Our Past Is Present November 30, 2018

November 30, 2018

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

            Tom Allen Cullinan was Junction City’s famous lawman.  People called him “Tom Allen”.  He kept the peace with his fists.  Tom and his family arrived in Geary County in 1866.  He had had a contract to supply beef to the army at Fort Riley.  However, in 1871, he became the Marshall of Junction City through a circumstance, which was typical of his way of doing things.  He had been mainly responsible for the election of an easy-going “Marshall” to the office.  This Marshall was soon in trouble and Tom volunteered to straighten things up if the Marshall would deputize him.  Tom was deputized and his first duty was to subpoena witnesses in impeachment proceedings against the Marshall. However, by nightfall Tom had the Marshall’s resignation.  Tom did this to prevent his friend from scandal and humiliation.

            Shortly after this, in the mid 1870’s, Tom Allen Cullinan was appointed Junction City’s Marshall by Mayor Robert O. Rizer and from then until his death in 1904 he served in that capacity.

            Marshall “Tom Allen” is posed in the famous Pennell picture used in the opening of the tv series “Cheers”.  We have a copy of that picture hanging in the lobby of our Museum.  The picture was taken at the Horseshoe Saloon at what is now 805 N. Washington Street which currently houses the Adolescent Resource Center.

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

Our Past Is Present November 29, 2018

November 29, 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 civic clubs and groups including the BPW, the Lions Club and the Rotary Club.  In the 1940’s the hotel was acquired by a new generation of family members, 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 1970’s.  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 got underway in 2006  In the spring of 2007, the anticipated “Washington Street Grill and Pub” opened on the 6^th 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 include: P.T. Barnum, John Phillip Sousa, and his famous band, W.C. Fields, Ann Sheridan, Al Jolson, Lana Turner, Mickey Rooney, Dan Dailey, Gene Tierney and her husband Oleg Cassini.  Buffalo Bill Cody and Annie Oakley were billeted at the hotel twice in the early 1900s.

Army generals John “Black Jack” Pershing, Leonard Wood, George Patton, Jonathan Wainwright, Dwight D. Eisenhower and countless others have all dined in the dining room.  If the walls could talk, they would have great stories to share with us on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present November 28, 2018

November 28, 2018

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

            Today’s story is about some of the memories Margaret Clark had about living with her parents in Quarters 123 on Fort Riley.  The house was built in 1855.  Margaret wrote that: “We never lacked for good times and fun, however dull they might seem today.  Dinner parties, dances and cards were enjoyed by the older people while taffy pulls and popping corn kept the younger set entertained.  Croquet, tennis, horseback riding and even a hunting club provided some outdoor activities.  

            There was much rivalry between the Cavalry and Artillery posts with regimental baseball football and wrestling teams – even boxing and fencing. There was always a Saturday evening “hop” with an orchestra playing for the dancers.

 Nothing was more fun than a sleigh ride on a bright winter’s night when the snow was deep enough.  Heated stones were put in the wagon box covered with hay and blankets.  On Saturday afternoons in the winter, the officers and their families would use the ice rink and the band would play as they skated. 

In the large riding hall there was Roman riding with three or four horses abreast and men riding on their bare backs doing all kinds of stunts.  A military drill was a colorful and thrilling sight.”

Margaret Clark married a young Artillery officer in 1914.  The wedding took place in the front parlor of Quarters 123.  Margaret was assured that she would continue a life rich in military traditions and heritage she learned while growing up at Fort Riley.   And...that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present November 27, 2018

November 27, 2018

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

            Today’s program contains some thoughts about the good old days at the Opera House as remembered in 1932.  Remember the Opera House was formally opened in 1882 by the Junction City Dramatic Club, which performed “Miralda”.  A.J. Barnes was the first manager of the Opera House.  He was succeeded by William Lockstone, city clerk, in 1898 and he was followed by A.P. Trott. T.W. Dorn was the manager of the Opera House in 1898 when the Opera House was destroyed by fire, which was said to have burned for a week. 

            All the old timers of Junction City remembered that cold rainy, snowy night and the fire.  The firemen managed to confine the fire to the one building. A portion of the east wall fell as did the west and south walls. 

            S.W. Pierce, J.C. Scott, A.H. Bartell and M.K. Bitterman made the first move toward the rebuilding of the opera house by a private subscription of $700.  These men had their businesses on Seventh Street and wanted to see the street built up. 

