           Geary County Historical Society Board Member

“Fegan’s Long Business History”

	The late Marilyn Heldstab, who at one time served as the Geary Museum Director, wrote an article for the JC Union newspaper and Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote an article in the Set In Stone about Robert Benjamin  Fegan and the impact of his work and involvement in the community. This is some of what the wrote in their separate articles. 

	R.B. Fegan was born in Hoboken, New York.  On May 15, 1877.  He and his parents moved to Picton, Canada. According to a 1954 article printed in the Junction City Republic, Ben, as he was known as, started in telephone work in Rochester New York, in 1898 and worked for several years there and in Buffalo, Ithica, Albion and other New York cities in the days when the telephone system was in its infancy. 

	Ben He was in Ithica when, in the late fall of 1909, he accepted a position as a promoter and traffic manager for the Home Telephone and Telegraph Company in Abilene, Kansas.

	Ben recalled that he had not bee in Abilene very long before he saw that the larger independent companies were selling out to the Bell system and as he had always been independent, he thought the wise thing for him to do was get a telephone system of his own. 

	Ben eventually purchased the small 600 phone Dewey-Wareham Telephone Company in Junction City.  In June 1910 he moved into the community which would become his home for the remainder of his life.  Before leaving New York Ben had married Marian R. Lewis, a girl who was ten years his junior.  When the family first arrived in Junction City, Marian was expecting their first child, Robert.  

	Fegan’s business was originally located on the west side of the old Durland building on West 7th Street and was at that time aa “magneto” system meaning the kind of phone that would have to be cranked to get “central” or the operator. All the lines were grounded or common return, which meant that it was not unusual to hear a half dozen conversations at one time.  He tried at first to rehabilitate this system, but soon decided improvements and expansion was needed.  He applied for a franchise, got it, and put in the first common battery system in this part of the country.  He built a new building located in the 100 block of West 6th Street and by 1912, Mr. Fegan had expanded to served 800 subscribers.  

	In 1914, along with others he formed the Home Farm Lighting and Electric Construction Company and sold lighting systems to many rural communities.  During WWI, Ben Fegan provided telephone and electricity to the Camp Funston and Army City on Fort Riley. As a result he was commissioned as an officer in the Army and held the rank of Lt. Colonel at the close of the war. 

He had a continuing love of horses and in the early days owned racehorses and was the owner of a large wheat ranch in western Kansas.  Fegan was active in politics and many organizations in Junction City. 

	Fegan and his wife Marian built a new modern residence on Jefferson Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets in 1914. This house still stands at 410 N. Jefferson, although it has been altered on the outside and no longer appears as it did when the Fegan family lived there.  At that time, it had a full porch extending across the front of a Porte Cochere (a covered entrance large enough for vehicles to pass through) on the north. For the time it was modern in every way and contained 12 rooms.  Fegan believed in Junction City and planned to make it his home as well as a strong supporter of Junction City. Robert Benjamin Fegan died in 1950.

By Dr. Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member“Fegan’s Long Business History” <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629920529303.jpeg" alt="Ben Fegan" />
 <figcaption>Ben Fegan</figcaption>
 </figure>	The late Marilyn Heldstab, who at one time served as the Geary Museum Director, wrote an article for the JC Union newspaper and Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote an article in the Set In Stone about Robert Benjamin Fegan and the impact of his work and involvement in the community. This is some of what the wrote in their separate articles. 	R.B. Fegan was born in Hoboken, New York. On May 15, 1877. He and his parents moved to Picton, Canada. According to a 1954 article printed in the Junction City Republic, Ben, as he was known as, started in telephone work in Rochester New York, in 1898 and worked for several years there and in Buffalo, Ithica, Albion and other New York cities in the days when the telephone system was in its infancy. 	Ben He was in Ithica when, in the late fall of 1909, he accepted a position as a promoter and traffic manager for the Home Telephone and Telegraph Company in Abilene, Kansas.	Ben recalled that he had not bee in Abilene very long before he saw that the larger independent companies were selling out to the Bell system and as he had always been independent, he thought the wise thing for him to do was get a telephone system of his own. 	Ben eventually purchased the small 600 phone Dewey-Wareham Telephone Company in Junction City. In June 1910 he moved into the community which would become his home for the remainder of his life. Before leaving New York Ben had married Marian R. Lewis, a girl who was ten years his junior. When the family first arrived in Junction City, Marian was expecting their first child, Robert. 	Fegan’s business was originally located on the west side of the old Durland building on West 7th Street and was at that time aa “magneto” system meaning the kind of phone that would have to be cranked to get “central” or the operator. All the lines were grounded or common return, which meant that it was not unusual to hear a half dozen conversations at one time. He tried at first to rehabilitate this system, but soon decided improvements and expansion was needed. He applied for a franchise, got it, and put in the first common battery system in this part of the country. He built a new building located in the 100 block of West 6th Street and by 1912, Mr. Fegan had expanded to served 800 subscribers. 	In 1914, along with others he formed the Home Farm Lighting and Electric Construction Company and sold lighting systems to many rural communities. During WWI, Ben Fegan provided telephone and electricity to the Camp Funston and Army City on Fort Riley. As a result he was commissioned as an officer in the Army and held the rank of Lt. Colonel at the close of the war. He had a continuing love of horses and in the early days owned racehorses and was the owner of a large wheat ranch in western Kansas. Fegan was active in politics and many organizations in Junction City. 	Fegan and his wife Marian built a new modern residence on Jefferson Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets in 1914. This house still stands at 410 N. Jefferson, although it has been altered on the outside and no longer appears as it did when the Fegan family lived there. At that time, it had a full porch extending across the front of a Porte Cochere (a covered entrance large enough for vehicles to pass through) on the north. For the time it was modern in every way and contained 12 rooms. Fegan believed in Junction City and planned to make it his home as well as a strong supporter of Junction City. Robert Benjamin Fegan died in 1950.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629920594458.jpeg" alt="Junction City Telephone Company 1912" />
 <figcaption>Junction City Telephone Company 1912</figcaption>
 </figure>

Our Past is Present

“Junction City Resident Lived Through Quantrill’s Raid On Lawrence”

Gaylynn Childs, retired Geary County Historical Society Museum Director, wrote an article for the local newspaper about some memories a Junction City resident had during Quantrill’s raid on Lawrence, Kansas.  This is some of what was written.

During the early years of the 20th Century, the A.L. Wagenseller family ran a prosperous lumber business in Junction City. In the 1920s, Mrs. Wagenseller’s mother, Mrs. Mary Simpson, made her home with the family in the large Victorian house which is still located west of the Presbyterian Church on West 5th Street.  Fortunately, her daughter, Helen Wagenseller, recorded these accounts and in 1925 and 1927 her stories were printed in the Junction City Union newspaper. This is her story.

“I had been east that summer with my two children, Will and Mamie.  The trip home (to Kansas) had been long and tedious.  The railroad took us only as far as Jefferson City, Missouri, then a little river steamer brought us to Quindaro, a river landing near Kansas City.  From there we traveled by stage the last 38 miles to Lawrence.  

During the early evening of August 20, we pulled into Lawrence, and I felt how good it was to be home, despite the hazards of war and the dangers which we knew surrounded us.  One of the first things I said to my husband was a question regarding the persistent rumor that Lawrence was to be attacked by Quantrill.  My husband assured me that he felt that now our position was secure, as word had been received from the governor only a few days before that the border was guarded.  On the strength of that, a guard which had been keeping watch over the town each night had been disbanded and the arms sent to Lecompton, the capital of the territory. 

The morning following my return, a great yell from the southeast part of town reached us.  The sky was cloudless and the air very still – and the sound with accompanying thud of horses’ feet was carried with horrible directness to all parts of the little town.  It was Quantrill’s signal to his men to break into little groups and scatter over the town.  Immediately he aroused us all, and upon my asking my husband what the matter was his reply was ‘Don’t stop to ask questions.  We must get out of here as soon as possible and get into General Lane’s cornfield’.  This cornfield was a little distance back of our house.  Only a few minutes sufficed for our very hasty dressing.  As we were leaving the house, we passed through the dining room, and I snatched a few spoons from the old-fashioned spoon holder on the table.  These spoons are all my wedding presents to survive the wreck of that day.   

	Mary Simpson continued: “We went quite a distance into the cornfield and remained there until 5 or 6 in the evening.  There had been no time for us before leaving the house to visit the pantry, so we were there without food save what the kernels of corn provided.  Our son was five years old and our little girls, not quite two, yet during all that hot summer day not even a whimper came from either of them.  They too, seemed to grasp the gravity of the situation.

	One of my husband’s brothers hid in a grape arbor near our home.  Shortly after Quantrill’s men began their deadly work one of his groups came to the house. They discussed whether to burn the house or not, but finally left it intact.  However, another squad came shortly after and ruthlessly set fire to the house.  My husband’s brother, who was hidden in the arbor was armed, but as he was the only one against ten or twelve, he knew it meant death to use his gun.

	About 9 o’clock we began to breathe more easily.  The shooting had almost ceased, and we began to feel that the raiders had about spent themselves, when suddenly we saw a man wearing a red shirt come running toward us through the corn stalks.  He proved to be a resident of Lawrence whom the rebels had fired upon as he was making his escape across a nearby ravine.  His feet were all bloody from wounds and the stones he had encountered in the chase.

	As we emerged from our several hiding places, despair was the sensation felt.  Lawrence was not yet ten years old, but much young blood and energy had gone into its building.  Already the little town promised much.  And now all that fine work and effort seemed to be for naught.  The business part of the town and most of the dwellings were nothing but smoldering heaps.  The dead were everywhere. 

	There was little wailing and few tears.  The occasion was beyond all that.  This Lawrence raid differed from any other guerilla warfare of the Civil War.  In other instances, the idea was to kill those whom they felt to be particularly guilty and to also rob.  But this time the idea was destruction, not robbery, and the wholesale slaughter of all the men.”   

By Dr. Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member“Junction City Resident Lived Through Quantrill’s Raid On Lawrence”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629308494624.jpeg" alt="William Quantrill&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>William Quantrill&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Gaylynn Childs, retired Geary County Historical Society Museum Director, wrote an article for the local newspaper about some memories a Junction City resident had during Quantrill’s raid on Lawrence, Kansas. This is some of what was written.During the early years of the 20th Century, the A.L. Wagenseller family ran a prosperous lumber business in Junction City. In the 1920s, Mrs. Wagenseller’s mother, Mrs. Mary Simpson, made her home with the family in the large Victorian house which is still located west of the Presbyterian Church on West 5th Street. Fortunately, her daughter, Helen Wagenseller, recorded these accounts and in 1925 and 1927 her stories were printed in the Junction City Union newspaper. This is her story.“I had been east that summer with my two children, Will and Mamie. The trip home (to Kansas) had been long and tedious. The railroad took us only as far as Jefferson City, Missouri, then a little river steamer brought us to Quindaro, a river landing near Kansas City. From there we traveled by stage the last 38 miles to Lawrence. During the early evening of August 20, we pulled into Lawrence, and I felt how good it was to be home, despite the hazards of war and the dangers which we knew surrounded us. One of the first things I said to my husband was a question regarding the persistent rumor that Lawrence was to be attacked by Quantrill. My husband assured me that he felt that now our position was secure, as word had been received from the governor only a few days before that the border was guarded. On the strength of that, a guard which had been keeping watch over the town each night had been disbanded and the arms sent to Lecompton, the capital of the territory. The morning following my return, a great yell from the southeast part of town reached us. The sky was cloudless and the air very still – and the sound with accompanying thud of horses’ feet was carried with horrible directness to all parts of the little town. It was Quantrill’s signal to his men to break into little groups and scatter over the town. Immediately he aroused us all, and upon my asking my husband what the matter was his reply was ‘Don’t stop to ask questions. We must get out of here as soon as possible and get into General Lane’s cornfield’. This cornfield was a little distance back of our house. Only a few minutes sufficed for our very hasty dressing. As we were leaving the house, we passed through the dining room, and I snatched a few spoons from the old-fashioned spoon holder on the table. These spoons are all my wedding presents to survive the wreck of that day. 	Mary Simpson continued: “We went quite a distance into the cornfield and remained there until 5 or 6 in the evening. There had been no time for us before leaving the house to visit the pantry, so we were there without food save what the kernels of corn provided. Our son was five years old and our little girls, not quite two, yet during all that hot summer day not even a whimper came from either of them. They too, seemed to grasp the gravity of the situation.	One of my husband’s brothers hid in a grape arbor near our home. Shortly after Quantrill’s men began their deadly work one of his groups came to the house. They discussed whether to burn the house or not, but finally left it intact. However, another squad came shortly after and ruthlessly set fire to the house. My husband’s brother, who was hidden in the arbor was armed, but as he was the only one against ten or twelve, he knew it meant death to use his gun.	About 9 o’clock we began to breathe more easily. The shooting had almost ceased, and we began to feel that the raiders had about spent themselves, when suddenly we saw a man wearing a red shirt come running toward us through the corn stalks. He proved to be a resident of Lawrence whom the rebels had fired upon as he was making his escape across a nearby ravine. His feet were all bloody from wounds and the stones he had encountered in the chase.	As we emerged from our several hiding places, despair was the sensation felt. Lawrence was not yet ten years old, but much young blood and energy had gone into its building. Already the little town promised much. And now all that fine work and effort seemed to be for naught. The business part of the town and most of the dwellings were nothing but smoldering heaps. The dead were everywhere. 	There was little wailing and few tears. The occasion was beyond all that. This Lawrence raid differed from any other guerilla warfare of the Civil War. In other instances, the idea was to kill those whom they felt to be particularly guilty and to also rob. But this time the idea was destruction, not robbery, and the wholesale slaughter of all the men.”

