Friday, March 30, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 30, 2018


March 30, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            Doug Otnes of Dwight, Kansas remembered some of the best days of his life being spent at the Junction Theater, where he worked as the projectionist from 1936 to 1939.  He also worked at the Cozy Theater, where he earned $18.00 a week.  When he began work at the Junction Theater, he earned $20.00 a week.  “That was good money for those days,” Otnes said.  A person could get in to enjoy a matinee for 15 to 20 cents or an evening show for 25 to 35 cents.  “When times got hard everyone could get in for 25 to 35 cents.” 
            The Junction, formerly known as the Dickinson Theater and before that The Uptown, opened its doors to the public on October 1, 1928.  The theater was elite for its time with three sets of plate glass doors, a tiled ticket booth with a black marble counter and plate glass windows adorned with red velvet curtains. 
            When Tex Ritter came to town for a promotion of one of his movies, he stayed at the Bartell Hotel, but was asked to move to the Harvey Hotel on East Seventh Street, because he got “sassy” about something, according to Otnes.  Mr. Otnes had opportunities to be around Tex Ritter and said he liked Tex and thought he liked Otnes.  He always called me lad, Otnes recalled.
            Old westerns are a favorite of your host.  Gene Autry and Roy Rogers were my favorites.  How about you?  Who were your favorite western movie stars?
            Well… that’s our time together today on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 



Thursday, March 29, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 29, 2018


March 29, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            Leona Garrison, who works in our Research Center at the Museum shared this story from the J.C. Republic newspaper of 1906.  The article was titled “A Wild Cow.” This is what was in the article: “Monday afternoon James Dixon, from northwest of the city was driving in a cow for the Coryell and Powers market and when near the U.P. Depot, she became unruly and made wild charges at everyone that was in sight.  The cow got Henry Lichtenhan, Jr. between her and a building and “rolled” him, bruising him slightly then made a pass at some other parties who got out of the way.  The cow caught sight of a tramp who came out of one of the buildings and before he could be induced to get back into the building she had hooked him catching her horn just above his knee and tearing his leg open nearly to the hip.  He was brought up town and taken to the police court where his wounds were attended to and as he was without funds, he was sent to the poor farm for safekeeping.  He was so drunk when the accident occurred that it was with difficulty he was gotten out of the mad cow’s way after he was hurt.  She was finally roped and tied, and it was found necessary to kill her where she was tied.”   
            Well… thanks again for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 28, 2018


March 28, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            Last week we had a story about the closing of the Peter Pan Grocery Store, which was located on Seventh Street.  Today’s story will be about the Stebbins Grocery, which was located at 1108 N. Clay Street in Junction City and the information for this story was taken from the Daily Union newspaper with the text written by Laurie Oswald.  Laurie wrote that “behind the grocery counter are shelves of penny candy and behind the candy is a bullet hole.” Les Stebbins, the owner of Stebbins Grocery told the reporter that even though he was 85 at the time he would work until he was unable. However, he was always scared.
            Les stated, “I can’t keep track of how many times I’ve been robbed.”  After counting the incidents, he remembered eight times when he was beaten up and one time when he was shot. There was even a time when his son was shot, with the bullet hole behind the bubblegum to prove it.
            Benefits outweighed the risks for Les, who managed the store since he retired from Water’s Hardware in 1971.  Les’s mother bought the grocery store, which was not much bigger than a living room, in 1921 and managed it until she retired in 1944. 
            The size of the store was 25 by 35 feet.  When the door opened a buzzer would sound and often the store became filled with children wanting to purchase their favorite bubble gum or candy.  Les stated that “they often asked ‘Do I have enough money for five pieces of gum instead of four’ and ‘How much tax do I owe?’“ 
            Adult customers would stop in the store to scan the eight shelves on the north wall for canned goods or the potato chip rack in the middle of the room.
             On a personal note, this story brought back memories for your host about a similar neighborhood grocery in the town I grew up in Ohio.  It was a small mom and pop store located in a housing area, frequented by us kids to buy our favorite candies and gums from the kind and patient owners, who seemed to look forward to us coming into their store if only to have us say hello.  Those are some good memories. 
            Share yours with us at the Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Tuesdays through Saturdays.  We love hearing your stories.
            And… thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.


Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 27, 2018


March 27, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            If it is Tuesday, there must be a story about the Opera House.  Remember this is the 120th anniversary of the Opera House located at the corner of Seventh and Jefferson Streets.  If you haven’t been in the Opera House for a while or haven’t seen a performance, please do.  Danny, Sheila or Joe are willing to give you a tour during days when there is not a performance and you would be impressed  when you attend one or many of  the shows that take place at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. 
            For many years the Opera House served as a place to watch minstrel shows, circus acts, silent movies and then eventually the “talkies.”  During the time when it was a movie theater called the Colonial Theater, there was a pet by the name of “Stinky” kept in the building.  Stinky was a bedraggled tiger kitten that wandered in one day out of the weather.
            According to Mildred Keeshan, who wrote in the Junction City Republic newspaper in March 1949, “plenty of milk with an occasional can of sardines and a lot of loving attention tamed and fattened the wild kitten so that he became an insolent, haughty, sleek cat who insisted on sleeping in the top letter basket on the manager’s desk. 
            The janitor accidentally locked Stinky in the office one night – hence his name.  Slow to make friends, Stinky was a snob and trusted only the folks he knew.  People were allowed to pet him only if he has seen you around for a while and sensed you are to be trusted. 
            Popcorn left on the floor following a movie was a temptation to mice and rats.  So, Stinky had his life’s work cut out for him and he did a good job.  In fact, occasionally he would take a half dead mouse upstairs to the office and lazily play with it until everyone noticed and praised him.
            One day in March of 1949, Stinky came into the office and found the crew petting a kitten.  He paced from one end of the room to the other yowling and growling in a jealous rage.  After all, this was his domain and he did not intend sharing it with just any alley cat.”
            We don’t know of any critters running around the C.L. Hoover Opera House, but there have been some great acts that have include animals.  Stop by the Opera House and see for yourself sometime – and watch the humans too.
            That’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Monday, March 26, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 26, 2018


March 26, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 
            Today’s story is about the mass transit line that linked Junction City to the “Prairie Post.” The information comes from an article written in the Junction City Union newspaper in 1901.  “The idea of an electric railway between Junction City and Fort Riley was not new in 1901. Community leaders had first attempted such a venture in 1886.  Although prominent citizens such as Bertrand Rockwell, A.H. Bartell, N.F. Greene, James Harvey and C.G. Thurston put $50,000 into the venture, it never materialized.   There was another attempt 1889, but that too failed to be realized.  At the beginning of the 1900’s a third group succeeded in organizing and actually getting the trolley line construction underway.  Permission was gained to run the streetcar tracks along Eighth Street, then north on Washington and out through the rural “flats” along the northwest side of Grant Avenue, which was then mainly a wagon road to the Republican River.  Construction of a four-span steel bridge set on concrete-filled steel pier was built in order to continue the path to the ultimate destination of Waters Hall.  Waters Hall was at that time the headquarters building on Main Post at Fort Riley.”
            We have a picture of the trolley in our train station gallery on the second floor of our Museum.  Stop by and have a look at it and the other artifacts from Geary County History.  Our Museum is located at the corner of Sixth and Washington Streets and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1 until 4:00 PM.
            And… thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.