            The work on the new building got under way at once and it was hurried along.  It was announced by Mr. Dorn that the house would be open sometime in October with “Milk White Flag”.  And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present November 26, 2018

November 26, 2018

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

            Today’s story is a continuation of the one we shared with you about Junction City’s first residents – Robert and Elizabeth Henderson.  Today’s story is more about Elizabeth. 

When Reverend David Clarkson was Chaplain at Fort Riley, an organ was presented to the Episcopal parish at Fort Riley’s (St. Mary’s Chapel).  It is believed to have been the melodeon (or small organ), which Mrs. JEB Stuart played for the services. There was a change in the chaplaincy at Fort Riley, but before leaving, Chaplain Clarkson left the organ with Mrs. Henderson.  He explained that the organ belonged to the Junction City parish.  Upon the arrival of the NEW chaplain, he claimed the organ as property of the fort.  Mrs. Henderson learned of the possibility of some trouble over the instrument, so she carefully nailed down the windows of her house and awaited the outcome.

            A sergeant and five men came to the Henderson house on the fifth of May in 1863 with orders to seize all fort property.  Mrs. Henderson, with rifle in hand stood in the door of her house defying the soldiers from entering.  In the meantime a detachment was on the opposite side of the house.  They gained entrance and made away with the organ.

            Two days later, Mrs. Henderson, accompanied by the constable, went to the Fort to reclaim the organ, but they were driven off by the guard.  The following October, the case came before a justice of the peace and the verdict was given by the jury to have the organ returned to the town folk.  It was appealed to district court, where the case was dismissed for an informality.

            Following this decision, a party of soldiers seized the instrument, put it in a wagon and started to carry it off.  It was retrieved before the team left town. Merchant P.Z. Taylor sewed it up in army blankets and hid it away in his store.  The most thorough search failed to reveal its hiding place.  Two years later the court declared that the ownership was finally to be the town parish.  And….that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present November 23, 2018

November 23, 2018

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

            Throughout most of the 20^th century and now into the 21^st century 4-H and Extension programs expanded the educational opportunities for Geary Countians of all ages.  The Extension program is an educational arm of America’s land grant colleges and universities where information and training on agricultural methods, health, sanitation, home economics, finances and many other topics are made available.

            Our community got its first opportunities to take advantage of these programs when Paul B. Gwin was selected as the first “county agent” in 1925.  Paul envisioned 4-H clubs located in various parts of the county and his approach was to find leading families in each area  then enlist their support in reaching the young people in that community.  In the first year there were three 4-H clubs with a total of 111 members.

            In 1926 he organized the first 4-H camp in the state with the 4-H youth from Geary and Dickinson counties camping at the Lutheran church camp called “Wa-Shun-ga”.  The Geary County 4-H fair was started in the late 1920’s with club members displaying the results of the r project work.  At that time the fair exhibits were displayed in the Junction City Community House at 10^th and Franklin, which is now the Eagles Hall.  A tent was set up outside for the livestock show.  After the opening of the Municipal Building in 1937, the auditorium was used for exhibits and livestock was house in a large building near the present Junction City Sales Barn. Later a livestock building and pole barns were constructed on West 12^th Street and the site was used until the present 4-H/Senior Citizens Center was constructed. 

            Paul Gwin was a selfless community hero during his professional career and many years, even after his retirement, he continued to give his all “to make the best better” in Geary County until he died in 1991 at the age of 98. 

           

              

Our Past Is Present November 21, 2018

November 21, 2018

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

            Tomorrow is an opportunity to take some time to reflect on all that we have to be thankful.  Thanksgivings in early Junction City may not have been so different than many of the current celebrations and traditions. A complete story about some of the early Thanksgivings Days in Junction City may be found on page 323 of the book Set In Stone, which is available for purchase at our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets Tuesdays through Saturdays between the hours of 1 and 4. We are sharing an editorial comment and a story about a meal being eaten by community members while others watched.

            George W. Martin, editor of the “Junction City Union” wrote an article which was published the day after Thanksgiving Day in 1871.  He wrote: “Thanksgiving Day in town was as quiet as a Sabbath.  There was a general suspension of business, but a very limited attendance at church.  Folks were too busily engaged in the kitchens getting up Thanksgiving dinners. More ought to attend religious services than do.  It ought not to become a whole day of feasting!” stated Mr. Martin.

