Our Past Is Present September 28, 2018

September 28, 2018

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

            Today’s program is titled “Life At Fort Riley As Seen Through The Eyes Of Margaret Clark Conless” and is taken from a 1988 article written by Gaylynn Childs for the “Junction City Union” newspaper.

            Margaret was born at Fort Riley in 1890.  Her father was assigned as the Chief of the Quartermaster at the fort. This was a Civil Service position.  For 30 years the family lived in Quarters No. 123, which is now the Custer House Museum. 

            Margaret stated that “The house was built in 1855 of large limestone blocks quarried from the hills north of the post.  There was no running water in the house in those early days.  There was a pump in the kitchen over an old iron basin.  There was an outhouse or privy.  Kerosene oil was used in lamps and coal was for heating water.  All the rooms originally had fireplaces that were later boarded up and plastered over.  The fireplaces gave way to a large pot-bellied stove or Franklin stove.

            I was probably five or six years old when water was piped into the house – first to the kitchen and then to the servant’s room upstairs that was made into a bathroom.  I must not forget that there was a stable and carriage house in the rear of the house. 

            My first schooling was held in St. Mary’s Chapel.  It was built in 1855 of limestone blocks.  There were seldom more than eight children of early school years on the post at that time when I first went to school in 1896.  Usually older children were sent to boarding school in the east.

            My first teacher was Sgt. Alexander Llenoc, who was under the supervision of the Post Chaplain.  A large church was built in 1897 and a school room was part of the church. Classes were moved from St. Mary’s Chapel to the newer, larger chapel. (In a note to our readers: this is now called Main Post Chapel.)

            Evening classes were held in the new building with classes held for enlisted men, which were also taught by Sgt. Llenoc.  He was the son of a well-known family in New York City, who objected to his enlistment in the Army.  I learned later that Sgt. Llennoc had changed his name and identity by spelling his last name backwards.  His real name was not Llennoc, but Connell.

            Several years later, three other children and I had a private school of sorts in the home of Capt. And Mrs. Forsythe. Our teacher was Miss McCracken, who came from Junction City each school day to teach us.  The Quartermaster provided her transportation. 

            When I was ready for high school, I attended Junction City High School and graduated with the class of 1908.”  That building is now the Geary County Museum.  And… that is today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 

           

               

Our Past Is Present September 27, 2018

September 27, 2018

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

            Yesterday our story was about blacksmith shops.  Well, today we are remembering the old barber shops.  Near the blacksmith shop display in our “Main Street” Gallery, we also have some items from barbershops.  There is a large picture of men getting a haircut or shave, a barber’s pole and a shoeshine chair.  Your host remembers getting a haircut in a place similar to the one in the picture during the 1950s and 60s.  It always smelled so good in there, as I recall. 

            Barber shops have been a part of this town’s business community for a long time.  In the first Junction City Business Directory, published in 1887, four barber shops were listed on Washington Street.  One was the shop owned by A. Johnson, barber and hairdresser, who wished to “particularly call attention to facilities for ladies and children’s hair dressing and shampooing.” 

            By 1905, eight barber shops were listed in the city directory and several advertised the additional hygienic amenity of…. a “bath room”. The “Junction City Sentinel” announced the opening of the first such operation here:  “George Lisk, the enterprising laundryman, has lately purchased several porcelain-lined bathtubs, which he will place in the building two doors from the Miller’s Hardware Store on Washington Street, next week.  Mr. Lisk has employed first-class and experienced attendants and a bath from a large bathing tub to a shampoo and shower bath with both hot and cold water can be indulged in.”

            In 1909, the Kansas State Legislature passed laws intended to assure that diseases were not transmitted through either barbers shops or public baths.  The regulations ranged from basic sanitation guidelines for bathtubs and barber equipment to banning use of either bathrooms or barber shops as sleeping rooms.  It went into great detail in giving instructions about sterilizing equipment used in the establishments.  They were to be either immersed in boiling water or in alcohol of at least 60 percent strength or in formaldehyde gas or solution after each use. 