Friday, March 23, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 23, 2018


March 23, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 
            We want to remind you again that if you miss any of our daily broadcasts, you can read the scripts on gearyhistory.blogspot.com.  Geary history is one word and blogspot is one word.  That’s gearyhistory.blogspot.com.
            Now for today’s story…. which is about the honoring of Blue Jay Athletes from an article in 1971. This is what was in the article: “I don’t think any other high school athletic program in Kansas has accomplished so much in so many sports as Junction City.”  Veryl Switzer, Assistant to the Vice-President for Student Affairs at Kansas State University told Blue Jay athletes Monday night at the annual JCHS all-sports dinner in the school’s cafeteria.
            More than 100 athletes who finished the season in any sport, coaches, school administrators and Board of Education members, cheerleaders, pep club officers and persons who assisted in 1970-71 sports programs were guests at the dinner.
            Mr. Switzer was a gridiron standout for Kansas State University.  He played professional football for the Green Bay Packers and in the Canadian League.
            “Athletics involve more students than any other school activity,” Mr. Switzer said.  “It involves the athletes, the cheerleaders, the entire student body at pep rallies, the band and the whole community as spectators. High school sports may not be the professional type the student would like to have, but they provide him with basic skill concepts and various activities he might enjoy during leisure periods.” stated Very Switzer at the JCHS all-sports dinner in 1971. 
            Remember our Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1 until 4:00 PM.  Stop by and see the galleries on three floors of the Museum located at the corner of Sixth and Washington Streets.
            And… that is today’s program on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.


Thursday, March 22, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 22, 2018


March 22, 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 1985.  The author wrote: “Memories of penny candy, fifteen cent soda and Saturday matinee shows come flooding back when one walks into the Peter Pan Food Store, owned and operated by John Leonard.  In his small store there were creaking wooden floors, a ceiling fan, an old fashioned cash register, a single check-out stand and freshly cut meat displayed behind glass.  Leonard has captured the spirit of the last of the small grocers – “mom and pop” stores.”
            At the end of May, 1985, Leonard will hang the “closed” sign on his door for the last time after more than 45 years in the meat cutting and grocery business. He stated: “I hate to close it up.  It’s been a good store.” Leonard was a strong believer in being available to customers, which was evident by the rapport he had with everyone who came into the store.  He stated: “You’ve got to be out where the people are.  They want to see the boss. Success in any business is 90 percent hard work.  If you’re not physically working at your job, you’re gonna go out of business.”        
            When Leonard came to Junction City in 1939, there were 39 grocery stores, many of which were on the 100 block of Seventh Street where Peter Pan was located.  Among others in business were Kientz IGA and A&P. 
            We are always interested in hearing your stories about former grocery stores and other businesses in Junction City.  Stop by the Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Street between 1 and 4 Tuesdays through Saturdays. 
            And… thanks for reading “Our Past is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.


Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 21, 2018


March 21, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            Today’s story comes from a document titled “JC Past and Present Directions” written in 1910. The title of the article was “Palace of Sweets”.  “The establishment conducted by J.L. Johns and known throughout the city as the Palace of Sweets, is located at the corner of Sixth and Washington Streets in Junction City.  Although in 1910 it had only been in place for one year, the article stated that the business enjoys a reputation and trade second to no similar institution.  This popularity has been gained by offering the public the best in confectionery, ice cream, sherbets, soda water and other refreshing and invigorating delicacies.  This firm manufactures a full line of chocolates, in various styles and flavors and all kinds of confections.  Five experienced assistants are employed and a floor space of 2,150 square feet is occupied.  The proprietor, Mr. J.L. Johns was born in Maryland in 1874 and received his education in that state.  He has been engaged in this line of business during his entire business career.”   
Although the Palace of Sweets is no longer in Junction City, there are other choices in town to satisfy your “sweet tooth.”  Choose your favorite and enjoy!!!
And… thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.


Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 20, 2018


March 20, 2018
            You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
It’s Tuesday and that means our program today will be about the Opera House, which has been in existence for 120 years.  We learned last week that voters rejected the bond issue to restore the Opera House.  As we continue to work through the document written by the late Rob Stevens in order to share some of the history that helped get us to the “Gem on the Prairie” known as the C.L. Hoover Opera House, this is what Rob wrote:  Mayor T. Michael Fegan, “who was again elected mayor on April 21, 1987, believes the elephant should not be shot yet.  I never thought it not passing at the polls was the end,” he said.  “We’re a long way from the final chapter of the project.  All avenues have not been explored.”
            “He thinks the biggest obstacle of the 1986 vote was the size of the price tag.  “A more affordable and private/public blended type of funding may be the answer,” he said in an April 17, 1987 interview.  He said his first priority is to “clean up the exterior… make it more marketable.  We need to pull together who do not want to see it just sit there.  We fixed the roof and have a $20,000 clock… we do not want to stop there.”
            Fegan feels once the outside of the building is improved, then another concept can be designed for the inside.  Possibilities include offices and a scaled down performing area that was planned by Peters Kubota Glenn.  Excluding a resident-theater group would eliminate needs for storage and a dual-purpose stage further reducing costs.  Fegan said there is limited grant money and labor-assistance programs available to help initiate the project but his main focus of funding is a mix of private and public funds. Richard Pinaire feels the Junction City Little Theater was the greatest loser, by dropping its interest in the project.  “JCLT lost, it hurt its credibility when it went out front to raise money and then backed off.  People, like me, are very upset.  The Opera House could still be the home of JCLT in the future… I am hopeful JCLT will see it’s in its best interest.”  That concludes Rob Stevens’ writing about the conflicts, efforts, disappointments.  We know that eventually our community came together yet again to raise funds and restore the beautiful building for amazing performances at our C.L. Hoover Opera House. 
            Thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.


Monday, March 19, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 19, 2018


March 19, 2018

            In 1907, the Aurora Theater was established at 616 North Washington Street in Junction City.  Currently Gorilla Games occupies that building. In an article written in 1910 found in J.C. Past and Present Directions, it was stated that “the Aurora Theater was one of the most popular places to view moving pictures. The theater is admirably arranged, ventilated and lighted. It is artistically decorated and has accommodations for any reasonable number of patrons.  The moving pictures are new and have never been shown before in the city. The stage is large, affording ample room for vaudeville acts.  This theater is known as the appropriate place to be entertained amid surroundings restful to the senses and attractive to the eye.  Six courteous ushers and operators are necessary for the conducting of this metropolitan establishment.  The proprietors, Mr. Leon McShane and Mr. Marvin McShane, directly supervise the details of this business. Mr. Leon McShane was born in Iowa in 1886.  He was previously associated with the manufacturing business.  Mr. Marvin McShane was also born in Iowa in 1887 and was previously engaged as a druggist.”
            Watching movies on the computer or on television in the comfort of our homes is usually less expensive than going to a theater, but watching a movie on the big screen is special, especially when you can enjoy theater popcorn and a soft drink during the showing.
            Well, that’s our program for today.  Thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.



Friday, March 16, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 16, 2018


March 16, 2018
            You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            The readers of the “Union” newspaper in March of 1877, found an article titled “Make Homes of Your Farms”.  The author wrote: “Farmers and homesteaders were told that the farm should be made an enjoyable “home” and not just a place of confinement, deprivation, hard labor or discontent.  It advised farmers to make a delightful home; to lay out plans with their children to constantly increase its attraction; to enlarge orchards; build a drying room and pressing room and teach boys and girls to dry and preserve food; to can fruit and let the children share in the money which they earn from the processing.            
            When parents pay their children for work done, do not advise them to buy a pig or sheep, because many thoughtless farmers did. They should tell their offspring to subscribe to some good publications and then establish a reading circle in the family where each could read aloud in the evening. 
If they bought good furniture for their houses instead of fancy guns and hunting dogs, their homes would be comfortable and attractive.  They could rest assured their children would regard it as the dearest spot on earth and they would never wish to leave it.”
Some of these may still be good ideas today.  I am not sure that all of today’s children would never want to leave their parents, no matter how much they appreciated their parent’s house.  Well, anyway … that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Historical Society.  
           

