Friday, February 2, 2018

Our Past Is Present February 2, 2018

February 2, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            The late Bob Honeyman, former “Daily Union” newspaper correspondent for many years, wrote an article in his column, “Bits of Honey”, about two of the oldest businesses located on Washington Street in Junction City.  Some of what he wrote is our story today.
            One of the oldest businesses was the “Daily Union” newspaper, which was founded in 1861.” It is now located on Sixth Street.  However, Bob wrote “of those still located on Washington Street, the Central National Bank is the oldest.  The Bank dates back to 1884. It was founded by Sumner W. Pierce, a native of Cooperstown, New York. In 1861 Pierce borrowed $750 from the Building and Loan Association to start a sewing machine and music business.  He established branches in several towns in Kansas.  To finance his business ventures, Pierce began making loans on real estate and selling mortgages in the East as early as 1880.  He organized the Central National Bank with capital of $50,000.  Edward W. Rolfs began a 60 year career with the bank in 1915 with his son, Ed J. Rolfs and Ed C. Rolfs both succeeded him in the presidency.” Robert Munson, E.J.’s son-in-law, is now the President of the bank.   
            “Water’s True Value Hardware “takes the laurels for being the oldest continuous retail business in one family. Waters Hardware was founded in 1904 by G.E. Waters, grandfather of the late Bob Waters.  G.E. Waters moved to Junction City from Manchester, Kansas.  Waters purchased the Grentner Hardware Store, which was housed in the Masonic Temple at 722 N. Washington Street,  The store moved to the southwest corner of Eighth and Washington in about 1918. Waters True Value is now located on East Sixth Street.
            The Rolfs and Waters families are connected through the marriage of Betty Ann and  Bob Waters.  And… that is today’s story on….. “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 


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