 at what was the location of the Elk’s Club in 1953. The location was at 505 N. Washington Street.

            *The Farmer’s Home was a restaurant in 1873, but in 1953 it was the Pennell Building at 801 N. Washington Street.

            *The Hall and Porter Drug Store was built in 1870, but later became a saloon and then later yet was the Blattner and Glick Jewelry Store.  In 1953 it was the Lancaster Grocery Store. Bob’s Coffee Shop is now at that location.

            Well… perhaps these have “stirred” your memory and your interest in learning more about previous and current businesses in Junction City.  We have a free “Walking Tour” Guide at our museum, which has 41 businesses identified in our historic downtown area.  Stop by and pick up a copy – take a walk – and create new memories.  You’ll see why we say “Our Past Is Present.”

Our Past Is Present January 24, 2018

January 24, 2018

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

            In an article published in the “Junction City Union” newspaper in 1934, the author stated that a man by the name of Charles Shirley had evidence that a group of people roamed this area perhaps as much as 20,000 years ago.  Mr. Shirley told the reporter that the group of people lived during the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age – an age of men so ancient that geologic eras rather than years are used to measure its duration.  In 1924, Mr. Shirley began his hobby collecting arrowheads and other relics. His collections of hundreds of pieces were on the walls of his barber shop east of the courthouse.  Listed in his collection was a shark’s tooth found in a sand rock near the Smoky Hill River at Kansas Falls.  Its origin, whether brought here by some migratory people or left by the evaporation of a great salt sea, can only be guessed.  Although the collection includes relics of the Paleolithic period, it consists mainly of Indian arrowheads, implements, awls, scrapers, beads, knives and wampum.” Mr. Shirley went on to state that “these (pointing to a row of shankless arrowheads) were used on poison arrows.  They were dipped in the decayed livers of buffalo or deer, which had first been saturated with rattlesnake venom.”

            Mr. Shirley found most of the pieces along the Smoky Hill River, along the McDowell Creek and other nearby creeks.  “Here is some wampum” said Charles Shirley as he showed two pieces of hollow, carved bone.  “It was used by the Indians for money.” 

            That’s the story written by Eugene Kuhn in the “Junction City Union” newspaper in 1934.  Sometimes it is fun to imagine our area as once being under water with large fish swimming and then imagine early pioneers and settlers crossing our flint hills on foot, on horseback or in wagons.  How things have changed? 

            Thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present”. Join us tomorrow for another story about Geary County History. 

Our Past Is Present January 23, 2018

January 23, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. It is Tuesday and that is our day set aside for more “History of the C.L. Hoover Opera House”.  Today’s story is about a 1918 performance at the Opera House and is information taken from the “Junction City Union” of that year. On one particular night, there was a variety of acts from opera singing to seals that played an instrument. 

The article stated that “An unusually well balanced bill is presented the last half of the week at the opera house.  “Herbert’s Seals” are five highly trained animal performers that do balancing and juggling stunts.  One of the seals draws a lot of applause when it plays “America” on a set of pipes.

            Hall and Beck have a sketch in which singing predominates and their numbers are popular with the audience. Walter Neland and Co., have a twenty minute sketch titled “The Fixer”.  Stewart, Haynes and Evans, are three men who present one of the best singing acts that has yet been staged at the opera house.  Two exceptional vocalists, a tenor and a bass are included in the group.  Their operatic medley number is exceptionally pleasing. 

            The Five Cubans have a tight wire and acrobatic act that has not been duplicated here.  Some of their tumbling feats are particularly good.

            I have seen many performances at the Opera House, but have difficulty imagining a tight wire act on the stage there. Perhaps they weren’t very high up from the stage?  

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

Our Past Is Present January 22, 2018

January 22, 2018

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

            Today’s story is about the house on the corner of Fifth and Adams Streets. The information is taken from an article written by Eric Stahl, a Geary County Historical Society Board member.    

“The house, located at 301 West Fifth Street is a grand old Victorian house nicknamed “The Painted Lady” because the color scheme is appropriate for a Victorian “painted lady”.   The lot on which the house currently stands was the original site of the First Congregational Church.  That church was completed in January of 1869.  By 1909, the church membership was only about 25 persons and the building was in need of upgrades.  The Congregational Church Society of New York sold the property to Thomas B. Kennedy, who in turn sold the church building to the Trustees of the First Christian Church of Junction City.  They had the building moved off the lot.  Thomas Kennedy had his Victorian house built on the property.  Kennedy moved to Junction City with his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Maxwell Kennedy.  After working for the Rockwell Merchandise and Grain business, Thomas started his own bank with his cousin, M. C. Kennedy and later that bank consolidated with the First National Bank.  Thomas Kennedy was the President of First National Bank for over 25 years.

