Our Past Is Present August 31, 2018

August 31, 2018

            Joseph Jud Pennell or J.J. Pennell as he was known, left a legacy in the form of over 30,000 glass plate negatives that recorded the daily life and development in Junction City during the 30 years surrounding the turn of the 20^th century. 

            Perhaps the most famous example of his work is easily recognized in the 1904 photograph of the interior of Junction City’s Horseshoe Saloon with patrons standing at the bar.  This was seen in American living rooms every week in the early 1990s as part of the opening credits for the television series “Cheers.”

            In 1886, the Pennell family arrived in Junction City and took up residence in a big stone house on West 13^th Street. Joe (or J.J.) worked with his father as a carpenter and coffin maker.  However, in 1888 he decided to become a photographer and purchased a camera from an itinerant photographer passing through town. 

            At age32, J.J. was both successful and one of the most popular bachelors in Junction City.  He met and married Edith Stanley and they later married.  The couple lived on 4^th Street, near Adams Street.  Within three years, J.J. Pennell built a second home beside the first one, which her parents then occupied.  The new home was a two story house with nine or ten rooms and still stands at 428 West 4^th Street.   

            In 1903, the couple’s only child was born and was named Joseph Stanley Pennell.  In 1908, the 42 year old self-made photographer was determined to make a lasting difference in Junction City’s business district, when he built the Pennell Building, which now serves as the Geary County Court Services annex. 

            In March of 1922, J.J. Pennell underwent an operation to correct a minor health problem, however blood poisoning developed after the surgery and ten days later he died. 

            We have a several photographs taken by J. J. Pennell in our Museum.  One of those is a self-portrait.  This picture can also be seen in a collage of pictures in the lobby at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.  He is sitting and is playing the guitar while resting his foot on a foot stool.

Check this out and thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 

           

Our Past Is Present August 30, 2018

August 30, 2018        

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

            Today’s story is about Albert More, who was born into the tailoring trade in a matter of speaking. His father and grandfather were both tailors and Albert became an apprentice at age 14. In 1899, when Albert was 20, he married Laura Hontz and after living in Manhattan for a while, they moved to Junction City.  In 1914, Albert opened his own business and in time his skills would earn him national recognition.

            His work was seen by a Mrs. Aubrey Lippincott, wife of an Army officer stationed at Fort Riley.  She noticed a coat Albert had made for Mrs. More and placed an order of one like it for herself.  Later Mrs. Lippincott complained that her husband could not get a properly fitted pair of riding breeches and asked Albert if he could make them.  Not having done so before, he stated that he would try. 

            The result led to another order and from that humble beginning Mr. More’s business grew until more than a thousand pairs of riding breeches were made for cadets who graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point.

            Still others discovered the “More Breeches.”  Some of those were Generals Patton, Truscott, Wainwright, Richardson and the Army Olympic Equestrian Teams, which would wear the breeches in competition all over the world.  Other famous personalities such as designer Oleg Cassini and even a young Ronald Reagan wore the breeches when he was an “inactive reserves cavalry officer” in Iowa in the mid-1930s. 

            After 51 years of tailoring, Albert More turned over his shop to Richard Jones in January of 1947.  Then with the Calvary’s demise at the end of WWII, there was a decrease in the demand for “More’s Breeches.”  More died in 1974 at the age of 95. 

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

Our Past Is Present August 29, 2018

August 29, 2018

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

            Many of us remember using the George Smith Public Library, which was located at the corner of Seventh and Washington Streets in Junction City.  Today’s story is about the man for which that library was named.       

            When George Smith died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head in 1905, his entire estate was left to the city of Junction City for the building, equipping and maintaining a library.  The intent was not only to have a building built, but the money was provided in the will to staff and operate the library for 50 years. 

            It was to be built on the southwest corner of 7^th and Washington Streets.  The plan was for businesses to be on the bottom floor and the library on the upper stories containing not only a library, but also a reading room. 

            A board was to be appointed by the Mayor and the City Council to administer the estate and the library.  It took 3 years after his death for the building to become a reality.  It was begun in 1907 and dedicated on March 17, 1908.

            George Smith came here in 1866 and opened a hardware store.  He left for a short time and came back in 1879. He worked in the tinner and cornice (pronounced kornis) professions. During his lifetime, George Smith acquired substantial property.  At his death his holdings included all business buildings on the south side of West 7^th Street and several prime corner locations on Washington Street.