We have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic since March of 2020 and now face one or more variants.  Lockdowns, social distancing, wearing of masks limited numbers of people in a social gathering, vaccinations and frequent handwashing have been some of the ways the Center for Disease Control has helped us with ways to respond and keep ourselves and others as safe as it is possible. 

Thanks also to all our health care and frontline workers.  This article contains information about the Cholera epidemic in the 1800s and the impact it had not only on the world, but also on the Fort Riley and Junction City area.  The information was taken from the Kansas Historical Society webpage.

	Immigrants moving west in the 1800s brought with them more than hopes and dreams.  They brought cholera.

	Cholera probably began in India and spread around the world along trade routes.  It first appeared in America in the 1800s.  Many western emigrants suffered from the dreaded disease.  Various indigenous tribes who met these newcomers suffered major losses to their population.  Cholera rarely spread from person to person, but through the contamination of water sources.

	In the mid-1830s reports of cholera lessened.  However, the disease reappeared during the Gold Rush of 1849.  Historian George Groh wrote the “Gold Rush was to cholera like wind is to fire.”  St. Louis was struck in early 1849.  By the end of the summer, estimates of dead ranged from 4,500 to 6,000.  

	In 1859 the losses appear to have been greater.  One Missouri newspaper estimated that along a stretch of the Overland Trail one person per mile died from the disease.  Historian Merrill Mattes estimated the possibility of four graves per mile along the Platte River route. 

	The disease was particularly deadly at the frontier outposts.  In 1855, cholera struck Fort Riley killing the coming officer, Major E.A. Ogden.  For the next ten years, the plains remained relatively free of cholera.  It reappeared on the military posts in 1866 and 1867.  It was equally devastating to civilian populations in the communities that had recently appeared in response to the railroad construction and cattle shipping in central Kansas.  Panic-stricken people fled their homes when the dreaded words were uttered. 

	Elizabeth Custer, detained at Ellsworth, Kansas on her way east to Fort Riley, reported that it was so bad there was not enough lumber for coffins, and that crude receptacles were fashioned from hardtack boxes.  Her husband, George Armstrong Custer, left his post at Fort Wallace to journey to Fort Riley and was later court marshaled.  One of his excuses was fear for his wife’s safety.  The last major epidemic in the United States occurred in 1873.  

	Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, compiled information in this article which was published in the J.C. Union newspaper in 1993.  

Fort Riley was established in 1852.  Percival G. Lowe, a former soldier who lived through that epidemic, shared a personal account about the sequence of events during the early days of that epidemic. Lowe stated “The Congress that adjourned March 4, 1855, had made appropriations for preparing Fort Riley for a cavalry post by erecting new quarters, stables for five troops of cavalry, storehouses, etc. the plans of which were prepared in Washington and Major E.A. Ogden was ordered to take charge of the work.  The buildings were all to be of stone to be taken from quarries in the vicinity of the post.

	Major Ogden was quick to report a letter about the slow progress on the buildings in his dispatch to the Quartermaster General dated Fort Riley, August 1st, 1855. Ogden wrote stated that ‘Now that these preparations are made and the material and tools forwarded by Major Sigley are at least arriving so that I might proceed briskly with the work, the cholera has unfortunately made its appearance among us and the death by that disease of 11 persons in the last three days has created panic among the men which, I fear, will result in many desertions’. 

	Percival Lowe stated that “This was the last dispatch the Major would send.  Major E.A. Ogden died from the cholera before the following day had ended. 

	The morning of August 2 dawned on a camp in great anxiety and distress.  Major Ogden had been taken sick and although every effort was made to keep this information from spreading, it flew like wildfire and caused a panic.  I knew that distress was great enough to justify sending an express to Fort Leavenworth for medical assistance.  The doctor was utterly unable to meet the demands upon him at Fort Riley.” 

Lowe continued with “I went to the hospital where appointed nurses were promised extraordinary pay for their work, and they were trying to do their best.  The hospital steward was a good man and had stuck to his post, but the doctor seemed to have given up and had not been seen around the sick since morning.  Later, I called at the doctor’s quarters.  He came to the door himself. I saw that he was nearly a physical and mental wreck.  The doctor said, ‘Mr. Lowe, I am unstrung – unfit for anything.  I want to take my family to St. Mary’s Mission.  I wish you would send me an ambulance.  I want to get off as quickly as possible.’  Lowe stated, “I told him I had no ambulance – in fact there was not then an ambulance on the post.”   

By Dr. Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member“The 1855 Cholera Epidemic”We have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic since March of 2020 and now face one or more variants. Lockdowns, social distancing, wearing of masks limited numbers of people in a social gathering, vaccinations and frequent handwashing have been some of the ways the Center for Disease Control has helped us with ways to respond and keep ourselves and others as safe as it is possible. Thanks also to all our health care and frontline workers. This article contains information about the Cholera epidemic in the 1800s and the impact it had not only on the world, but also on the Fort Riley and Junction City area. The information was taken from the Kansas Historical Society webpage.	Immigrants moving west in the 1800s brought with them more than hopes and dreams. They brought cholera.	Cholera probably began in India and spread around the world along trade routes. It first appeared in America in the 1800s. Many western emigrants suffered from the dreaded disease. Various indigenous tribes who met these newcomers suffered major losses to their population. Cholera rarely spread from person to person, but through the contamination of water sources.	In the mid-1830s reports of cholera lessened. However, the disease reappeared during the Gold Rush of 1849. Historian George Groh wrote the “Gold Rush was to cholera like wind is to fire.” St. Louis was struck in early 1849. By the end of the summer, estimates of dead ranged from 4,500 to 6,000. 	In 1859 the losses appear to have been greater. One Missouri newspaper estimated that along a stretch of the Overland Trail one person per mile died from the disease. Historian Merrill Mattes estimated the possibility of four graves per mile along the Platte River route. 	The disease was particularly deadly at the frontier outposts. In 1855, cholera struck Fort Riley killing the coming officer, Major E.A. Ogden. For the next ten years, the plains remained relatively free of cholera. It reappeared on the military posts in 1866 and 1867. It was equally devastating to civilian populations in the communities that had recently appeared in response to the railroad construction and cattle shipping in central Kansas. Panic-stricken people fled their homes when the dreaded words were uttered. 	Elizabeth Custer, detained at Ellsworth, Kansas on her way east to Fort Riley, reported that it was so bad there was not enough lumber for coffins, and that crude receptacles were fashioned from hardtack boxes. Her husband, George Armstrong Custer, left his post at Fort Wallace to journey to Fort Riley and was later court marshaled. One of his excuses was fear for his wife’s safety. The last major epidemic in the United States occurred in 1873. “The Cholera Outbreak at Fort Riley”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628781179799.jpeg" alt="Major Edmund Ogden" />
 <figcaption>Major Edmund Ogden</figcaption>
 </figure>	Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, compiled information in this article which was published in the J.C. Union newspaper in 1993. Fort Riley was established in 1852. Percival G. Lowe, a former soldier who lived through that epidemic, shared a personal account about the sequence of events during the early days of that epidemic. Lowe stated “The Congress that adjourned March 4, 1855, had made appropriations for preparing Fort Riley for a cavalry post by erecting new quarters, stables for five troops of cavalry, storehouses, etc. the plans of which were prepared in Washington and Major E.A. Ogden was ordered to take charge of the work. The buildings were all to be of stone to be taken from quarries in the vicinity of the post.	Major Ogden was quick to report a letter about the slow progress on the buildings in his dispatch to the Quartermaster General dated Fort Riley, August 1st, 1855. Ogden wrote stated that ‘Now that these preparations are made and the material and tools forwarded by Major Sigley are at least arriving so that I might proceed briskly with the work, the cholera has unfortunately made its appearance among us and the death by that disease of 11 persons in the last three days has created panic among the men which, I fear, will result in many desertions’. 	Percival Lowe stated that “This was the last dispatch the Major would send. Major E.A. Ogden died from the cholera before the following day had ended. 	The morning of August 2 dawned on a camp in great anxiety and distress. Major Ogden had been taken sick and although every effort was made to keep this information from spreading, it flew like wildfire and caused a panic. I knew that distress was great enough to justify sending an express to Fort Leavenworth for medical assistance. The doctor was utterly unable to meet the demands upon him at Fort Riley.” Lowe continued with “I went to the hospital where appointed nurses were promised extraordinary pay for their work, and they were trying to do their best. The hospital steward was a good man and had stuck to his post, but the doctor seemed to have given up and had not been seen around the sick since morning. Later, I called at the doctor’s quarters. He came to the door himself. I saw that he was nearly a physical and mental wreck. The doctor said, ‘Mr. Lowe, I am unstrung – unfit for anything. I want to take my family to St. Mary’s Mission. I wish you would send me an ambulance. I want to get off as quickly as possible.’ Lowe stated, “I told him I had no ambulance – in fact there was not then an ambulance on the post.”

“Willie ‘Rockne’ Tarkington, Jr. – Son of A Buffalo Soldier”

	Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, did an interview in 1998 with Willie ‘Rockne’ Tarkington, Jr., the son of a Buffalo Soldier, when Rockne was home in Junction City tending to his elderly mother. Rockne was born on July 15, 1931, and as an adult earned his claim to fame as a film and television actor.  

	Rockne’s father, Willie Tarkington, was born and raised in the little town of Home, Louisiana.  Willie left home at the age of 15 to join the U.S. Army.  He was first sent to a post in Arkansas and while there had some duty in the town of Newport where he met a young girl by the name of Evelyn Richardson.  After his third trip to visit her Evelyn and Willie were married.  

	Shortly after this, Willie Tarkington was assigned to “F” Troop of the 9th Cavalry at Fort Riley, Kansas.  He remained at Fort Riley until he retired, except for some overseas duty during WW II and a brief training stint in Texas.  

	Willie Tarkington was a blacksmith and veterinarian in the Cavalry. From an early age Rockne remembered being taken by his dad to the stables where his father worked. Rockne stated that “In his job my dad had the responsibility for some 800 horses.  He had to make sure they were in good shape and ready to ride.  I remember my mother was always afraid I’d get kicked or something. From the age of three my dad would take me down to the stable where I would often spend the whole day.  I’d eat with him and help him.”

	Rockne shared another memory of his dad.  “I went with my mother and sister to the parade field often to watch the Cavalry drill and get ready for parades.  My dad was the guidon carrier for his troop, which was a very important position.  One time during a parade when his horse started bucking, dad had to spear the guidon staff into the ground and ride the bucking bronco.  The men and women and soldiers were yelling, ‘Ride, trooper, ride!’ and he rode that horse down to the end of the field until the horse stopped bucking and then dad swung back and leaned over and picked up the guidon and got back into position. I was so proud when I saw him do that.  I wanted to be just like him and be in the Cavalry too, someday.” 

	However, when Rockne got old enough to join the Army, there was no cavalry anymore – at least as he knew it.  During WW II the Army phased out horse cavalry units.  Rockne recalled his dad saying, “If there were no more horses, I don’t want to be part of the Cavalry – not a new mechanized one.”  Rockne’s dad and his Uncle Starks, his father’s brother-in-law, went into business together and bought a night club on the corner of 14th and Washington Streets called the 49 Club.  His mother bought a liquor store next to the club.  Rockne’s Uncle Starks went on to become one of the first black millionaires in Junction City.  

“More on Rockne Tarkington – Son Of A Buffalo Soldier”

	During Rockne’s early years, he attended school on Fort Riley, then came into Junction City for school in about the fourth or fifth grade.  He missed the year he would have attended the Departmental School (sixth grade) in what is now the Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets, because the family had gone to Fort Charles, Texas to be near his father while his father’s unit was being trained to go overseas during WW II.

	The Tarkington family returned to Junction City during the war and Rockne attended Junction City High School until the end of his sophomore year. He had a desire to join the military.  Rockne decided to quit school and join the Army just as his dad had done.  His mother had to sign for him to enlist because Rockne was only 15 years old, and the requirement was 18. 

	He completed three years having served as an MP.  After his Army service, Rockne returned to Junction City for a year, and then returned to the military.  This time he served four years in the Air Force in the field of communications.  It was here he got his first exposure to the entertainment field.  Rockne had organized a drill team which was selected to perform in a touring USO show with singer/actor Eddie Fisher.  It was this acquaintance, that would eventually lead Rockne to Hollywood.  

	In the mid-1950s, Rockne again came back to Junction City but after being exposed to what seemed like the whole world, the old hometown seemed “pretty boring”.  He had determined to become a lawyer and went to Chicago, to attend the John Marshall Law School.  By this time Rockne had married and had two sons.  The marriage ended in divorce, and it was during this unhappy period Rockne was lured by his friends and a job back to Hollywood. 