Following Thomas Kennedy’s death the property was deeded to Mary I. Green in 1932.  In 1943, Miss Green deeded the same property to Mrs. Rose Darcy and Claire Dickman for $7,500.  Claire Dickman opened Claire’s Dress Shop in the Steadman building in the 700 block of North Washington.  While Claire owned the home, her sisters Nell and Rose lived with her.  The house was divided into three apartments and each sister had her own floor.  Walls were added for separate entrances and each floor had a kitchen.  After Claire’s death the house changed hands twice and was eventually restored to a one family residence again.”  The house is currently owned by Jan and Curtis Gray.  A 1914 Pennell photo shows the Kennedy house.  This photo may be seen on page 207 and 208  of the book titled Set In Stone, which we have for sale at our Museum.   And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.   

Our Past Is Present January 19, 2018

January 19, 2018

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

            Today’s program provides a time to reflect on some 1953 businesses in Junction City, some of their products sold, costs of items and even phone numbers.  We do not recommend you try to call them, however.   See if there are some you remember or have heard others talk about from the past.

            The “Daily Union” newspaper sold subscriptions for 25 cents a week.

            Crocker Motor Company was located at 117-119 West 8^th Street.  Their phone number was 1364 and they sold Dodge and Plymouth cars.

            Waters Appliance Store was located at 111 West 8^th Street.  The phone number was 32.  They sold 7.2 cubic foot Frigidaire refrigerators with a 5 year protection plan.  Colors came with a blue and gold interior and they were built by General Motors.  They could be purchased for $209.95 with $21.00 down. 

            The Bramlage Service Station, located at 9^th and Washington Streets sold B.F. Goodrich tires.

            The New Sweden Hot Dining Room was located at 1509 Washington Street.  They took reservations only.  Their phone number was 826, They served pan fried chicken, country gravy, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, cottage cheese and desserts in family style.   

            That sounds a lot like the menu at the Brookville Hotel in Abilene.

            Well, perhaps that was a trip down memory lane for some of you.  Enjoy the rest of your day from the Geary County Historical Society.

           

Our Past Is Present January 18, 2018

January 18, 2018

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

            Today’s story was taken from an article written by our Executive Director, Katie Goerl, on the topic of “Heritage Park – A Trip Back In Time”.  It was published in a special edition of the “Junction City Living Magazine” in the spring of 2017.  She wrote: “The park was first named City Park.  A fitting name as it was included in the original city plan when the city was planned in 1858.  The block where Heritage Park is, was purposely left blank on the map for use as a city park.”  The park remained City Park until 1988 when the park was renamed Heritage Park. The unlikely source of the new name was a local fifth-grader, Gery Hoffman. A city-wide competition was held to gather name suggestions and the youngsters name choice was deemed the winner.

            Organizations have honored Junction City’s long standing and important history with the military and Fort Riley with memorials. The first structure in the park was a wooden bandstand, which was erected in  1878.  In 1911, community members replaced the wooden bandstand.  The first monument installed in the park was the Civil War Memorial Arch that visitors pass under as they enter from the northeast side of the park.  Civil War veterans who were members of a fraternal organization composed of veterans from the Union Army suggested the memorial and advocated for its installation in the park in 1898.  Community wide fundraisers were held to fund the construction of the arch.  Schoolchildren even got involved by selling buttons to pay for the arch.

            The water fountain in the park is lighted and shoots water up to 12 feet in the air.  The fountain was gifted to the park in 1937 through the will of Jacob Benton Callen. The Vietnam Memorial, with more than 700 men and women who fought and were killed in action in Vietnam is also located in the park on the East side of the park.  The third oldest memorial in the park was installed thanks to efforts of the American War Mothers.  The memorial served as a special place for the mothers of soldiers who died overseas, many of whom did not have the opportunity to bury their sons.  Recently the memorial was restored through fundraising by Lincoln Elementary School.”

            Stop by and see these memorials and others in Heritage Park at the square between Fifth and Sixth Streets and Washington and Jefferson Streets. 

