Our Past Is Present December 31, 2018

December 31, 2018

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

            Today’s story is about the St. John’s Lutheran Church on Lyons Creek Road.  In 1861, the same year Kansas was admitted in to the Union, a young missionary, Candidate F.W. Lange came to Davis County, which is now Geary County. He came from Fort Wayne, Indiana and was accompanied by Reverend Henry Lossner. 

            They arrived at the home of C.F. Wetzel and his family.  Reverend Lange preached his first sermon based on the text of John 3:16 to settlers of the beautiful and fertile valley of Clark’s Creek, seven miles southeast of what is now Junction City.

            On September 1, 1861, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church was organized with twenty-one charter members. Church services were held in the Wetzel cabin with F.W. Lange as the pastor.  After two years, he accepted the call to Humboldt, Kansas.  Reverend C. Berner served the church for the next year. The parish experienced a seven year vacancy until the arrival of Candidate G.A. Shaaf in September of 1871. From 1871 to 1883 services were held in the Berry School about three-quarters of a mile north of the present church site.  The present stone church was dedicated in July of 1883 at a cost of $1,378.75. 

            There was a need for a parsonage, so land was purchased from Mrs. Eva Mueller Schwalboldt in 1870.  Once the parson was built it stood until 2015, when it was in ill-repair and demolished.

The original Wetzel cabin, where services were first held, is now a permanent part of the Geary County Historical Site at the corner of K-18 and Spring Valley Road on the west side of Junction City. 

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

Our Past Is Present December 28, 2018

December 28, 2018

            Today’s story was taken from an interview Dan Moran did with James Butler Hickock, commonly known as “Wild Bill”.  The interview was originally published in the “Kansas City Times” in 1894.   

            Mr. Moran wrote: “I recall an adventure that “Wild Bill had with the late John A. Anderson in Junction City, Kansas. John Anderson was a Presbyterian minister then.  His church then stood as it now stands on the south side of the public square (Heritage Park).

            Nearly everybody went armed in those days.  On a payday whiskey ran like water.  It seemed as though everybody was drinking.  There were brawls and fights, but nothing serious until Bill and some of his old friends mounted their ponies and started to “do” the town (as they called it) with their guns gleaming in the sun and  volleys of shots fired.

            Reverend John A. Anderson happened to be holding services that day and a large crowd filled the church building. “Wild Bill” and his party finally grew weary of racing their horses through the streets and Bill reined his horse in front of the church.  The door stood open and the pastor was in the pulpit.  Bill urged his horse to the doorway and obedient to the rider’s command, the animal entered the church.  “Wild Bill” sat in the saddle and drunkenly surveyed the minister and the congregation.  The preacher paused from his discourse and gazing unflinchingly at the bold intruder ordered him to leave the church.  Bill answered the preacher with an oath and asked him what he was doing.

            “I am preaching the gospel,” said Reverend Anderson.

            “No, you ain’t preaching” said Bill, drawing back his revolver, “You’re dancing.  That’s what you’re doing.  Now dance – and dance lively!” commanded Bill.

             Ladies crept under their seats and the males in the congregation sat paralyzed.  There was nothing else for the preacher to do  - but dance, for it was dance or die.  So he danced!”

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

Our Past Is Present December 27, 2018

December 27, 2018

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

            In the early days of our city, religious congregations often did not have their own building in which to worship.  So, they used various rooms above stores or wherever there was a gathering space available or even in the homes of members of the congregation.

            In a previous story, we shared with you that in Junction City, school was conducted in the room above the old jail.  In an article in the “Junction City Union” newspaper of 1894, the writer, who was only identified as “The Old Settler” shared this story:

            “Seeing in the “Union” (newspaper) “Reminiscences of Early Day Kansas” takes me back  in memory to our church privileges in the 1860s in Junction City.  The newcomer will scarcely believe that all the church going people in town met together for worship in the upper room of the building known as the old jail, just north of the Central Hotel on Jefferson Street.  We also met a few times in the lower part of the building now used by Mr. Muenzenmayer as a storage room for stoves.   The seats were always improvised for the occasion.”

            On January 4, 1863, Junction City’s Union Church was officially organized and met in Reverend Todd’s home.  The group met without denominational concerns. 

            As the Civil War came to an end, the Methodists, Presbyterians and Baptists in the community all formed churches of their own.  The Union Church continued meeting wherever there was an available space.  A Congregational Church building was constructed on the southwest corner of Fifth and Adams Streets and was dedicated on March 4, 1869. 

