Geary County Historical Society Board Member					

“Thelma Baker – Librarian At The George Smith Public Library”

Women’s History Month is an annually celebrated in March and is intended to focus on highlights of contributions of women have made to events in history and contemporary society and their stories. In remembering some of the Geary County women who have made contributions to community, stories will be shared in this space during the month of March. 

	Susan Filby (Susan Filby Moyer), who worked as a librarian at the Dorothy Bramlage Library in 1994 and is now the Director, wrote in an article for the JC Union newspaper that during the first half of the 20th century few occupations existed for women in general and single women in particular.  Teacher, librarian and perhaps secretary were among them. 

	Thelma Baker was born on February 8, 1908 to J.C. and Olive Baker.  Local papers proudly, yet incorrectly, announced the new arrival as a boy.  The family moved several times prior to settling at 529 W. Second Street, where Mrs. Baker and Thelma lived most of the rest of their lives. Soon after graduating from Junction City High School in 1926, joined the staff of the George Smith Public Library where she remained for nearly 30 years. (The George Smith Public Library was then located at 103 W. Seventh Street in Junction City and is now the George Smith Reception Hall).

	Thelma first served as assistant librarian under Ruby Babcock and later became chief administrator in 1930.  Because of the ingenious plan of the library’s founder, George Smith, to make the library a self-supporting institution, the duties of the librarian included collecting monthly rent from the businesses tenanted on the floor below.  At times these included a candy and cigar store, barber shop and bookstore operated by Jess Filby.  In addition to rent collection, her job as landlord also involved maintaining the properties, including painting, roofing and repairs to the boiler, all of which had to be figured into the library’s annual budget.

One of her most frequent and most famous patrons was Stanley Pennell, author of the best seller, The History of Rome Hanks and Kindred Matters.  Pennell visited the library daily, where Thelma helped him with the research and editing of his first novel.  She also acted as his literary agent by finding a publisher for the work, a task he had already failed at several times.  Nearly every library book on the Civil War was on loan to him as likely was Baker’s heart.  However, soon after the novel was published, Pennell married another and moved to Oregon.  

	After seven years with the Lawrence Public Library, Thelma Baker returned home to Second Street.  She died in the hospital on August 11, 1965. 	

“A Nostalgic View Of Childhood From An Adult Perspective

Miss Ethlyn Alsop grew up in the Wakefield community and after schooling at Kansas State Teacher’s College in Emporia taught at the old Junction City High School, which is now the Geary County Historical Society Museum. Miss Alsop taught Social Science, Civics and Constitution courses.   She is remembered by her students, especially those of the class of 1928, whom she daringly accompanied on the first Senior Sneak Day ever attempted at JCHS.  

	Ethlyn wrote four blank verse poems, which she then assembled into one poetic essay describing her childhood in the 1890s and then the impact of the man-made Milford Lake/Dam on her as an adult. This is some of that work:

	“You ask me child, how could we live those days without the things we take for granted now; those days of rag dolls, dolls with china heads; of mittens, hayrides, taffy-pulls, and sleighs; and miles of river skating on moonlit nights.  Listen, my child, my story tells you how. 

	New-born calves, colts, lambs in meadows played and rollick with me still in reveries.  Where are they now when April comes around? All, all are within my memories. 

	We walked two miles through pastures to our school; through sunshine, snowdrifts, rain, sleet, fog, and cold; had contests every Friday afternoon and memorized each week some rhyme or prose.  Forty some made up our country school, and ages varied five to twenty-two. Those were the days they used the hickory stick.

	My brother, Jack and I went up today and stood where once the village store had been.  Looked out over miles and miles of lake and watched the sailboats go floating by.  Out there one time were barns, sheds, fields and homes where people worked, played, walked to country school.  Out there somewhere there was a place called home.  Without a word we gazed and thought again of all those happy days that once had been.  We looked far out to where the lake meets sky and then without a word we turned aside.

	Beneath that lake there is a marker spot, a concrete slab on which the henhouse stood, where once we set the hens and watched to see the little chicks break through and come to life. No more do rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks play, for now a dam is built and all is lake.  

	Ah yes, beneath the lake there is a mark, a concrete slab on which the henhouse stood.  The buildings were torn down and hauled away, and now a dam is built and all is lake.” 

By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member					“Thelma Baker – Librarian At The George Smith Public Library” Women’s History Month is an annually celebrated in March and is intended to focus on highlights of contributions of women have made to events in history and contemporary society and their stories. In remembering some of the Geary County women who have made contributions to community, stories will be shared in this space during the month of March. 	Susan Filby (Susan Filby Moyer), who worked as a librarian at the Dorothy Bramlage Library in 1994 and is now the Director, wrote in an article for the JC Union newspaper that during the first half of the 20th century few occupations existed for women in general and single women in particular. Teacher, librarian and perhaps secretary were among them. 	Thelma Baker was born on February 8, 1908 to J.C. and Olive Baker. Local papers proudly, yet incorrectly, announced the new arrival as a boy. The family moved several times prior to settling at 529 W. Second Street, where Mrs. Baker and Thelma lived most of the rest of their lives. Soon after graduating from Junction City High School in 1926, joined the staff of the George Smith Public Library where she remained for nearly 30 years. (The George Smith Public Library was then located at 103 W. Seventh Street in Junction City and is now the George Smith Reception Hall).	Thelma first served as assistant librarian under Ruby Babcock and later became chief administrator in 1930. Because of the ingenious plan of the library’s founder, George Smith, to make the library a self-supporting institution, the duties of the librarian included collecting monthly rent from the businesses tenanted on the floor below. At times these included a candy and cigar store, barber shop and bookstore operated by Jess Filby. In addition to rent collection, her job as landlord also involved maintaining the properties, including painting, roofing and repairs to the boiler, all of which had to be figured into the library’s annual budget.One of her most frequent and most famous patrons was Stanley Pennell, author of the best seller, The History of Rome Hanks and Kindred Matters. Pennell visited the library daily, where Thelma helped him with the research and editing of his first novel. She also acted as his literary agent by finding a publisher for the work, a task he had already failed at several times. Nearly every library book on the Civil War was on loan to him as likely was Baker’s heart. However, soon after the novel was published, Pennell married another and moved to Oregon. 	After seven years with the Lawrence Public Library, Thelma Baker returned home to Second Street. She died in the hospital on August 11, 1965. 	“A Nostalgic View Of Childhood From An Adult Perspective<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614278046550.jpeg" alt="Ethlyn Alsop taught Social Science Courses at Junction City High School In 1928." />
 <figcaption>Ethlyn Alsop taught Social Science Courses at Junction City High School In 1928.</figcaption>
 </figure>Miss Ethlyn Alsop grew up in the Wakefield community and after schooling at Kansas State Teacher’s College in Emporia taught at the old Junction City High School, which is now the Geary County Historical Society Museum. Miss Alsop taught Social Science, Civics and Constitution courses. She is remembered by her students, especially those of the class of 1928, whom she daringly accompanied on the first Senior Sneak Day ever attempted at JCHS. 	Ethlyn wrote four blank verse poems, which she then assembled into one poetic essay describing her childhood in the 1890s and then the impact of the man-made Milford Lake/Dam on her as an adult. This is some of that work:	“You ask me child, how could we live those days without the things we take for granted now; those days of rag dolls, dolls with china heads; of mittens, hayrides, taffy-pulls, and sleighs; and miles of river skating on moonlit nights. Listen, my child, my story tells you how. 	New-born calves, colts, lambs in meadows played and rollick with me still in reveries. Where are they now when April comes around? All, all are within my memories. 	We walked two miles through pastures to our school; through sunshine, snowdrifts, rain, sleet, fog, and cold; had contests every Friday afternoon and memorized each week some rhyme or prose. Forty some made up our country school, and ages varied five to twenty-two. Those were the days they used the hickory stick.	My brother, Jack and I went up today and stood where once the village store had been. Looked out over miles and miles of lake and watched the sailboats go floating by. Out there one time were barns, sheds, fields and homes where people worked, played, walked to country school. Out there somewhere there was a place called home. Without a word we gazed and thought again of all those happy days that once had been. We looked far out to where the lake meets sky and then without a word we turned aside.	Beneath that lake there is a marker spot, a concrete slab on which the henhouse stood, where once we set the hens and watched to see the little chicks break through and come to life. No more do rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks play, for now a dam is built and all is lake. 	Ah yes, beneath the lake there is a mark, a concrete slab on which the henhouse stood. The buildings were torn down and hauled away, and now a dam is built and all is lake.”