            Fred Durland had a furniture shop on West Seventh Street and in 1893 one of the big front show windows was the site of an unusual Thanksgiving display.  Passers-by saw well known community bachelors eating a Thanksgiving feast right before their eyes. The setting was a stylish new dining room suite with all the accessories.  There was roast turkey, oysters, celery, oranges, apples, grapes and other delicious fruits together with all the trimmings and delicacies of the season.  The intent was to lure prospective customers into the store to see the other fine furniture for sale there.

            However, you spend your Thanksgiving Day, remember to take some time to reflect on all that is good about Geary County, our nation and our world.  Even though we struggle to get along in peace at times, we can be thankful that we have each other to get through the tough times and make things better by working together to solve problems. 

            Happy Thanksgiving from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present November 20, 2018

November 20, 2018

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

            This is a reminder that from November 1 through March 1 our Museum will be closed on Sundays.  So, make your plans to visit our galleries Tuesdays through Saturdays for the next few months between the hours of 1 and 4:00.  We have three floors of artifacts in beautiful displays and a gift shop where you can purchase a gift for that special person in your life who loves Geary County history.  Admission to our Museum is free! Stop by for a guided tour or go by yourself to learn more about the development of our city since 1859 and the people who make it so special.

            And now for today’s story….

            While serving as a Host at the Museum last week, I looked at some of the events being held in 1928 at The Opera House which was then called the City Theater.  Ads read the City Theater “Under the Clock Tower.  Silent movies were being shown on Mondays through Saturdays. Apparently there were no Sunday performances.  The times for the showings were almost always the same each day.  There was a 2:30 Matinee, which cost 15 cents for children and 30 cents for adults.  There were two evening performances.  One was at 7:00 and the other at 9:00.  The cost was 25 cents for children and 50 cents for adults. 

            One of the movies shown included “Ben-Hur”.  This must have been really popular, because it ran for two nights and it was stated to have “a cast of thousands”.  The lead actor was Ramon Navarro. Other movies included “Rex: King of the Wild Horses”; “The Patent Leather Kid”, which was a comedy drama about a boxer and Lon Chaney starred in “London After Midnight”, which was a horror/mystery movie.   

            There was little or no mention of any other entertainment than movies in 1928 at the City Theater, which we now call the C.L. Hoover Opera House.

            Well, thanks for reading today and every day listen to the program at about 9:45 on KJCK AM 1420 or FM 107.9 and for the positive feedback we hear about this program on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present November 16, 2018

November 16, 2018

            As the Civil War came to an end in the East, work on the Kansas railroad line picked up and by October of 1866 construction had at last reached Pawnee on the Fort Riley reservation.  The “Union” newspaper reported that “the first shriek of the locomotive that was ever heard at Junction City came last Monday morning.”

            It was on November 10 of 1866 that the first regular passenger train puffed into town, which converted Junction City almost overnight from a frontier outpost into a bustling small city.  Only a week earlier, the railroad had brought an excursion train filled with “one hundred distinguished ladies and gentlemen from Philadelphia and St. Louis” to celebrate the extension of the line to Junction City. 

            This excursion train stopped first at Fort Riley where Major General Custer had “horses saddled and in readiness to convey the party over to the Post.” As the visitors later continued on to Junction City, the train was met by omnibuses that conveyed the group to the Central Hotel where an elegant supper prepared by the city was waiting.  However, “the excursionists were so well fed at Fort Riley that they weren’t hungry”, the “Union” newspaper reported.

            It wasn’t until about 20 years later that a train depot had begun to be built “at the foot of 10^th Street.”  It was apparent that Junction City’s new Union Pacific Depot was up and operational as written in the “JC Tribune” in May of 1887.  The author of the article wrote: “The new depot, which could be viewed from Washington down to Tenth Street makes a splendid appearance.  When you get closer, it gets better.”

            All that remains of the rail industry in our town is the “depot waiting room” exhibit found on the second floor of our Museum.  Stop by and see the depot waiting room.  You may even hear a train whistle as it approaches.

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

Our Past Is Present November 15, 2018

November 15, 2018

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

            Today’s story is about George Armstrong Custer and his wife Elizabeth, who arrived at Fort Riley in October of 1866. They each had nicknames for each other.  He called her “Libbie” and she called him “Autie”.