	He honed his acting skills on the stage, first in Hollywood and later On-Broadway as the starring role in a play based on the controversial “Mandingo” novels.  His film career was launched with a role in the “Magnificent Seven,” followed by roles in several television shows including “Matt Houston”, “Tarzan” and the “Andy Griffith Show”.  

	Rockne Tarkington can claim roles in 55 films and over 500 television shows.  Rockne’s father, Willie, died in 1963 in Junction City and his mother, Evelyn remarried several years later to another veteran of the 9th Cavalry, Wiley Morris. Rockne Tarkington died on April 5, 2015, at the age of 84.  

By Dr. Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628181068784.jpeg" alt="Willie Tarkington, Jr.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Willie Tarkington, Jr.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“Willie ‘Rockne’ Tarkington, Jr. – Son of A Buffalo Soldier”	Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, did an interview in 1998 with Willie ‘Rockne’ Tarkington, Jr., the son of a Buffalo Soldier, when Rockne was home in Junction City tending to his elderly mother. Rockne was born on July 15, 1931, and as an adult earned his claim to fame as a film and television actor. 	Rockne’s father, Willie Tarkington, was born and raised in the little town of Home, Louisiana. Willie left home at the age of 15 to join the U.S. Army. He was first sent to a post in Arkansas and while there had some duty in the town of Newport where he met a young girl by the name of Evelyn Richardson. After his third trip to visit her Evelyn and Willie were married. 	Shortly after this, Willie Tarkington was assigned to “F” Troop of the 9th Cavalry at Fort Riley, Kansas. He remained at Fort Riley until he retired, except for some overseas duty during WW II and a brief training stint in Texas. 	Willie Tarkington was a blacksmith and veterinarian in the Cavalry. From an early age Rockne remembered being taken by his dad to the stables where his father worked. Rockne stated that “In his job my dad had the responsibility for some 800 horses. He had to make sure they were in good shape and ready to ride. I remember my mother was always afraid I’d get kicked or something. From the age of three my dad would take me down to the stable where I would often spend the whole day. I’d eat with him and help him.”	Rockne shared another memory of his dad. “I went with my mother and sister to the parade field often to watch the Cavalry drill and get ready for parades. My dad was the guidon carrier for his troop, which was a very important position. One time during a parade when his horse started bucking, dad had to spear the guidon staff into the ground and ride the bucking bronco. The men and women and soldiers were yelling, ‘Ride, trooper, ride!’ and he rode that horse down to the end of the field until the horse stopped bucking and then dad swung back and leaned over and picked up the guidon and got back into position. I was so proud when I saw him do that. I wanted to be just like him and be in the Cavalry too, someday.” 	However, when Rockne got old enough to join the Army, there was no cavalry anymore – at least as he knew it. During WW II the Army phased out horse cavalry units. Rockne recalled his dad saying, “If there were no more horses, I don’t want to be part of the Cavalry – not a new mechanized one.” Rockne’s dad and his Uncle Starks, his father’s brother-in-law, went into business together and bought a night club on the corner of 14th and Washington Streets called the 49 Club. His mother bought a liquor store next to the club. Rockne’s Uncle Starks went on to become one of the first black millionaires in Junction City. “More on Rockne Tarkington – Son Of A Buffalo Soldier” 	During Rockne’s early years, he attended school on Fort Riley, then came into Junction City for school in about the fourth or fifth grade. He missed the year he would have attended the Departmental School (sixth grade) in what is now the Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets, because the family had gone to Fort Charles, Texas to be near his father while his father’s unit was being trained to go overseas during WW II.	The Tarkington family returned to Junction City during the war and Rockne attended Junction City High School until the end of his sophomore year. He had a desire to join the military. Rockne decided to quit school and join the Army just as his dad had done. His mother had to sign for him to enlist because Rockne was only 15 years old, and the requirement was 18. 	He completed three years having served as an MP. After his Army service, Rockne returned to Junction City for a year, and then returned to the military. This time he served four years in the Air Force in the field of communications. It was here he got his first exposure to the entertainment field. Rockne had organized a drill team which was selected to perform in a touring USO show with singer/actor Eddie Fisher. It was this acquaintance, that would eventually lead Rockne to Hollywood. 	In the mid-1950s, Rockne again came back to Junction City but after being exposed to what seemed like the whole world, the old hometown seemed “pretty boring”. He had determined to become a lawyer and went to Chicago, to attend the John Marshall Law School. By this time Rockne had married and had two sons. The marriage ended in divorce, and it was during this unhappy period Rockne was lured by his friends and a job back to Hollywood. 	He honed his acting skills on the stage, first in Hollywood and later On-Broadway as the starring role in a play based on the controversial “Mandingo” novels. His film career was launched with a role in the “Magnificent Seven,” followed by roles in several television shows including “Matt Houston”, “Tarzan” and the “Andy Griffith Show”. 	Rockne Tarkington can claim roles in 55 films and over 500 television shows. Rockne’s father, Willie, died in 1963 in Junction City and his mother, Evelyn remarried several years later to another veteran of the 9th Cavalry, Wiley Morris. Rockne Tarkington died on April 5, 2015, at the age of 84.

“Blacks and Mixed-Race Couples Came To Kansas In The 1800s”

This article contains information Susan Lloyd Franzen wrote in her 1999 article for the JC Union newspaper on the topic of early black and mixed-race couples who settled in Junction City. 

“The census of 1880 reveals differences in occupation between those in the 1860s and those in the 1870s.  There were fewer ranch hands and more farmers or farm laborers.  Some of this came from the fact that the frontier was past, and the land was settled.  It may also reflect an import migration of Southern black farmers.  This was the “Black Exodus” at the end of Reconstruction in the South.  

After 1878, as Federal troops no longer guaranteed black civil rights in the former Confederate states, laws limiting the freedom of African Americans were passed there.  Seeing the power going back into the hands of former slave owners, blacks sought new homes in a state which guaranteed their rights to vote, education and some economic opportunity.  Because of the Free State settlers before the Civil War, Kansas was presented as a “Black Canaan,” a promised land of new beginnings.  Thousands of black people sold everything they had to buy passage to Kansas. 

Mixed race couples had even more to fear in the South than did blacks, so perhaps the Exodus also explains the presence of such couples living in or near Junction City.  

The census documents two interracial households.  From the makeup of these households it would appear they were not isolated from the black community.  Richard Chin, a 26-year-old black man, was married to Henrietta, a 22-year-old white woman from Indiana, and they had a 2-year-old daughter, Nettie Jane, born in Kansas, who was designated a “Mulatto” in the census. The family may have lived in Junction City for decades thereafter because there is a Pennell photograph from 1905 of Tom Chin, a light-skinned black man. 

The second interracial family was a middle-aged couple, Anthony and Eliza Key, a black man and white woman, with her white 23-year-old daughter and a 45-year-old black boarder.  

These records indicate the interracial acceptance in Junction City even in the nineteenth century.” 

“Early Black Churches In Junction City”

	Susan Lloyd Franzen also wrote the following information in a 1999 article for the JC Union newspaper about early black churches in Junction City.  This is some of what she wrote.

	“In 1873, a few members of the small African American community felt committed enough to their home in Junction City to establish a Baptist Church. They proudly proclaimed themselves the First Baptist Church and were accepted into a regional church conference by that name. 

	At once a controversy erupted because there was already a Baptist church in town, although it had neglected to give itself any name other than “Baptist Church.”  The church was founded in 1868 and was one which white members insisted that it was entitled to be called “First Baptist” while the new church, which had black members, would have to find another name.  Although they protested, the members of the new church adopted the name of “Second Baptist Church” which later became Second Missionary Baptist. 

	By any name, the Second Baptist Church was a vital institution from the beginning.  Its members set about erecting a church building at 530 West Sixth Street.  The first church board consisted of Alex Johnson, Pascal Hammond and Jack Turner. 

	Before the decade was finished, a second black church was established.  In 1879, the Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church built its building at Ninth and Jefferson Streets under the leadership of Reverend Alvin Haskin.  

	When asked about the differences between the Baptist and AME churches, present-day members explain that people wanted to go to the churches they had belonged in the South.  Also, the pastors were important.

	The relative racial tolerance of Junction City and presence of the black churches was a source of pride for white promoters of Junction City.  When land agents Greene and Bartell published an illustrated booklet describing the businesses and cultural establishment of Junction City, they included drawings of both the Second Baptist and AME churches. It was clear that the promoters considered a significant churchgoing “colored” population to be a positive selling point for Junction City.  

 Family stories, records and photographs give a livelier picture of the people.” Our Curator at the Geary County Historical Society would appreciate copies of records and photographs and will consider accepting donations of the originals. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586184383131.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dr. Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member“Blacks and Mixed-Race Couples Came To Kansas In The 1800s” This article contains information Susan Lloyd Franzen wrote in her 1999 article for the JC Union newspaper on the topic of early black and mixed-race couples who settled in Junction City. “The census of 1880 reveals differences in occupation between those in the 1860s and those in the 1870s. There were fewer ranch hands and more farmers or farm laborers. Some of this came from the fact that the frontier was past, and the land was settled. It may also reflect an import migration of Southern black farmers. This was the “Black Exodus” at the end of Reconstruction in the South. After 1878, as Federal troops no longer guaranteed black civil rights in the former Confederate states, laws limiting the freedom of African Americans were passed there. Seeing the power going back into the hands of former slave owners, blacks sought new homes in a state which guaranteed their rights to vote, education and some economic opportunity. Because of the Free State settlers before the Civil War, Kansas was presented as a “Black Canaan,” a promised land of new beginnings. Thousands of black people sold everything they had to buy passage to Kansas. Mixed race couples had even more to fear in the South than did blacks, so perhaps the Exodus also explains the presence of such couples living in or near Junction City. The census documents two interracial households. From the makeup of these households it would appear they were not isolated from the black community. Richard Chin, a 26-year-old black man, was married to Henrietta, a 22-year-old white woman from Indiana, and they had a 2-year-old daughter, Nettie Jane, born in Kansas, who was designated a “Mulatto” in the census. The family may have lived in Junction City for decades thereafter because there is a Pennell photograph from 1905 of Tom Chin, a light-skinned black man. The second interracial family was a middle-aged couple, Anthony and Eliza Key, a black man and white woman, with her white 23-year-old daughter and a 45-year-old black boarder. These records indicate the interracial acceptance in Junction City even in the nineteenth century.” “Early Black Churches In Junction City”	Susan Lloyd Franzen also wrote the following information in a 1999 article for the JC Union newspaper about early black churches in Junction City. This is some of what she wrote.	“In 1873, a few members of the small African American community felt committed enough to their home in Junction City to establish a Baptist Church. They proudly proclaimed themselves the First Baptist Church and were accepted into a regional church conference by that name. 	At once a controversy erupted because there was already a Baptist church in town, although it had neglected to give itself any name other than “Baptist Church.” The church was founded in 1868 and was one which white members insisted that it was entitled to be called “First Baptist” while the new church, which had black members, would have to find another name. Although they protested, the members of the new church adopted the name of “Second Baptist Church” which later became Second Missionary Baptist. 	By any name, the Second Baptist Church was a vital institution from the beginning. Its members set about erecting a church building at 530 West Sixth Street. The first church board consisted of Alex Johnson, Pascal Hammond and Jack Turner. 	Before the decade was finished, a second black church was established. In 1879, the Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church built its building at Ninth and Jefferson Streets under the leadership of Reverend Alvin Haskin. 	When asked about the differences between the Baptist and AME churches, present-day members explain that people wanted to go to the churches they had belonged in the South. Also, the pastors were important.	The relative racial tolerance of Junction City and presence of the black churches was a source of pride for white promoters of Junction City. When land agents Greene and Bartell published an illustrated booklet describing the businesses and cultural establishment of Junction City, they included drawings of both the Second Baptist and AME churches. It was clear that the promoters considered a significant churchgoing “colored” population to be a positive selling point for Junction City. Family stories, records and photographs give a livelier picture of the people.” Our Curator at the Geary County Historical Society would appreciate copies of records and photographs and will consider accepting donations of the originals.

“Bartell House Served As Home To Women” Part 1

	Susan Lloyd Franzen, author of Behind the Façade of Fort Riley’s Hometown – A History of Junction City, Kansas wrote some of the following information in that book which is available for purchase at the Geary County Historical Society’s Museum located at 530 N. Adams Street. 

	“The years I remember were from 1940 to 1948, when I was a child living at the Bartell House, then managed by my parents. 

	The residential guests of my childhood were like an extended family to me.  “Cousin Miney” (Myron Coryell) really was a distant relative, being the brother-in-law of “Aunt Doll” Coryell, my grandmother’s sister.  I don’t remember talking to him a lot, but he was an impressive figure with a long beard and a cane.

	More influential than any relative, however, was “Mama Thayer,” Viola Starke Thayer, whose late husband, Col. Arthur Thayer, had once been an instructor at West Point.  Both her husband and son, Col. Jerry Thayer, were cavalry officers.  She never told me of their military exploits, but she provided vivid descriptions of their life on cavalry posts.  