            Again, we encourage you to stop by our Museum and see both our barbershop and blacksmith displays in the “Main Street” Gallery Tuesday through Sundays between the hours of 1 and 4.  Our Museum is located at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets.  Come and see why we say “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

           

Our Past Is Present September 26, 2018

September 26, 2018

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

            If you haven’t visited our Museum lately, please stop by and visit the blacksmith display in the “Main Street” gallery.  There are handcuffs, anvils, horseshoes and other items typically found in a blacksmith’s shop. Well... today’s story comes from an article titled “Local Blacksmiths Have Close Tie To JC’s History”. 

            Among the largest and most prosperous of early Junction City blacksmiths was that of C.P. Fogelstrom.  We have mentioned him in previous programs.  His shop was that of a blacksmith and wagon shop, which was located where the post office is today.  He established his shop in 1873. That business continued in operation until the 1940s when it became an auto supply business operated by his sons.  In 1903, it was the Fogelstrom family who provided the city property on which to build a high school.  That property and the building is now the Geary County Historical Society’s Museum. 

            The Degitz Blacksmith Shop, which was located in the 100 block of East Sixth Street, was the oldest and the last in town.  It closed its doors in 1967.  It was the effort to save the building from demolition that motivated the founding of the Historical Society in 1972.  Finally, it was the son of a local blacksmith, Fred Bramlage, who purchased the historic limestone high school building in 1982 and donated it to the society as a home for the Museum.

            A blacksmith shop was critical in a society dependent upon horses and wagons at the turn of the 20^th century was no exception.  Between 1888 and 1916, there were at least 18 blacksmith shops in Junction City.  In 1905, there were still seven listed in the City Directory and by 1910 the number had lessened to five and some had already begun to convert to machine shops or garages.

            The artifacts in our Blacksmith’s display at the Museum include various wheels, anvils, handcuffs, horseshoes and tools used by a blacksmith.  Please drop by the Museum to see this and the other displays at our Museum located at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets. Our hours are 1-4:00 Tuesdays through Sundays.   There are many interesting pieces and stories to go with them.  We’re sure when you visit you will learn why we say “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present September 25, 2018

September 25, 2018

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

            The headline in the January 21, 1898 “Junction City Republican” newspaper was “Destroyed By Fire – Junction City Is Now Without A City Hall And Opera House”.

            This a what the author wrote:  “Junction City’s Opera House was totally destroyed by fire Friday evening, January 21.  The building cost in the neighborhood of $30,000 according to J.B. Callen, City Clerk.

            The building was erected in 1881 and was formally opened to the public on January 5, 1882.  Judge Humphrey delivered the dedicatory address, which was followed by the dramatic club in the Spanish drama “Miralda”.  A.L. Barnes was the first manager of the Opera House.  He was succeeded by William Lockstone, City Clerk and he by A.P. Trott.  Mr. Trott was succeeded by T.W. Dorn, who was the manager at the time of the fire.

            A number of supposed causes have been given for the fire, but the true reason will probably never be known.  The building was insured for $10,000.

            By diligence and hard work the fire company succeeded in keeping the flames confined to the city building and no damage was done to adjacent properties.  The rain during the day and the heavy fall of snow during the progress of the fire assisted materially in preserving of the property, which under less favorable circumstances would have been destroyed.

            Some of the buildings nearby that could have been affected included property owned by W.W. Hicks, J.J. and W.F. Muenzenmayer, the White Lumber Company and the residence of Thomas Dixon. 

            The fire department deserved much praise for the way they handled the fire.  It was generally believed the building was unsafe and the heavy slate roof had so weakened the walls that it was dangerous to enter the building.  The department took many chances and its members escaped all injury.  A portion of the east wall fell out, as did a portion of the west and south walls.  The front of the building was left standing.

            The Opera House was rebuilt, restored and opened in October of that same year.

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

Our Past Is Present September 24, 2018

September 24, 2018

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

            Gaylynn Childs, our retired Executive Direct stated in an article in the “Daily Union” newspaper in 1998 that “one of Geary County’s least glamorous claims to fame in world history occurred 100 years ago.  This was when the first recorded case of the Spanish Influenza was reported at Fort Riley’s Camp Funston.