            Apparently Libbie was fond of living at Fort Riley.  She often wrote letters to her friends back in Monroe, Michigan.  In one of those letters dated December of 1866 Libbie wrote that “The climate of Kansas is very fine, so pure and free from dampness.  As yet we have not had a week of cold weather altogether.  No snow, nor mud, nor rain, except a few small attempts at a feeble drizzle.” 

            She went on to state that “We are living almost in luxury.  It does not seem like life in the Army for you know I have had mostly a rough time.  This is not a fort, though called so, it is a garrison.  For there are no walls enclosing it. There are five long stables, the Suttler’s store and Billiard House, Express Office and post office, Quartermaster  employee’s houses and mess houses, Superintendent’s house, Ordinance building and all of them are near the barracks, which gives the post the appearance of a little city.    

            Our houses are built side by side, but they are double except the Commander’s house next to ours.  It is a privilege to have a little chapel all by itself (St. Mary’s Chapel) and a chaplain who reads the service and preaches well.  The chapel has a little organ too.  We are only a short walk from the Depot and telegraph office. 

            We are three miles from a little town called Junction City where we shop and market.  The Smoky Hill River and Republican form a junction just below here and form the Kansas, which is below the post a little distance.”

            Several months after this letter was written in March of 1867, Autie (or George) and other soldiers rode out of Fort Riley to get their first taste of Indian fighting.  Nine years later George’s life ended in June of 1876 at the Battle of the Little Big Horn in Montana.  Libbie, however, lived until 1933.

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

Our Past Is Present November 14, 2018

November 14, 2018

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

            As the Kansas Frontier was pushed westward, the post office was always one of the first agencies established in a new settlement.  For what is now Geary County, the first post office was at Pawnee, the village that was started near Fort Riley, in 1855.  We had a story about that short-lived town in a previous program. However, because of the short-life of Pawnee, the post office was moved to Fort Riley. You may remember that Pawnee was actually on what is now Fort Riley.

            The first post office in Junction City was established in June of 1858. There had been various postmasters.  However in 1864, George W. Martin, editor of the “Junction City Union” newspaper, was appointed as the sixth postmaster in Junction City.  The location of the post office was moved to the building in which Martin lived. This was midway between 8^th and 9^th Streets on the east side of Washington Street. 

            The post office seemed to “meander” up and down Washington Street for the next several decades depending on the location of the residence or place of business of the serving postmaster.  By 1900, it was located at the 6^th and Washington corner of the Bartell House and it remained there until 1917 when R.B. Fegan built the structure just west of his telephone company building between Washington and Jefferson on West 6^th Street. 

            In 1930, ground was broken a few feet to the west of this building for Junction City’s first Post Office/Federal Building.  32 years later the present Post Office building was located at the corner of Adams and 7^th Streets. It was constructed in 1962. 

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

    

Our Past Is Present November 13, 2018

November 13, 2018

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

  There was an announcement in the “Junction City Union” newspaper in January of 1918, which was important to theater goers!  The announcement stated that: “Beginning Thursday of this week the amusement at the Opera House will be conducted under the personal direction of Mr. Jack Howe, Manager of the Cozy Theater.  Mr. Howe has had several years’ experience in the amusement field and the people of Junction City and soldiers of Fort Riley and Camp Funston may rest assured that he will present nothing but the best and cleanest amusement that can be obtained for this part of the country. In the future, the women and children need not hesitate in going to the Opera House for an evening’s or afternoon’s entertainment.”

            We are not sure what was meant by that last statement in reference to previous shows at the Opera House.  We know and have shared with you in the past that it was common to have vaudeville acts, minstrels that included comedy, singing and dancing as well as some silent films. Some of those presentations may have been offensive and Mr. Howe was going to get things cleaned up for the women and children.

            In March of that same year (1918) the city commissioners leased the Opera House to the Junction City Amusement Company for two years and it was stated that the building would be renovated and re-decorated with a new lighting system installed.  The Junction City Amusement Company also owned both the Cozy and the Airdome Theaters.  All three places were under the charge of Jack Howe as the General Manager.

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

Our Past Is Present November 12, 2018

November 12, 2018

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

            Today’s story is about Junction City’s first residents.  They were a newly married pair of Irish immigrants who arrived here in May of 1858.  Robert and Elizabeth Henderson moved from Fort Riley to Junction City. 