            And… thanks for reading today on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present December 26, 2018

December 26, 2018

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

            The Fort Riley Mounted Honor Guard was established in 1992 to provide a link to the post’s historic past.  This unit was motivated in part by a commanding officer’s wife who loved to ride.  Old cavalry stables were once again equipped so that personal mounts could be kept on the reservation.

            Fort Riley Public Affairs Office has stated that the troopers and horses of the honor guard are outfitted in the uniforms and equipment of the Civil War era.  The soldiers, who are detailed from the ranks of the units assigned to Fort Riley, receive instruction from the same manuals that were used by Civil War cavalrymen.  As a ceremonial team, the unit performs at reenactments and parades.

            Until the formation of this group, horses had been officially absent from Fort Riley since the death on May 24, 1968 of “Chief”, the last cavalry horse on the rolls of the United States Army.  “Chief” had entered the Army in 1932 and in 1949 he was placed in retirement when the cavalry was officially disbanded.  He was kept on the post to live out his life with the best care and comfort due a horse that had served the country well.  “Chief” is the horse that is buried below and in front of the “Old Trooper” monument on the Cavalry parade field.  According to accounts of the simple burial ceremony, the old horse was placed “in his last stall” – a large wooden casket – standing upright as a measure of respect and dignity.  The service concluded with an appropriate goodbye by Major General R. Wetherill.  “And now we bid farewell to “Chief” as he leaves us for “Fiddler’s Green”, the final resting place for all great cavalrymen and their mounts. And… that’s our story today on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present December 24, 2018

December 24, 2018

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

            By Christmas of 1917, Junction City had taken in stride the impact of the 60,000 “doughboys” in training at Camp Funston on Fort Riley.  The town’s population had grown by half, business was booming and schools were so crowded that students attended only half a day and it took two years to complete one grade’s work.  Churches and civic clubs took up war service and Red Cross work and private citizens opened their homes to those in need of a place to stay while visiting with sons and husbands at the post.   Rationing had been gallantly accepted and meatless meals, war bread and the Hoover pledge were common topics of conversation AND  the news as locals geared down to do their part to win the war. 

            Headlines in the “Daily Union” newspaper during the days preceding Christmas of 1917 revealed that Junction City’s first Community Christmas Tree was erected in the City Park that year and entertainment was staged around it during the holidays for the soldiers at the post and their families staying in town.  Church members, school groups and civic organizations provided concerts and inspirational dramatizations in the park on Christmas Eve, when the tree was first lit as well as on Christmas night and on New Year’s Eve.

            On Christmas day at Camp Funston, a huge “wild west” show or rodeo was staged on the football field near the Golden Bell Road.  The temperature was only 20 degrees at eight in the morning. To some of us this seems like an unusual way to spend Christmas, but apparently    the holiday rodeo was enjoyed by soldiers who participated and those who watched the “Wild West Show”, which concluded with a fireworks display. 

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

Our Past Is Present December 21, 2018

December 21, 2018

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

            “Peace, Progress and Prosperity” was the campaign slogan of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and describes the 1950s. Though the war in Europe was over, the decade began ominously with a conflict in Korea that would claim America’s attention for three years.  Back at home, the technological advances motivated by WW II were now being put to use to bring the good life to the people.

            The 1950s was the age of tract housing, big cars, felt skirts, ducktails, 3-D and the Yankee baseball team.  Perhaps the thing that changed the American scene the most was the box-like piece of equipment that found its way into the living rooms across the land.  With its metal antennas projecting from roofs of houses, and fuzzy pictures on the screen, the television was here to stay and it changed American life forever.

            The Yuletide Festival became solely a senior high production at that time with a big new high school, which was built in the 1950s on Eisenhower Street.  It was possible to move the production from the Municipal Building to the comfortable and fitting setting provided by the auditorium of the new school. 

            Though this annual event still drew devoted crowds, big television Christmas “specials” introduced a whole new genre of holiday entertainment.  During the 1950s traditional carols and classics were joined by such secular characters as “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman.”  Standards like “Let It Snow”, “Winter Wonderland” and “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” were heard on radio – similar to what we hear on “Reindeer Radio” on KJCK 1420 AM and 107.9 FM today.  And...thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 

           

Our Past Is Present December 20, 2018

December 20, 2018

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

            Today we continue with “Christmas Activities in the 1940s.” Again, this information was taken from a series of articles written by Gaylynn Childs, our former Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society. She used this material for a presentation titled “A Century’s Worth of Christmas”, which was presented at the Museum on December 2, 1999.