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 15, 2018


March 15, 2018
            You are reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            Today’s story is about an update on the street repairs on Grant Avenue in 1910.
            The “paving work” along Grant Avenue to Fort Riley is being finished as rapidly as possible and when completed this will be one of the best roads in the state.  That was the statement made in the “Fort Riley Guidon” newspaper in March of 1910.  Mr. Woodward, who was the contractor for hauling the crushed rock for the project had several teams at work and a number of men busy spreading the macadam.  The stone was being furnished by W.J. Lott and came from the crusher east of the city. 
This stone was crushed very fine and almost made gravel which when rolled would make a pavement.  One of the Junction City businessmen who was out inspecting the work, suggested that a street made of macadam alone and oiled once or twice a year would make good cheap paving even if the asphalt was left off.  The road was almost complete and as soon as it rained a ten-ton roller would compact the surface.   The, if the expense was not too much, a coat of oil twice a year would put the finishing touches to the road of which the the citizens of Junction City and Fort Riley would be proud.  The officials at the Fort and Mr. Haas Ziegler of Junction City were overseeing the building of this important road to insure that it would be done right.
Remember our Museum is open from 1 until 4 each day Tuesday through Saturday and admission is free. The display titled “Submerged” about the Geary County floods that led to the construction of Milford Dam is still in place.  Stop by at the corner of Sixth and Adams and see “Submerged” and the other galleries in our Museum.  And… Thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.


Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 14, 2018


March 14, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            Today’s story is about an important meeting, which was held on Saturday, March 1911.  Professor Crabtree of the Agricultural College was in Junction City to conduct a street meeting of the Farmers Institute outside the courthouse in Junction City.  Beforehand, however, he determined to hold the street meeting and started to give a lecture on horses in front of the First National Bank on Washington Street.  The rain of the past week had made the streets so muddy that it was impossible to take the crowd off the main thoroughfare.  It was thought that the gathering would not interfere with any traffic. 
            In the midst of the lecture, City Marshall Pritchett arrived on the scene and without consulting anyone ordered the Professor off the street.  The Professor did not appreciate the manner in which he was told nor did the farmers or citizens who had passed by during the lecture.  The Marshall, in defense of his actions, reminded the citizens that he was only enforcing the laws as he had been sworn to do. 
            The comments after the event were critical of the manner in which the Marshall conducted himself.  It was thought things might have gone better if the Marshall had used more discretion about enforcing more important laws and not those that seemed too extreme.
            Our JCPD have laws they may not agree with, but they have been hired to enforce them.  Fortunately, our police officers are courteous and patient and that is reason to support them in their important work. At least that is the opinion of your host on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.


Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 13, 2018


March 13, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            It is Tuesday and that means we will be continuing the historical journey about the C.L. Hoover Opera House.  Again, this information was taken from a document prepared by the Late Rob Stevens.  We pick up the story on “August 5, 1986, when the voters approved a new swimming pool, but turned down the Opera House.  The vote was 1,741 to 1, 256.  The Opera House still sat empty.  After $100,000 of repairs and redecoration, the Junction City Little Theater was still at the 18th Street Building. 
            Jerry Brecheisen wrote a letter dated April 17, 1987 in which he stated “I believe the entire community suffered with the defeat of the Opera House project.  It would have meant another quality project anchoring another busy area downtown.  Quality theater downtown meant a lot and I believe the construction and remodeling obstacles could have all been overcome.”
            Richard Pinaire stated that “Society suffered because we don’t have a quality cultural center.  Instead we have a cinderblock building with a tin roof.  It is shameful we don’t have a better place.  The Opera House was one more critical link in the chain of recruitment for this city. The election put the city commission in a difficult position.  In four to six weeks the Citizens for the Opera House and Swimming Pool got a reasonably good number of votes with a lot of misinformation.  Government now has to make a decision and lack of JCLT support has put the city commission in a difficult position”, Pinaire said.
            The last of Rob Stevens work will be shared next Tuesday, so please stay tuned….to “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Monday, March 12, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 12, 2018