In 1909, to mark the 50^th anniversary of the founding of Junction City, Elizabeth Henderson wrote about their early days in Junction City and the experience of living in two houses in a short period of time. She stated: “In May of 1858, my husband pitched a tent on the corner of Washington and Sixth Streets.  There was not a building of any description on the town site.  Workmen were coming on daily and the construction of the town was soon started.” After having lived in the completed house a short time, the Henderson’s sold it.  Elizabeth went on to state that: “My husband built a small board house on the corner beside our tent and for a few months we lived in the tent (again).  We moved into the (second) house in the Fall.  The house was on the northeast corner of 5^th and Washington Streets (which in 1909 was occupied by O’Reilley’s livery barn).  Ours was the first residence in Junction City.

All the lumber in the house was cut on the Logan Grove Farm and hauled to a saw mill at Kansas Falls.  I held a candle many a night while my husband worked on the interior of our home.

The Indians were almost daily visitors at our tent and took great delight looking at themselves in the mirror on our bureau.  I had the distinction of having the first carriage in town and the oxen to haul it.”

Well, that was some of Lizzie Henderson’s story.  She was involved in an incident with some Fort Riley authorities concerning a melodeon (or small organ) used at St. Mary’s Chapel, which will be shared with you on another program of “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present November 9, 2018

November 9, 2018

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

            Today’s story will be a little different from ones in the past.  Researchers at the Museum came across some soldiers’ letters that were reprinted in “The Junction City Republic” newspaper in October of 1918.  We thought it would be interesting to read some of one of those letters to you today.  This letter was written by SFC Harold A. Roher with the 199^th Aero Squadron, who was stationed in France.

            Sergeant Rohrer wrote: “I will start my narrative with our departure from a British port.  The trip across the channel was entirely uneventful so far as danger was concerned; censorship regulations forbid that I describe the transport, however. Upon our arrival at the base port in France, the troops went to a rest camp, but Otto Haas and I were left at the docks to guard the baggage.  We were there for two days and nights and our sole amusement was watching other people work.

            Upon leaving the base port, we travelled inland for several days and nights upon these French railways.  It was surely some wearisome trip.  One has to ride on the French railway to appreciate the comfort of the Katy. 

            The Frenchees are very sociable and try to talk to you but to avoid international complications; I never commit myself to anything except “oui, oui.”

            We are now at a place where one could expect to see some excitement, but the most excitement I have seen so far was created when an announcement was made that we would have fresh beef instead of “Corned Willie” tomorrow.  Oh, it is a great life!!!

            Have written quite a volume so will have to draw to a close with best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity and regards to my many good friends in Junction City and vicinity.” 

            Signed SFC Harold A. Roher. 

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

           

Our Past Is Present November 8, 2018

November 8, 2018

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

            In the spring of 1904 some of Junction City’s prominent citizens determined they would establish a permanent location to enjoy the pleasures of the outdoors and escape the heat of the city during the warm weather months. George Rockwell approached pioneer farmer Tom McKinley and succeeded in obtaining a 20 year lease on all the ground around the small body of water known as “Whiskey Point or “Whiskey Lake” seven miles northeast of Junction City.  This was in the area north of where Marshall Field is now located.

            In April of 1904, a “Country Club” was organized and chartered.  Membership was limited to sixty families. During the first season, each family pitched a tent on the property and the group hired a man and his wife to do the cooking and make beds while club members were in residence. Mail would be delivered to the resident’s cottages every day by a regular mail carrier.    The primary object of the club was fishing and hunting.  The social feature was not at first considered.

 It was about 1915 that golf entered the picture.  Club members rented land on top of Government Hill immediately to the east and it was there that the first course was established.  This was far from an ideal location.  According to the late Mary Liz Montgomery, copperhead snakes were in abundance at that site and golfers often had to compete with grazing cattle for playing space. So, members began to look for an area more conducive to this game.

            The new site was chosen in 1920 on an 80 acre tract of land on the rimrock west of Junction City.  This was purchased by Harry Montgomery, who later sold it to the club at cost.

            The clubhouse was built in 1922.  The fieldstone that formed its exterior was gathered on the site by the families of the charter members. The clubhouse had been given a number of face lifts over time and had been used by local service clubs and organizations in addition to socials and parties for club members.  The Junction City Country Club’s future came in doubt with the death of Harold Johnson in 2007 and later closed.