	I think it was “Mama Thayer” who gave me my first introduction to ethnic and religious diversity.  She told me about the religious differences between her grandfather, a Spanish Catholic landowner on the Mexican border, and her father, a “Yankee Protestant.  I observed her religious faith by her prayers to St. Anthony (the patron saint of lost things), her Sacred Heart calendar and the five rosaries she said each day.  

	Although I had a lot of contact with the African-American employees in the hotel, it was “Mama Thayer” who made me aware of their families.  I knew Austin Wells as a bellhop.  All bellhops who brought “Mama Thayer” meals three times a day, and all black maids on the hotel staff were important people in “Mama Thayer’s” life.  She always asked them about their families, and each Christmas she made each of their children a stocking filled with candy, nuts and little toys.  

	She rarely left her room on the third floor overlooking City Park (now Heritage Park), her stories were about distant places.  She and her children had bene the first officer’s family to arrive in Manila after the Philippine Insurrection ended in 1902. Since her era was the time of American empire abroad and segregation at home, the non-Anglo people she told me about did not enjoy a status equal to that of white cavalry officers and their families.  But that was the world she had known, and it was one I would never have found in books, much less in my limited experience.” (to be continued)

Bartell House Served As Home To Women” Part 2

	Susan Franzen continued her story: “A generation before “Mama Thayer” lived at the Bartell House, there was another distinguished woman who made it her home.  Anna Elizabeth Pierce, widow of the president of the Central National Bank, moved to the Bartell after the death of her husband Sumner Pierce in 1914.  “Sumner Hall,” (currently 700 Crestview in Junction City), the big house on 30 acres where they had lived together had become too depressing for her.  She remained at the hotel until her death in 1932. 

	 “Grandma Anna Elizabeth” held an important place among the first generation of Junction City residents.  In 1870, Anna Manley came to Kansas from Buffalo, New York, to start a homestead with her mother and brother, Charles H. Manley, Sumner Pierce, another New Yorker, roomed with them.  Sumner started a business partnership with Charles and, in 1874, he married Anna. 

	Before her marriage, however, Anna Manley taught school. At first, she taught in country schools among German-speaking families in Milford Township and Clarke’s Creek.  In 1873 she taught a class for African American children on Sundays.  In 1873 she got a job teaching in the first schoolhouse built for Junction City.  This was also the first school which all children were allowed to attend regardless of race.  

	The deed to the property for the schoolhouse shows that the site had surprising links to the Bartell House.  It was built on land southwest of town that had once belong to Augustus H. Bartell at that same location at 501 W. Walnut.  

“Grandma Anna Elizabeth” lived at the Bartell during WWI and “Mama Thayer” lived there during WW II. The square block that included the “Bartell block” was truly the heart of downtown.  Without crossing the street, citizens could visit the post office, Flower’s confectionery, a barber shop, Volz and Eisenhower Drug Stores, the Cozy movie theater, LaShelle’s shoe store, Hood and Spencer Men’s Clothing Store, the Fashion Shop, the George Smith Library, Durland’s Furniture Store and various other shops, lectures, and conventions at the Opera House. Across Washington Street were Rizer’s Dress Shop, Glick’s Jewelry, the Mission Billiard Hall and the Good Eats Cafe, as well as the Junction movie theater.” 

By Dr. Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member“Bartell House Served As Home To Women” Part 1<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627054871194.jpeg" alt="Bartell House 1879&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Bartell House 1879&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>	Susan Lloyd Franzen, author of Behind the Façade of Fort Riley’s Hometown – A History of Junction City, Kansas wrote some of the following information in that book which is available for purchase at the Geary County Historical Society’s Museum located at 530 N. Adams Street. 	“The years I remember were from 1940 to 1948, when I was a child living at the Bartell House, then managed by my parents. 	The residential guests of my childhood were like an extended family to me. “Cousin Miney” (Myron Coryell) really was a distant relative, being the brother-in-law of “Aunt Doll” Coryell, my grandmother’s sister. I don’t remember talking to him a lot, but he was an impressive figure with a long beard and a cane.	More influential than any relative, however, was “Mama Thayer,” Viola Starke Thayer, whose late husband, Col. Arthur Thayer, had once been an instructor at West Point. Both her husband and son, Col. Jerry Thayer, were cavalry officers. She never told me of their military exploits, but she provided vivid descriptions of their life on cavalry posts. 	I think it was “Mama Thayer” who gave me my first introduction to ethnic and religious diversity. She told me about the religious differences between her grandfather, a Spanish Catholic landowner on the Mexican border, and her father, a “Yankee Protestant. I observed her religious faith by her prayers to St. Anthony (the patron saint of lost things), her Sacred Heart calendar and the five rosaries she said each day. 	Although I had a lot of contact with the African-American employees in the hotel, it was “Mama Thayer” who made me aware of their families. I knew Austin Wells as a bellhop. All bellhops who brought “Mama Thayer” meals three times a day, and all black maids on the hotel staff were important people in “Mama Thayer’s” life. She always asked them about their families, and each Christmas she made each of their children a stocking filled with candy, nuts and little toys. 	She rarely left her room on the third floor overlooking City Park (now Heritage Park), her stories were about distant places. She and her children had bene the first officer’s family to arrive in Manila after the Philippine Insurrection ended in 1902. Since her era was the time of American empire abroad and segregation at home, the non-Anglo people she told me about did not enjoy a status equal to that of white cavalry officers and their families. But that was the world she had known, and it was one I would never have found in books, much less in my limited experience.” (to be continued)Bartell House Served As Home To Women” Part 2	Susan Franzen continued her story: “A generation before “Mama Thayer” lived at the Bartell House, there was another distinguished woman who made it her home. Anna Elizabeth Pierce, widow of the president of the Central National Bank, moved to the Bartell after the death of her husband Sumner Pierce in 1914. “Sumner Hall,” (currently 700 Crestview in Junction City), the big house on 30 acres where they had lived together had become too depressing for her. She remained at the hotel until her death in 1932. 	 “Grandma Anna Elizabeth” held an important place among the first generation of Junction City residents. In 1870, Anna Manley came to Kansas from Buffalo, New York, to start a homestead with her mother and brother, Charles H. Manley, Sumner Pierce, another New Yorker, roomed with them. Sumner started a business partnership with Charles and, in 1874, he married Anna. 	Before her marriage, however, Anna Manley taught school. At first, she taught in country schools among German-speaking families in Milford Township and Clarke’s Creek. In 1873 she taught a class for African American children on Sundays. In 1873 she got a job teaching in the first schoolhouse built for Junction City. This was also the first school which all children were allowed to attend regardless of race. 	The deed to the property for the schoolhouse shows that the site had surprising links to the Bartell House. It was built on land southwest of town that had once belong to Augustus H. Bartell at that same location at 501 W. Walnut. “Grandma Anna Elizabeth” lived at the Bartell during WWI and “Mama Thayer” lived there during WW II. The square block that included the “Bartell block” was truly the heart of downtown. Without crossing the street, citizens could visit the post office, Flower’s confectionery, a barber shop, Volz and Eisenhower Drug Stores, the Cozy movie theater, LaShelle’s shoe store, Hood and Spencer Men’s Clothing Store, the Fashion Shop, the George Smith Library, Durland’s Furniture Store and various other shops, lectures, and conventions at the Opera House. Across Washington Street were Rizer’s Dress Shop, Glick’s Jewelry, the Mission Billiard Hall and the Good Eats Cafe, as well as the Junction movie theater.”

“The County’s First Farm Fair Was In 1875” Part 1

On July 18-22, 2021 the Geary County Free Fair will be held on the Fair Grounds at 1025 South Spring Valley Road in Junction City. Gaylynn Childs, retired Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote an article for the local newspaper in 1996 about some of the early fairs held in Geary County.  This is some of what she wrote.

In 1875, the first annual fair of the Davis (Geary) County Agriculture Society was held in Junction City.  This first exposition was held in the City Park with several empty buildings near by providing additional exhibit space.  All kinds of contests from baby shows to band concerts kept citizens entertained for the two-day event. 

The next year, the location was moved to a three-acre site bounded by present day Fourth, Fifth and Adams Streets and featured exhibits in the Old Centennial Hall. Three years later, the fair grounds had added a one-quarter mile racetrack called the “Speed Ring”.  The event was called the “Great Exposition of the Central Kansas Agricultural Society”. 

Throughout the ten years of existence, during the 1870s and 1880s, the fair was the highlight of the fall season in Junction City.  Exhibits and activities ranged from floral and horticultural displays to school children reciting essays and orations.  Horse races, slow mule races and even a Comanche chief riding a buffalo at full galop down Washington Street were some of the livelier attractions of these annual gatherings.  However, before the turn-of-the-century the Agricultural Society Fair came upon hard times and folded.  

It was not until 1907, that another fair-type fall event, the Corn Carnival, again gathered the produce of Geary County farms for exhibition and awards.  Prizes were awarded for the tallest stalk, the largest ear, the most kernels per ear and so forth.  The judges came from the Kansas State Agricultural College in Manhattan and the program of events included lectures from experts in horticulture and farming.  There was also a parade on Washington Street.

“The County’s First Farm Fair Was In 1875” Part 2

	The fair was held in October of each year.  It was not until the Farm Bureau Extension programs in Geary County were established under the leadership of Paul H. Gwin in the late 1920s, that a fair surfaced again. Mr. Gwin organized the first 4-H clubs in the county in 1925.  In the fall of 1926, various projects were exhibited and judged in what was called “The 4-H Club Show”.  Sewing and cooking entries were exhibited at the Community House (now the Eagles Lodge), on East 10th Street and the livestock was judged at the old “sale barn” on East 6th Street. 

	In 1937, the “4-H Club Fair” exhibits had moved into the newly completed Municipal Auditorium.  The livestock judging was still done at the sale pavilion on East 6th Street.  Two hundred and sixty-eight boys and girls from Geary County participated in the fair that year and the competition had expanded to include a style show in which the girls modeled their clothing projects and boys competed for the “Best Groomed Boy” award.  The program for the style show that year included music by the Junction City Band and a variety of talent numbers by various 4-H club boys and girls. 

	By 1955, the style show had expanded to include a 4-H talent competition.  The participants modeled their creations and performed on the auditorium stage, which was elaborately decorated to resemble a Paris sidewalk café, complete with the Eiffel Tower in the background.  This major production was the climax of the whole week of fair activities and drew a capacity crowd.  

	In the 1980s the 4-H Senior Citizens building on Spring Valley Road was constructed and the fair events were consolidated in one location. Even now there are third and fourth generation Geary County youth who participate in the 4-H fair activities.  

	This year the fair will be held July 18-22 and will include livestock shows and sale, entertainment, pedal pull, baking contest, chili contest, face painting, food and more.  For more information contact the Geary County Extension office at 785-238-6141.

By Dr. Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member“The County’s First Farm Fair Was In 1875” Part 1On July 18-22, 2021 the Geary County Free Fair will be held on the Fair Grounds at 1025 South Spring Valley Road in Junction City. Gaylynn Childs, retired Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote an article for the local newspaper in 1996 about some of the early fairs held in Geary County. This is some of what she wrote.In 1875, the first annual fair of the Davis (Geary) County Agriculture Society was held in Junction City. This first exposition was held in the City Park with several empty buildings near by providing additional exhibit space. All kinds of contests from baby shows to band concerts kept citizens entertained for the two-day event. The next year, the location was moved to a three-acre site bounded by present day Fourth, Fifth and Adams Streets and featured exhibits in the Old Centennial Hall. Three years later, the fair grounds had added a one-quarter mile racetrack called the “Speed Ring”. The event was called the “Great Exposition of the Central Kansas Agricultural Society”. Throughout the ten years of existence, during the 1870s and 1880s, the fair was the highlight of the fall season in Junction City. Exhibits and activities ranged from floral and horticultural displays to school children reciting essays and orations. Horse races, slow mule races and even a Comanche chief riding a buffalo at full galop down Washington Street were some of the livelier attractions of these annual gatherings. However, before the turn-of-the-century the Agricultural Society Fair came upon hard times and folded. It was not until 1907, that another fair-type fall event, the Corn Carnival, again gathered the produce of Geary County farms for exhibition and awards. Prizes were awarded for the tallest stalk, the largest ear, the most kernels per ear and so forth. The judges came from the Kansas State Agricultural College in Manhattan and the program of events included lectures from experts in horticulture and farming. There was also a parade on Washington Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626446838343.jpeg" alt="Noreen Carlsen (Atlwegg) exhibited an Angus calf at the 1955 4-H Fair" />
 <figcaption>Noreen Carlsen (Atlwegg) exhibited an Angus calf at the 1955 4-H Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>“The County’s First Farm Fair Was In 1875” Part 2	The fair was held in October of each year. It was not until the Farm Bureau Extension programs in Geary County were established under the leadership of Paul H. Gwin in the late 1920s, that a fair surfaced again. Mr. Gwin organized the first 4-H clubs in the county in 1925. In the fall of 1926, various projects were exhibited and judged in what was called “The 4-H Club Show”. Sewing and cooking entries were exhibited at the Community House (now the Eagles Lodge), on East 10th Street and the livestock was judged at the old “sale barn” on East 6th Street. 	In 1937, the “4-H Club Fair” exhibits had moved into the newly completed Municipal Auditorium. The livestock judging was still done at the sale pavilion on East 6th Street. Two hundred and sixty-eight boys and girls from Geary County participated in the fair that year and the competition had expanded to include a style show in which the girls modeled their clothing projects and boys competed for the “Best Groomed Boy” award. The program for the style show that year included music by the Junction City Band and a variety of talent numbers by various 4-H club boys and girls. 	By 1955, the style show had expanded to include a 4-H talent competition. The participants modeled their creations and performed on the auditorium stage, which was elaborately decorated to resemble a Paris sidewalk café, complete with the Eiffel Tower in the background. This major production was the climax of the whole week of fair activities and drew a capacity crowd. 	In the 1980s the 4-H Senior Citizens building on Spring Valley Road was constructed and the fair events were consolidated in one location. Even now there are third and fourth generation Geary County youth who participate in the 4-H fair activities. 	This year the fair will be held July 18-22 and will include livestock shows and sale, entertainment, pedal pull, baking contest, chili contest, face painting, food and more. For more information contact the Geary County Extension office at 785-238-6141.