            “The Yuletide Festival of 1941 featured the music of American composers and arrangers and a huge choir of more than 400 voices sang “The Hallelujah Chorus” from the “Messiah” in a packed Municipal Auditorium.  The singers were accompanied by the high school orchestra and brass ensemble. 

            Recreation centers and USO’s were gearing up to meet the needs of soldiers far away from home at holiday time.  When 5 inches of snow fell on Christmas Eve, it assured a “Christmas Card perfect” setting.  A holiday dance with girls from Junction City, Salina and Kansas City was planned for all the soldiers.  USO touring groups performed popular music of the day.

            As the war progressed, this scene was repeated over and over in Junction City as we sought to keep the soldiers happy and content during their brief stay in Kansas.  The holiday music of Irving Berlin and other composers of the era served as a poignant reminder that someday soon the war would be over and our soldiers could truly come “Home For Christmas”.

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

Our Past Is Present December 19, 2018

December 19, 2018

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

            Today, we will again be sharing more about past Christmases in our County.  This information was taken from a series of articles written by Gaylynn Childs, our former Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society. She used this material for a presentation titled “A Century’s Worth of Christmas”, which was presented at the Museum on December 2, 1999.

            “The 1940s dawned with the gloom of a war once again raging in Europe hanging over our land.  When the infamous deeds of December 7, 1941, plunged America into the conflict, it seemed almost a relief, for now we knew what we had to do and we rolled up our sleeves and got to it.

            In Junction City, Christmas of 1941 was one of contrasts.  The colorful outdoor lighting displays, which graced both residential and business district streets that year, perhaps weren’t savored quite enough for they would be the last until wartime black outs were over in 1945.

            At the same time, local residents were reminded that the American flag could be kept flying all night when the country was at war, and all were urged to fly the flag through the holiday season. 

            Two days before Christmas, it was announced that the new recreation center for colored soldiers, under construction on West 18^th Street, would be ready for use by January 1.  It was to provide the finest accommodations for the recreation needs of the colored troops.”

            Be listening tomorrow as we continue with more on the “Christmas Activities in the 1940s” on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

               

Our Past Is Present December 18, 2018

December 18, 2018

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

            Today we will continue with the historical timeline of the Opera House and conclude this series in celebration of the 120^th Anniversary of the C.L. Hoover Opera House.

            In the 1920s the Opera House had several different names, but was at the same time referred to as the Opera House.  Two of those names were the Junction City Theater and sometimes it was referred to simply as the City Theater.

            From 1936-1941 the building was owned by the White Construction Company.  During that time –  in 1939, the City Offices were moved to the Municipal Building and the inside of the theater was remodeled to be a modern movie theater.

            From 1941-1981, Dan James with Mid-West Theatres, Inc. purchased the building and named it the Colonial Theater, where movies continued to be shown. In 1982, the Colonial closed its doors.  Fred Bramlage purchased the building and then donated the building to the City of Junction City for the purpose of establishing office space and as a site for conferences to attract people to Junction City.

From 1982 until 2008, the building stood idle until fundraising and the restoration process was completed.  The process was to be done in three phases with the first stage beginning in 1989.  The grand opening was in 2008 when there was a return to concerts, Junction City Little Theater plays and musicals, Summer Theater, concerts, candidate forums, movies and numerous performers who provided entertainment.  The Montgomery Rehearsal Hall on the second floor was made available for rehearsals, banquets, receptions and political gatherings to name a few.  We encourage you to support the events at the Opera House and see why we still say …”Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present December 17, 2018

December 17, 2018

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

            Today, we are continuing with our stories about the Christmas season in early Junction City.  During the 1920s the world was dominated by WWI, which erupted in 1914.  The war had a tremendous effect on Geary County.  Junction City played host to, entertained, sheltered, fed and nursed 60 to 80,000 soldiers in our town at the outskirts of Fort Riley.

            Soldiers who went abroad brought back with them new cultures and ideas.  Some even brought back a spouse. 

            During the brief lifespan of Camp Funston, local residents had the opportunity to see, hear and partake of the legendary musical performance outside of Lindsborg, Kansas – “The Messiah”.  There was also the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and several concerts by operatic diva Madame Ernestine Schuman-Heink.