Our Past is Present

Geary County Historical Society Board Member

“Many Notables Were Hosted By Josephine Rizer”

Josephine Keith, born in 1846, was the daughter of a prosperous book and music store owner. At the age of ten she had been sent to the Convent of Visitation in Washington, D.C. for her education. She spent the next eight years there.  When the war threatened to engulf the nation’s capital, she and her sisters of the convent sent word to her parents, who were then living in Denver, that the school was being closed and the convent was going to become a hospital during the war.  

	When she was introduced to a young Army officer, Robert Rizer, in the millinery shop owned by her parents in Denver, it must have been love at first sight.  They were wed on April 9, 1865. Immediately after the ceremony, the couple left in company with Capt. Rizer’s regiment to cross the 600 miles of untamed territory between Denver and Fort Riley. 

The 19-year-old bride would never forget this honeymoon trip.  The only woman, she traveled by horseback with the troops “through hostile Indian country and vast herds of buffalo stretching as far as the eye could see.” 

Four weeks later the travelers finally arrived in Junction City.  She recalled riding along what is now Madison Street and stopping briefly at the City Hotel on the corner of Madison and 8th Streets.  At the river, the group boarded the ferry and crossed onto the fort.  Mrs. Rizer was then taken to the home of Chaplain and Mrs. Charles Reynolds where she stayed until a set of rooms in the stone officer’s quarters facing the parade field were made available. 

The Rizers decided to settle in Junction City and moved into a little house at the corner of 7th and Washington in the fall of 1865.  Robert went to work as a bookkeeper for the firm of Streeter and Strickler.  A year later, their first child, Harriet, was born. 

Ten children were born to this couple, but only five daughters survived to maturity.  A house was built in the 300 block of West 6th Street near where the Geary County Historical Society Museum now stands. For 70 years, the house was the center of cultural and social gatherings in this growing community. 

Josephine Rizer was a gracious hostess and visitors in town were always taken to the Rizer home to partake of the Rizers’ hospitality.  Army officers, frontiersmen, former president U.S. Grant, Chief Sitting Bull, “Buffalo Bill” Cody, “Wild Bill” Hickock and others were among the notables entertained in the Rizer’s parlor on 6th Street.

“The Rockwell Building Underwent a Rebirth” Part 1

	The Rockwell Building, which is located at the northeast corner of Eighth and Washington Streets, has a rich business heritage.  For 60 years, the B. Rockwell Company made Junction City one of the busiest trading centers in the state. 

	Capt. Bertrand Rockwell arrived in Junction City in October of 1865 after being mustered out of the Union Army.  He had come with the purpose of finding a location to establish a business.  He also realized the railroad would soon be coming up the Republican Valley and go through Junction City.  

	The first store was a frame building, 20 feet wide by 50 feet long with a room partitioned off in the rear for use as an office, storeroom and sleeping quarters for the owner and his father, Major George Rockwell. The building was located near the U.S. Land Office. The “general” store was open from 5 AM to 11 PM in the summer and 6 AM to 11 PM in the winter.

	In addition to selling Eastern goods, they bought butter, eggs, turkeys, chickens and other products from farmers for cash or in exchange for store goods.  By 1866, a warehouse was added on the site, but this soon became too small when the purchase of grain was added to the store inventory.  A grain warehouse was added near the train depot.   

	A branch store was opened in Abilene in 1875, under the management of Bertrand’s brother, George.  It was known as the G.A. Rockwell &amp; Company.  The store was open for 8 years before it was sold so George could return to Junction City to take charge of the grocery department in Junction City. 

	Stories have been previously shared in this space about the Rockwell family and their contributions not only to business in downtown Junction City and selling grain beyond the borders of the continental United States, but also their contributions to our community.  In Part 2 of this series, there will be a description of the inside of the Rockwell Building. 

By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“Many Notables Were Hosted By Josephine Rizer” Josephine Keith, born in 1846, was the daughter of a prosperous book and music store owner. At the age of ten she had been sent to the Convent of Visitation in Washington, D.C. for her education. She spent the next eight years there. When the war threatened to engulf the nation’s capital, she and her sisters of the convent sent word to her parents, who were then living in Denver, that the school was being closed and the convent was going to become a hospital during the war. 	When she was introduced to a young Army officer, Robert Rizer, in the millinery shop owned by her parents in Denver, it must have been love at first sight. They were wed on April 9, 1865. Immediately after the ceremony, the couple left in company with Capt. Rizer’s regiment to cross the 600 miles of untamed territory between Denver and Fort Riley. The 19-year-old bride would never forget this honeymoon trip. The only woman, she traveled by horseback with the troops “through hostile Indian country and vast herds of buffalo stretching as far as the eye could see.” Four weeks later the travelers finally arrived in Junction City. She recalled riding along what is now Madison Street and stopping briefly at the City Hotel on the corner of Madison and 8th Streets. At the river, the group boarded the ferry and crossed onto the fort. Mrs. Rizer was then taken to the home of Chaplain and Mrs. Charles Reynolds where she stayed until a set of rooms in the stone officer’s quarters facing the parade field were made available. The Rizers decided to settle in Junction City and moved into a little house at the corner of 7th and Washington in the fall of 1865. Robert went to work as a bookkeeper for the firm of Streeter and Strickler. A year later, their first child, Harriet, was born. Ten children were born to this couple, but only five daughters survived to maturity. A house was built in the 300 block of West 6th Street near where the Geary County Historical Society Museum now stands. For 70 years, the house was the center of cultural and social gatherings in this growing community. Josephine Rizer was a gracious hostess and visitors in town were always taken to the Rizer home to partake of the Rizers’ hospitality. Army officers, frontiersmen, former president U.S. Grant, Chief Sitting Bull, “Buffalo Bill” Cody, “Wild Bill” Hickock and others were among the notables entertained in the Rizer’s parlor on 6th Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613680563022.jpeg" alt="Rockwell Merchandise &amp; Grain Co. At The Corner Of Eighth And Washington Sts. In 1910" />
 <figcaption>Rockwell Merchandise &amp; Grain Co. At The Corner Of Eighth And Washington Sts. In 1910</figcaption>
 </figure>“The Rockwell Building Underwent a Rebirth” Part 1	The Rockwell Building, which is located at the northeast corner of Eighth and Washington Streets, has a rich business heritage. For 60 years, the B. Rockwell Company made Junction City one of the busiest trading centers in the state. 	Capt. Bertrand Rockwell arrived in Junction City in October of 1865 after being mustered out of the Union Army. He had come with the purpose of finding a location to establish a business. He also realized the railroad would soon be coming up the Republican Valley and go through Junction City. 	The first store was a frame building, 20 feet wide by 50 feet long with a room partitioned off in the rear for use as an office, storeroom and sleeping quarters for the owner and his father, Major George Rockwell. The building was located near the U.S. Land Office. The “general” store was open from 5 AM to 11 PM in the summer and 6 AM to 11 PM in the winter.	In addition to selling Eastern goods, they bought butter, eggs, turkeys, chickens and other products from farmers for cash or in exchange for store goods. By 1866, a warehouse was added on the site, but this soon became too small when the purchase of grain was added to the store inventory. A grain warehouse was added near the train depot. 	A branch store was opened in Abilene in 1875, under the management of Bertrand’s brother, George. It was known as the G.A. Rockwell &amp; Company. The store was open for 8 years before it was sold so George could return to Junction City to take charge of the grocery department in Junction City. 	Stories have been previously shared in this space about the Rockwell family and their contributions not only to business in downtown Junction City and selling grain beyond the borders of the continental United States, but also their contributions to our community. In Part 2 of this series, there will be a description of the inside of the Rockwell Building.