            This building is currently occupied by Great Life Golf and Fitness.  And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present November 7, 2018

November 7, 2018

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

            Today’s story is about the brief existence of Army City.  Our story begins when the United States declared war against Germany on April 6, 1917. Immediately the whole country was mobilized and massive war preparations were begun.  One of the major areas to be developed was at Fort Riley where the large meadow along the Kansas River east of the Main Post was designated as the site for the largest of three mobilization centers planned for the nation’s heartland. 

            It was named “Camp Funston” after General Frederick Funston, a Kansan who had gained fame during the Spanish American War.  The cantonment was started in July and completed by December of 1917.  It became home for over 60,000 doughboys of the American Expeditionary Force’s 89^th Division.

            Arthur D. Jellison was a financier from Wilson, Kansas, who had become the new owner and president of Central National bank.  He set out to acquire lots in Ogden and other regions near Fort Riley. 

            Camp Funston was located in the Ogden Flats.  A group of local businessmen met to form a town company and plat the town into streets and lots.  It was to be called Kellyville after the former owner of the land, but within days the newspapers informed the public that the official name would be Army City.

            Two theaters which would seat 1,200 and 3,000 people respectively, eateries, banks, and services were built up as both Army City and Camp Funston simultaneously grew.  Soldiers came and went and so did Army City.  There were various epidemics and related quarantines, training and deployments, which made it difficult to anticipate or predict business patronage. 

            By August of 1918 the Army City businesses were barely making ends meet.  The 89^th Division had shipped out, the war was drawing to a close and sweethearts, wives and others were going home.  There were flash floods and even a devastating fire, which wiped out portions of the business district in August of 1920.  It was announced by the government in 1921 that Camp Funston would be closed and dismantled. 

            In 1922, after only five years, Army City surrendered its charter as a city and passed out of existence.    And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present November 6, 2018

November 6, 2018

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

            Joe and Sheila Markley, who are currently the Co-Directors at the C.L. Hoover Opera House, have been working on digitalizing the clock in the clock tower of that building.  Well… today’s story is about the “Town Clock Custodian,” Walter Starcke, who in 1927 had held that position for 43 years.  The information was taken from the “Junction City Union” written in May of 1927.  The author wrote that: “Almost every person in town looks at the town clock every day, but few of them stop to wonder how it is kept in running order.  Walter Starcke has been the custodian of that clock ever since it was installed in the tower of the city hall in 1883. Actually A. Vogler, who had a jewelry store on East Seventh Street was designated to take charge of it.  However, Mr. Vogler in turn employed Walter to be the custodian of the clock. 

            Mr. Starcke continued to wind, regulate, oil and take care of the old clock until it was destroyed when the building caught fire in 1898.  When it was rebuilt, another clock, which differed only in a few minor details from the first one was installed.  It was a Seth Thomas clock.

            The clock mechanism was two stories below the dials of the clock.  It was reached by a series of 63 steps in four flights, including stairs and ladders.  The clock was operated by two large weights hung on steel cables and those cables must be wound weekly. 

            Mr. Starcke estimated that he averaged 150 trips a year into the clock tower.  On occasion, he had to crawl out on the roof and be lowered over the sides with a rope in order to reach the dials.  Mary Bradford, night chief of police, always officiated at the other end of the rope on those occasions. 

            For many years, Mr. Starcke received only $15.00 a year for acting as the Clock Custodian. However, in 1927 his compensation was raised to a dollar a week."

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

Our Past Is Present November 5, 2018

November 5, 2018

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

            On February 9, 1859, Junction City was officially born. Today’s story comes from a description of Junction City as recorded in the journal of area pioneer Thomas J. Ingham.  Mr. Ingham had filed a claim on land in the Mount Pleasant community in what is now Clay County.  Mr. Ingham wrote:

            “From Ogden we went up the river five miles to Fort Riley.  We passed a large unfinished stone house, which had been built upon the government reserve for the capitol when Governor Reeder located it in Pawnee, but now it is put to no use.  Long before we arrived at the fort we saw the buildings looking more like a town than anything we had seen in this region.  As we came near, we found the fort on a ridge near the banks of the Republican River, about a mile above its junction with the Smoky Hill.”