            Because of the close proximity of Camp Funston, this area was among those in the state hit the hardest.  Citizens pitched in and without hesitation, assisted with nursing the sick and caring for many of the soldiers, neighbors and strangers.

            The flu epidemic in Kansas hit its high mark about the first week in December of 1918.  A total of 19,676 cases were reported for that time period.  By the end of the month, the plague had run its course and more than 12,000 Kansans had lost their lives.  In the month of October 1918, 2,800 had perished with a third of them being at Fort Riley.   

            Not less than 10,000 businesses were affected by closing orders and flu bans.  Agriculture suffered tremendously, because the epidemic had come during the harvest season.

            Dr. Alfred Crosby, a medical researcher and historian recorded that “no disaster, no infection, no war, no famine has ever killed so many in as short a period.” 

            What did we, as a nation learn from this experience?  Americans had come to accept that illness and death went hand-in-hand with cold weather and winter.  There were few families who had not seen a child die from one of the infections scourges, which ran through rural and urban communities.  Finally, our focus was on winning a war and the attention of the state and the nation was turned toward sacrifice – doing what we had to do to get the job done.  We took the flu in stride, rolled up our sleeves and nursed the sick, buried the dead and moved on.”  That is the American and the Kansans way!!!

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

Our Past Is Present September 21, 2018

September 21, 2018

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

            We told you that our story today would be more about “Widow Clark”, the woman whose husband had a ferry business to transport people and animals across the Republican River, and comes from an article written by Gaylynn Childs. 

            “Mary McGown had come to America with an older sister and her husband to get away from her overbearing stepmother.  In 1850, Mary married a young Englishman, Charles Francis Clarke, in St. Louis, Missouri, who had also come to America for adventure in the new world.  He eventually joined the Army and while in the Dragoons, rose to the rank of Sergeant Major.  When he was station at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri he wrote to his parents in England that on the 29^th of December he was going to marry Mary McGown.  They were later transferred to Fort Leavenworth and after several campaigns against the Indians, SGM Clarke and his family were assigned to Fort Riley in January of 1858.

            Soon after this he bought a bridge at the Fort for $2,000, by paying installments and collected tolls from the heavy traffic going across the Republican River. There was a severe drought in 1860, which was followed by a heavy winter, which brought about spring floods.  The flooding washed the bridge away in early 1861, so the Clarkes quickly purchased a ferry boat to carry the traffic across the river.

            Charles went back into service in the Army with the outbreak of the Civil War as a Captain.  In December of 1862, CPT Clarke contracted Scarlet Fever and died. Mrs. Clarke had been able to live on Post since her husband’s death and on the strength of her ferry business.  In 1865, she was given notice to move and her ferry property was appropriated.  She purchased a small stone house at Fourth and Adams Streets in Junction City and lived there still missing the presence of her husband, who had passed three years earlier.  Mary was a key player in the establishment of the St. Xavier’s Catholic Church in Junction City. 

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

Our Past Is Present September 20, 2018

September 20, 2018

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

            Today we are continuing with our stories about early pioneers in this area.  Josephine Munson wrote an article for the “Junction City Union” newspaper, which was published in 1987.  The article was titled “Reaching Fort Riley Not Easy In 1800s.” This is what she wrote.

            “Crossing the rivers at Fort Riley was a challenge in the early years.  An account of “My First Days in Kansas,” by Mrs. S.B. White tells of their journey from Westport to Fort Riley in March of 1855: They were advised to take the route by way of Council Grove, because it was the best road.  She stated that it “surely was the longest one and if other roads were worse, I pitied those who traveled them.”  From Council Grove, they “made a beeline for Fort Riley. We struck a bluff on the east side of the Smoky Hill River where the descent was so steep the wheels of the wagons had to be tied together.  We could neither walk nor roll down, as the snow was so deep on the ground.  We crossed the Smoky on the ice, then on again we crossed the Republican on the ice and at last came to the Fort.”

            When the ice was thawed, it seemed the most successful method of crossing the rivers in the early days was by a ferry.  On November 1, 1856, a license was issued to Mary Clarke to keep a Ferry across the Republican Rivers.  Mrs. Clarke was the widow of a Fort Riley soldier who had operated the ferry at that spot since the bridge had washed out in 1860.  “Widow Clarke”, as she was known, continued to run the ferry until 1867 in spite of plans to bridge the river.”

