Our Past Is Present April 6, 2018

April 6, 2018

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

            Junction City’s weekly Republic newspaper announced on “March 25 in 1949 that on Friday and Saturday of that week, Junction City merchants would stage a showing of the latest in merchandise at the annual Merchants Exposition sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Two evenings of entertainment were planned for the event, which took place in the Municipal Auditorium.

            The always-popular WIBW entertainers appeared in a show beginning at 8:00 Friday night. A three hour show would be provided Saturday night, beginning at 7:00 with a 1 ½ hour program of talent arranged by the Fort Riley Special Services Office.  At 8:30, Junction City businesses would stage a combine style show. The climax of the exposition would come at 10:00 Saturday with the awarding of a new Ford by the Junction City Chamber of Commerce.

Other merchandise valued at more than $500 was to be given away as door prizes during the two days of the exposition. Some of those prizes included an innerspring mattress, three radios, a pen and pencil set, three sets of fog lights, a spot light, an electric iron, a waffle iron, tailor made seat covers and many others.

            Free Coca-Cola was offered on both days of the exposition.  There was a candy bar and popcorn concession also available. The only charge was an admission fee of 35 cents for adults and 15 cents for children on Friday night.  Saturday’s activities were all free.”

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