            He went on to state that “I went on the road previously described, then ferried across the Republican River and went three miles up slightly rising flats to Junction City.  A bridge was once built by the government across the river near the ferry, but high water washed it away.

            Junction City is a very new place.  The first buildings went up only last summer. But it puts on the airs of “city” at an early age.  Several “Lager Beer” signs stand out and there is a ten pin alley and a billiard room.  There is a printing office run by a Boarder Ruffian, another lager beer saloon and a tavern along with the land office.  But, I am told the place is unable to support a school although there are over 30 scholars.”

            Advertisements in a newspaper publication listed an abundance of lawyers, land agents, wagon and carriage makers, boots and shoe merchants, carpenters and joiners, general merchandise and outfitters and lumber for sale at the steam saw mill owned by D.A. Butterfield.

            Well...the main street gallery of our Museum reflects these businesses in early Junction City.  Stop by and see these displays and maybe you will even hear the wagons pulled by horses and voices of people doing their shopping in downtown Junction City as it appeared in those early days.

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

Our Past Is Present November 2, 2018

November 2, 2018

            Today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society is a tribute to Gaylynn Childs, who retired as the Executive Director of our organization in 2012 after having served in that capacity since 1985.  

Gaylynn has stated in her last correspondence to the Society’s membership, that when she came to Junction City she ”knew very little about the community and had relocated here quite reluctantly as a result of the residency requirement that came with her husband’s new job as the Director of the Junction City/Geary County CVB.  Her husband, Norm Childs, had served in the US Army for twenty-plus years and they moved where the Army told them to go.  When he retired from the Army, Gaylynn felt she had earned the right to choose where she and her family would live.  However, as she began to learn the museum business, she also learned something about the fascinating history and the colorful people that built this community and was hooked ever since.”

            Gaylynn recalled that she “had the privilege of seeing the stately old building (at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets) restored and truly come to life through the efforts of dedicated board members, hundreds of wonderful and friendly volunteers and an assortment of talented staff people” who had shared their knowledge with her. 

            Gaylynn spent countless hours doing research and writing scripts for “Our Past Is Present;” wrote a weekly column for the local newspaper; did fundraising; promoted the work of the Historical Society and did work with others on an annual Gala presentation.  In 2008-2009 she created and organized the Sesquicentennial; developed, oversaw and did physical labor to restore the Starcke House Museum; worked with others to cause attention to the history of the First Territorial Capitol on Fort Riley, edited and collaborated with others to create a 335 page book titled Set In Stone, which is frequently cited by your host on this program.  This is only some of the important work Gaylynn Childs has done to create and encourage people from all over the world to visit and enjoy the wealth of history in Geary County. There have been times when the staff and I have called her to ask questions and without fail, she has instant recall about an event or person we are researching. 

            Thank you Gaylynn for your dedication to making us all aware of how much “Our Past IS Present” in our community through the work you did while serving at the Geary County Historical Society. 

              

Our Past Is Present November 1, 2018

November 1, 2018

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

            Today’s story is about “Junction City’s Violin Maker.”  Vard Ramsour was a pioneer farmer and violin maker who was born in Maiden, North Carolina in 1866. Maxwell Ramsour, Vard’s father came to Kansas in 1871 with a friend by the name of Tom Galloway.  When they arrived at their destination, which was the Briggs community eleven miles south of Manhattan in eastern Geary County, winter had set in. 

            Margaret Ramsour, Vard’s mother, and the other five children came one year later.  They arrived in Kansas in the fall of 1872 when Vard was just five years old. Max Schellner, the son of Vard’s oldest sister, Caroline, came to live or stay with the Ramsours for a time.  Max took an interest in learning to play the violin. Vard encouraged Max to take lessons and supervised Max’s practice time, even though Vard was only a few years older than Max.   Soon, Max became one of the finest violinists in the area and looked forward to a career in music.

            Vard, however, became interested in the construction of violins. In about 1930 and after much experimenting and obsessive work, Vard perfected his art and began supplying instruments for many leading violinists in the Midwest.  The wood Vard used in making his violins was all native Kansas wood and each piece had a history all its own.  Though the instruments Vard Ramsour turned out of his cellar shop were valued soon after his death at anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, while he was alive he rarely got more than $100 to $200 for them. 

            Geary County’s old violinmaker died at the age of 76 in 1942.  And… that is today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.