            He retired in 1886 with an incurable kidney malady, which caused him considerable pain.  He withheld spending money on pain medication in order to leave more for his estate.

            The George Smith Library was closed in 1983.  There were 27 steps from the ground floor to the library, which made it inaccessible to those who were handicapped.  The Dorothy Bramlage Library was established in 1983 and is the current public library location at 230 West 7^th Street. It IS handicapped accessible. 

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

           

Our Past Is Present August 28, 2018

August 28, 2018

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

            You may remember that last Tuesday, we began sharing with you some of the events which took place in 1894 at the Opera House.  The Opera House was originally opened in 1892, however, for the next six years, or before the fire of 1898, there were a variety of programs offered.  Last week we shared that some of those were boxing matches; musical performances by what appeared to be local talent; acrobats; comedians; a Republican Congressional District meeting and a high school graduation exercise. 

            In 1895, the manager of the Opera House was T.W. Dorn.  During that year, he was elected as Secretary of the Kansas Opera House Managers. In June of that year there was a “Ladies Minstrel Show.”  The show included local ladies who performed a variety of acts.  We have discovered that one of the ladies who performed regularly at Opera House was J. Abbie Clarke.  In the “Ladies Minstrel Show,” she was the director of the orchestra. 

            During the next year, in 1896, there was what appeared to be the beginning of lectures about travels to various parts of the world.  One of those was presented that year by Professor L.L. Dyche on the topic of the Arctic Regions.

            As we work through these programs for you about the Opera House in Junction City on “Our Past Is Present”, we have found and you will discover that even as now, the building was and is still used for a variety of programs and events.  So… keep reading and see why we say “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.   

Our Past Is Present August 27, 2018

August 27, 2018

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

Katie Goerl, our Executive Director, wrote an article recently and also shared some of the information about the first pizza in Junction City on “JC Now” which was heard on this station. 

            This is some of what she found in her research.  “The first pizza eaten in Junction City was homemade and it may have borne little resemblance to the “real thing.”  The instructions were published August 28, 1951 and stated to “split English muffins, spread with butter, grated cheese and tomato or chili sauce and roast under a broiler.”

            By 1956, Junction Citians could purchase a pie from the Good Eats Café.  Their pizza was cooked to order.  The first pizzeria came a couple of years later.  It was called Jerry’s Pizzeria, which was operated by Jerry Nardella out of his home at 114 W. 17^th Street.  Delivery was not provided, so…customers had to pick up the pizza after the order was called into the business.

The customer would then pull up to the driveway near the house and the pizza would be brought out to the customer. 

            In 1959, something new was added to the luncheon table at the Rimrock Farm Horse Show.  Yes, you guessed it….. it was delicious, bubbling hot pizza made by Art Cohen, who owned the restaurant  “Cohen’s Chicken On-A-Tray.”

            Pizza Hut was established in Wichita in 1958 and now there are two locations in Junction City.   Other pizza establishments in Junction City include Domino’s, Little Caesar’s, Papa John’s, Marco’s Pizza and Papa Murphy’s Pizza. The pizza’s which may be purchased at these locations are considerably different from the 1951 English muffin pizza. 

            Well… that’s our story today.  Thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present August 24, 2018

August 24, 2018

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

            During its years of operation the Bartell dining room was a meeting place for local business people and many organizations like the Lion’s Club, the Rotary Club as well as Fort Riley’s commanders.  In the 1940s the hotel was purchased by Frank and Margaret Lloyd, who had managed the property since 1939.  The Lloyds sold the aging hotel to the Lamer Hotel chain in 1948 and it operated under that name until it was purchased at auction by Roy and Sheila Fausnett in the late 1970s.  In 1980 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the Fausnetts, who had plans for renovation. 

            After a ten year battle waged by local preservationists to save the decaying structure, the Bartell was acquired by Tom Bishop and Homestead Affordable Housing and restoration finally got underway in 2006.  In the spring of 2007, the Washington Street Grill and Pub opened in the Sixth Street side of the building and on November 10, 2007 the rehabilitated and restored hotel floors were officially opened as a senior residence facility.