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

Our Past Is Present January 17, 2018

January 17, 2018

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

            Today’s story is titled “A Store Where the Number One Cook Stove May Be Purchased.”  This story comes from an article written by an unknown author in December of 1867.  Here is what was written about the stove.  “We visited the extensive stove and tin establishment of McKenzie and Smith on Washington Street and were pleased to see a stock worthy of our prosperous city.  The many different kinds of stoves now manufactured, the advantages some possess over others and the perfection to which some of them are brought require more than a passing observation to make a decision.  What every family ought to have is a No. 1 Cook Stove.  The years of experience and practical knowledge of this business which this firm possesses is in itself a sufficient guarantee of their fitness for selecting the best stoves in the country.  Their arrangements for manufacturing tin and sheet iron ware are complete and defy competition being themselves practical workmen and supplied with all the latest improved machinery. They are prepared to compete with any eastern market.  Their application to business and the reputation they enjoy for fair and liberal dealing has secured for them a prosperous and prominent business.              

            This is another reminder that our Museum is hosting a special Smithsonian display titled “Water Ways”.  It will be at our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets beginning tomorrow, January 6, through February 18. Our Museum is one of only seven sites in Kansas where this display can be seen.  Please stop by and see the impact water has on our play, our celebrations, our work and where we live.  Learn where our community’s water comes from, what the future holds for water and what you can do for water in Junction City.  

            A special presentation is being held on January 20 at 3:00 PM at the C.L. Hoover Opera House titled “Water in Kansas: Past and Present”.  The presentation will be given by geologist Rex Buchanan about the importance of water to Native Americans, pioneers and Kansas today. 

Our Past Is Present January 16, 2018

January 16, 2018

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

            Today’s story is another in the series of stories in honor of the C.L. Hoover Opera House’s 120^th anniversary this year. We are reserving Tuesdays for these special stories. In today’s program we are listing some of the people and events of the early days of the opera house.

            We have mentioned last Tuesday that the Opera House was originally completed in 1882 and was named the Blakely Opera House.  In 1890, a portion of the building was leased and managed by A.P. Trott, who was a local photographer and man of many trades.  In May of 1894, Thomas Dorn, then the Junction City Clerk, became the manager.  A history of the Opera House was written by Mrs. F.H. Stout for the “Women’s Edition” in the “Republic” newspaper.   

In January of 1898 at 5:30 PM, the building caught fire. Efforts began almost immediately to rebuild and renovate the building. In September seats had arrived, molding for the ceiling installed, the Board of Education room was taking shape, linoleum was installed on the floors and Police Judge Nobel’s room was completed, the fire escape was installed, the new bell for the City Hall was tapped for the first time and the clock was ready for operation. Be listening next Tuesday for more on the history of our C.L. Hoover Opera House. And… we hope you will visit the Opera House at the corner of Seventh and Jefferson Streets for a tour or a show.  Sheila, Joe or Danny would be glad to give you a tour.   Stop by or call 238-3906. 

Remember, if you are a regular listener, but miss one of our broadcasts, remember you can go to gearyhistory@blogspot.com and read the daily scripts heard on KJCK.  Geary history and blogspot are each one word.

That’s our time together today on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present January 15, 2018

January 15, 2018

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

            Today’s story is taken from an editorial written in December of 1867. However, the author or source is not identified.  Here is the story:

            “The military authorities at Fort Riley have enclosed the Post burial grounds with a strong stone wall.  We are glad to note this thoughtfulness, for soon military authority will vanish and that memorable home of the dead may be left without protecting care.  We wonder if it is possible to get up some interest in Junction City towards preparing and sustaining a first class cemetery.  The fact is we’ve all got to be buried someday – there’s no dodging it.  We imagine it to be difficult for a man to bury a wife or a child or someone dear in the open prairie without protection from the cattle.  The place where burials are made in Junction City is a piece of wild prairie with no one having title to it nor can anyone obtain title to it.  There are a large number of graves in that burial ground.  Many of them are being obliterated because there is no one caring for the place. These are the resting places of people like Ben H. Keyser, S.B. Garrett and others who have friends caring for their graves, but after years pass, the public will want to know the spot where lay  the remains of people so prominent in history of the neighborhood.  We trust some interest may be taken in this matter.  There is nothing that will contribute more to the respect of a community than the degree of respect which it shows to its dead.    

            We now have two beautiful cemeteries in Junction City.  St. Mary’s Cemetery is on St. Mary’s Road and Highland Cemetery on Ash Street.  We want to thank those who care for them.