            Community Christmas celebrations during this period included the illuminated Christmas tree in the City Park in 1917. Special programs, concerts and services were held around it for soldiers and citizens during the Christmas week.  There were solos and choir numbers by area citizens and churches.   Perhaps it was here that Junction Citians first heard the Christmas hymn by Frenchman Adolphe Adam, the “Cantique de Noel” or “O Holy Night”, which was introduced into this country by returning doughboys almost a century after it was written. 

              Join us for more reflections on Christmas traditions on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society on Wednesday.

Our Past Is Present December 14, 2018

December 14, 2018

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

            As the 20^th century dawned in Junction City, there was great optimism and excitement about what this new century would bring.  The ill-advised war with Spain was over and Geary County’s valiant sons in the 20th Kansas had returned to a glorious heroes’ welcome. By 1905 a contract for new electric street lights had been let and as Christmas approached in 1908, a committee of citizens was picking out the locations for these marvelous new wonders. 

            Christmas entertainment included the traditional school programs and “Christmas Tree” socials, live theatricals in the Opera House and the so-called new-fangled motion pictures offered at the Lyric Theater were enjoyed by many.

            Along with the readings featured at every holiday gathering during the first decade of the century, there was more often than not a performance on the violin.  The interest in the violin most likely came from the success and notoriety of J. Abbie Clarke.

            Christmas Eve or Christmas Night services were often held in local churches, which featured a decorated tree with candy and gifts for the children, a program consisting of recitations and the Nativity story.  These Christmas Tree Socials as they were called were part of the local holiday scene as late as the 1950s.

            If you or your family has a tradition during this season, please share it with us at the Museum by calling 238-1666 or stop by Tuesdays through Saturdays and visit with our staff between the hours of 1 and 4 in the afternoon.  And… thanks for reading to “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present December 13, 2018

December 13, 2018

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

Today we begin a series of stories about Christmas seasons from the past.  This story was taken from an article written by Gaylynn Childs, our former Executive Director at the Museum. This is some of what she wrote:  “A century ago in Junction City, the big Christmas push didn’t begin until a week before the day.  And yet, if the newspapers of that day are accurate indicators, they had most of the traditional Christmas trappings and festivities.

            The B. Rockwell Merchandise and Grain Company, which was located near the intersection of 8^th and Washington Streets had a contest that anyone could enter.  There was a  five foot tall, pure beeswax candle that was twelve inches in circumference and weighed 25 pounds, placed in the window of the store. The contest was intended for people to guess how long it would take to burn the candle once it was lit.  The winner would receive a prize. The clerks in the dry goods department of that same store provided an evening of entertainment for the clerks in the grocery department. 

School programs also marked the approach of Christmas in 1891. They were held on Christmas Eve when school was still in session.

Well, be reading this program for more ways the Christmas season was prepared for and celebrated during the early days of Geary County History on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society

Our Past Is Present December 12, 2018

December 12, 2018

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

            If you were reading on Monday, we had a story about the old Spanish cannon that was a prominent fixture near the fountain in Heritage Park.  The cannon was a “war souvenir” brought back by members of Company “L” from their service in Manila in the Philippines. 

            In an article in the newspaper on December 12, 1898, the author stated that the cannon “bore the date of 1799 and looked as though it had been used ever since Noah did business.  Yet it was in splendid shape.  The gun was mounted on wooden wheels with a wooden carriage and was engraved with the words “Presented to Junction City, November, 1899. 

            However, sometime during WWII the cannon disappeared.  In the “Daily Union” newspaper of August 29, 1942, there was an article titled “Historic Cannon May Be Scrapped To Aid Nation’s War Effort.”  Apparently local officials had decided to contribute two historic cannons to the nation’s scrap metal drive.  One of those was located on the courthouse grounds and the other was the cannon gifted to the city by Company L – the 1799 Spanish cannon, which had been on display in Heritage Park.

            So, if you go to Heritage Park looking for that famous Spanish cannon – well it won’t be there and now you know the reason and …..that’s our story today on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 

Our Past Is Present December 11, 2018

December 11, 2018

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

                Since January of this year we have shared stories about the Opera House with the timeline as we know it from our research at the Museum.  We will bring this series to a close next Tuesday.  If you have been listening on Tuesdays, you know that the concept of an opera house was created when 75 people from the area visited the opera house in Abilene in 1879.  Shortly after that the City of Junction City issued bonds for $20,000 then reduced the bonds to $12,000 to build an opera house in Junction City.