            Some of the famous people who stayed at the Bartell included: P.T. Barnum, John Phillip Sousa and his band, W.C. Fields, Ann Sheridan, Al Jolson, Lana Turner, Mickey Rooney, Gene Tierney and her husband the fashion designer, Oleg Cassini.  “Buffalo Bill” Cody and his famed sharp shooter Annie Oakley were billeted at the hotel twice in the early 1900’s.  Army Generals George Patton and John “Black Jack” Pershing, Leonard Wood Jonathan Wainwright, Dwight D. Eisenhower and countless others have all dined in the dining room of the Bartell House at the corner of Sixth and Washington Streets in Junction City.  And.. that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present from the Geary County Historical Society. 

Our Past Is Present August 23, 2018

August 23, 2018

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

            At our most recent “Memories at the Museum,” those present shared their memories around the topic of “Women In Pants.” The intent of the session was to identify women who were or still are leaders in our community as well as reflect on some of the biases of those who were accustomed to seeing women in skirts or dresses in the past.

            Dr. Mary Devin and Florence Whitebread recalled that in the mid 1950s that in the positions they held then, women could wear pants to work only on Friday’s.  Shelley Hoyle-Kite remembered that when she was a senior at Junction City High School in 1969 and 70, that girls could wear pants or pant suits to school. 

Roberta Kelly shared that her father, Perry Pangrac was the Junction City High School band director in 1957.  She told that he got into trouble at a Junction City, Manhattan and Abilene Band Day when Roberta and some of her friends wore jeans with the sleeves of their blouses rolled up.  Perry was told that he should have the girls go home, change their clothes and then return.  Mr. Pangrac stated back that if the girls had to leave because of what they were wearing, he would take the whole band with them and not come back.  Apparently the girls got to stay.           

            It was perceived by those present at the discussion at the Museum that the attitudes about what girls and women were expected to wear changed in time in part due to the Title IX Amendment of 1972.  That Amendment provided protection from discrimination based on a person’s gender in educational programs and activities that receive federal dollars. 

            Within the discussion about expectations concerning what women wore to the work place, many past and current female leaders were identified from within our Geary County community.  Certainly this is only a partial list and many more could be included.  Some of those mentioned were Barbie Craft, Bettina Coover, Ruby Stevens, Sheila Roesler, Beth Gouldy Mathis-Clark, Florence Whitebread, Mary Devin, Mary Sanders, Irene Rogers, Ruth Barsel Gfeller and Mary Grammar to name a few.  Perhaps you have stories about this topic of “Women In Pants” and women who have been or are leaders in our community.  Please share them with our staff at the Geary County Historical Society, by calling 238-1666 or stopping by our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets.  

Our Past Is Present August 22, 2018

August 22, 2018

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

            We have seen many unique restaurants come and go in our town.  Some have served foods specific to an ethnicity while others have been good old American burgers and fries establishments.  Next week we will have a story about how and where pizza was first served in Junction City.  At one of our “Memories at the Museum,” people who attended shared remembrances of local businesses like the Burger Chef, Sandy’s, Pusan, Pinata and others that have come and gone.

            Bob Honeyman, a staff writer for the “Daily Union” newspaper wrote an article titled “Caboose Reincarnated As A Restaurant.”  He wrote that “when Junction City was a division point for the Union Pacific Railroad, a caboose was a familiar sight in the community.  However, now they’re seen only on the occasional freight train or not at all.

            One such caboose was turned into a restaurant, where customers could purchase a carry-out meal of chicken at the “Whistle Stop Chicken Restaurant.”  It was located at 436 Grant Avenue. 

            The restaurant was owned by Gary and Larry Allen, who had a similar operation in Council Grove.  The caboose had 400 square feet of interior space and 11 parking spaces on the property.  The grounds were leased from Gary Devin.  

            We are always interested in hearing your stories about restaurants, which hold special memories for you.  Stop by our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets and share your stories with our staff any day Tuesdays through Sundays between 1 and 4 in the afternoon. Perhaps we can even use your story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 

Our Past Is Present August 21, 2018

August 21, 2018

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

            This is the 120^th Anniversary year of the C.L. Hoover Opera House and the 10^th year since the major remodel, which has restored the Opera House.  We have been sharing stories about that long history with you on Tuesdays since January.  Mary Reed, one of our leads in the research center at the Museum has put together six large three ring binders about events at or involving something at the Opera House during its long history. Today, we will begin with some of the attractions in 1894 starting with January and going through August.

            Here we go…. On January 5^th the Kansas University Men’s Glee Club performed

                                    January 19^th Burke and Callahan fought in a boxing match

February 9  Fannie Hill’s Big Burlesque Company performed, which included the Livingston Family of Acrobats; C.C. Rowder, the Banjo King and Harry Armstrong, who was a comedian.