“Some More Early Buildings In The Downtown Business District”

	The late Marilyn Heldstab, former Geary Museum Director, wrote an article for the local newspaper in 1993 about buildings which were in the current downtown business district. This is some of what she wrote.

	Apparently the first building was a house occupied by Robert and Elizabeth Henderson.  They were the parents of the first child born in the city, a daughter, named Elizabeth.  The Hendersons located here before Junction City had been incorporated in 1859.  Sometime before Mrs. Henderson’s death in 1917, she wrote the following: “In May 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.  My husband built a small board house on the corner beside our tent, and for a few months we lived in it, moving in the fall to the corner now occupied by O’Reilley’s livery barn, where we again lived in a tent while my husband built our house at the corner of Fifth and Franklin Streets. The lumber for the house came from the Logan Grove Farm and was taken to a sawmill at Kansas Falls.  I held a candle many a night while my husband worked on the interior of our house.  The Indians were almost daily visitors to our tent, and took great delight looking at themselves in the mirror on our bureau.  All our provisions were hauled from Leavenworth.  Our only kind of light was tallow candles made of buffalo tallow, and we made them ourselves.”

In 1867, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson moved to Logan Grove, three miles south of Junction City.  

	An article in the Union in 1904 states that Frank O’Reilley sold his livery stable located on the corner of Fifth and Washington Streets to Edward Ashlin.  O’Reilley had started his business in Junction City in 1869.

	During WWI, the Knights of Columbus built a building on the corner of Fifth and Washington Streets where soldiers came for fellowship and recreation. The Knights gave the building to St. Xavier’s Church who in turn sold the building to the Elks Club. When the Elks Club became the owners of the building, it was their lodge until they were forced to vacate when the city acquired that block. 

Gery Schoenrock later developed that area now known as Washington Square.  Currently there are several businesses at that location.  

“Junction City Hosted Wild West Show Twice”

When Gaylynn Childs was the Assistant Director at the Geary County Museum, she wrote some of the following for the local newspaper.  The title of the article was Junction City Host To Wild West Show Twice. 

William F. Cody was born in Iowa in 1846 and grew up in Kansas.  A true child of the plains, he started working at the age of 11 as a courier between wagon trains crossing the plains, and then he rode briefly for the Pony Express. 

During the Civil War, Cody served with the 7th Kansas Cavalry and after the war worked as a scout for the U.S. Army.  In 1867 and 1868, he was “loaned” to the Kansas Pacific Railroad to hunt buffalo to feed the work crews and from then on was known as “Buffalo Bill”. 

Twice in the early years of the 20th century, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show played in Junction City.  The first time was in 1900.  Not only did heavy rain succeed in canceling one of the two scheduled shows on September 28, but the city also played host that afternoon to a brief visit from Teddy Roosevelt.

At that time, Roosevelt was the Governor of New York and was the Vice-Presidential candidate with running mate William Mckinley for the United States Presidency.  He had been touring the West by train and stopped at Junction City’s depot to deliver a short speech from the train platform.  

A real coincidence of this double visit was the fact that one of the attractions added to the Wild West Show that season was reenactment of the famous charge up San Juan Hill made by Roosevelt and his “Rough Riders” in Cuba in 1898. 

Nine years later, and again in September, the “Great Scout” again brought his entourage to Junction City.  By this time, he had merged his show with his rival, Col. Gordon “Pawnee Bill” Lillie, and the combined extravaganza boasted an “oriental spectacle, historic dramas and ethnological exhibits with typical casts, the Battle of Summit Springs and the Rough Riders of the World led in person by the last of the great scouts, Col. Cody.  

During the one-day stop in Junction City, the troupe required 10,000 pounds of bran, seven tons of hay, nine tons of straw and 250 bushels of oats, all procured locally.  The show, which was at the grounds near the Union Pacific Roundhouse, required 30 acres of land.  Every bit of that space was filled, and several adjoining fields were also occupied. 

As with many great showmen, Cody was not a wise manager and when he died in 1917, at the age of 71, he was penniless.  	 

By Dr. Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625760741795.jpeg" alt="Cunningham Club" />
 <figcaption>Cunningham Club</figcaption>
 </figure>“Some More Early Buildings In The Downtown Business District” 	The late Marilyn Heldstab, former Geary Museum Director, wrote an article for the local newspaper in 1993 about buildings which were in the current downtown business district. This is some of what she wrote.	Apparently the first building was a house occupied by Robert and Elizabeth Henderson. They were the parents of the first child born in the city, a daughter, named Elizabeth. The Hendersons located here before Junction City had been incorporated in 1859. Sometime before Mrs. Henderson’s death in 1917, she wrote the following: “In May 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. My husband built a small board house on the corner beside our tent, and for a few months we lived in it, moving in the fall to the corner now occupied by O’Reilley’s livery barn, where we again lived in a tent while my husband built our house at the corner of Fifth and Franklin Streets. The lumber for the house came from the Logan Grove Farm and was taken to a sawmill at Kansas Falls. I held a candle many a night while my husband worked on the interior of our house. The Indians were almost daily visitors to our tent, and took great delight looking at themselves in the mirror on our bureau. All our provisions were hauled from Leavenworth. Our only kind of light was tallow candles made of buffalo tallow, and we made them ourselves.”In 1867, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson moved to Logan Grove, three miles south of Junction City. 	An article in the Union in 1904 states that Frank O’Reilley sold his livery stable located on the corner of Fifth and Washington Streets to Edward Ashlin. O’Reilley had started his business in Junction City in 1869.	During WWI, the Knights of Columbus built a building on the corner of Fifth and Washington Streets where soldiers came for fellowship and recreation. The Knights gave the building to St. Xavier’s Church who in turn sold the building to the Elks Club. When the Elks Club became the owners of the building, it was their lodge until they were forced to vacate when the city acquired that block. Gery Schoenrock later developed that area now known as Washington Square. Currently there are several businesses at that location. “Junction City Hosted Wild West Show Twice”When Gaylynn Childs was the Assistant Director at the Geary County Museum, she wrote some of the following for the local newspaper. The title of the article was Junction City Host To Wild West Show Twice. William F. Cody was born in Iowa in 1846 and grew up in Kansas. A true child of the plains, he started working at the age of 11 as a courier between wagon trains crossing the plains, and then he rode briefly for the Pony Express. During the Civil War, Cody served with the 7th Kansas Cavalry and after the war worked as a scout for the U.S. Army. In 1867 and 1868, he was “loaned” to the Kansas Pacific Railroad to hunt buffalo to feed the work crews and from then on was known as “Buffalo Bill”. Twice in the early years of the 20th century, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show played in Junction City. The first time was in 1900. Not only did heavy rain succeed in canceling one of the two scheduled shows on September 28, but the city also played host that afternoon to a brief visit from Teddy Roosevelt.At that time, Roosevelt was the Governor of New York and was the Vice-Presidential candidate with running mate William Mckinley for the United States Presidency. He had been touring the West by train and stopped at Junction City’s depot to deliver a short speech from the train platform. A real coincidence of this double visit was the fact that one of the attractions added to the Wild West Show that season was reenactment of the famous charge up San Juan Hill made by Roosevelt and his “Rough Riders” in Cuba in 1898. Nine years later, and again in September, the “Great Scout” again brought his entourage to Junction City. By this time, he had merged his show with his rival, Col. Gordon “Pawnee Bill” Lillie, and the combined extravaganza boasted an “oriental spectacle, historic dramas and ethnological exhibits with typical casts, the Battle of Summit Springs and the Rough Riders of the World led in person by the last of the great scouts, Col. Cody. During the one-day stop in Junction City, the troupe required 10,000 pounds of bran, seven tons of hay, nine tons of straw and 250 bushels of oats, all procured locally. The show, which was at the grounds near the Union Pacific Roundhouse, required 30 acres of land. Every bit of that space was filled, and several adjoining fields were also occupied. As with many great showmen, Cody was not a wise manager and when he died in 1917, at the age of 71, he was penniless.

“More Early Junction City Business History” Part 1

	The following information about early downtown businesses in Junction City was taken from a book available for purchase at the Geary County Historical Society Museum titled Our Town On The Plains by James Shortridge.

	Although Junction City’s principal retail stores inevitably dominated the attention of shoppers, newspaper reporters, and photographers, these were far from the only important business activities in town.  Many of the other, relatively hidden activities dealt in personal services and operated from small offices that did not require a traditional Washington Street storefront.  Others in this group sold regular wares but kept away from the downtown core because of the location of their clientele (for example, a neighborhood grocery), their lack of money to pay the relatively high rents there, or perhaps their race or social standing.  Still others dealt in products that demanded unusually large lots (such as lumberyard) or that generated odor or noise (such as livery stables or foundries). 

	All the doctors and dentists in town kept offices in the second stories of downtown business.  So did most attorneys, insurance agents, and newspaper editors.  In city directories, these locations are designated with standard street numbers, but in practice, people know them as did O.R. Wibking, who gave the location of his dental office as simply “over Keller’s”.  Narrow, dark stairwells wedged between storefronts provided access to these various quarters, but the rooms themselves usually were well lit.  

	Combinations of poverty and prejudice that could keep entrepreneurs from prime retail settings are represented by an unknown popcorn vender, shoe repairman, James A. Counts and the Hammond family laundry.  Joseph Pennell (1893-1922), the famous photographer in Junction City, observed the popcorn stand daily, since it stood directly beneath his studio at the corner of Seventh and Washington Streets.  Most towns had at least one business of this type, often run by a physically handicapped person. 

	James Counts was perhaps the first African American in Junction City to run a business that catered successfully to a generally audience.  He came to Kansas while serving in the Tenth Cavalry.  In 1914, he rented one of the small frame buildings on West Seventh and opened a shoe-repair shop.  The only occupations listed for black men in the city directory as recently as 1909 were as porters, in menial labor, or with the African American communit

“More Early Junction City Business History” Part 2

	Although the Hammond laundry, several general stores, and a few other enterprises were scattered throughout the residential area, Junction City possessed only one secondary business concentration.  This was a block of East Tenth Street, directly across from the Union Pacific Depot.  For reasons that were unclear to city officials at the time, this general area had never been well maintained.  Despite serving as the main entrance to the city for all business travelers and as the point of departure for every local person on his or her way to Topeka or Abilene, it somehow remained “one of the disgraceful sights… on the Union Pacific between Kansas City and Denver”. 

	Joseph Pennell photographed the depot in 1915.  His purpose was not so much to display that serviceable stone structure as it was to highlight the completion a landscaping improvement project nearby.  The small park near the building and adjacent to Price Street, had been a cooperative endeavor between the city and the railroad.  It included new ornamental trees, a drinking fountain, a light, and an impressive series of raised, 200-pound cement letters that spelled out the town name. 

	The landscaping was successful but did little to change the overall character of the neighborhood. Just across the street from the depot stood the Depot Hotel, which had a shadowy reputation.  Pennell labeled it “Bowery Row”, a reference to a saloon by that name just east of the hotel on Tenth Street, and an allusion to a district in old New York City that was known for its cheap resorts and tawdry display.  