On August 14, 1880 a proposal for the construction of an opera house was completed with a deadline of April 1881.  It was named the Blakeley Opera House after William Blakely, a former Junction City Mayor, county legislator and Post Master.

The Opera House opened in January of 1882.  Some examples of entertainment consisted of minstrels, wrestling, boxing, a circus, Graduation Exercises and variety shows and concerts by local talent.

In January of 1898 at 5:30 PM the building caught fire, but was restored and re-opened in October of the same year.  By 1915 there were a mixture of road shows and motion pictures presented.  By 1918 silent films were shown and as early as one year later talking pictures were shown.   It was given different names in addition to being called the Opera House.  One of those names was the City Theater.

                Next week will complete the timeline in celebration of the 120^th Anniversary of the now C.L. Hoover Opera House.  Be listening then and every Monday through Friday at 9:15 AM on KJCK’s 1420 AM or 107.9 FM for “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present December 10, 2018

December 10, 2018

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

            On December 12, 1899, there was decorating going on in town and a spirit of celebration.  However, the celebration wasn’t related to Christmas.  It was instead, a patriotic event where veteran soldiers honored younger soldiers.  December 12, 1899 had been declared “Grand Army Day.”

            The purpose of this occasion was twofold. It was intended to honor the Geary County soldiers who served in Company “L” of the 20^th Kansas Infantry. This was the National Guard Regiment that had won honors for gallantry in the Philippines during the “postscript” to the Spanish-American War known as the Philippine Insurrection.

            The other purpose of the observance was to increase the membership in the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic.  This was a fraternal organization for Civil War veterans. 

            The big highlight of the day, however, would occur when “the members of the Company “L”, who enlisted from Junction City would formally present to the City the cannon obtained by them in the Philippines. For the next 45 years or so, this Spanish cannon was a prominent fixture near the fountain in Heritage Park.             

  Keep reading to learn more about how that old cannon was in Heritage Park and then… it was not when we continue this story on Wednesday right here on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present December 7, 2018

December 7, 2018

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

                It was a fair and warm day in Junction City on December 7, 1941 with the temperatures in the mid ‘50’s.  Churches were beginning the special pre-Christmas services.  The unique “choir exchange” between the Methodists and Presbyterians slated to take place that morning drew a large attendance to both buildings. 

                The afternoon found families gathered around dinner tables engaged in other home-center activities.  There was no Christmas shopping on this December Sunday.  These were the days when the “blue laws” were in effect and retail business had to remain closed on the Sabbath.

                The “Junction City Daily Union” newspaper of December 8 had an article in which the author stated “Junction Citians were amazed Sunday afternoon when word was flashed over the radio that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Amazement was followed by a reaction of relief.  The average individual here had expected war for so long that there was no excitement when it finally arrived.  No crowds gathered on the streets and surprisingly few calls of inquiry were made to the “Union” office.”

                The first flash was received at the newspaper office between 2:30 and 3:00 PM.  Between 3 and 4,000 copies of a special edition newspaper were published and sent out to readers. It wasn’t long until every copy had been sold.

                By Monday evening, the sobering facts had set in – especially the thought that “most of the service men are boys who were graduated from local schools just a few years ago.”

                We have since been involved in other wars and conflicts we will never forget the traumatic even of 9/11.  Offer your thoughts and prayers for those who have served and are serving in our military today in remembrance of this day that will remain in “Infamy”. 

                And ...thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present December 6, 2018

December 6, 2018

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

            From 1861 to 1888, George W. Martin was the editor of the “Junction City Union” newspaper and it was said that his paper had “exercised a greater influence in Kansas politics than any other weekly ever established in the state.”

            The editor of the “Leavenworth Conservative” newspaper wrote in 1864 a grudging compliment to this statement about George Martin and the “Union” paper.  He wrote: “The editor of the “Junction City Union” believes that when God made things, He put one point of the compass where Junction City now stands and gave it a twirl. Martin’s loyalty to Junction City was awe-inspiring.  He stood up for the town and everything in it that was right. An example is that George Martin made a great fight to have Junction City sawed stone used in the construction of the state capitol building, but a Topeka crowd was in control of the situation and a red sandstone from near Vinewood was used.  The foundation was laid in the fall of 1866.  By the following January the frost was making havoc with it and when spring came it had thoroughly thawed and was a mass of mud.  It cost the state $40,000.  Then Martin turned loose again and Junction City stone WAS finally used for construction of the Statehouse, which is now the east wing. 