            Read more on Monday when we have another story about “Widow Clarke” on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 

Our Past Is Present September 19, 2018

September 19, 2018

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

            During the next few broadcasts, we will be sharing stories about early pioneers in our area.  Today’s story is titled “Early Pioneers Came From Around The Globe”.  The article, which was published in the “Daily Union” newspaper, was written by Pat Olmstead, who at one time was the Registrar at the Museum.  Pat wrote that: “Some of our pioneers were headed elsewhere and remained in this area.  This was true of Walter Ramsour.  Ramsour first came to Junction City with his family in the spring of 1870 from England.  They were headed for the newly formed Wakefield, but when his father arrived in Junction City he liked it so well here that they stayed. 

            Some families came by train.  In 1887, the Cy Rogers family consisting of his father, mother, two brothers and three sisters arrived here after leaving Ohio and traveling by Union Pacific train to later locate at a farm on the Republican River.

            One of the more detailed accounts was about Mary Connor.  Her future husband, Elias N. Church, originally from Ohio, came to Kansas in 1857 and was the first settler in Liberty Township.  He returned to Woodstock, Ohio in 1864 to marry 22 year old Mary Connor and bring his bride to their new residence along Lyons Creek.

            They dealt with the grasshopper plague of 1874, which destroyed all their crops.  Indians were frequent visitors occasionally asking for “fire water” or “tobaccer”, but apparently did them no harm.     

            After moving in to Junction City sometime before 1887, the Church’s kept an eating house in part of what later became the Central Hotel at 702 N. Jefferson St.  Mrs. Church stated that Wild Bill Hickock was one of her boarders and many times played with their children.”

            We are still a transient community, however, many have come and stayed to help build our community and grow with it.

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

Our Past Is Present September 18, 2018

September 18, 2018

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

            As we continue our stories about events, celebrations, graduations, boxing and wrestling matches, circus performers, plays and other forms of entertainment during the long history of the Opera House. Today we wanted to share with you three events, which were announced in early 1897.  There was “A Grand Lecture”, a production of “Faust” and a traveling company’s performance of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”.

            Professor Lewis Lindsay Dyche of the State University in Lawrence, a naturalist and explorer was to give a lecture at the Opera House on the Fifth of February in 1897.  The article in the “Republican” newspaper of that year stated that “The afternoon lecture was to be about the treatment of wild animals.  The evening’s lecture was titled “Campfires of a Naturalist in Alaska.”  

            The production of the play “Faust” was given on a Monday evening under the direction of the famous artist Lewis Morrison.  It was stated that the audience was large and no play was ever witnessed by a more appreciative audience than was “Faust”.

            In March of 1897, there was an article written about a performance of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”.  The author wrote that “Uncle Tom’s Cabin comes to the Opera House Thursday.  The company is a large one numbering 54 people.  They carry 3 bands of music, their own orchestra, 20 head of ponies, donkeys and oxen, besides an endless amount of special scenery and effects.  The company parade will be at noon.” I doubt that all those animals were on the stage, but were used to move the equipment from one town to the next. It is interesting to read the way journalists wrote in the late 1800’s/early 1900’s.  However, I also suspect that if they read the way we write today – they would think our writing was also quite different and even confusing.

            Well, that’s our time together today on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 

Our Past Is Present September 17, 2018

September 17, 2018

            

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

            We want to remind you that if you miss any of our stories on “Our Past Is Present”, you can go to our blogspot and read them at your convenience.  Just go to gearyhistory.blogspot.com.  If you just want to hear the stories we have had on this program about the history of the Opera House, you can go to C. L. Hoover Opera House website, click on “Our Past Is Present” and listen to topic of your interest.  We want to thank KJCK, Platinum Broadcasting and the Opera House for providing that space. 