March 12, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            We all have our cell phones that receive signals from towers that bounce off of satellites in the sky and think nothing of it.  Well in 1911, there were some improvements made on serving telephone customers that were more … shall we say .. down to earth.
            Big improvements in the telephone service were being contemplated by the Wareham-Dewey Telephone Company in March of 1911.  The Wareham-Dewey Telephone Company was Junction City’s first telephone service. 
            Appropriations amounting to nearly $60,000 had been set aside to make the system lines modern throughout the city.  The first thing to be attended to was the replacement of the lines on poles with underground conduit throughout the business section.  The poles south and along Jefferson Street were all taken down and the wires run onto the alley poles.  Manager Ben Fegan was said to be doing good work and it was his desire that the company give the very best service possible.  Indeed, it was noticed that there was considerable improvement.  The “Daily Union” newspaper stated that “the inadequate service in the past few months justified subscribers for their complaints.  However, they were satisfied with the efforts of the telephone company in putting up the new system and were ready to give honor where honor was due.”
            Our frustrations with phone service today may be caused by a dropped call, inadequate or no wi-fi, low battery power when needed and others.  Times change, products improve and  services change, but we always seem to want more. 
Well, that’s an historical perspective isn’t it!  This has been “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Friday, March 9, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 9, 2018


March 9, 2018
This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 
Try to imagine this is March of 1878.  There are no cars, streets are not paved and horses were the primary means of transportation.  Now imagine you are standing near the corner of Fifth and Adams Streets in Junction City and this happens….
            There was a fatal stampede of a two horse team belonging to E.W. Biggs of Junction City in March of 1878.  The team was tied to a post at the back of the residence of J.C. Smith near Centennial Hall, which was located on the corner of Fifth and Adams Streets.  It was said the horses were frightened at the bolting of another horse that had broken loose and was dragging the post to which it had been tied.  The team snapped their halters and ran through the alley to Fifth Street and took the road toward the ferry on the Smokey Hill River.  When they arrived at the river, the animals stopped, but the slippery bank and the speed of the wagon caused them to be forced  into the water.  The water was probably 15 to 20 feet deep.  The horses were immediately drowned.  The wagon bed floated and was soon recovered by men working at the bridge near the mill.  Later in the day the bodies of the horses were seen as they rose to the surface of the water and were recovered.  The horses were probably worth $200.00 and were a great loss to Mr. Biggs, their owner. 
            A comparison today which might be similar would be if a person’s car is left unattended and for some reason rolls into the river or lake.  It may be the owner’s only form of transportation, which would also be a great loss.
            Well … that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 8, 2018


March 8, 2018
                        This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            Oscar Sylvester and three soldiers narrowly escaped death on March 8, 1911, when their car skidded from a culvert and backed off into a gully.  The fall was about seven feet. It was a miracle the whole party wasn’t killed.  Sylvester and the soldiers had left Junction City for Topeka early in the afternoon in an E.M. F. belonging to Herman Wetzig. The roads were slippery from the rain.  At about three miles past Ogden, they were crossing the culvert and the car skidded and fell to the bottom of the gully.  Sylvester was pinned down by the steering wheel and the soldiers were trapped inside of the car.  One of them eventually freed himself and succeeded in rescuing the other men.  All were considerably bruised, but not seriously hurt.  The body of the car was a total wreck and the engine badly damaged.  However, if it hadn’t been for Sylvester’s quick thinking, the accident might have been more serious.  As they were going over the culvert he shut off the engine otherwise the car would have undoubtedly been destroyed by fire and the injuries to the men would have been a great deal more serious. 
            Remember they were driving an E.M. F. vehicle in this story?  This name was gleaned from the three men who were the founders of the company and a picture of an E.M. F. can be seen on line.  E stood for Everitt.  Barney Everitt was a car body builder from Detroit.  M stood for Metzger. William Metzger formerly worked for Cadillac and F stood for Walter Flanders who served as Henry Ford’s production manager. The E.M. F. cars were built between 1909 and 1912.
            And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 7, 2018