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

Our Past Is Present January 12, 2018

January 12, 2018

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

            Today’s story is about the first concrete bridge in Geary County.  H.H. Ziegler recalled that the first concrete  bridge ever erected in Geary County in 1909 spanned Humboldt Creek on a township road west of the Chris Zumbrunn farm.  The firm of Ziegler and Dalton had built the bridge over the protests of many people who said the contractors had gone “concrete crazy.”  Little was known at the time about mixing concrete.  Gravel was taken from the creek and sand was secured on the military reservation near the present site on Marshall Field.  Instead of using pilings, two big concrete slabs were poured for the piers to rest on and then the whole bottom of the creek was given a concrete slab beneath the bridge to prevent washing. 

            Since its construction, floods had covered the bridge frequently and big trees came downstream and hit the bridge with tremendous force.  However it had stood for twenty years at that time and apparently was in as good a condition in 1929 as on the day it was finished.

            And… speaking of bridges and floods here is another reminder that our Museum is hosting a special Smithsonian display titled “Water Ways”.  It will be at our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets , January 5 through February 18. Our Museum is one of only seven sites in Kansas where this display can be seen.  Please stop by and see the impact water has on our play, our celebrations, our work and where we live.  Learn where our community’s water comes from, what the future holds for water and what you can do for water in Junction City.  

Our Past Is Present January 11, 2018

January 11, 2018

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

            Some of the people who read this blog are historical trivia buffs.  So, today we are asking some rhetorical questions about Geary County history and then will give the answer and some additional information related to the question.  Here is the first one: 

            Did you know that Kathleen Eloisa “Kitty” Rockwell – also known as Klondike Kate, the Belle of the Yukon – was a vaudeville singer and dancer? She made her name and fortune on the saloon stages of Dawson, in the Yukon, Canada, during the Klondike Gold Rush.  Klondike Kate was born in Junction City in 1876, but left as a young girl when her parents divorced and her mother moved to the state of Washington.

            The second question is: Did you know that during Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show in 1900, Theodore Roosevelt also visited here and the people of the area were treated with two grand events?  Col. Cody’s entire mounted show was drawn up in three lines north of a platform facing east.  As the shows train pulled in, his command of horsemen, Gatling gun and battery of light artillery gave a salute that lifted people off their feet.  Roosevelt was introduced and spoke for about eight minutes.  Col. Cody, who was a great admirer of Roosevelt, also made a stirring speech of two or three minutes. 

                        You may have heard that our Museum is hosting a special Smithsonian display titled “Water Ways”.  It will be at our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets beginning tomorrow, January 6, through February 18. Our Museum is one of only seven sites in Kansas where this display can be seen.  Please stop by and see the impact water has on our play, our celebrations, our work and where we live.  Learn where our community’s water comes from, what the future holds for water and what you can do for water in Junction City.

Our Past Is Present January 10, 2018

January 10, 2018

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

            My wife and I were married in the St. Mary’s Chapel and still regularly attend Mass there.  It is the first limestone church built in Kansas.  Its cornerstone was laid in 1855, when Major Ogden arrived and began construction of permanent buildings on Fort Riley.  St. Mary’s was completed, however, in 1866, when General George Armstrong Custer was commander at Fort Riley.  The funds for the construction of the chapel came from Officers, Soldiers and residents of the post.  A leading force behind the effort was Lieutenant J.E.B. Stuart, who later became a famous Confederate cavalry officer in General Lee’s Army of North Virginia.  St. Mary’s was completed after the end of the Civil War when at that time an organ and furniture were purchased for the structure.  In the years following the Civil War, St. Mary’s Chapel not only served as a church, but also as a school for the post’s children.

            During this time, a form of religious service was not prescribed, but Army Regulations mandated that the Post Chaplain deliver “a short practical sermon suited to the habits and understanding of soldiers.” Attendance at Sunday service was mandatory and Soldiers were required to march in formation to and from the service.

The Roman Catholic Mass is still used by Soldiers, their families and civilian on Saturdays at 4:30 PM and Sundays at 12:00 PM.  Visitation is welcome prior to or after these services.   And… thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present January 9, 2018

January 9, 2018

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

            As a tribute to our Opera House’s 120^th Anniversary, we will be sharing stories about the Opera House almost every Tuesday morning during this time frame. This is today’s story.