            Well… there were some interesting headlines and stories in “The Republican” newspaper in October of 1917.  We thought you might be interested in hearing about two of those this morning.  One of the stories was really appropriate for us in recent weeks with all of the rain we had in this area.  The title of the article was “The Roads To Camp Funston”. (The reference was of course about Camp Funston on Fort Riley).  The story was that “The writer took a drive down through Funston Friday and the flats were still under water in many places as the result of the heavy rains of Tuesday last week and the insufficient drainage facilities.  Cars were stuck in the mud in many parts of the camp. The new rock road at that time did not come within a mile of the camp proper and the dirt road was about as mean driving as could be imagined.  The new road is being rushed to completion and a start is already made toward doubling the width of the road to accommodate the immense amount of traffic.  Drainage conditions are being looked after as fast as possible also.”  

            In another story about Camp Funston, the title of the article was “Over Hundred New Buildings”.  The author wrote that “Late last week Captain F.G. Herman of Fort Riley received authorization for the construction of over one hundred additional buildings as added barracks and auxiliary building of various sorts to Funston and to include a general cantonment hospital sufficient to care for 3% of the total strength of the command in camp at one time.  The work will be done under the direction of the Fuller Construction Company, which has done the work on the whole cantonment for the government and commences at once.

            We'd have to assume area would have had to dry out before construction could be done on those one hundred buildings at Camp Funston.

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

Our Past Is Present September 14, 2018

September 14, 2018

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

            Laura Rohrer Bauman was a longtime local resident of Junction City with the distinction of being the first woman lawyer in Kansas.  She and her family lived on what was then the outskirts of our town on West Sixth Street in the vicinity of where the Westside Shopping Center is now. 

            Laura graduated with the class of 1915 from Junction City High School in the building which is now our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets. Following high school, Laura attended Washburn University in Topeka.  Her father had wanted to be a lawyer and wanted his son to become a lawyer.  Laura’s brother did not want to be a lawyer, so she decided to take that career path.

            After completing her undergraduate work at Washburn, Laura became one of only three women enrolled at Northwestern University’s School of Law in Chicago.  She graduated in 1921.  She passed her Kansas bar exams, was sworn in by the Kansas Supreme Court and returned to her home in Junction City. 

            In 1934, Laura moved from her office on East 8^th Street to a new structure at 811 North Washington to house an abstracting company.  She met Ernest Bauman, who was putting the finishing touches on the new office building.  They became best friends and eventually married in 1945. Laura retired in 1954.  She regularly traveled to Europe, was a charter member and was involved in the founding of the Geary County Historical Society in 1972 and the creation of the GCHS Museums in the early 1980’s.  She died at the age of 99 in 1997. 

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

Our Past Is Present September 13, 2018

September 13, 2018

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

            The information in today’s story comes from an article written by Gaylynn Childs, retired Director at our Museum and may be found on page 296 of the book Set In Stone.  She wrote that “during the closing days of WWII, General George S. Patton, Jr. made a statement which brought Junction City, Kansas to the attention of the nation and the world.  There was an article published in the Saturday Evening Post in June of 1945 that the famous and flamboyant military hero announced to the world that the only political ambition he’d ever had was to be the mayor of Junction City.

            The “Union” newspaper reported that the people believed “he would be a cinch for the job anytime he cared to toss his five-star-studded helmet into the ring.” 

            General Patton knew about Junction City, because while he was on duty at Fort Riley he lived in Junction City in the house at Third and Jefferson Streets, which is now owned by St. Xavier’s Catholic Church and was used as the home for the nuns that taught at the Catholic School. 

            There was another report in the local newspaper that the City Commission had decided to facilitate Patton’s wish.  There was a meeting in special session at which Mayor Roy More stated he considered it a privilege to step down for such a famed and illustrious individual. More submitted his resignation to take effect as soon as the General qualified and was ready to take the oath of office.

            Notification was sent to General Patton, who responded on July 3, 1945.  General Patton wrote: “Dear Mr. Mayor:  Thanks very much for your telegram.  However, my political aspirations are not exactly as stated in the Saturday Evening Post.  What I said was that the only political position which I could consider would be mayor of the town where I had spent so many years, namely, Junction City.  However, as you well know my statement was from the heart and not from the head.  With all good wishes to you and your city.  I am, Most Sincerely, G.S. Patton, Jr. General U.S.A.”