                Junction City people have a lot to be proud of in our community.  We need to stand up for our city and Geary County when the negative comments are said.  Apparently even in the early days of our history it was still something people had to work at doing, which once again shows us that “Our Past Is Present” and you can learn more about Geary County History right here Monday through Friday at about this same time as well as by making a visit to our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets Tuesdays through Saturdays between 1 and 4 in the afternoon.  And… thanks again for reading.  

Our Past Is Present December 5, 2018

December 5, 2018

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

            The Altwegg family emigrated to Kansas in 1874 from Switzerland.  Under the Homestead Act of 1862, any head of a family, on condition of his agreement to occupy and cultivate a claim continuously for at least five years, could be granted 160 acres of land.

 The first home of Konrad and Rosetta Altwegg was a dugout – typical of most early settlers’ homes in this area.  Baby Konrad was not a strong child and died soon after their arrival in America.  The baby was buried on the homestead. 

            The Altweggs found many other problems as they set up their homestead, but stayed and worked the land and added to and raised their family.  Four children were born between 1875 and 1880.  Records show that a land patent was granted to Konrad Altwegg in 1881 for  160 acres in the Smoky Hill township of Davis County one and a half miles north of present highway K-18. 

            Five more children joined the family after the Altwegg’s moved to the “home place” as it was called.  Additions at the back and front were made to the house to make room for the enlarged family. 

            During the early years in America, Konrad cultivated the soil and planted crops, then found other work during the rest of the year.  For a time he worked making cheese at P.H. Gfeller’s store.  Later he walked twenty miles to work for a mill in Industry, Kansas.  His pay was 50 cents a day, but he could also have his own grain ground into flour and meal there.  Some days we may think we are having a tough time, but imagine the sacrifices of early pioneers in our county.  Well… that’s our time together today on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present December 4, 2018

December 4, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. Today’s program is a continuation of “Memories of Good Old Days At The Opera House” taken from an article in the “Junction City Union” newspaper in January of 1932. 

            The building had been repaired following the fire in 1898 and was being reopened on October 14, 1898.  One mother was asked by her child: “Were the people very much excited over it?” (Meaning the reopening of the Opera House) “My dear, I’ll have you know that was a great occasion in this old town.  Everyone got out their newest duds and all the families went to their buggies,” she answered.  “And what is more”, she went on, “that Opera House was known as the finest house between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River. It was the best show house between Kansas City and Denver.” 

            Yet another question was asked of the mother by the child: “Did we go often?” “I should say we did” the mother replied.  “We went to many, many shows.  Those certainly were the good old days.  Every lover took his lassie and a box of chocolates – never forgot the chocolates – and settled down in the soft seats for an enjoyable evening.”  Dad piped up with a reminder: “And don’t forget, I paid $1.00 a seat.”

            Well, as many of us know the seats are still comfortable and the shows are GREAT!!! It may cost more than a dollar, but the cost is minimal to the awesome entertainment.  And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present December 3, 2018

December 3, 2018

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

            The first courthouse in Davis County (now Geary County) was also used as a church, a school house, the land office, a community hall where theatricals had been performed and the upper room had housed the first printing office of George W. Martin’s “Smoky Hill” and “Republican Union” newspapers.  It was located on East Eighth Street where the current courthouse now stands. 

            By 1898 and during a trial that attracted many spectators, and the fact that one-third of the plaster had fallen from the ceiling in the clerk of the district court and register of deeds office, the citizens of Junction City were determined to have a new courthouse and jail built. 

            The decision was made to purchase the two lots west of the existing courthouse on 8^th Street and raze the old building to make way for the new.  By December 29 of 1899, the roof was on and the heating plant was ready to be fire lighted. There was an intent by some to have a clock in the tower of the building, but that didn’t become a reality. 

            After nine months of watching and waiting, it would have seemed that a grand celebration would have been planned to open the new building, but that was not the case.  The opening of the courthouse was in May of 1900 and done without much fanfare.  On May 14 of 1900, Judge Moore opened court in the new building and the American flag was suspended from the 28 foot flag pole atop the tower a distance of 135 feet from the ground.  This was the only ceremonial act to mark the building’s completion.

We have a picture of the courthouse in the process of being built in 1899 in the lobby area of our Museum.  Stop by and take a look.  And...that’s our story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.