“Dr. O’Donnell Was Honored in 1946”

	Long-time resident of Junction City, John York, shared this article about Dr. F.W. O’Donnell. The article was a portion of the Union Pacific Bulletin, dated December 1946.

	“F.W. O’Donnell was born in Milltown, Malbay County, Ireland in 1872.  He was one of 14 children in the family.  At age 17, he and his family moved to the United States, settling in Rice County, Kansas.  F.W. taught school for two years, then entered medical college at the University of Kansas City.  He graduated in 1897 and began a practice in Bushton, Kansas, one year before moving to Junction City.

	He was married to Franke Tosa in 1899 and at that time became the Union Pacific surgeon. In 1917, Dr. O’Donnell went overseas as regimental surgeon for the 353rd Infantry.  By the close of the war, he was surgeon of the 89th Division and the recipient of the French Croix de Guerre and United States citation.  After the war, Dr. O’Donnell took a refresher course at Columbia University, then returned to Junction City where he resumed as Union Pacific surgeon. 

Armistice Day in 1946 was a great occasion for Dr. F.W. O’Donnell, the Union Pacific’s surgeon at Junction City, Kansas.  Dr. Fred, as he was affectionately known in the community, was honored by a day-long celebration which included a parade, a special program at the city’s municipal auditorium, a dinner at Fort Riley and addresses by such notables as General Jonathan M. Wainwright and the Right Reverend Robert Nelson Spencer, Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of West Missouri. The day’s events were centered about the 74-year-old physician in respect for his 50 years of service to the community. 

	The activities were touched off by a morning parade which Dr. O’Donnell watched from a reviewing stand. Army units, bands, floats and fraternal and civic organizations passed down the street in the long procession, but the Union Pacific shopmen’s six-car miniature train, complete in every detail, was hailed as the surprise of the parade.

	Approximately 65 feet in length and built to scale, the train was comprised of an engine with tender, flat car, box car, livestock car, coal car, tanker, and caboose.  A locomotive whistle, bell, and lights added a realistic touch. The train was made from scrap materials during employee’s off-hours over a two-week period.  Motive power was furnished by a borrowed tractor covered by a locomotive body.

	The flat car bore a large box addressed “To Dr. F.W. O’Donnell from shop employees.”  The train stopped in front of the reviewing stand and a large floral bouquet taken from the box was presented to Dr. O’Donnell by Machinist Foreman J.H. Tognascioli.

	Approximately 5,000 persons watched the parade while 3,000 attended the subsequent auditorium program.  A dinner was held at Fort Riley where Union Pacific representatives and others heard the reading of congratulatory letters, telegrams and messages from all over the world.

“Jack Turner Told His Story About Being A Slave”

	The late Marilyn Heldstab, former Geary County Museum Director, wrote an article for the JC Union newspaper about Jack Turner, who was born in slavery.  This is some of what Marilyn wrote based on another article in the local newspaper published February 27, 1934.   

	Jack Turner was born in the Ozark Mountains in 1844 in an area that was slave territory.  He was kidnapped when he was 12 years old.  Turner was first taken to Springfield, Missouri and later to St. Louis where he stayed about a day and a night.  From there he and his captor went by steamboat to Memphis, Tennessee and then to Okolona Chickasaw County, Mississippi. At Okolona, Turner stated he “landed in a Mr. Whittaker’s hands”. 

	Jack Turner was moved again to Mobile, Alabama where Mr. Whittaker’s daughter, a Mrs. Hodges, put him in a hotel to learn to cook.  Jack stayed there about six months and then he was put to work in a livery stable for another six months.  In the spring of 1866, Jack Turner was set free.  

	Mrs. Hodges’ husband died leaving her and two daughters.  She remarried and in 1866 Colonel James Streeter brought her family and servants (including Jack Turner) to Junction City. Until 1870, Turner drove the Streeter freight wagons carrying government supplies across the plains.  Jack was also the foreman of the Streeter farm between Junction City and Fort Riley and after the death of James, stayed on with Mrs. Streeter. 

	In the times before paved highways, cordway rails were used as bridges over the swamps between Junction City and Fort Riley.  Mrs. Streeter often told Jack that she could depend on him and felt safe with him as the driver when he drove over those rails and took the family to Fort Riley to attend the wedding of Colonel Forsyth’s daughter.  

	Jack Turner looked upon his life with the family inhabiting the large square house with its white portico, clinging vines and strutting peacocks as the happiest days of his life.  He often recalled the hospitality of this bit of Old South transplanted to the western plains. 

By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“Dr. O’Donnell Was Honored in 1946”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613067699851.jpeg" alt="Dr. Fred O'Donnell" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Fred O'Donnell</figcaption>
 </figure>	Long-time resident of Junction City, John York, shared this article about Dr. F.W. O’Donnell. The article was a portion of the Union Pacific Bulletin, dated December 1946.	“F.W. O’Donnell was born in Milltown, Malbay County, Ireland in 1872. He was one of 14 children in the family. At age 17, he and his family moved to the United States, settling in Rice County, Kansas. F.W. taught school for two years, then entered medical college at the University of Kansas City. He graduated in 1897 and began a practice in Bushton, Kansas, one year before moving to Junction City.	He was married to Franke Tosa in 1899 and at that time became the Union Pacific surgeon. In 1917, Dr. O’Donnell went overseas as regimental surgeon for the 353rd Infantry. By the close of the war, he was surgeon of the 89th Division and the recipient of the French Croix de Guerre and United States citation. After the war, Dr. O’Donnell took a refresher course at Columbia University, then returned to Junction City where he resumed as Union Pacific surgeon. Armistice Day in 1946 was a great occasion for Dr. F.W. O’Donnell, the Union Pacific’s surgeon at Junction City, Kansas. Dr. Fred, as he was affectionately known in the community, was honored by a day-long celebration which included a parade, a special program at the city’s municipal auditorium, a dinner at Fort Riley and addresses by such notables as General Jonathan M. Wainwright and the Right Reverend Robert Nelson Spencer, Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of West Missouri. The day’s events were centered about the 74-year-old physician in respect for his 50 years of service to the community. 	The activities were touched off by a morning parade which Dr. O’Donnell watched from a reviewing stand. Army units, bands, floats and fraternal and civic organizations passed down the street in the long procession, but the Union Pacific shopmen’s six-car miniature train, complete in every detail, was hailed as the surprise of the parade.	Approximately 65 feet in length and built to scale, the train was comprised of an engine with tender, flat car, box car, livestock car, coal car, tanker, and caboose. A locomotive whistle, bell, and lights added a realistic touch. The train was made from scrap materials during employee’s off-hours over a two-week period. Motive power was furnished by a borrowed tractor covered by a locomotive body.	The flat car bore a large box addressed “To Dr. F.W. O’Donnell from shop employees.” The train stopped in front of the reviewing stand and a large floral bouquet taken from the box was presented to Dr. O’Donnell by Machinist Foreman J.H. Tognascioli.	Approximately 5,000 persons watched the parade while 3,000 attended the subsequent auditorium program. A dinner was held at Fort Riley where Union Pacific representatives and others heard the reading of congratulatory letters, telegrams and messages from all over the world.“Jack Turner Told His Story About Being A Slave”	The late Marilyn Heldstab, former Geary County Museum Director, wrote an article for the JC Union newspaper about Jack Turner, who was born in slavery. This is some of what Marilyn wrote based on another article in the local newspaper published February 27, 1934. 	Jack Turner was born in the Ozark Mountains in 1844 in an area that was slave territory. He was kidnapped when he was 12 years old. Turner was first taken to Springfield, Missouri and later to St. Louis where he stayed about a day and a night. From there he and his captor went by steamboat to Memphis, Tennessee and then to Okolona Chickasaw County, Mississippi. At Okolona, Turner stated he “landed in a Mr. Whittaker’s hands”. 	Jack Turner was moved again to Mobile, Alabama where Mr. Whittaker’s daughter, a Mrs. Hodges, put him in a hotel to learn to cook. Jack stayed there about six months and then he was put to work in a livery stable for another six months. In the spring of 1866, Jack Turner was set free. 	Mrs. Hodges’ husband died leaving her and two daughters. She remarried and in 1866 Colonel James Streeter brought her family and servants (including Jack Turner) to Junction City. Until 1870, Turner drove the Streeter freight wagons carrying government supplies across the plains. Jack was also the foreman of the Streeter farm between Junction City and Fort Riley and after the death of James, stayed on with Mrs. Streeter. 	In the times before paved highways, cordway rails were used as bridges over the swamps between Junction City and Fort Riley. Mrs. Streeter often told Jack that she could depend on him and felt safe with him as the driver when he drove over those rails and took the family to Fort Riley to attend the wedding of Colonel Forsyth’s daughter. 	Jack Turner looked upon his life with the family inhabiting the large square house with its white portico, clinging vines and strutting peacocks as the happiest days of his life. He often recalled the hospitality of this bit of Old South transplanted to the western plains.