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

Our Past Is Present September 12, 2018

September 12, 2018

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

            Yesterday was Tuesday and that has been the day we have reserved for sharing stories with you about the Opera House.  Because yesterday was 9-11, we broke with that tradition to tell you the memories our staff had about that day on 2001.  So… today our time will be spent picking back up with an event that took place at the Opera House in September of 1896.             

            It was “The Grandest Concert” held on the 3^rd of September that year and was for the benefit of the M.E. Church of Junction City.  Local talent performed and included some of the following acts listed in an article in the “Junction City Tribute”. There was an overture by the orchestra of thirty pieces under the direction of J. Abbie Clarke.  The piece was titled “Gold Fleece”.  A contralto solo was sung by Miss Lulu Pierce title “Sunset”.  Miss Edith Albars played a piano solo titled “Pierrette” and Miss Wilmia Tylers played a harp solo.  Then the orchestra played the “Washington Post” March.  Part two opened with Mozart’s “Kyrie” from the Twelfth Mass by a chorus of 80 voices directed by E.H. Offley.  Miss J. Abbie Clarke appeared again playing her violin and she was asked to play an encore. Miss Florence Rook accompanied her on the piano.  The last solo of the evening was sung by Miss Grace Ketner, who had been re-elected to teach vocal music in the public schools.

            The manager of the Opera House claimed that nearly 650 people attended that grand concert.   And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present September 11, 2018

September 11, 2018

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

            It is normal for us to bring you a story about the Opera House on Tuesdays. However, since this is September 11, we wanted to take a different approach.  A story about the history of the Opera House will be heard tomorrow.

            September 11, 2001 will be a day that many of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we first heard about the terrorist attacks on our nation. The Museum staff and I discussed this at the Museum one Thursday when I was waiting for guests to arrive and this is what each stated.

            Heather Hagedorn, our Curator was in seventh grade in Mr. Fair’s history class at Fox River Grove Middle School in Illinois.  They were getting ready to watch a movie in class, when she and her classmates observed teachers talking quietly about something that had happened, but the students had not been told.  Since the school was 40 miles from Chicago, the school was put on a “Red Alert”, which meant they were on lock down.

            Jennifer Dixon, our Director of Programs and Education, was living in Germany where her husband had been assigned. She watched on television as the second plane hit the Twin Towers.  She stated that a German native who lived near them and didn’t speak English, went around the neighborhood showing a newspaper article with pictures and then gave the wives a rose.  Jennifer said every car going on Post was inspected to include the use of mirrors used to look under vehicles for any explosive devices. 

            Katie Goerl, our Executive Director, stated that she and her classmates were not allowed to watch the television.  The teachers told students and about the attacks, and they had some discussion, but the emphasis was to keep the day as normal as possible.  After school she went to a friend’s house and later home.  When she arrived home, Katie’s mother told her she was glad Katie was safe.  Katie responded with “Of course, I am safe, we live in Kansas.” 

            Even if you were not alive in 2001, we hope you will take a moment to reflect on the day of 9-11-2001 and join us in thanking those who keep us safe today and every day.

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

Our Past Is Present September 10, 2018

September 10, 2018

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

            The late Rob Stevens wrote a piece for “The Weekly Republic” newspaper in 1981 titled “Simpler Closes Coaching Career.”  This article, of course, was about the late Al Simpler.  Rob started the article with:  “The year was 1958… students at Junction City Senior High began school that fall attending only half days – in the morning – while they waited for the new school building to be completed.

            The 1958 football season saw the Blue Jays compile a final season record of six wins and three losses and a third place finish in the Central Kansas League. Al Simpler and his wife Helen came to Junction City from Oklahoma and became a part of the tradition of winning in Junction City athletics.  His term of service as a coach track and football athletes lasted for 23 years.  There were 19 winning football campaigns and seven playoff appearances; a media state title in 1976; the first true championship in 1969 and runners up in 1976.  His record at Junction City High School as a football coach was 142-74 and 3. 

            When asked why he was retiring, Al Simpler stated that “it wasn’t really because of three straight losing football seasons, it was more about his allergies and being on his feet for so many hours each day.”