On March 27^th the Junction City fifth and sixth graders performed a cantata

May 17 the Delegate Convention of the Republicans of the 5^th Congressional District met

May 18^th was the 19^th Annual Commencement of JCHS that had 12 graduates participating

August 14 was a benefit for J. Abbie Clarke to pay homage to her genius and merit as Junction City’s most gifted and charming daughter.  It appeared the concert included local talent made up of a mandolin solo, a male choir, a 20 piece orchestra and J. Abbie Clarke performing on the on the violin. 

Well, we will have more on the events and performers who appeared at the Opera House in future programs. So keep reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

           

Our Past Is Present August 20, 2018

August 20, 2018

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

            On February 8, 1901, the “Union” newspaper reported that “in spite of a scare caused by an unknown lady, who had come to town searching for a son and had been mistaken for a “saloon smasher,” it was believed that Carrie Nation would not visit Junction City unless invited to do so or until she was assured that the good women of the city would be with her.  It seems the consensus of opinion in town was that the local chapter of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union was more moderate in their position.  It was also believed that one of Carry Nation’s reasons for not coming here was that every man who operated a saloon in Junction City was doing so under protection of the city.

            Well, it was further believed that when the city got ready to close the saloons, it was probable that 100 percent of the men now engaged in the business would step down without protest. However, citizens had their opinions.  By the end of February of 1901, the newspaper reported that a showdown was near between those who wanted open saloons and those who did not. 

            The saloons did end up being closed.  Jobs were lost, revenue to the city through taxes and fines were lost. It sounds familiar, doesn’t it?  We try to fix something for what is perceived as what is best and other issues are created.  Just as the issues which concern us today will eventually be resolved, so was the controversial saloon issue of 1901.  By 1918, the whole country had come under the prohibition specter and those who liked to imbibe in Junction City managed to work their way around it. Carry Nation died in 1911 before the 18^th Amendment was enacted in 1919.   The 18^th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution, which banned the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverage, was the only Amendment to be repealed.  

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

Our Past Is Present August 17, 2018

August 17, 2018

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

            For over half of the 20^th century, a woman working outside the home was the exception rather than the rule.  Gaylynn Childs, our former Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society wrote in an article that the 1905 “Junction City Directory” listed 318 women with occupational designations other than "housewife."  Many of these jobs would be considered “blue collar” jobs today.  Among this category was one in which a woman who was considered a legend.  Her name was Julia Richardson.  She was often referred to as "Miss Jule."  She was a nanny to many of the children who grew up in Junction City near the turn of the 20^th century.

            According to a “Daily Union” newspaper article published at the time of her death in 1951, “Miss Jule” was a member of a respected colored family, which came to Junction City just after the Civil War and before the railroad lines were laid.  The family lived at 515 West Fourth Street for nearly 80 years.  She was born in that house in 1873.  “Miss Jule” served as a practical nurse for babies.  When the small fry graduated to school, Jule moved to the next family on her waiting list. 

            A day with Jule began at 6:00 AM and ended at 6:00 PM.  She never married but devoted her life to the children of Junction City.  For more than 40 years or up until WW II, when she was no longer physically able, Miss Jule, each year, gave a big party for Junction City’s children.  In 1951, at the age of 77, “Miss Jule” Richardson died in the arms of one of “her children”, who was Betty Cleary.  It was her turn to sit on the heavenly lap and rest her head on the pillow of love as she had provided referred to herself when Betty needed comforting.

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

           

           

Our Past Is Present August 16, 2018

August 16, 2018

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

            The building in the 300 block of West 18^th Street was the original site of what was referred to as the USO for "colored soldiers."  The United Service Organization, or USO, officials from Washington D.C. and the local Defense Councils from Junction City, Ogden and Manhattan held a meeting in July of 1941 to establish two social centers so that one for whites and one for “colored” soldiers be established in Junction City.

            The construction of a building would be built through the WPA.  In September of 1941 the city’s application for a $90,000 grant to construct a new social center for colored soldiers and expand the former Community House on East 10^th Street, which is now the Eagles Lodge, as a recreation center for white troops had been approved.  However, the grant required that the city provide the sites for both centers and the old Community building was no longer owned by the city.  Municipal funds were not available to purchase it, so only the terms of the offer for the Negro center could be met. 

            Soon after, it was announced that the second social center for white troops would be opened in the basement of the Municipal Building.  The first USO for whites was located above the J.C. Penney’s store on the east side of Washington Street.

