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.