“Happy 162nd Anniversary, Junction City”

Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society wrote an article for the Junction City Union newspaper that “On February 8, 1859, the Kansas Territorial Legislature granted corporation papers making Junction City a town after four attempts. 

	The first name was assigned when steamboat Hartford, loaded with supplies and settlers, failed to appear in the area where Junction City was intended to be. The advance party followed the Kansas River downstream until they found the boat stuck on a sandbar at the mouth of the Blue River.  Members of the Company conferred with the residents of the settlement at the point, which had been named New Boston.  The result was that the newcomers were given one half of the site of New Boston and the name was changed to Manhattan.   This action marked the end of the first attempt to establish a town on the present site of Junction City. 

  	The second attempt to settle the Junction City area was made by Cpt. Millard of the steamboat Hartford, when the steamboat was freed of the load at Manhattan.  Millard was able to get as far as the junction of the Republican and Smoky Hill Rivers.  A “paper” town named Millard City was formalized on October 3, 1855.  The development of a town never happened.  

	The third attempt to establish a town was made by some local farmers.  They used the name Humboldt and established a “paper” town in the summer of 1857.  The development of the town site was also unsuccessful. 

	In the fall of 1857, a group of settlers in present day Junction City area again attempted to establish a town.  A town company was formed and the name Junction City was given to the site, which was derived from the junction of the Republican and Smoky Hill Rivers. There is evidence that the first work on a permanent building was located near the present intersection of Seventh and Washington Streets in May 1858. By the fall of 1859, Junction City bore some semblance of a busy trading center. 

	By 1889, John Hay had prepared a booklet describing Junction City to be distributed to the directors and visitors of the International Exhibition to be held in Paris that year.  He referred to Junction City as the “Mid-Continental City of the United States of America.” He also wrote that “at that time there were 12 churches and a flourishing YMCA, which had a seating capacity for 400 people.  

The schools of the city are substantial and commodious stone structures. The high school was a three-year course at that time.  City Hall was arranged with an auditorium capable of seating 650, beautiful scenery and footlights. Several lodges were listed.”  

Hay described “the streets, avenues, miles of trees, transportation, cemetery and achievements in agriculture.  He also pointed out that “A few short years go roamed the buffalo and the almost naked Indian, and where the wigwam dotted the plains and the red man sounded the war-whoop over the plains with pleasure we now present a different picture of our homes, our blocks of substantial business houses, our churches and our institutions of learning as standing out in a grander contrast and showing more wondrous progress than the cities of Europe can boast.”  

“Lincoln Impressed Kansans During Visit”

	Gaylynn Childs wrote the following in an article published in the JC Union newspaper on February 12, 1989. This is some of what she wrote. Some firsthand accounts have been recorded about Lincoln’s visit and provide some insight into this leader.  

The Elwood, Kansas community, which is across the Missouri River from St. Joseph, Missouri was Lincoln’s first stop in Kansas.  The Elwood Free Press of December 3, 1859 reported, “Honorable Abraham Lincoln although fatigued with the journey and somewhat ‘under the weather’, kindly consented to make a short speech here. Many citizens assembled at the Great Western Hotel to hear him.”

	D.H. Wilder, in a letter written in 1903 to George W. Martin, secretary of the Kansas State Historical Society, recounted this visit.  “Judge Delahay and I went to St. Joseph the next morning and way down south to the Hannibal Depot and took Lincoln up town in an omnibus.  I took him to the barber shop near the Planter’s Hotel and bought him the New York and Chicago papers at the post office news stand.  All of us sat in the dirt waiting for the ferry boat to the Great Western Hotel.  That night he spoke in the dining room of the hotel.  The meeting was announced by a man going through the streets sounding a gong.”

	Albert D. Richards, in his book Field Dungeon and Escape, printed in 1865, gives an account of the next leg of the Lincoln journey.  “I went to Troy in Doniphan Count to hear Lincoln.  The seeping prairie wind rocked the crazy buildings and cut the faces of travelers like a knife.  Mr. Lincoln’s party arrived wrapped in buffalo robes.  Not more than forty people assembled in that little bare walled courthouse. In a conversational tone he argued the question of slavery in the territories in the language of an average Ohio or New York farmer. I was unconsciously and irresistibly drawn by the clearness and closeness of his argument. The address lasted an hour and three-quarters.  

	In Atchison, Kansas, Franklin G. Adams stated: “I had first seen Mr. Lincoln and hear him talk in Atchison in 1859.  He was not well known in Kansas.  In Atchison, we appointed a committee to receive him and to provide a place for his address in the evening.  He was taken to the Massasoit House Hotel.  I was on the committee to provide a place for the Lincoln meeting that evening and the best meeting room in town was in the Methodist Church.”  	

	The last two speaking appearances of Lincoln’s visit to Kansas were made in Leavenworth. 	The Leavenworth papers speak of his speech there as “being the ablest ever delivered upon the soil of Kansas.”   