            By the end of October, the contract had been awarded for the construction of the 18^th Street building.  Then came the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7^th of 1941, and the community, state and nation moved into high gear in support of soldiers. The dedication of the new Recreation Center was made on January 18^th 1942.  Throughout the war years the building on 18^th Street was a well patronized and lively spot.  Joe Lewis, the Heavy Weight Boxing Champion of the World, who was serving at Fort Riley, was photographed at the site in 1943.  Sometime during the early morning hours of April 16, 1945, a burglar broke into the building, removed cash and other items and then set the building afire.  The structure was totally destroyed at an estimated loss of $100,000, making it the biggest single fire loss in the history of Junction City at that time. 

            In 1949, the building was rebuilt and was used by the African American community for many years. When integration made greater advancements, the building became a city facility for all.  In 1960, the Junction City Little Theater moved into the 18^th Street USO.  When the Opera House was remodeled, the Little Theater group moved there and the 18^th Street building is now used as a church.

            And… that’s today’s story from the Geary County Historical Society. 

Our Past Is Present August 15, 2018

August 15, 2018

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

            As the school year begins again, we thought it would be timely to share some information about Junction City’s first schools.  This information comes from an article written by Gaylynn Childs and may be found on page 174 of the book Set In Stone, which is available for purchase at our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets.

            Gaylynn wrote that “The 1903 Junction City High School yearbook contains a brief 'Educational History of Junction City' written by Mrs. A.C. Pierce, one the first women elected to the school board here in 1878.  Mrs. Pierce wrote that 'early in its history, Junction City was especially favored by having among its citizens those who appreciated intellectual culture.'  Thus, 'select' or private schools were started by interested parents as early as the winter of 1858-59.  There were three select schools being conducted in Davis (now Geary County).  There was one near the settlement of Batchelder (now Milford); another was in Junction City and the third was about four miles northeast of town.  These schools were conducted in the homes of the instructors and the number of students enrolled was limited."          

            Mrs. Charlotte McFarland has been credited with teaching the first “public” school, although the term “public” may be up for dispute.  Her classes were also held at her home where she instructed fourteen students for about four hours a day.  Her house was located on the McFarland homestead, which is now just west of the 5^th Street Park.

            As the town grew the first schoolroom outside of people’s residences was above the jail.  There is some confusion about whether this building was located on East 8^th Street near the location of the current courthouse or whether it was the little one room stone structure built as the city jail that was located on Jefferson between 7^th and 8^th Streets. 

            Wherever it was located, Charlotte McFarland stated that "It answered the purpose, which was to have a free school for the early settler’s children." It was quite a common diversion for the inmates of the lower story to listen and when the teacher above pronounced the words to her spelling class the inmates would interject the spelling before the students could do so. There was another incident when one of the inmates had somehow made a hole through the ceiling, reached up through the floor and grabbed a barefooted boy by the foot causing a panic in the classroom.

            Well… we have come a long way with our education system and our buildings in our school district. We want to wish the entire staff and students of USD 475 and St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools the very best in learning this school year. 

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

Our Past Is Present August 14, 2018

August 14, 2018

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

            Today’s story was taken from a December 1982 article found in the “Junction City Daily Union” newspaper written by Bob Honeyman, a staff writer.  Bob wrote that “The Junction City Commission accepted a deed to the property (at the corner of Seventh and Jefferson, which was then then the Colonial Theater and had previously been the Opera House), which was a gift from Fred and Dorothy Bramlage.  The building had housed the police and fire departments and city jail from 1882 until about 1937, when the Municipal Building was built across the street from the Colonial Theatre on the northwest corner of Seventh and Jefferson Streets. The Municipal Building was a WPA project. 

            The building was purchased by the Bramlages from Commonwealth Theatres, Inc. Commonwealth purchased the building for a cinema after WWII and operated it there until the Westside Twin Cinema was opened in the Westside Shopping Center.

According to Bramlage, he had admired the historic building since he was a youth and wanted it to be preserved and put to good use.  Bramlage added that it is his desire that the structure be used as a convention center “to help the motels and bring business to the community.” 

            Commissioner Eunice Lesser stated that the city’s future plans for the theater called for it to be converted into a convention center and a new home for the Junction City Little Theatre.  Deeds for the transfer of the Colonial from Commonwealth to the Bramlages and from the Bramlages to the city were filed simultaneously on Tuesday, November 30, 1982.