            Even with the impressive record he had at JCHS, Al Simpler is often remembered as being a person who worked hard to get scholarships for his athletes and taught them the things they needed for life -  like being responsible for their own  actions.  A portion of the article from which this information came, stated that there was the time Al had to leave his best players home because of discipline problems before the season finale.  Al also stated in the article that “if a kid isn’t on time to make the team bus, we leave him at home.” 

            Something for us to think about as the fall sports season begins.  Is it only about winning the game or is also about life’s lessons being taught by playing in a sport?  I am sure I know how Coach Randall Zimmerman would answer that question.  

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

Our Past Is Present September 7, 2018

September 7, 2018

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

            The late Marilyn Heldstab, one of our former Executive Directors wrote an article for the newspaper in 1991 about some of the early movie theaters in Junction City.  She stated that a headline in the “Junction City Union” newspaper on September 23, 1931 proclaimed that the Cozy Theater was ready to open.  The theater was located at 616 N. Washington Street across the alley from the Bartell Hotel. The movie to be shown was “The Transatlantic” featuring Edmund Howe and Lois Moran.  There were to be two showings.  One was at 7:15 and the other at 9:00 PM.  The price of admission was 20 cents for adults at the matinee and 35 cents for the evening show.  Children would be admitted for 10 cents.

            Movies were certainly not new in Junction City.  The Aurora Theater was located at the same location as the Cozy in 1907. There also was a Lyric Theater at 603 N. Washington Street owned by Ira Bermant and in 1910 the Lyric Air Dome at 118 or 129 E. Sixth Street. 

            On September 24, 1917, the Columbia Theater opened at the corner of 10^th and Washington Streets.  It burned after WWI.  The Uptown Theater opened in 1928.  The seating capacity was 800 and equaled that of the City Theater.  The City Theater was located in what is now the C.L. Hoover Opera House. The Uptown Theater was located at 611 N. Washington Street.  It was later known as the Dickinson Theater and then the Junction Theater.  That building was razed in the fall of 1985. 

            The Kaw Theater opened in 1934.  That building had formerly had a ballroom on the second floor and there was a garage on the main floor.  The night of the opening of that theater, J. Abbie Clarke played the violin to entertain those who came early to admire the theater. 

            After the Municipal Building was finished, the city offices and police and fire departments were moved into that building. The vacated Opera House that was first built in 1882, was converted to a movie theater and opened as the Colonial Theater on July 15, 1941.  It was closed in 1982, when the theater moved into the Westside Shopping Center as a twin theater. 

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

Our Past Is Present September 6, 2018

September 6, 2018

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

            Junction City had a radio station as far back as 1925. It was owned and operated by Ben Fegan, President of the Junction City Telephone Co. which was the forerunner of the United Telephone of Kansas, which later became Sprint.

            According to information in a 1999 article in the “Junction City Union” newspaper Marian Grammer, Fegan’s daughter stated that “KFJC was licensed to broadcast one day a week for about 3 to 4 hours. The radio station was in the dining room and living room of the Fegan family home at 410 N. Jefferson Street. An engineer came in to run the equipment, which was in the garage.  Marian’s father, sold the station to Dr. John Brinkley and he moved the station to Milford, Kansas.  The call letters became KFBI and the power was boosted to reach a large portion of the nation.

 In 1949, R.L. Bud Weir, Jr. and his friend, Richard Meek moved to Junction City from Parsons, Kansas to establish a radio station to serve the community.  This station became KJCK-AM at 1420 on the radio dial. 

            Bud sold the station in 1982 to Steve Roesler. Steve managed the station from 1973 to 1982, when it was purchased by the present owner, Platinum Broadcasting Co. The original offices and studio were on the second floor of the former Waters Hardware Building at Washington and West Eighth Streets.  The employees were Dick Meek, Don Whitebread, Van Delilow, a Fort Riley soldier who was the program director; Dave Melton and John Stone was the engineer.  Nancy Harris, the wife of Phil Harris, helped with the books and answered the phones.  C.W. “Bill” Crites was the long-time farm director and Florence Whitbread, was also an employee at the station. 