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612552785478.jpeg" alt="Early Junction City, KS" />
 <figcaption>Early Junction City, KS</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“Happy 162nd Anniversary, Junction City”Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society wrote an article for the Junction City Union newspaper that “On February 8, 1859, the Kansas Territorial Legislature granted corporation papers making Junction City a town after four attempts. 	The first name was assigned when steamboat Hartford, loaded with supplies and settlers, failed to appear in the area where Junction City was intended to be. The advance party followed the Kansas River downstream until they found the boat stuck on a sandbar at the mouth of the Blue River. Members of the Company conferred with the residents of the settlement at the point, which had been named New Boston. The result was that the newcomers were given one half of the site of New Boston and the name was changed to Manhattan. This action marked the end of the first attempt to establish a town on the present site of Junction City. 	The second attempt to settle the Junction City area was made by Cpt. Millard of the steamboat Hartford, when the steamboat was freed of the load at Manhattan. Millard was able to get as far as the junction of the Republican and Smoky Hill Rivers. A “paper” town named Millard City was formalized on October 3, 1855. The development of a town never happened. 	The third attempt to establish a town was made by some local farmers. They used the name Humboldt and established a “paper” town in the summer of 1857. The development of the town site was also unsuccessful. 	In the fall of 1857, a group of settlers in present day Junction City area again attempted to establish a town. A town company was formed and the name Junction City was given to the site, which was derived from the junction of the Republican and Smoky Hill Rivers. There is evidence that the first work on a permanent building was located near the present intersection of Seventh and Washington Streets in May 1858. By the fall of 1859, Junction City bore some semblance of a busy trading center. 	By 1889, John Hay had prepared a booklet describing Junction City to be distributed to the directors and visitors of the International Exhibition to be held in Paris that year. He referred to Junction City as the “Mid-Continental City of the United States of America.” He also wrote that “at that time there were 12 churches and a flourishing YMCA, which had a seating capacity for 400 people. The schools of the city are substantial and commodious stone structures. The high school was a three-year course at that time. City Hall was arranged with an auditorium capable of seating 650, beautiful scenery and footlights. Several lodges were listed.” Hay described “the streets, avenues, miles of trees, transportation, cemetery and achievements in agriculture. He also pointed out that “A few short years go roamed the buffalo and the almost naked Indian, and where the wigwam dotted the plains and the red man sounded the war-whoop over the plains with pleasure we now present a different picture of our homes, our blocks of substantial business houses, our churches and our institutions of learning as standing out in a grander contrast and showing more wondrous progress than the cities of Europe can boast.” <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612553042571.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Lincoln Impressed Kansans During Visit”	Gaylynn Childs wrote the following in an article published in the JC Union newspaper on February 12, 1989. This is some of what she wrote. Some firsthand accounts have been recorded about Lincoln’s visit and provide some insight into this leader. The Elwood, Kansas community, which is across the Missouri River from St. Joseph, Missouri was Lincoln’s first stop in Kansas. The Elwood Free Press of December 3, 1859 reported, “Honorable Abraham Lincoln although fatigued with the journey and somewhat ‘under the weather’, kindly consented to make a short speech here. Many citizens assembled at the Great Western Hotel to hear him.”	D.H. Wilder, in a letter written in 1903 to George W. Martin, secretary of the Kansas State Historical Society, recounted this visit. “Judge Delahay and I went to St. Joseph the next morning and way down south to the Hannibal Depot and took Lincoln up town in an omnibus. I took him to the barber shop near the Planter’s Hotel and bought him the New York and Chicago papers at the post office news stand. All of us sat in the dirt waiting for the ferry boat to the Great Western Hotel. That night he spoke in the dining room of the hotel. The meeting was announced by a man going through the streets sounding a gong.”	Albert D. Richards, in his book Field Dungeon and Escape, printed in 1865, gives an account of the next leg of the Lincoln journey. “I went to Troy in Doniphan Count to hear Lincoln. The seeping prairie wind rocked the crazy buildings and cut the faces of travelers like a knife. Mr. Lincoln’s party arrived wrapped in buffalo robes. Not more than forty people assembled in that little bare walled courthouse. In a conversational tone he argued the question of slavery in the territories in the language of an average Ohio or New York farmer. I was unconsciously and irresistibly drawn by the clearness and closeness of his argument. The address lasted an hour and three-quarters. 	In Atchison, Kansas, Franklin G. Adams stated: “I had first seen Mr. Lincoln and hear him talk in Atchison in 1859. He was not well known in Kansas. In Atchison, we appointed a committee to receive him and to provide a place for his address in the evening. He was taken to the Massasoit House Hotel. I was on the committee to provide a place for the Lincoln meeting that evening and the best meeting room in town was in the Methodist Church.” 		The last two speaking appearances of Lincoln’s visit to Kansas were made in Leavenworth. 	The Leavenworth papers speak of his speech there as “being the ablest ever delivered upon the soil of Kansas.”

"Did You Know This About Geary County History?”

“The Municipal Building in 1949”

The Junction City Union newspaper in February of 1949 reported that the Municipal Building, located at 700 N. Jefferson Street had seen heavy use during the previous year.  An estimated 53,840 persons utilized the city auditorium and other meeting room facilities during 1948.  This information was contained in an annual report on the use of the building tabulated by the City Manager Elder Gunter.  Over half of that number of persons attended the 172 meetings and events slated in the auditorium and receipts from use of that portion of the building came to $3,490.37. 

 The area most often in use in 1948 was the lower lounge, which had an average of nearly two meetings a day for a total of 525 for the year.  Many lodges, civic groups, clubs and organizations used the Municipal Building as a regular meeting place for weekly or monthly meetings, the report stated. 

	It also noted that the city auditorium, during the prior year, had been used for five conventions, two circuses, the harvest festival, 4-H shows, concerts and the community Christmas Festival.  It was the site of business shows, graduation exercises and teen-age dances.  During the basketball season the auditorium was used almost daily, both after school and at night for both ball games and practice sessions.  

	In addition to these, the building accommodated the USO in the basement and offices for Veterans Affairs and Soil Conservation Agency, the Kansas Employment Service and recreation space for the elderly.  

	The report concluded with the observation that the building was then nearly ten years old and this heavy use had certainly justified its construction. 

"An Explosion in the Milford High School Gymnasium”

The explosion of an overhead butane gas heater was blamed for a fire, which destroyed the Milford High School Gymnasium in February of 1961.  The fire was discovered about 11:00 in the evening after several Milford residents had heard an explosion.  However, they did not realize the source of the blast.  

Principal Lew Wallace said the Butler type building, constructed in 1954 at a cost of $65,000.00 was believed to be a total loss.  Most of the contents in the gym including athletic gear and 500 permanent seats were all destroyed.  Members of the Milford fire department, as well as many other Milford residents fought the fire in near zero temperatures for about four hours. The gym was a separate building from the structure which housed the high school classrooms, and the fire did not damage those.  

City and school officials publicly thanked volunteers, especially the military men in the community for their help.  Many handled water hoses for up to three-quarters of an hour without relief.  Ladies of the community provided hot coffee and food for the volunteers.  

Since the fire was before school unification, Milford school officials received offers from both the Junction City school system and St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools to make available their facilities for future athletic events.  The gym was never repaired and the high school was razed within three years to make way for Milford Lake.

"Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“The Municipal Building in 1949”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611851741482.jpeg" alt="Junction City Municipal&nbsp; Building 1949" />
 <figcaption>Junction City Municipal&nbsp; Building 1949</figcaption>
 </figure>The Junction City Union newspaper in February of 1949 reported that the Municipal Building, located at 700 N. Jefferson Street had seen heavy use during the previous year. An estimated 53,840 persons utilized the city auditorium and other meeting room facilities during 1948. This information was contained in an annual report on the use of the building tabulated by the City Manager Elder Gunter. Over half of that number of persons attended the 172 meetings and events slated in the auditorium and receipts from use of that portion of the building came to $3,490.37. The area most often in use in 1948 was the lower lounge, which had an average of nearly two meetings a day for a total of 525 for the year. Many lodges, civic groups, clubs and organizations used the Municipal Building as a regular meeting place for weekly or monthly meetings, the report stated. 	It also noted that the city auditorium, during the prior year, had been used for five conventions, two circuses, the harvest festival, 4-H shows, concerts and the community Christmas Festival. It was the site of business shows, graduation exercises and teen-age dances. During the basketball season the auditorium was used almost daily, both after school and at night for both ball games and practice sessions. 	In addition to these, the building accommodated the USO in the basement and offices for Veterans Affairs and Soil Conservation Agency, the Kansas Employment Service and recreation space for the elderly. 	The report concluded with the observation that the building was then nearly ten years old and this heavy use had certainly justified its construction. "An Explosion in the Milford High School Gymnasium”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611851335160.jpeg" alt="Milford High School 1964" />
 <figcaption>Milford High School 1964</figcaption>
 </figure>The explosion of an overhead butane gas heater was blamed for a fire, which destroyed the Milford High School Gymnasium in February of 1961. The fire was discovered about 11:00 in the evening after several Milford residents had heard an explosion. However, they did not realize the source of the blast. Principal Lew Wallace said the Butler type building, constructed in 1954 at a cost of $65,000.00 was believed to be a total loss. Most of the contents in the gym including athletic gear and 500 permanent seats were all destroyed. Members of the Milford fire department, as well as many other Milford residents fought the fire in near zero temperatures for about four hours. The gym was a separate building from the structure which housed the high school classrooms, and the fire did not damage those. City and school officials publicly thanked volunteers, especially the military men in the community for their help. Many handled water hoses for up to three-quarters of an hour without relief. Ladies of the community provided hot coffee and food for the volunteers. Since the fire was before school unification, Milford school officials received offers from both the Junction City school system and St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools to make available their facilities for future athletic events. The gym was never repaired and the high school was razed within three years to make way for Milford Lake.