	The Depot Hotel served its share of legitimate travelers.  However, to Junction City residents, it was the focus of a district where soldiers came to drink and prostitutes to ply their trade.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586184383131.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member“More Early Junction City Business History” Part 1	The following information about early downtown businesses in Junction City was taken from a book available for purchase at the Geary County Historical Society Museum titled Our Town On The Plains by James Shortridge.	Although Junction City’s principal retail stores inevitably dominated the attention of shoppers, newspaper reporters, and photographers, these were far from the only important business activities in town. Many of the other, relatively hidden activities dealt in personal services and operated from small offices that did not require a traditional Washington Street storefront. Others in this group sold regular wares but kept away from the downtown core because of the location of their clientele (for example, a neighborhood grocery), their lack of money to pay the relatively high rents there, or perhaps their race or social standing. Still others dealt in products that demanded unusually large lots (such as lumberyard) or that generated odor or noise (such as livery stables or foundries). 	All the doctors and dentists in town kept offices in the second stories of downtown business. So did most attorneys, insurance agents, and newspaper editors. In city directories, these locations are designated with standard street numbers, but in practice, people know them as did O.R. Wibking, who gave the location of his dental office as simply “over Keller’s”. Narrow, dark stairwells wedged between storefronts provided access to these various quarters, but the rooms themselves usually were well lit. 	Combinations of poverty and prejudice that could keep entrepreneurs from prime retail settings are represented by an unknown popcorn vender, shoe repairman, James A. Counts and the Hammond family laundry. Joseph Pennell (1893-1922), the famous photographer in Junction City, observed the popcorn stand daily, since it stood directly beneath his studio at the corner of Seventh and Washington Streets. Most towns had at least one business of this type, often run by a physically handicapped person. 	James Counts was perhaps the first African American in Junction City to run a business that catered successfully to a generally audience. He came to Kansas while serving in the Tenth Cavalry. In 1914, he rented one of the small frame buildings on West Seventh and opened a shoe-repair shop. The only occupations listed for black men in the city directory as recently as 1909 were as porters, in menial labor, or with the African American communit“More Early Junction City Business History” Part 2	Although the Hammond laundry, several general stores, and a few other enterprises were scattered throughout the residential area, Junction City possessed only one secondary business concentration. This was a block of East Tenth Street, directly across from the Union Pacific Depot. For reasons that were unclear to city officials at the time, this general area had never been well maintained. Despite serving as the main entrance to the city for all business travelers and as the point of departure for every local person on his or her way to Topeka or Abilene, it somehow remained “one of the disgraceful sights… on the Union Pacific between Kansas City and Denver”. 	Joseph Pennell photographed the depot in 1915. His purpose was not so much to display that serviceable stone structure as it was to highlight the completion a landscaping improvement project nearby. The small park near the building and adjacent to Price Street, had been a cooperative endeavor between the city and the railroad. It included new ornamental trees, a drinking fountain, a light, and an impressive series of raised, 200-pound cement letters that spelled out the town name. 	The landscaping was successful but did little to change the overall character of the neighborhood. Just across the street from the depot stood the Depot Hotel, which had a shadowy reputation. Pennell labeled it “Bowery Row”, a reference to a saloon by that name just east of the hotel on Tenth Street, and an allusion to a district in old New York City that was known for its cheap resorts and tawdry display. 	The Depot Hotel served its share of legitimate travelers. However, to Junction City residents, it was the focus of a district where soldiers came to drink and prostitutes to ply their trade.

“A Trip To Downtown Junction City In Early 20th Century” Part I

	The information used in this article comes from the book Our Town On The Plains: J.J. Pennell’s Photographs of Junction City, Kansas: 1893-1922 written by James R. Shortridge. This book is available for purchase at the Geary County Historical Society’s Museum located at 530 N. Adams in Junction City.  Hours are 1-4:00 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays.

	“The retail scene early in the (20th century) was amazingly rich.  A typical storefront was only twenty-five feet wide, which allowed as many as twelve different businesses on one side of a single block.  It also was not difficult for a budding entrepreneur to get started.  With stores so small, inventories could be purchased without much capital.  Regulations were lax as well.  A drugstore might stock drugs and toilet articles, but also might have wallpaper and even carpets.  

	An inventory of the stores in Junction City reflected the influence of Fort Riley, especially the unusually large number of laundries, restaurants, and saloons. Three large general-merchandise businesses dominated the downtown district:  Hemenway; Wright and Peques; and Rockwell.  Other oversized buildings were occupied by four hardware stores.  Small, specialized stores were the norm.  Eight doctors’ offices were balance by eight drugstores, six dentists by six confectionery shops.  Butchers occupied separate quarters from grocery stores, and the importance of the horse was obvious from the presence of three harness shops and three livery stables.  Bicycles were fashionable, but not yet automobiles.  

	Let us assume that our visit to downtown Junction City begins near its southern end on a weekday morning.  Rudy Sohn’s barbershop would be busy, because this was a ritualistic stop for many of the men who worked in this part of the business district.  Sohn, along with John Fox, had been renting space in the Bartell House since 1897. There were three chairs, a shoe-shine stand, and, through the door, complete bathroom fixtures, including two tubs and a water closet.  Barbershops were male worlds, of course, rich with raucous laughter and gossip about crops, sports, and the latest bidding for Fort Riley contracts.  Some people would stop by just to visit, others to get a twenty-five-cent haircut.   The baths were used primarily by travelers since such conveniences did not exist in most hotels of the time.”

“A Trip To Downtown Junction City In Early 20th Century” Part 2

	“Half a block south of the Bartell House and across the street from the city park was the Park Steam Laundry, the largest of five similar operations in Junction City.  It was owned by Thomas Dixon, Jr., a man whose father had been an original settler in the region and who still ran a stockyard business from the small frame building next door.  The laundry had been at that location since 1893.  The building had been rebuilt and was another product of the firm of Ziegler and Dalton, which erected it after a major fire the previous April.  People admired the cut-stone front and its decorative “turret top.” 

	Laundries were patronized by a large portion of the Junction City population.  Their equipment was far superior to anything available in the home. However, a laundry’s business was confined largely to men’s apparel.  This may be attributed to a traditional male reluctance to do laundry.  Beyond this, women were more reluctant to send their garments out – in part from having someone else handle their “unmentionables” and in part from … a fastidiousness about their raiment.  

	Customers had more choices for their grocery shopping than for any other type of business in town. The Hemenway and Rockwell stores both had large food departments, and at the other extreme, four or five small general stores were scattered throughout the residential areas.  G.A. Latham’s store was across the alley from the Bartell House at 616 North Washington and was one of the shortest-lived of this group.  It opened in 1901 and lasted only two years.  One of the reasons for the short tenure may have been because of the “No Credit” sign he hung at the back of the store.  

	Having cookies and crackers stored in large boxes; beans, coffee, flour, and sugar in bins; cheese in wheels and pickles and vinegar in barrels produced a blended aroma in grocery stores that was unforgettable.  Clerks had to measure, dip, cut and wrap efficiently while choosy customers looked closely over their shoulders. 

	A grocer dealt not only with bulk products.  Canned goods were common.  Butter, milk, eggs, and seasonal fruits and vegetables came from local farmers.  Customers would ask especially for the products brought in by certain people.”

	Another visit to downtown Junction City in the early 20th century is planned in future articles in this space.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586184383131.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dr. Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member“A Trip To Downtown Junction City In Early 20th Century” Part I	The information used in this article comes from the book Our Town On The Plains: J.J. Pennell’s Photographs of Junction City, Kansas: 1893-1922 written by James R. Shortridge. This book is available for purchase at the Geary County Historical Society’s Museum located at 530 N. Adams in Junction City. Hours are 1-4:00 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays.	“The retail scene early in the (20th century) was amazingly rich. A typical storefront was only twenty-five feet wide, which allowed as many as twelve different businesses on one side of a single block. It also was not difficult for a budding entrepreneur to get started. With stores so small, inventories could be purchased without much capital. Regulations were lax as well. A drugstore might stock drugs and toilet articles, but also might have wallpaper and even carpets. 	An inventory of the stores in Junction City reflected the influence of Fort Riley, especially the unusually large number of laundries, restaurants, and saloons. Three large general-merchandise businesses dominated the downtown district: Hemenway; Wright and Peques; and Rockwell. Other oversized buildings were occupied by four hardware stores. Small, specialized stores were the norm. Eight doctors’ offices were balance by eight drugstores, six dentists by six confectionery shops. Butchers occupied separate quarters from grocery stores, and the importance of the horse was obvious from the presence of three harness shops and three livery stables. Bicycles were fashionable, but not yet automobiles. 	Let us assume that our visit to downtown Junction City begins near its southern end on a weekday morning. Rudy Sohn’s barbershop would be busy, because this was a ritualistic stop for many of the men who worked in this part of the business district. Sohn, along with John Fox, had been renting space in the Bartell House since 1897. There were three chairs, a shoe-shine stand, and, through the door, complete bathroom fixtures, including two tubs and a water closet. Barbershops were male worlds, of course, rich with raucous laughter and gossip about crops, sports, and the latest bidding for Fort Riley contracts. Some people would stop by just to visit, others to get a twenty-five-cent haircut. The baths were used primarily by travelers since such conveniences did not exist in most hotels of the time.”“A Trip To Downtown Junction City In Early 20th Century” Part 2	“Half a block south of the Bartell House and across the street from the city park was the Park Steam Laundry, the largest of five similar operations in Junction City. It was owned by Thomas Dixon, Jr., a man whose father had been an original settler in the region and who still ran a stockyard business from the small frame building next door. The laundry had been at that location since 1893. The building had been rebuilt and was another product of the firm of Ziegler and Dalton, which erected it after a major fire the previous April. People admired the cut-stone front and its decorative “turret top.” 	Laundries were patronized by a large portion of the Junction City population. Their equipment was far superior to anything available in the home. However, a laundry’s business was confined largely to men’s apparel. This may be attributed to a traditional male reluctance to do laundry. Beyond this, women were more reluctant to send their garments out – in part from having someone else handle their “unmentionables” and in part from … a fastidiousness about their raiment. 	Customers had more choices for their grocery shopping than for any other type of business in town. The Hemenway and Rockwell stores both had large food departments, and at the other extreme, four or five small general stores were scattered throughout the residential areas. G.A. Latham’s store was across the alley from the Bartell House at 616 North Washington and was one of the shortest-lived of this group. It opened in 1901 and lasted only two years. One of the reasons for the short tenure may have been because of the “No Credit” sign he hung at the back of the store. 	Having cookies and crackers stored in large boxes; beans, coffee, flour, and sugar in bins; cheese in wheels and pickles and vinegar in barrels produced a blended aroma in grocery stores that was unforgettable. Clerks had to measure, dip, cut and wrap efficiently while choosy customers looked closely over their shoulders. 	A grocer dealt not only with bulk products. Canned goods were common. Butter, milk, eggs, and seasonal fruits and vegetables came from local farmers. Customers would ask especially for the products brought in by certain people.”	Another visit to downtown Junction City in the early 20th century is planned in future articles in this space.

“Use of Early Phone Directories Offers Clues To Local History”

	It is interesting to go into our archives at the Museum and look at early telephone directories to learn about the location of a business or look at the advertisements from the past.   For those who are only acquainted with searching for such information by using Google or another search engine on their cell phone or computer, there once were phone directories or books published for each resident with a phone to be able to physically look up the phone number of a person or business. Names of individuals and business were listed in alphabetical order usually with individuals in the front of the book and business in the back. Recently this writer was researching the location of a business and found the owner had started at one location, moved the business to another location and eventually closed the business over a period of several years. 

	However, distractions came from wanting to look at other business listings.  Businesses advertised in the directories listing the type of service, location, phone number, address and in some cases their hours of operation.  

	In an article written jointly by Kathy Brown George, former Geary Museum Curator, and Ralph Murphy for the January 6, 1985, JC Union newspaper they shared that while looking through some scrapbooks, photo albums and schoolbooks a 1919 telephone directory was found at the Museum. This is some of what they discovered.

	Local merchants were represented by large ads instead of being carried in the yellow pages. The first pages of the local 1919 telephone directory were missing up through the middle of the C’s. There were numerous home locations that were puzzling.  J. T. DeVault lived at Cherry Croft, former C.H. Manley homesite; J.H. Gabby’s address was Prairie Home, also with no street location. Rural subscribers were usually listed as living on a “farm”.  Four party lines were common with different patrons given a letter after the shared number. Telephone number 229 would appear four times with a one-letter suffix – a, b, g, j, x or y used to identify the subscriber. 

	Some of the businesses listed in the directory included: The Durland Sawtell Furniture, Undertaking at 117 W. 7th which had a phone number of 1; Hogan Milling Co, East 8th was 2; Cole Brothers Dry Goods Store, 715-717 N. Washington was 3; Bartell Barber Shop, 608 N. Washington was 4; Eisenhower Drug Store, 622 N. Washington was 8 and Miller Drug Store, 701 N. Washington was 9.  

“Two Junction City Instructors Wrote And Published Their Own Song”

	The late Marilyn Heldstab, former Geary Museum Director, wrote an article about a sheet of music titled “Dreaming of My Childhood Days”, which she found in the Museum’s Gift Shop one day.  This is some of what she wrote.

The song was published in Junction City, Kansas by Olsson &amp; Williams Music Co.  The information on the front of the song sheet stated that C.O. Williams had written the lyrics and Phillip H. Olsson, the music. Olsson, or Professor Olsson as he was sometimes known, was the band instructor in the junior/senior high school during Marilyn Heldstab’s high school days. 

	C.O. Williams liked to write poetry and often wrote short verses.  The copyright on the song sheet was 1926 and Olson did not come here until 1932. It is a bit confusing how the collaboration was completed.

	Olsson was born in Assaria in 1891. The 1932 Junction City High School yearbook, The Pow Wow, explained his duties.  “Mr. Phillip Olsson, directs the two orchestras and the band.  Strange sounds sometimes issue from his studio in the old Principal’s Office, for there he teaches ambitious horn tooters and fiddlers all about sharps and flats, or whatever music is made up of.” 