            We have been sharing historic information about the Opera House on Tuesdays for the past eight months.  If you are interested in reading the scripts, they can be found on our blog at gearyhistory.blogspot.com or you can listen to the scripts read by visiting the C.L. Hoover Opera House website and click on “Our Past Is Present."

            And… as always… thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society on 1420 KJCK.  The Talk of JC.

Our Past Is Present August 13, 2018

August 13, 2018

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

            Today’s program is about how a person got shot over a bill that was owed and was taken from a newspaper article published in 1909. 

            “The preliminary hearing of Dr. R.L. Ready, charged with shooting James Carter when the two were wrangling over a bill at Ready’s office was held at the court house by Justice of the Peace Chase.  The testimony of the two men, Carter and Ready, did not vary on material points to any great degree.  Apparently the two came to blows while disputing a bill.  Each claimed to have acted in self-defense and when they fought their way from the Ready reception room into his operating room, Ready went down and managed to get hold of a derringer pistol from a drawer in his cabinet.  He fired and shot Carter striking Carter through the chest. 

            After hearing the evidence from physicians as to the nature of the wounds, Justice Chase bound Dr. Ready over to district court and charged him with felonious assault. His bond was set at $1,000.  Carter, who had been working in Parsons, Kansas, returned there.” 

            This all happened as a result of a disagreement about a bill.  We all need to choose our battles and decide ahead of time if it is really worth risking getting injured over a discrepancy.

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

Our Past Is Present August 10, 2018

August 10, 2018

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

            Today’s program is about another historic site owned by the Historical Society and is available for tours or used by the Society on special occasions.

            The Spring Valley Historic Site consists of the Spring Valley School, the Little Cabin and the Wetzel Cabin. The Spring Valley Historic Site was originally the Spring Valley rural school grounds. The School building is a native limestone one-room school building originally built in 1873 and operated as Rural School District #21 until its closure in 1958.

            The Wetzel Cabin was relocated to the Spring Valley Site in 2004 and is located directly south and downhill of the school in a small depression.  The log cabin is constructed in a unique style and includes two rooms separated by a breezeway or “dogtrot” and an attic loft.   The Christian F. Wetzel Cabin was originally built on the banks of Clark’s Creek southeast of Junction City in 1857 and was constructed for Louis Kettlass by Isaac H. Loder at a cost of $225.00. After Kettlass died, Wetzel purchased the cabin in 1860 and his family moved into the house.  The Wetzels lived in the cabin for about four years and during that time the first services in Kansas of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod were held in their home by missionary Reverend F. Wingen Lange. In 1864, the cabin was sold to Samuel E. Turner for $750.00 and until 1925 it was used as a residence by various families.  The cabin was restored and moved, and stood at a new location east of Junction City until it was relocated to its current location.

            The Little Cabin is a one-room hewn-log cabin, originally located on Lyons Creek in southern Geary County. It has been reconstructed on the eastern edge of the school ground. 

            Other buildings on the site include a wood frame shed, a pony barn, a bright red water pump and two outhouses constructed as a WPA project. 

            And… that is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present August 9, 2018

August 9, 2018

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

            We have been sharing information about some of the properties owned by the Geary County Historical Society, which are available for visiting. Some of these sites are by appointment or are used by the Society for special occasions.  Today is one of those sites available by appointment when you visit the Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets during the hours of 1 and 4 Tuesdays through Sundays.

            Today, we will be sharing information about the Starcke House, which is located across the alley from the Museum on the corner of Fifth and Adams Streets.  The Society renovated and opened the Starcke House, in the fall of 2000.  The one story brick structure was for a century the home of Walter and Eunice Starcke, who ran a jewelry shop for decades in downtown Junction City.  The house serves as a “period house museum” in which the furniture and household goods can be displayed in a natural setting.

            The restoration of the Starcke house at 306 West 5^th Street was built in the 1880s by pioneer jeweler and watch-maker Andrew Vogler as a home for his young German bride.  The original structure was described in a 1938 “Union” newspaper article as a “squatty red brick house” which made “conspicuous” the corner on which it sat for 52 years.  When it was originally built, however, the four-room house with a lean-to kitchen attached to the back offered the latest in comfort and modest amenities for its inhabitants.