"History of the Milford Lions Club”

	The following information was provided by Bev Greenwood.  The motto of Lions Clubs International is “We Serve”.  The Milford Lions Club was established by the Junction City Sundowners in November of 1974. One of the club’s major projects was getting flags for all the veteran’s graves at the Milford Cemetery and placing the flags on those graves on Memorial Day. 

	Accomplished people from 210 countries have led the Lions great association in its over 100-year history of Lions Clubs International. There has been a single constant that unites all Lions - service. The goal is to increase service to others and make a significant impact on local and global communities by serving over 200 million people this year. Lions International is the largest non-profit organization with over 1.4 million members. 

	Helen Keller commissioned Lions Club members to be “Knights of the Blind”, thus beginning the unifying project of “Vision”. In addition to collecting used eyeglasses and taking them on mission trips, a goal has been set to have all children 6 months to 6 years screened for vision problems. Lions collect used eyeglasses to be taken on mission trips mainly to Central and South America.  

	Before Covid-19, the first Saturday in December had been reserved for the Milford Lions Club Pancake Feed to gain funds and to encourage community camaraderie.  Plans are being made for February 2021. 

	The Milford Lions Club donates to over twenty causes.  In addition to a focus on vision problems with young people, the other major areas of Lions services are diabetes, hunger, environment, and pediatric cancer.  

	To promote leadership and service Milford Lions Club member, Beverly Greenwood served as Lion Kansas State Council or CEO in 2015-16. Milford Lions meet the second Tuesday of the month at the Milford City Building for a potluck at 6:00 PM.  Guests are invited and welcome.

Divided Loyalties In The Civil War”

	In her book Beyond the Façade of Fort Riley’s Hometown: The Inside Story of Junction City, Kansas, Susan Franzen has a chapter titled “Divided Loyalties in the Civil War”.  This is some of what she wrote.

	Kansas became a state on January 29, 1861. To celebrate Kansas’ statehood, James R. McClure and a small group of citizens went to City Park (in Junction City) with a flagpole and the new thirty-four-star American flag.  When they arrived, the group was immediately challenged by a rival group bearing the Palmetto of the South.  According to McClure’s memoirs, the proslavery partisans were dispersed without violence, while the remaining crowd cheered the raising of the U.S. flag and his patriotic speech.  The division represented by this story did not end with a flag and a speech, however.

	When the Civil war officially began in April 1861, the town and fort were deeply divided.  Among the local residents who sympathized with the South was the editor of Junction City’s newspaper, the Kansas Frontier.  Many officers at Fort Riley came from the states that had seceded, so they resigned their commissions in the Army and went back to fight for the Confederacy. When local farmers learned that former post commandant Maj. Lewis A. Armistead had joined the Secessionists, the farmers who had named Armistead Creek in his honor changed the name to Mud Creek.  The new commandant was Capt. Nathaniel Lyon, an ardent supporter of the Union and opponent of slavery.  The convivial J.E.B. Stuart was given a silver tea set by his friends in the Episcopal Church in Junction City and returned to Virginia to become the most celebrated cavalry commander of the South.  In a few months, Armistead, Lyon and Stuart were generals.  By the time the war was over, all of them were dead. 

	In April of 1865, the citizens of Junction City celebrated the end of the war with a great bonfire and the banging of anvils.  Peace and victory brought out the forgiving side of George Martin’s nature as the editor of the Union newspaper.  He changed the motto of the paper to “With Malice Toward None, With Charity For All.”

	Feelings on both sides still ran high when the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Civil War Memorial Arch was erected in 1898, thirty-three years after the Civil War ended.  At least one southern woman refused to walk under the arch when she entered the park.  She would take a longer route to avoid it.  

By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member"History of the Milford Lions Club”	The following information was provided by Bev Greenwood. The motto of Lions Clubs International is “We Serve”. The Milford Lions Club was established by the Junction City Sundowners in November of 1974. One of the club’s major projects was getting flags for all the veteran’s graves at the Milford Cemetery and placing the flags on those graves on Memorial Day. 	Accomplished people from 210 countries have led the Lions great association in its over 100-year history of Lions Clubs International. There has been a single constant that unites all Lions - service. The goal is to increase service to others and make a significant impact on local and global communities by serving over 200 million people this year. Lions International is the largest non-profit organization with over 1.4 million members. 	Helen Keller commissioned Lions Club members to be “Knights of the Blind”, thus beginning the unifying project of “Vision”. In addition to collecting used eyeglasses and taking them on mission trips, a goal has been set to have all children 6 months to 6 years screened for vision problems. Lions collect used eyeglasses to be taken on mission trips mainly to Central and South America. 	Before Covid-19, the first Saturday in December had been reserved for the Milford Lions Club Pancake Feed to gain funds and to encourage community camaraderie. Plans are being made for February 2021. 	The Milford Lions Club donates to over twenty causes. In addition to a focus on vision problems with young people, the other major areas of Lions services are diabetes, hunger, environment, and pediatric cancer. 	To promote leadership and service Milford Lions Club member, Beverly Greenwood served as Lion Kansas State Council or CEO in 2015-16. Milford Lions meet the second Tuesday of the month at the Milford City Building for a potluck at 6:00 PM. Guests are invited and welcome.Divided Loyalties In The Civil War”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610735048178.jpeg" alt="Heritage Park Civil War Arch" />
 <figcaption>Heritage Park Civil War Arch</figcaption>
 </figure>	In her book Beyond the Façade of Fort Riley’s Hometown: The Inside Story of Junction City, Kansas, Susan Franzen has a chapter titled “Divided Loyalties in the Civil War”. This is some of what she wrote.	Kansas became a state on January 29, 1861. To celebrate Kansas’ statehood, James R. McClure and a small group of citizens went to City Park (in Junction City) with a flagpole and the new thirty-four-star American flag. When they arrived, the group was immediately challenged by a rival group bearing the Palmetto of the South. According to McClure’s memoirs, the proslavery partisans were dispersed without violence, while the remaining crowd cheered the raising of the U.S. flag and his patriotic speech. The division represented by this story did not end with a flag and a speech, however.	When the Civil war officially began in April 1861, the town and fort were deeply divided. Among the local residents who sympathized with the South was the editor of Junction City’s newspaper, the Kansas Frontier. Many officers at Fort Riley came from the states that had seceded, so they resigned their commissions in the Army and went back to fight for the Confederacy. When local farmers learned that former post commandant Maj. Lewis A. Armistead had joined the Secessionists, the farmers who had named Armistead Creek in his honor changed the name to Mud Creek. The new commandant was Capt. Nathaniel Lyon, an ardent supporter of the Union and opponent of slavery. The convivial J.E.B. Stuart was given a silver tea set by his friends in the Episcopal Church in Junction City and returned to Virginia to become the most celebrated cavalry commander of the South. In a few months, Armistead, Lyon and Stuart were generals. By the time the war was over, all of them were dead. 	In April of 1865, the citizens of Junction City celebrated the end of the war with a great bonfire and the banging of anvils. Peace and victory brought out the forgiving side of George Martin’s nature as the editor of the Union newspaper. He changed the motto of the paper to “With Malice Toward None, With Charity For All.”	Feelings on both sides still ran high when the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Civil War Memorial Arch was erected in 1898, thirty-three years after the Civil War ended. At least one southern woman refused to walk under the arch when she entered the park. She would take a longer route to avoid it.