March 7, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            Today’s story is about Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. McKinley’s celebration of their fiftieth anniversary.  Thomas McKinley and Virginia G. Ross were married on March 3, 1929 with relatives and friends as witnesses for the joyous event.  Virginia was dressed in black satin and wore the brooch an earrings that were a gift of her bridegroom on that wedding day.  The McKinley’s were both pioneer Kansans.  Mr. McKinley had come with his parents from Illinois in 1858.  The trip was made with a train of wagons with one drawn by horses, one by a yoke of oxen and one by a yoke of cows.  The cows also furnished milk for the family while on the journey.  The cows also became the means of starting a herd of cattle on the farm, which they homesteaded.
            Thomas McKinley’s parents and family arrived at Fort Riley when it consisted of only a few barracks and temporary officers’ quarters.  Soon after, they selected a section of farmland near the mouth of the Humbolt Creek.  Thomas, who was the oldest son, endured the hardships and difficulties of pioneer life.  The opportunities for an education on the frontier were meager and he always felt his lack of schooling was a handicap. However, he exhibited natural ability and strong determination.  The people of the area had confidence in him to serve the community and county in public office.  For 34 years he served on a rural school board and in the state legislature.  He was also a justice of the peace and constable.  Mrs. McKinley was the youngest daughter of the Ross family who came to Kansas from the state of Virginia in 1873.  Mr. and Mrs. McKinley spent most of their married life on the farm, but enjoyed their retirement years in the home in Alta Vista, where they were celebrated on their Golden Wedding Day.
            We have pictures of early pioneers on display in the lobby of our Museum.  Stop by and take a look at them any day Tuesday through Saturday from 1 until 4 in the afternoon.  
            And… that is today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.  



Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 6, 2018


March 6, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            Last week we shared that in 1985, there were divisions of thought in the city about continuing with the restoration project of the Opera House. Here is more from Rob Stevens’ writing: “Mayor T. Michael Fegan appointed a task force to quickly recommend a future for the building.  Vice Mayor, Dr. Alex Scott, was elected chairman by its members including Scott Stuckey, Eldon Hoyle, Barbara Wright, Richard Pinaire, Mona Kessinger and Rob Stevens.  It first asked any organization which might have a use or interest in the project or the building as well as interested individuals to come before it.  Numerous individuals did that in strong support of the project including Steve Roesler, KJCK owner; Norm Childs, Director of the Convention and Tourism Bureau and Gaylynn Childs, Director of the Geary County Historical Society.  It also heard from several civic groups, but none of those groups would go on record at that time for the project.  Mason Ashby, representing the County Economic Development Commission presented a proposal, which would have converted the front portion of the building into offices and meeting rooms for the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Tourism and Economic Development Staff.
            After six meetings over two months, the task force felt the best avenue of approach, before further public funds were spent, would be to place the bond issue on a ballot.  Dr. Alex Scott stated that “It became apparent to me as I chaired that committee that the project of restoration and renovation of the theater was an economic impossibility.  Every time someone testified, some new problem seemed to emerge and it became apparent that when the building was stripped of the trappings that made it an opera house, it lost much of its possibility for restoration as an historically meaningful building and that what remained was really the shell. I think it is a sad thing that the hearings on the acceptance of the Opera House could not have been made before the building was accepted.”
            Join us next Tuesday for more on the struggles and progress of restoring the C.L. Hoover Opera House on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.   