            Perhaps many of us were unaware the Opera House we refer to today as the C.L. Hoover Opera House was once called the Blakely Opera House. The idea for an opera house  started in 1879, when a group of 75 people went to see a play in Abilene’s Opera House.  Having seen and experienced that Opera House, they returned boasting that one day Junction City would have a theater just as impressive.  Soon afterword a meeting was held in the Bartell House at the corner of Sixth and Washington Streets in Junction City. The meeting was a big success, because the city council acted quickly to submit a proposition issuing bonds in the amount of $20,000 for a combination city hall and opera house to be built.  However, later the amount was reduced to $12,000. 

            The site was to be lots 8, 9 and 10 at Seventh and Jefferson Streets in Junction City.  Voters were in favor and the issue passed.   A Mr. Wells (first name unknown), from Kansas City was asked to draw up the plans for the opera house-city hall but the city council insisted that construction be done by Junction City businesses. His proposal was agreed upon on August 14, 1880 and completion was set for April of 1881. For some reason, the work was suspended until Spring and then resumed in March of 1881. 

            Soon our Opera House was given a more formal name as The Blakely House.  It was named for a well-known and active man in the community, William Blakeley, who died in 1881. 

            

Our Past Is Present January 8, 2018

January 8, 2018

           

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

            Today’s story is titled “A Surprise For The Preacher And His Wife”.  In January of 1881, Reverend Volney Powell wrote to a Junction City newspaper that he and his wife were quietly enjoying an evening visit with their neighbors, Captain White and his family, when suddenly they were interrupted by an announcement that a couple was wanting to be married.  Apparently, this kind of short notice was not uncommon for the Preacher.

            Reverend Powell and his wife went to the home of the couple who had made the request and upon opening the door to the house found no one visible.  However, a boy appeared and told them the party was in the back.  Reverend Powell and his wife quickly went through the house and unbolted the back door to find people laughing and snickering.  There were several matrons as well as several brides elect - really too many to count. 

            Each one of the couples deposited mysterious packages on a table.  It seems the Preacher and his wife were the ones being honored and had been tricked into coming to the house for that purpose. Groceries that would last them a long time were given them at what was called a “pounding party”.  The practice of giving a “pound” of various commodities was usually reserved for newly married couples on the frontier.  However, the long-wed Powell’s were surprised that THEY were the ones receiving the gifts. 

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

Our Past Is Present January 5, 2018

January 5, 2018

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

            Today’s story may bring back some memories about the “Good Eats Café”. The source of this information is taken from an Industrial Issue of the “Junction City Republic” newspaper of July, 1915. This is a portion of that article: “One of the neatest and best appointed cafes in this section of Kansas is the Good Eats Café of Junction City, owned and managed by Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Tomlinson. They have a light and airy dining room with clean table linen and plenty of efficient help to afford prompt and courteous service. The Tomlinson’s have three cafes.  One is at 607 North Washington, one at 314 East 10^th Street in Junction City and one at Eureka Lake (in Southeast Kansas). 

            The front of the Good Eats Café is arranged or public dining.  The managers are considerate of the amusements of their guests and at intervals provide a cabaret entertainment for a series of evenings.  You are welcome at this place no matter whether you spend 5 cents or 5 dollars and you are given courteous treatment at all times.   

            Our Museum is hosting a special Smithsonian display titled “Water Ways”.  It will be at our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets beginning tomorrow, January 6, through February 18. Our Museum is one of only seven sites in Kansas where this display can be seen.  Please stop by and see the impact water has on our play, our celebrations, our work and where we live.  Learn where our community’s water comes from, what the future holds for water and what you can do for water in Junction City.

            And… thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            

Our Past Is Present January 4, 2018

January 4, 2018

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

            Many of our listeners will remember the “Mid-Way” Drive-In, which was located at 614 Grant Avenue.  In a 1983 article written by Mike Ardis, “Daily Union” newspaper staff writer, he stated that the “Junction City Police believe arson was the cause of an early morning fire at the Mid-Way Drive In. 

            Police and fire departments were alerted to the fire at 3:40 AM by Delvin Byrd a B & W taxicab driver, who was driving in the area at the time.  According to police reports, a suspect entered the concession area, removed numerous candy items and possibly set fire to the building.