“Did You Know This About Geary County History?”

“Challenges Similar To Those 130 Years Ago”

	Issues and challenges facing Geary Countians 130 years ago are similar to those we face today – except for the pandemic. The following are some accounts of life in 1890 in Geary County taken from issues of Junction City newspapers by Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society.

	In the first 1890 issue of the weekly JC Republican, which was printed on January 3 there was an account of holiday family gatherings and descriptions of social events that brought in the new year.  The editor also devoted space to a glowing description of the most recent entertainment playing at the Opera House, which was then named the “Blakely Opera House”.

	The January 10 issue of the Union newspaper was full of bright predictions for a continued boom in Junction City.  “Junction City is about the only city in the state now enjoying a boom.  The Union Pacific Railroad has consolidated its divisions at Wamego and Brookville and located them at Junction City, which will largely increase its population.  The government has expended one and a half million dollars on a cavalry school at Fort Riley, making it one of the finest posts in the United States.”

	A big snow was local news in the issue of January 17, 1890 and a report from the Briggs area of the county noted, “The heavy rain of Friday night, followed by the big snow of Saturday night and Sunday was worth thousands of dollars to the wheat crop of Kansas.”

	Others benefitted from the winter weather, also.  “Cutting ice commenced last Saturday in the Cavalry post under the supervision of Lt. Nicholson.  It was a pleasant sight to see the men rush for the tools.  If there is anything a soldier likes best it is to cut ice on a cold day.   They know when the hot summer days come they will have the pleasure of drinking ice water.” 

	The flu “bug” (not as deadly as COVID-19) can be likened to the “grippe” (a disease caused by virus in the respiratory tract) that made the news of January 1890. “If your throat is raw and sore and your voice is hoarse and thick and your stomach weak and sick; if you have a throbbing brain and your head feels like a cheese, and chest is racked with pain and you cough and pant and wheeze; if your bones and muscles ache from your shoulders to your knees and you have chills and shake, and you sneeze and sneeze and sneeze; if your nose does not but drip and your eyes fill up with brine – you have got a case of grippe.  Take a barrel of quinine!  Nine-tenths of citizens of Junction City have been affected with the grippe in some form.”

	The measles were also making the rounds in January 130 years ago. The pandemic is worse than these health concerns of 1890, but to those living then, it probably seemed just as stressful.

“Opera House Fire Was 123 Years Ago”

	One hundred twenty-three years ago on January 14, 1898, Junction City’s original Opera House and City Hall was destroyed in a fast burning and devastating fire.  The red-brick building which housed the fire department, city offices, jail and council rooms in the front and the 1,000 seat theater in the back was constructed in 1881 after local citizens raised the money and purchased the land for the hall. 

	Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote the following in an article for the J.C. Daily Union newspaper.  “It was nearing 5:30 P.M. on a snowy Friday in January 1898 when one or two of the merchants and customers in shops along Junction City’s West Seventh Street heard three rings from the city’s fire bell, located in the dual Opera House and City Hall at the end of the block.  Then nothing more. 

	Within a few minutes, those who ventured out into the darkening street were met with a sight they would never forget; orange tongues of flame licked from the upper windows of the Opera House. This was one of the most memorable disasters in the history of Junction City.

	As Junction Citians converged on the scene, wet snowflakes began to fall.  It was hoped this would aid the efforts of the fire department, who were frantically fighting to save their own home as well as the city’s “cultural heart.”  But the fire had spread so rapidly through the scenery and along the dry roof, that the entire building seemed to be ablaze when the first stream of water was thrown. 

	The roof fell down over the stage first, and then large sections came crashing down in rapid succession.  Just as the tower clock was striking 6:00 PM, the tower crumpled and the clock fell to the ground.  The fire was burning so rapidly that it soon became apparent it could quickly spread to the Muenzenmayer Hardware building to the east and to the Thomas Dixon barns and residence located to the south at 38 W. 6th Street.  Efforts were turned to trying to protect these properties before the entire downtown was ablaze.  

	By the time the sun rose the next morning, there was already a move on to rebuild the Opera House.  Talk around town noted the fact that on the same night as the fire, the city council had set aside a $2,000 payment on the bond and that $10,000 would be forthcoming from the insurance.  The building was reconstructed and opened in October of 1898.  

“Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“Challenges Similar To Those 130 Years Ago”	Issues and challenges facing Geary Countians 130 years ago are similar to those we face today – except for the pandemic. The following are some accounts of life in 1890 in Geary County taken from issues of Junction City newspapers by Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society.	In the first 1890 issue of the weekly JC Republican, which was printed on January 3 there was an account of holiday family gatherings and descriptions of social events that brought in the new year. The editor also devoted space to a glowing description of the most recent entertainment playing at the Opera House, which was then named the “Blakely Opera House”.	The January 10 issue of the Union newspaper was full of bright predictions for a continued boom in Junction City. “Junction City is about the only city in the state now enjoying a boom. The Union Pacific Railroad has consolidated its divisions at Wamego and Brookville and located them at Junction City, which will largely increase its population. The government has expended one and a half million dollars on a cavalry school at Fort Riley, making it one of the finest posts in the United States.”	A big snow was local news in the issue of January 17, 1890 and a report from the Briggs area of the county noted, “The heavy rain of Friday night, followed by the big snow of Saturday night and Sunday was worth thousands of dollars to the wheat crop of Kansas.”	Others benefitted from the winter weather, also. “Cutting ice commenced last Saturday in the Cavalry post under the supervision of Lt. Nicholson. It was a pleasant sight to see the men rush for the tools. If there is anything a soldier likes best it is to cut ice on a cold day. They know when the hot summer days come they will have the pleasure of drinking ice water.” 	The flu “bug” (not as deadly as COVID-19) can be likened to the “grippe” (a disease caused by virus in the respiratory tract) that made the news of January 1890. “If your throat is raw and sore and your voice is hoarse and thick and your stomach weak and sick; if you have a throbbing brain and your head feels like a cheese, and chest is racked with pain and you cough and pant and wheeze; if your bones and muscles ache from your shoulders to your knees and you have chills and shake, and you sneeze and sneeze and sneeze; if your nose does not but drip and your eyes fill up with brine – you have got a case of grippe. Take a barrel of quinine! Nine-tenths of citizens of Junction City have been affected with the grippe in some form.”	The measles were also making the rounds in January 130 years ago. The pandemic is worse than these health concerns of 1890, but to those living then, it probably seemed just as stressful.“Opera House Fire Was 123 Years Ago”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610045899766.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>	One hundred twenty-three years ago on January 14, 1898, Junction City’s original Opera House and City Hall was destroyed in a fast burning and devastating fire. The red-brick building which housed the fire department, city offices, jail and council rooms in the front and the 1,000 seat theater in the back was constructed in 1881 after local citizens raised the money and purchased the land for the hall. 	Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote the following in an article for the J.C. Daily Union newspaper. “It was nearing 5:30 P.M. on a snowy Friday in January 1898 when one or two of the merchants and customers in shops along Junction City’s West Seventh Street heard three rings from the city’s fire bell, located in the dual Opera House and City Hall at the end of the block. Then nothing more. 	Within a few minutes, those who ventured out into the darkening street were met with a sight they would never forget; orange tongues of flame licked from the upper windows of the Opera House. This was one of the most memorable disasters in the history of Junction City.	As Junction Citians converged on the scene, wet snowflakes began to fall. It was hoped this would aid the efforts of the fire department, who were frantically fighting to save their own home as well as the city’s “cultural heart.” But the fire had spread so rapidly through the scenery and along the dry roof, that the entire building seemed to be ablaze when the first stream of water was thrown. 	The roof fell down over the stage first, and then large sections came crashing down in rapid succession. Just as the tower clock was striking 6:00 PM, the tower crumpled and the clock fell to the ground. The fire was burning so rapidly that it soon became apparent it could quickly spread to the Muenzenmayer Hardware building to the east and to the Thomas Dixon barns and residence located to the south at 38 W. 6th Street. Efforts were turned to trying to protect these properties before the entire downtown was ablaze. 	By the time the sun rose the next morning, there was already a move on to rebuild the Opera House. Talk around town noted the fact that on the same night as the fire, the city council had set aside a $2,000 payment on the bond and that $10,000 would be forthcoming from the insurance. The building was reconstructed and opened in October of 1898.