Both John Williams and Ada Margaret Olsson, Olsson’s daughter, agreed that “Dreaming of My Childhood” was the only song the two wrote or published. The Rotary Club was the first to hear the new song composed by the two men.  

Through the generosity of John Williams, copies of “Dreaming of My Childhood” are available for purchase in the Museum Gift Shop. The Geary County Historical Society Museum is located at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets and is open from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.  

By Dr. Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624206447855.jpeg" alt="This building housed the telephone company in 1910" />
 <figcaption>This building housed the telephone company in 1910</figcaption>
 </figure>“Use of Early Phone Directories Offers Clues To Local History”	It is interesting to go into our archives at the Museum and look at early telephone directories to learn about the location of a business or look at the advertisements from the past. For those who are only acquainted with searching for such information by using Google or another search engine on their cell phone or computer, there once were phone directories or books published for each resident with a phone to be able to physically look up the phone number of a person or business. Names of individuals and business were listed in alphabetical order usually with individuals in the front of the book and business in the back. Recently this writer was researching the location of a business and found the owner had started at one location, moved the business to another location and eventually closed the business over a period of several years. 	However, distractions came from wanting to look at other business listings. Businesses advertised in the directories listing the type of service, location, phone number, address and in some cases their hours of operation. 	In an article written jointly by Kathy Brown George, former Geary Museum Curator, and Ralph Murphy for the January 6, 1985, JC Union newspaper they shared that while looking through some scrapbooks, photo albums and schoolbooks a 1919 telephone directory was found at the Museum. This is some of what they discovered.	Local merchants were represented by large ads instead of being carried in the yellow pages. The first pages of the local 1919 telephone directory were missing up through the middle of the C’s. There were numerous home locations that were puzzling. J. T. DeVault lived at Cherry Croft, former C.H. Manley homesite; J.H. Gabby’s address was Prairie Home, also with no street location. Rural subscribers were usually listed as living on a “farm”. Four party lines were common with different patrons given a letter after the shared number. Telephone number 229 would appear four times with a one-letter suffix – a, b, g, j, x or y used to identify the subscriber. 	Some of the businesses listed in the directory included: The Durland Sawtell Furniture, Undertaking at 117 W. 7th which had a phone number of 1; Hogan Milling Co, East 8th was 2; Cole Brothers Dry Goods Store, 715-717 N. Washington was 3; Bartell Barber Shop, 608 N. Washington was 4; Eisenhower Drug Store, 622 N. Washington was 8 and Miller Drug Store, 701 N. Washington was 9. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624206539257.jpeg" alt="Cover page of the song “Dreaming of My Childhood Days”" />
 <figcaption>Cover page of the song “Dreaming of My Childhood Days”</figcaption>
 </figure>“Two Junction City Instructors Wrote And Published Their Own Song”	The late Marilyn Heldstab, former Geary Museum Director, wrote an article about a sheet of music titled “Dreaming of My Childhood Days”, which she found in the Museum’s Gift Shop one day. This is some of what she wrote.The song was published in Junction City, Kansas by Olsson &amp; Williams Music Co. The information on the front of the song sheet stated that C.O. Williams had written the lyrics and Phillip H. Olsson, the music. Olsson, or Professor Olsson as he was sometimes known, was the band instructor in the junior/senior high school during Marilyn Heldstab’s high school days. 	C.O. Williams liked to write poetry and often wrote short verses. The copyright on the song sheet was 1926 and Olson did not come here until 1932. It is a bit confusing how the collaboration was completed.	Olsson was born in Assaria in 1891. The 1932 Junction City High School yearbook, The Pow Wow, explained his duties. “Mr. Phillip Olsson, directs the two orchestras and the band. Strange sounds sometimes issue from his studio in the old Principal’s Office, for there he teaches ambitious horn tooters and fiddlers all about sharps and flats, or whatever music is made up of.” Both John Williams and Ada Margaret Olsson, Olsson’s daughter, agreed that “Dreaming of My Childhood” was the only song the two wrote or published. The Rotary Club was the first to hear the new song composed by the two men. Through the generosity of John Williams, copies of “Dreaming of My Childhood” are available for purchase in the Museum Gift Shop. The Geary County Historical Society Museum is located at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets and is open from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

“The First Leader Of The Cornet Band”

	George Wendell Kilian was born in New York City in 1854. At age fourteen, he came to Kansas with his parents soon after the Civil War.  According to an account published in the Union newspaper at the time of his death in 1899, “The boy had music in his soul.  It was only a question of bringing it out. Wild Bill Hickock taught him to play a simple air on the violin” which began the interest in performing music. 

	The first Junction City Cornet Band was organized in 1868 and the fourteen-year-old boy was given a secondary horn position, but in three months was the lead cornet player. In 1878, George Kilian started a new band for beginners, which provided music for gatherings and celebrations for the next twenty years. 

	George married Christina Adelaide Mintus on July 14, 1879 at her parent’s house.  The ceremony was no sooner concluded than much to the surprise of the bridal party, the J.C. Cornet Band appeared at the gate and proceeded to show their respect for the newly weds by playing selections of music for them and those in attendance. 

	In 1886, money problems threatened to end the band’s activities. In an article in the local newspaper, it was stated that “Professor Kilian and Cornet Band have been giving weekly evening concerts in the park all summer free to the public.  These concerts are more or less expensive to the band.  There has been some money contributed by citizens for the purpose of defraying their incident expenses.  The amount received, however. is inadequate and the band is now out of funds.  Unless contributions are made at once, there will no more evening concerts.”

	Apparently, this challenge was met and Kilian’s Band continued to perform.  In 1887, T.W. Dorn wrote an essay titled “Music in Junction City” in which he described the band as one of the finest in the state. “Kilian’s Brass and Reed Band is the euphonious title of one of the finest amateur musical organizations in the state.  The band has a complement of twenty uniformed members.  We understand that they are about to begin their series of weekly summer evening concerts in the park, which were so popular last season.”  

	George Kilian died suddenly of pneumonia in 1899.  During his short life of only 45 years, he had worked first as a barber and later became a partner in a grocery store with A.D. Schach.  He was the father of 10 talented children and was active in church and civic organizations. He gave many hours to various musical organizations in our community including the Cornet Band and the Presbyterian Church Choir and Bell Ringers.

“Changes in the Location of Some Businesses Between 1880s and 1980s”

	Kathy Brown George, former Curator at the Geary County Historical Society Museum and Ralph Murphy collaborated on an article included in the local newspaper about changes made over time in the downtown business district.  This is some of what they wrote in 1985.

	Although the Select Committee for Architectural Standards recently purposed funding for renovation of downtown store facades, one building on the east side of the 700 block of North Washington has already provided an example of how restored dignity can enhance our downtown appearance. The businesses housed in buildings erected at 719 N. Washington and others have risen like the mythical Phoenix rising from ancient ashes.  

Identity of the first merchant to set up shop in the building has not been authenticated, but an ad in The Union newspaper carried an ad for a new Saddle and Harness Shop with Richard Brown as the owner at the corner of Washington and 8th Streets.

Time passed and the location of the shop changed.  In 1887 the city directory shows the Harness Shop again located at 719 N. Washington.  The business thrived here until the building was destroyed during the B. Rockwell Store fire on September 12, 1888. Eventually this store building was rebuilt with locally manufactured bricks contrasting with native limestone blocks.  The 1910-11 city directory listed a Brown Harness Company still at the same address.

In 1917, Sophia Brown had a millinery shop in the building. During WWI there was need to outfit newly commissioned officers in tailor-made uniforms.  Woolf Brothers Furnishing Goods Company of Kansas City opened a branch store at 719 N. Washington to provide this service. 

In 1983, Jane More, local photographer, opened Studio Prints at 635 W. 6th Street.  In 1985 she changed locations to 719 N. Washington Street and conducted business there until 1988. 

The Cowen Shoe Store was growing and requiring more store space. The shoe store started at 128 W. 7th Street.  All went well at Cowen’s Shoe Store until January 24, 1923, when the store burned. The Junction City Union newspaper reported the following: “The Cowen’s Store sustained considerable damage first from smoke, later from water and fire. Fire finally broke through in the rear of the store and the stock was considerably damaged by water.”  However, the building was declared sound when it was determined the street wall was solid. On February 5, 1923, the store again reopened with a big smoke and water damage sale featuring men’s dress shoes from $3.95 to $5.95.

By Dr. Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member“The First Leader Of The Cornet Band”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623344929752.jpeg" alt="George Kilian, pictured holding his cornet" />
 <figcaption>George Kilian, pictured holding his cornet</figcaption>
 </figure>	George Wendell Kilian was born in New York City in 1854. At age fourteen, he came to Kansas with his parents soon after the Civil War. According to an account published in the Union newspaper at the time of his death in 1899, “The boy had music in his soul. It was only a question of bringing it out. Wild Bill Hickock taught him to play a simple air on the violin” which began the interest in performing music. 	The first Junction City Cornet Band was organized in 1868 and the fourteen-year-old boy was given a secondary horn position, but in three months was the lead cornet player. In 1878, George Kilian started a new band for beginners, which provided music for gatherings and celebrations for the next twenty years. 	George married Christina Adelaide Mintus on July 14, 1879 at her parent’s house. The ceremony was no sooner concluded than much to the surprise of the bridal party, the J.C. Cornet Band appeared at the gate and proceeded to show their respect for the newly weds by playing selections of music for them and those in attendance. 	In 1886, money problems threatened to end the band’s activities. In an article in the local newspaper, it was stated that “Professor Kilian and Cornet Band have been giving weekly evening concerts in the park all summer free to the public. These concerts are more or less expensive to the band. There has been some money contributed by citizens for the purpose of defraying their incident expenses. The amount received, however. is inadequate and the band is now out of funds. Unless contributions are made at once, there will no more evening concerts.”	Apparently, this challenge was met and Kilian’s Band continued to perform. In 1887, T.W. Dorn wrote an essay titled “Music in Junction City” in which he described the band as one of the finest in the state. “Kilian’s Brass and Reed Band is the euphonious title of one of the finest amateur musical organizations in the state. The band has a complement of twenty uniformed members. We understand that they are about to begin their series of weekly summer evening concerts in the park, which were so popular last season.” 	George Kilian died suddenly of pneumonia in 1899. During his short life of only 45 years, he had worked first as a barber and later became a partner in a grocery store with A.D. Schach. He was the father of 10 talented children and was active in church and civic organizations. He gave many hours to various musical organizations in our community including the Cornet Band and the Presbyterian Church Choir and Bell Ringers.“Changes in the Location of Some Businesses Between 1880s and 1980s”	Kathy Brown George, former Curator at the Geary County Historical Society Museum and Ralph Murphy collaborated on an article included in the local newspaper about changes made over time in the downtown business district. This is some of what they wrote in 1985.	Although the Select Committee for Architectural Standards recently purposed funding for renovation of downtown store facades, one building on the east side of the 700 block of North Washington has already provided an example of how restored dignity can enhance our downtown appearance. The businesses housed in buildings erected at 719 N. Washington and others have risen like the mythical Phoenix rising from ancient ashes. Identity of the first merchant to set up shop in the building has not been authenticated, but an ad in The Union newspaper carried an ad for a new Saddle and Harness Shop with Richard Brown as the owner at the corner of Washington and 8th Streets.Time passed and the location of the shop changed. In 1887 the city directory shows the Harness Shop again located at 719 N. Washington. The business thrived here until the building was destroyed during the B. Rockwell Store fire on September 12, 1888. Eventually this store building was rebuilt with locally manufactured bricks contrasting with native limestone blocks. The 1910-11 city directory listed a Brown Harness Company still at the same address.In 1917, Sophia Brown had a millinery shop in the building. During WWI there was need to outfit newly commissioned officers in tailor-made uniforms. Woolf Brothers Furnishing Goods Company of Kansas City opened a branch store at 719 N. Washington to provide this service. In 1983, Jane More, local photographer, opened Studio Prints at 635 W. 6th Street. In 1985 she changed locations to 719 N. Washington Street and conducted business there until 1988. The Cowen Shoe Store was growing and requiring more store space. The shoe store started at 128 W. 7th Street. All went well at Cowen’s Shoe Store until January 24, 1923, when the store burned. The Junction City Union newspaper reported the following: “The Cowen’s Store sustained considerable damage first from smoke, later from water and fire. Fire finally broke through in the rear of the store and the stock was considerably damaged by water.” However, the building was declared sound when it was determined the street wall was solid. On February 5, 1923, the store again reopened with a big smoke and water damage sale featuring men’s dress shoes from $3.95 to $5.95.

“Julia Snyder Looked For New Opportunities In Kansas” – Part 2

	Early in the spring of 1867, Julia’s uncle was sent on government business out west to Fort Ellsworth and Fort Wallace, which were military outposts established along the route of the railroad being built across the Kansas plains. Julia and her father went with him and left Julia’s older brother George to run the sutler’s store at Fort Riley.

	Julia wrote some of the following when she was in her 80s as a reflection of her spirit as a 16-year-old girl and the growth and development happening here at that time. 

