Our Past Is Present May 30, 2018

May 30, 2018

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

            The last class to graduate from Junction City High School when it was located at the corner of Sixth and Adams was in 1929.  That summer changes were made in the building so it could house sixth graders and would be known as Departmental School.  The “Union” newspaper of November 1929 reported that “The first class of sixth graders, along with Miss Cora Campbell, the Principal, are delighted with their new quarters and with characteristic enthusiasm and earnestness they have determined to run their new school like a city.  A mayor and three commissioners are to be elected and they have already registered and nominated their candidates and will hold their primary next week.”

            In an article written by Gaylynn Childs, which is included in the book Set In Stone, she stated that those who attended Junction City’s Departmental School during the next 35 years had a unique experience indeed.  Especially during the 1930’s and 40’s memories of this one year sojourn at Sixth and Adams are special. During those Department years, activities included a harmonica band in which all of the boys in the school were members. This group was among the featured performers at the open house showing off the new school facilities in the fall of 1929.  According to the author of an article in the “Union” newspaper, “Perhaps none are looking forward to the unveiling with more pleasure than the Harmonica Band.  Every boy in the school belongs to the band and the personnel is completely new since September.  The band boys wore the spiffiest red (bow) ties, red caps, white shirts and dark trousers. 

            There is a picture of the Departmental Harmonica Band of 1930-31 on page 185 of the Set In Stone book, which may be purchased at our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets anytime between the hours of 1 and 4 in the afternoon Tuesdays through Sundays. Stop by – pick up a book and take a look around at what was the former Junction City School, Departmental School and is now the Geary County Historical Society’s Museum.  We would love to hear any stories about the days when our Museum was a school if you are willing to share them.

            And… thanks for reading today and every day at about this time for “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.