Monday, March 5, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 5, 2018


March 5, 2018
           
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            Today’s story comes from an article written by Sherry Blair, “Daily Union” newspaper features editor, which was published in 1984. The title of the article was “Perry Cheers Friends With Music”.
            The author wrote that Fred Perry was born on a farm in Warsaw, Missouri in 1905.  As an adult, he worked in a bank for 12 years and in the automobile business for the rest of the 32 years he lived in Kansas City, Missouri before moving to Junction.  He purchased the local Oldsmobile/Cadillac dealership, which he operated from 1950 until 1982. 
            Fred stated that “Junction City’s been very good to me.  It’s been wonderful, in fact.” He was especially fond of his neighbors at the Valley View Professional Care Center.  His wife, Lois, lived there from September 1973 until her death from multiple sclerosis in 1976.  She loved to hear him play the organ, so he moved it to the care center and came five days a week to play for her and the other residents. 
            Fred played the organ for Valley View residents at least twice a month after his wife’s death. He stated that “Music is my entire life.  I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have it.  It’s the best thing in the world to calm down.  You can’t think bad thoughts when you’re playing beautiful music.”
            In the summer of 1983, Fred Perry became a resident at Valley View and his ties to the friends who cared for his wife grew even stronger. 
            “Music is the agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul.” A quote from J.S. Bach.  And…. that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.  

Friday, March 2, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 2, 2018


March 2, 2018
            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            The “Junction City Union” newspaper in February of 1949 reported that the Municipal Building had seen heavy use during the previous year.  According to the front page article, an estimated 53,840 persons utilized the city auditorium and other meeting room facilities during 1948.  This information was contained in an annual report on the use of the building tabulated by the City Manager Elder Gunter.  Over half of that number of persons attended the 172 meetings and events slated in the auditorium and receipts from use of that portion of the building came to $3,490.37.  The area most often in use in 1948 was the lower lounge, which had an average of nearly two meetings a day for a total of 525 for the year.  May lodges, civic groups, cubs and organizations used the Municipal Building as a regular meeting place for weekly or monthly meetings, the report stated.
            It also noted that the city auditorium, during the prior year, had been used for five conventions, two circuses, the harvest festival, 40 shows, concerts and the community Christmas Festival.  It was the site of business shows, graduation exercises and teen-age dances.  During the basketball season the auditorium was used almost daily, both after school and at night for both ball games and practice sessions. 
            In addition to these, the building accommodated the USO in the basement and offices for Veterans Affairs and Soil Conservation Agency, the Kansas Employment Service and recreation space for the elderly. 
            The report concluded with the observation that the building was then nearly ten years old and this heavy use had certainly justified its construction.
            And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.  
           
           

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Our Past Is Present March 1, 2018


March 1, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
            Today’s story is about an interesting day at telephone central.  In 1914 and for some time later, “Central” was the term for the operator (who was almost always a lady).  She answered to serve telephone customers, who wanted to place a call.  There was no instant dialing and there was no “face-time” as we have on our phones today.  Calls had to go through a central location.  I also remember that there were “party lines” in which people shared a phone line and could easily, but also inappropriately,  listen in on the conversations of their neighbors until one or both parties realized there were others listening to a conversation that were not invited.  Anyway, here is the rest of today’s story from February of 1914. 
            The “Daily Union” newspaper reported that the young ladies at the telephone central station had one of the most interesting times of the year, the day before.  It seems that a number of people came into the office to talk long distance on the new line.  When they found out the cost to use the new line, they took up to an hour of “Centrals” time trying to beat down the price.  This happened several times during the day and the young ladies were exasperated over it.  One of them suggested that they might in the future have a telephone sale and knock one cent off the price in order to satisfy those who want to telephone for less.  The date of the sale could be announced after the dry goods sales in town had finished.  When the sale was scheduled to occur, a carload of operators could be brought in to wait on the bargain hunters.  The cut rate would be five cents to Kansas City and nine cents to Abilene.”
            Well… this makes me wonder why it would cost less to call Kansas City than Abilene when Kansas City is further away?  I also wonder if such a sale ever occurred?
            Well, that’s our story today on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.