“Soon after our visit to Fort Ellsworth, cholera broke out there and some of our friends were among the victims. Father Du Mortier, the Catholic priest who organized the St. Xavier’s parish in Junction City, was also among the victims”.

	The Snyders returned to Fort Riley in the fall.  In late 1867, Julia’s father moved to an area near  Chapman Creek and took over the Blakely place.  This was a station or store supplying goods to travelers on the Smoky Hill trail. The village of Chapman was just getting started.  

	Julia also wrote that “Father’s business prospered.  The people from up country brought butter and eggs from miles away.  Here, as at Ogden, travel was heavy with settlers in covered wagons going west, government troops, freighters, and traveling salesmen whose large wagons were filled with samples of dry goods, groceries and notions.”

	In 1868, there was a devastating flash flood that hit the Chapman Creek vicinity.  “We had only to look out of the window to see water everywhere.  Dressing hastily, we went out, and there saw the strangest sight – the roof of a house floating past with the miller’s two small children playing on it.

	After the flood, the Union Pacific established a water tank and grain elevator on the other side of the creek, and the new town of Chapman, a little further west, began to flourish. Later father also moved over and built a new house and store, which he called the Banner Corner Store.”

	The Snyders often traveled the 12 miles back and forth to Junction City to participate in church activities with St. John’s Episcopal parish and shopped at the Rockwell store on Washington Street. “The first I remember hearing of the Rockwell Store was when my sister bought her wedding slippers there. Captain (Bertrand) Rockwell offered me candy over the counter.  This was the beginning of a long courtship.” 

	On September 29, 1870, 20-year-old Julia Snyder married Bertrand Rockwell. “Ours was the first wedding held in the new Church of the Covenant.  Dr. Charles Reynolds, the Chaplain from Fort Riley married us.”  During their marriage the Rockwells had five daughters. They moved to Kansas City in 1906. Bertrand died in 1930 and Julia died in 1947 at the age of 97.  

“Opera Singer Performed At Camp Funston”

	The research for this article was done by Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society and was taken from another article.  This is some of what she wrote.

	A series of concerts were resented on January 30 and 31 in 1918 and were hailed in the local media as “the greatest musical event ever given in the state.”  Although temperatures were well below zero, over 4,000 soldiers and civilians packed the auditorium in the newly completed. All Kansas Building to hear Madam Schumann-Heink and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra perform. 

	The event was to be the inaugural activity for the newly completed pavilion, which had been constructed at the camp as a gift from the citizens of the state to their native sons in uniform.  Built with funds donated from the men, women and children in every community in Kansas, the purpose of the building was to provide a place of wholesome recreation for the soldiers of the 353rd (Kansas) Infantry.  This regiment was made up entirely of soldiers from Kansas and contained representatives from every community and county in the state. 

	The cavernous building was the largest facility at Funston on Fort Riley and could seat 4,000 people, it proved inadequate for the crowds that this event attracted.  The big hall was packed to overflowing and hundreds had to be turned away at the doors. Some people attempted to hear the music by standing outside the windows, but extreme cold – 21 degrees below zero-drove many away.

	Ernestine Schuman-Heink appeared in towns and cities across the United States, using her powerful voice to render the patriotic hymns of this nation like no one had ever done before her. She came to Camp Funston in January of 1918. She was 56 years old and a grandmother many times.  However, she was still in remarkable voice and had great devotion to her adopted homeland.  So, she threw herself into supporting the war effort in the only way she knew how – by singing. 

	Ernestine continued sharing her great voice until well beyond her 70th birthday.  In 1926, she celebrated her 50th anniversary of her singing debut in New York’s Carnegie Hall.  This was followed by her last concert tour of the United States, during which she returned to sing again in Kansas at Manhattan and Lindsborg.

	In 1935, at the age of 74, she appeared in the motion picture “Here’s To Romance.”  She died the following year in Hollywood, California.  

By Dr. Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member“Julia Snyder Looked For New Opportunities In Kansas” – Part 2	Early in the spring of 1867, Julia’s uncle was sent on government business out west to Fort Ellsworth and Fort Wallace, which were military outposts established along the route of the railroad being built across the Kansas plains. Julia and her father went with him and left Julia’s older brother George to run the sutler’s store at Fort Riley.	Julia wrote some of the following when she was in her 80s as a reflection of her spirit as a 16-year-old girl and the growth and development happening here at that time. “Soon after our visit to Fort Ellsworth, cholera broke out there and some of our friends were among the victims. Father Du Mortier, the Catholic priest who organized the St. Xavier’s parish in Junction City, was also among the victims”.	The Snyders returned to Fort Riley in the fall. In late 1867, Julia’s father moved to an area near Chapman Creek and took over the Blakely place. This was a station or store supplying goods to travelers on the Smoky Hill trail. The village of Chapman was just getting started. 	Julia also wrote that “Father’s business prospered. The people from up country brought butter and eggs from miles away. Here, as at Ogden, travel was heavy with settlers in covered wagons going west, government troops, freighters, and traveling salesmen whose large wagons were filled with samples of dry goods, groceries and notions.”	In 1868, there was a devastating flash flood that hit the Chapman Creek vicinity. “We had only to look out of the window to see water everywhere. Dressing hastily, we went out, and there saw the strangest sight – the roof of a house floating past with the miller’s two small children playing on it.	After the flood, the Union Pacific established a water tank and grain elevator on the other side of the creek, and the new town of Chapman, a little further west, began to flourish. Later father also moved over and built a new house and store, which he called the Banner Corner Store.”	The Snyders often traveled the 12 miles back and forth to Junction City to participate in church activities with St. John’s Episcopal parish and shopped at the Rockwell store on Washington Street. “The first I remember hearing of the Rockwell Store was when my sister bought her wedding slippers there. Captain (Bertrand) Rockwell offered me candy over the counter. This was the beginning of a long courtship.” 	On September 29, 1870, 20-year-old Julia Snyder married Bertrand Rockwell. “Ours was the first wedding held in the new Church of the Covenant. Dr. Charles Reynolds, the Chaplain from Fort Riley married us.” During their marriage the Rockwells had five daughters. They moved to Kansas City in 1906. Bertrand died in 1930 and Julia died in 1947 at the age of 97. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622996569161.jpeg" alt="Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink" />
 <figcaption>Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink</figcaption>
 </figure>“Opera Singer Performed At Camp Funston”	The research for this article was done by Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society and was taken from another article. This is some of what she wrote.	A series of concerts were resented on January 30 and 31 in 1918 and were hailed in the local media as “the greatest musical event ever given in the state.” Although temperatures were well below zero, over 4,000 soldiers and civilians packed the auditorium in the newly completed. All Kansas Building to hear Madam Schumann-Heink and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra perform. 	The event was to be the inaugural activity for the newly completed pavilion, which had been constructed at the camp as a gift from the citizens of the state to their native sons in uniform. Built with funds donated from the men, women and children in every community in Kansas, the purpose of the building was to provide a place of wholesome recreation for the soldiers of the 353rd (Kansas) Infantry. This regiment was made up entirely of soldiers from Kansas and contained representatives from every community and county in the state. 	The cavernous building was the largest facility at Funston on Fort Riley and could seat 4,000 people, it proved inadequate for the crowds that this event attracted. The big hall was packed to overflowing and hundreds had to be turned away at the doors. Some people attempted to hear the music by standing outside the windows, but extreme cold – 21 degrees below zero-drove many away.	Ernestine Schuman-Heink appeared in towns and cities across the United States, using her powerful voice to render the patriotic hymns of this nation like no one had ever done before her. She came to Camp Funston in January of 1918. She was 56 years old and a grandmother many times. However, she was still in remarkable voice and had great devotion to her adopted homeland. So, she threw herself into supporting the war effort in the only way she knew how – by singing. 	Ernestine continued sharing her great voice until well beyond her 70th birthday. In 1926, she celebrated her 50th anniversary of her singing debut in New York’s Carnegie Hall. This was followed by her last concert tour of the United States, during which she returned to sing again in Kansas at Manhattan and Lindsborg.	In 1935, at the age of 74, she appeared in the motion picture “Here’s To Romance.” She died the following year in Hollywood, California.

“Some History About Junction City High School Graduations”

	The 146th Junction City High School class to graduate will be on May 30 in the Al Simpler Stadium. The three hundred twenty students who graduate will be given five wristbands for guests to wear when entering the stadium and students will wear masks.  These guidelines have been put in place for safety reasons related to COVID-19. 

	Wearing academic robes is a tradition that dates to at least the 12th century around the time when the first universities were being founded in Europe.  The purpose was to create an appearance of unity.

 However, in Geary County caps and gowns (academic robes) were not worn until the graduation of the Class of 1904.  This was the first class to graduate from the new City High School building, which is now the Geary County Historical Society Museum. Prior to that time, the lady graduates wore gowns, and the gentlemen graduates wore a suit.  (See the picture of the Class of 1897). In 1905 graduates resumed the traditional suits and white gowns of previous years and the academic cap and gown did not reappear until they were worn by the Class of 1927.  

Fresh flowers were an important part of graduations in the past.  Photos and newspaper accounts of early graduation proceedings describe the floral decorations that adorned the Opera House, the location for commencements until after WWI. 

	In 1895, the graduating class was represented by a valedictorian, Miss Ida Strack, who in later years became Mrs. Ida Grammar, the Superintendent of County Schools, and a Salutatorian.  

	By 1929, the number of JCHS graduates had grown to 60 and the program had to be condensed.  The only address was given by the President of Kansas State Teachers College.  There was an Invocation, a Benediction, and a violin solo.

	The Geary County Historical Society congratulates all members of the Class of 2021 and wishes them the best in their future. 

By Dr. Ferrell Miller Geary County Historical Society Board Member<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621523128193.jpeg" alt="JCHS Class of 1897 in an untraditional pose by photographer J.J. Pennell" />
 <figcaption>JCHS Class of 1897 in an untraditional pose by photographer J.J. Pennell</figcaption>
 </figure>“Some History About Junction City High School Graduations”	The 146th Junction City High School class to graduate will be on May 30 in the Al Simpler Stadium. The three hundred twenty students who graduate will be given five wristbands for guests to wear when entering the stadium and students will wear masks. These guidelines have been put in place for safety reasons related to COVID-19. 	Wearing academic robes is a tradition that dates to at least the 12th century around the time when the first universities were being founded in Europe. The purpose was to create an appearance of unity. However, in Geary County caps and gowns (academic robes) were not worn until the graduation of the Class of 1904. This was the first class to graduate from the new City High School building, which is now the Geary County Historical Society Museum. Prior to that time, the lady graduates wore gowns, and the gentlemen graduates wore a suit. (See the picture of the Class of 1897). In 1905 graduates resumed the traditional suits and white gowns of previous years and the academic cap and gown did not reappear until they were worn by the Class of 1927. Fresh flowers were an important part of graduations in the past. Photos and newspaper accounts of early graduation proceedings describe the floral decorations that adorned the Opera House, the location for commencements until after WWI. 	In 1895, the graduating class was represented by a valedictorian, Miss Ida Strack, who in later years became Mrs. Ida Grammar, the Superintendent of County Schools, and a Salutatorian. 	By 1929, the number of JCHS graduates had grown to 60 and the program had to be condensed. The only address was given by the President of Kansas State Teachers College. There was an Invocation, a Benediction, and a violin solo.	The Geary County Historical Society congratulates all members of the Class of 2021 and wishes them the best in their future. Memorial Day: A Time To Remember” 	Decorating the graves of fallen soldiers began the spring before the end of the Civil War. The observance of Memorial or Decoration Day did not take place in Junction City until 1883. In 1868, General John A. Logan, then Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic veterans, issued an order fixing May 30 of that year for decorating with flowers the graves of the dead soldiers. However, it took 15 years before an organized observance of this day reached Geary County. 	The Union newspaper of June 2, 1883 included an article about the Memorial Day ceremonies. “Sunday afternoon the Opera House was packed to listen to Dr. Reynolds, who delivered a patriotic sermon. The services began at the (Centennial) Hall, which was crowded at half past one and 500 people sat in their wagons under the sun for two solid hours during the speeches. The Ninth Cavalry Band made splendid music on the march and after their return from the cemetery gave an open-air concert from the Bartell balcony.	A few days before the local Memorial Day observance in 1892 was marked by the death of John Anderson in Cairo, Egypt. Anderson was the former Junction City resident who as pastor of the Presbyterian Church had established Highland Cemetery. He left Junction City to serve as President of Kansas State Agricultural College in Manhattan, Kansas and was later elected to Congress. At the time of his death, Anderson was serving as the United States Ambassador to Egypt. 	In 1919, Memorial Day had taken on increased significance as the names of those Geary County soldiers and sailors had had fallen in WWI were honored. Although the parade of G.A.R. veterans had become smaller, the Boy Scouts and the American Legion filled the gaps. The program was still familiar with the recitation of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, decorating the cenotaph (a monument or memorial honoring a group or person whose remains are elsewhere), patriotic speeches and the firing of the salute as “Taps” sounded. 	On Memorial Day in 1945, an amplification system had been arranged so all attending could hear the program. Another addition to the service that year was a period of silent meditation by the audience in recognition of those who had made the supreme sacrifice for their country.”