March 1, 2017
This is “Our Past
Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. This is a story about an
interesting fine given to members of the Kansas House of Representatives. In
his weekly report from the Kansas Legislature, which was published in the “Junction
City Republic” newspaper in March of 1949, Geary County Representative Ralph Upham
reported that 15 bachelors in the House of Representatives were each fined … a
barrel of apples. According to Representative Upham, the bachelors came from
all walks of life. Good looks? Of course. Youthful enthusiasm? Well, all of
them sizzle with it. The outdoor type? Well, they are nearly all farmers.
Wealth? There is a cattleman from Emporia. A burning passion for public
affairs? There are low students who have talked their way into office.
Democrats?
Republicans? Both were plentiful. There were all types. Some were tall, dark
and handsome; a few tall Swedes and even well-built white-haired men. However,
there were no red heads. Before concluding his dissertation on bachelors Mr.
Upham noted that Mrs. Kininmouth, the only lady legislator, was appointed their
housemother.
We suspect that
the fine of a barrel of apples was a light hearted way to encourage the young
bachelors to pursue happiness …. through marriage. There was no mention of the impact
the fine of a barrel of apples had on the young, eligible, bachelor
Representatives and their marital status in the later years.
It would be
interesting to know how many members of the Kansas House of Representatives are
single today. That would be an excellent question for our Research Department
at the Museum. We will get back to you on that…
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