            Stop by our Museum and ask to see the Starcke house and see why we say “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present August 8, 2018

August 8, 2018

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

            Thanks to Scott Brown, who listens to this program for sharing an article, which was published in the “Junction City Union” in 1919.  The title of the article was “Four Burned In Explosion”.  This is some of what was written in the article:

            ”Pat” Fogelstrom, 5 years of age and Donald Stephens, 11, were accidentally burned last evening when the gasoline tank on a Studebaker touring car belonging to C.A. Fogelstrom exploded.  The accident occurred in the storage yard just west of the Fogelstrom Blacksmith Shop on Seventh and Adams Streets.  According to the stories the boys, Donald Stephens, “Pat” Fogelstrom and “Billy” Brown, 6 years old,  were in the rear seat of the car.  The cap of the gasoline tank had been off ever since Mr. Fogelstrom purchased the car some months ago.  One of the boys either held a lighted match to the opening or threw the match into the tank.

            The force of the explosion threw the top of the car, which was down , over onto the Stephens, Fogelstrom and Brown boys, imprisoning them in the blazing car.  Louis Volkman, who lives on Eighth Street just across from the Blacksmith Storage Yard, was one of the first to reach the burning car and pulled out Billy Brown and Donald Stephens through a hole in the top.  The Brown boy was slightly burned about the face and ears.  The hair on the back of his neck was singed off.

            Pat Fogelstrom was pulled from the car by Howard Montgomery.  Pat was terribly burned about his face and hands and his condition was serious.  Mr. Fogelstrom was burned about his legs when his clothing caught fire as he attempted to pull his son from the car.”

            There was speculation as to how this explosion happened, however, there was no evidence included in the article to that resolve.  Well…. Thanks for reading today and if you have stories to share, please drop them by our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets. Because as we say… “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present August 7, 2018

August 7, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. The information in today’s story was taken from a 1978 “Junction City Union” newspaper.

            "During the Depression, the Opera House was one of the better stage houses in the country," stated Roy Clewell.  He also stated that “about once a month an acting troupe, traveling by train from coast to coast, would stop in Junction City to give a two or three night performance.  Top rate professional actors traveled with their props and costumes and put on full productions of musicals, dramas and a little bit of everything.” Mr.  Clewell remembered a performance he saw of “Abbies Irish Rose”, starring George Brent, who was an outstanding leading actor in his day.

            Joe McCormick, recalled his early high school days when he sometimes got into shows as compensation for sweeping the steps to the Opera House.  He also remembered seeing shows by Ted North and the North Players.  Admission charge was 15 cents, so almost everybody could attend the shows. 

            Glenn White recalled watching wrestling matches at the Opera House during the mid and late 1920’s. He stated that “Joe Zobisko, a heavy weight champion Tony Ross, a professional wrestler from Wakefield competed at the Opera House.  The admission charge was one dollar per person. 

            Live entertainment was a lucrative business according to Roy Clewell.  The Opera House backers preferred to book stage shows rather than let townsfolk use the building for a fee as a community center.  So in 1935, the Municipal Building was started to serve as a community center.  R.B. White and his sons, Norman, Glenn and Ralph were contracted to build the new Municipal Building.

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

Our Past Is Present August 6, 2018

August 6, 2018

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

            Today’s story was taken from a 1978 article published in the “Daily Union” newspaper about an Army truck that got stuck in the lake. 

            A two and a half ton Army truck challenged the wisdom of members of Fort Riley’s 34^th Engineers in extracting the vehicle from Milford Lake near the area known as the sunken bridge, east of US-77.  The Geary County Sheriff’s Department was called by a nearby resident, who reported that the truck, with two men aboard, was almost submerged.

            Captain Robert Woolever was dispatched to the scene and attempted to contact the Fort Riley military police by telephone.  He was unable to reach them because of an apparent malfunction, so the Fort Riley Police services were called. 

            Military Police, a crane and boat were dispatched to give assistance.  While the passenger remained in the boat, the driver waded ashore to get help.  The passenger remained with the truck and sat in a small unsubmerged portion of the vehicle, refusing to wade ashore.

            A boat had been dispatched to the scene, but did not have any oars. So, a Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission sign was lifted and used as a paddle.  Eventually there was an attempt to attach a 10 foot cable from the crane to the truck.  However, the cable was too short.  Since the cable was double stranded, it was made into a single strand, which made it possible to reach the truck.  Eventually the entire truck was rescued along with the lone passenger.  How the truck  got stuck in the lake in the first place is totally unknown.  And that is today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present August 3, 2018

August 3, 2018

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

            Today’s program is about another historic site owned by the Geary County Historical Society and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

            St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Cemetery are located in the McDowell Creek Valley in Geary County just off of Exit 307 and .15 miles east of Lower McDowell Creek Road. 