            JCPD Investigator, A. B. Farrow, said that it appeared the office had been searched but he didn’t know if money had been taken.  Some items had been removed from the office,  Officers found two bags of chips, a case of Snickers candy bars and a case of M&M’s along the west perimeter fence about 200 yards from the office.  Farrow said the concession area was almost gutted and the fire department has estimated damage from the fire at $30,000.

            The last truck left the scene at 6:29 AM and no one was injured in the fire.  Tom Lobdell, assistant manager of the Westside Twin Cinema, said that the Mid-Way was currently only open on weekends.  He did not know how long the Mid-Way would be closed.

            There are many memories of the old drive-in.  If you have some to share, stop by our Museum and tell them to our staff.  We love hearing those stories about Geary County History and perhaps we can use some of them on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 

Our Past Is Present January 3, 2018

January 3, 2018

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

            Today’s story comes from an article in the “Junction City “Union” newspaper in 1948.

The article was titled “To Open New Eating Place” with a subtitle of “William Brown and Wayne Langvardt Are Partners In “Elbee’s” Dining Room”. Elbee’s is spelled E-l-b-e-e.

            The author of the article wrote: “Elbee’s, a new eating place for Junction City, will be opened sometime next week at 708 ½ North Washington Street on the second floor over Claire’s Shop. 

            Wayne Langvardt and William Brown, partners in the new enterprise said that it will be operated as a dining room.  An attractive room has been completed with a seating capacity for 30 persons with additional seating possible on special occasions.

            Under the schedule planned at present, they expect to serve coffee and doughnuts from 9 to 11 AM; lunches from 11 to 2; short orders during the afternoon with the evening limited to dinner reservations and parties.  The attractive kitchen has the latest-type equipment including two stoves and a French fry unit, electric dishwasher, deep freeze unit and a garbage disposal unit. 

Both men expect to devote their full time to the business.  Mr. Langvardt has resigned a position with the Geary County Abstract Company and Mr. Brown, was formerly associated with the Brown Electric Company. 

            The name “Elbee’s” was chosen for the eating place by combination of the initials “L” and “B” for Langvardt and Brown.”

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

Our Past Is Present January 2, 2018

January 2, 2018

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

            This year marks the 120^th anniversary of the opera house in Junction City.  We will be sharing stories once a week during “Our Past Is Present” about the history and events that have taken place there.  This is the first of those stories.

            The Opera House was originally built in 1882.  After 16 years as the cultural heard of Junction City, the building burned one winter evening in 1898.  Within days the citizens had raised the funds to rebuild and nine months later it was reopened with a native stone theater attached to the original red brick City Hall.  The building was now an eclectic mix of materials and architecture very similar to the eclectic makeup of the town to which it belongs.   

             It was once again fitted with the latest and best in furnishings and equipment.  For the

next 25 years, it flourished as the heart of the community’s social life.  High school graduation

exercises were held in the Opera House until 1919.  Lectures and concerts of both local artists

and traveling groups frequently occupied the Opera House stage as well as special community

events which always rallied enthusiastic support from Junction Citians.  One of the events was

the homecoming banquet for the Junction City Company of the 20^th Kansas Regiment when it returned from the Spanish-American War in December of 1899.  The family members of the returning soldiers were all seated in the auditorium in assigned seats.  The returning troops marched down Seventh Street and through the stage doors to find banquet tables set on the stage.  As the troops ate, the band played and families sang and cheered.

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

Our Past Is Present January 1, 2018

January 1, 2018

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

            Today’s story is titled “A Surprise For The Preacher And His Wife”.  In January of 1881, Reverend Volney Powell wrote to a Junction City newspaper that he and his wife were quietly enjoying an evening visit with their neighbors, Captain White and his family, when suddenly they were interrupted by an announcement that a couple was wanting to be married.  Apparently, this kind of short notice was not uncommon for the Preacher.

            Mr. Powell and his wife went to the home of the couple who have made the request and upon opening the door to the house found no one visible.  However, a boy appeared and told them the party was in the back.  Reverend Powell and his wife quickly went through the house and unbolted the back door to find people laughing and snickering.  There were several matrons as well as several brides elect - really too many to count. 

            Each one of the couples deposited mysterious packages on a table.  It seems the Preacher and his wife were the ones being honored and had been tricked into coming to the house for that purpose. Groceries that would last them a long time were given them at what was called a “pounding party”.  The practice of giving a “pound” of various commodities was usually reserved for newly married couples on the frontier.  However, the long-wed Powell’s were surprised that THEY were the ones receiving the gifts. 

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