            In addition to establishing KJCK AM, Bud was also a pioneer in the cable tv business here in 1958. That business grew and was sold for close to $50 million in 1979. 

            People in our area have been listening to this station for 69 years.  And… we thank you for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present September 5, 2018

September 5, 2018

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

            Plans for the Upland Mutual Insurance Company’s Corporate headquarters to be built in the Jack Lacy Business Park just southwest of Junction were published in the “Junction City Union” newspaper in 2004.  The new facility was to be built on a five acre site at Interstate 70 and Highway 77.  Trudy Britt, who was the Secretary/Treasurer of Upland Mutual, said the company’s board of directors decided on the move because the current building was not ADA accessible.  

            Britt also said that the Upland also considered locations in Chapman and Abilene, but the board ultimately chose Junction City.  Larry Cope who was the Economic Development Director for Junction City, stated that “this shows we can not only entice manufacturing and retail businesses to the community, but also corporate offices.” 

            The Upland Mutual Insurance Company began its business in 1892 when a group of farmers came together to manage risk of fire and lightning.  It was originally formed in Upland, Kansas, which is in Dickinson County. 

            Our EDC continues to work to attract businesses to our community and we need to be supportive of them as well as be positive representatives when we talk to people about Junction City.  And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Our Past Is Present September 4, 2018

September 4, 2018

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

            Last week we began sharing with you some of the performances in the early days of the Opera House. Today we will continue with events that took place in December of 1896.  There was a play presented on Friday evening, December 11, 1896 titled “A Great Wrong Righted”.  There are several synopses about this title and your host is not comfortable with being sure that the plot is correctly described.  In two versions of the same title there seemed to be a life changed or saved at the end after having gone through some difficult times.  So, we will leave it at that. Listeners and readers of our blog will be interested to note that the cost to see this play ranged from 10 to 30 cents. 

            On Saturday, afternoon, December 12, 1896, the Opera House was host to “The Paiges” spelled P-a-i-g-e-s.  This was a matinee for ladies and children and there was to be a drawing for a five dollar gold piece given to the person holding the lucky ticket number.  At the evening performance “The Paiges” gave away six beautiful rocking chairs.  Three numbers were drawn from those who purchased a 30 cent ticket, two if a 20 cent ticket was purchased and one from a 10 cent ticket purchased.  The winners had to be present to claim their prize.  This was a marketing tool to increase attendance and from what has been found so far in research, it was not done at every performance. 

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

Our Past Is Present September 3, 2018

September 3, 2018

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

            Today’s story is about two different businesses that took different paths in 2005.  One left our community and the other modified the products being sold and stayed. The Abilene-based Duckwall-Alco Store, which was located at 920 West Sixth Street in Junction City,  announced that it was closing its Junction City store in March of 2005, which cut 25 jobs from Junction City.  Kalen Gunderson was the company’s vice president who stated that “the move to close the store may have seemed premature, especially with the pending arrival of the 6^th Brigade, 25^th Infantry Division at Fort Riley, but the store did not meet the minimum return on investment standards.”

            The store had been in Junction City for 32 years.  Larry Cope was the Director of the Junction City-Geary County Economic Development Commission then and he stated that “he would be seeking a retail business to go into the building.”  The building is currently the Larry Dixon Center, which is owned by USD 475.

            Also in March of 2005, Willhoite’s Inc., 236 E. Eighth Street, announced that it planned to adjust its stock from heavy farm products to consumer products on May 1.  Phil Willhoite  was the owner and made that announcement.  He stated that “he just wanted people to know that he is not going anywhere.  He was just going to be dealing more with part time farmers.”

He went on to state that there were not that many full-time farmers in the area and this was an agreement between his family and the John Deere Company.  Mr. Willhoite stated that he would “be a dealer for John Deere All Terrain Vehicles or ATV’s.”  He noted that “the town was growing and he needed to be a part of that growth and changing from heavy duty products to consumer products would give him a wider market.”  Willhoite’s  closed their entire business in 2006.  The Geary County Emergency Management Office is now located at the 236 E. Eighth Street address where the Willhoite Store once was. And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.