            This beautiful church was built in 1910 in Gothic Revival Style, but the parish dates from the 1860’s on.  The building was decommissioned as a church in the late 1980’s.

            The Geary County Historical Society and the Friends of the St. Joseph’s Church took possession of the church in 2008.  The deteriorated roof has been replaced with completely new sills, trusses, sheeting, shingles and flashing.  Other updates include new doors and windows. 

The church is currently used as a meeting place by the McDowell Creek Community, however, Catholic Mass has not been held there for many years.  The cemetery is still used today for burials.

            The Church and cemetery are available for visits at various times throughout the year.  Contact the Museum at 238-1666 for more information and… Thanks for reading today to “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.  

             

Our Past Is Present August 2, 2018

August 2, 2018

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

            Our next two programs will be about Geary County Historical Society sites, which may be visited free of charge.  And… today we begin with the Museum site at 530 N. Adams Street in Junction City.  This building is the former Junction City High School.  The exterior is of native limestone and was built in 1903 by Ziegler and Dalton contractors who also built the Geary County Courthouse.

            The building served as a four-year high school from 1904 to 1918, when growing enrollment necessitated the construction of a separate junior high school.  The building served as a three year high school from 1918 to 1929 when the last high school class graduated.  In the fall of 1929, the JCHS building became a seventh grade building.  From the 1950’s to the time it was vacated in 1980, the building held sixth grade classes, a kindergarten class in the building’s basement level and administrative offices for the school district. 

            The building sat empty for about two years before Fred Bramlage purchased and donated it for use by the Historical Society in 1982.  Extensive remodeling was done to the building before its grand opening in May of 1983.

            The basement level includes the maintenance workshop, three storerooms, the Research Center, an historic printing press and exhibit about the press and an exhibit about the history of the fire department.

The main level includes offices for the Executive Director, and Programs and Education Director, three galleries for exhibits, which include “Main Street”, “Grandma’s Kitchen” and a temporary exhibit about floods in Geary County and a Native American exhibit. There also is a gift shop on the main level. 

            If you have never been to our Museum or it has been more than a while since your last visit, stop by and see the exhibits and share any stories you have about Geary County history. The building is handicapped accessible with an elevator installed in 1986.  And… thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present August 1, 2018

August 1, 2018

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

            Today’s story is “Remembering the Hammond Family”.  Pascal Hammond was a freed black man from South Carolina, who was born in 1842.  Pascal Hammond married Elizzie and they had four children, who were born before the move to Junction City after the Civil War.  Pascal worked as a sorghum maker and truck farmer, raising vegetables, strawberries and pigeons.  He sold these items to the officer’s families and soldiers at Fort Riley.

            In an article published in the “Daily Union” newspaper in 1999 and written by Susan Franzen, she stated that “The marriage of Mary Johnson and Joseph C. Hammond in 1889 marks the real beginning of the Hammond dynasty in Junction City.  They were the parents of fourteen children.  The children also raised large families.  Whites knew them primarily as reliable workers or business people, talented musicians and skilled athletes.  In the 1930’s Robert Hammond, one of Joseph and Mary Hammond’s sons shined shoes in the Bartell House lobby.  The Hammond quartet, consisting of Howard, Bob, John and Paul sang gospel songs on the radio station in Abilene and around town on Christmas Eve.  Loretta Hammond had a gospel hour on the radio. 

            Other Hammonds were Mervyn, Gilbert, Robert Lee, Mervyn Sr., Laren Dale, Joseph, Roger, Buford and Selwyn Hammond.  Dana Durand recalled that “They were great singers.”

Gilbert Hammond recalled that people would say “It isn’t Christmas Eve until the Hammonds came by to sing Christmas Carols.”   

            The Hammond/Johnson family began the practice of returning to Junction City every three years for a family reunion.  They came from all over the world. They worked as teachers, lawyers, doctors, ministers, policemen, musicians, farmers, businessmen and quite a number of PhD’s. 

            Gaylynn Childs wrote that “Each time this remarkable family gathers back to the home place to celebrate their roots, Junction City, too, has cause to rejoice for it is families like these that have made the fabric of our community strong and vital as we learn to live, work, overcome, and make music together.”

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