	Jim Hoy has a chapter in his book Flint Hills Cowboys: Tales from the Tallgrass Prairie, about the Chapman Posts. He wrote the following: Chapman Posts are a particular type of fence post that is unique to our area.  Sometimes the post is referred to as a “pipe-in-rock post,” a “rock-and-iron pipe post,” or a “parent post.”  Jim calls it a “Chapman Post” from the name of the man who obtained the patent. 

	There are three different types of Chapman Posts – a barbed wire post, a woven wire post, and a corner (or gate) post.  Most common is the one designed for use in fencing cattle pastures with barbed wire; another is intended for corrals or for pastures where woven wire is needed and the third is a corner or gate post to which strands of fence-line wire are attached and stretched. 

	What makes all three types different from other posts is that they are constructed from a combination of steel pipe and limestone. They are intended not to be set into the ground, but rather to set on top of it.  

	Almost all of the patented posts are in the central Flint Hills area around Dunlap and Council Grove, although some are also to be found in Geary, Riley and Wabaunsee counties.  A couple of necessities that mothered this invention included the enacting of herd laws, which signaled the end of open range in the Flint Hills and the rocky topography of the Flint Hills that made drilling or digging holes for typical fence posts difficult.  

	No written records survive, but oral tradition credits the former slaves who settled at Dunlap, Kansas with the invention of the pipe-in-rock post. (Dunlap, Kansas is located in Morris County.  The 2010 census lists a population of 30.)  No one knows for sure the name of the inventor. However, Harrison Fulghum was living in Dunlap when he was contracted by the Chase and Aye ranches to build what later became known in the northern Flint Hills as “Fulghum Fences.” Harrison Fulghum later settled in Geary County. Whether Harrison Fulghum or some other black Dunlap resident invented the rock-and-iron post, it was Philip Chapman who took out the patent. 

	Another advantage of a Chapman Post, besides being portable and not needing post holes, is they are imperviousness to rot and fire, which is no small thing in an area where pasture burning is an annual practice.  

	After eighty to one hundred years, a few Chapman Posts are holding up wire on Flint Hills fences.  Examples may be seen along Moyer Ranch Road between Humboldt Creek Road and MacDowell Creek Road. However, many of Harrison Fulghum’s and Philip Chapman’s creations either lie in ditches or adorn parking lots.

“Thomas W. Dorn Played An Important Role In Our Community”

	The late Marilyn Heldstab, former Geary County Historical Society Director, wrote an article about Thomas W. Dorn, which was published in the J.C. Union newspaper on January 3, 1993.  This is some of what she wrote.

	 Thomas W. Dorn, 76 years old, a resident for 55 years and City Clerk for approximately 40 years, passed away about 4:30 Friday evening at the City Hospital.  Mr. Dorn took sick on Wednesday, August 10, 1922 at his home at 312 N. Adams and died on August 12, 1922.   He was a talented musician and was the organist at the Universalist Church for 20 years.

	The Dorn family came to Kansas from Vermont and settled near Wakefield.  Mr. Dorn came to Junction City at the age of 21 and was employed as a salesman for the S.W. Pierce Music Store.  He sold organs to numerous Geary County farm families and for many years was the only pipe organist in Junction City.  When Mr. Pierce sold the store and opened the Central National Bank, Mr. Dorn became his cashier.  Insurance was another line of business which Thomas Dorn continued until his death. 

	He was interested in the legitimate stage and was manager of the City Opera House in the days when world famous actors and actresses played to large audiences from Fort Riley and Junction City. Thomas was also the first manager of the Bell Telephone Company in Junction City.

	 Dorn had managed the original opera house after A.P. Trott retired from the position in 1894.  The original opera house burned on January 14, 1898.  Because of its importance in the community, it was rebuilt within eight months and was again managed by Dorn.  By 1915, the new movie industry had completely changed the entertainment field.  At that time Dorn relinquished the opera house management to John W. Wendel.  

	In September of 1919, the local newspaper announced that “T.W. Dorn would open the opera house on September 24, 1919 renovated, renamed and regenerated under the new name of City Theater”. 

	Dorn’s business life happened on the 100 block of West Seventh Street.  His insurance office was at 124 W. Seventh.  Its location was referred to as the Raber Building in his ads.  The City Clerk’s office was in the front portion of the Opera House building at the corner of Seventh and Jefferson Streets.     

T. W. Dorn house as it looked before it was torn down to provide parking for the Church of the Covenant, Episcopal.  The house was located at 312 N. Adams.

"Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609693807591.jpeg" alt="Barbed-wire Chapman posts, Morris County&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Barbed-wire Chapman posts, Morris County&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“Portable Fence Posts”	Jim Hoy has a chapter in his book Flint Hills Cowboys: Tales from the Tallgrass Prairie, about the Chapman Posts. He wrote the following: Chapman Posts are a particular type of fence post that is unique to our area. Sometimes the post is referred to as a “pipe-in-rock post,” a “rock-and-iron pipe post,” or a “parent post.” Jim calls it a “Chapman Post” from the name of the man who obtained the patent. 	There are three different types of Chapman Posts – a barbed wire post, a woven wire post, and a corner (or gate) post. Most common is the one designed for use in fencing cattle pastures with barbed wire; another is intended for corrals or for pastures where woven wire is needed and the third is a corner or gate post to which strands of fence-line wire are attached and stretched. 	What makes all three types different from other posts is that they are constructed from a combination of steel pipe and limestone. They are intended not to be set into the ground, but rather to set on top of it. 	Almost all of the patented posts are in the central Flint Hills area around Dunlap and Council Grove, although some are also to be found in Geary, Riley and Wabaunsee counties. A couple of necessities that mothered this invention included the enacting of herd laws, which signaled the end of open range in the Flint Hills and the rocky topography of the Flint Hills that made drilling or digging holes for typical fence posts difficult. 	No written records survive, but oral tradition credits the former slaves who settled at Dunlap, Kansas with the invention of the pipe-in-rock post. (Dunlap, Kansas is located in Morris County. The 2010 census lists a population of 30.) No one knows for sure the name of the inventor. However, Harrison Fulghum was living in Dunlap when he was contracted by the Chase and Aye ranches to build what later became known in the northern Flint Hills as “Fulghum Fences.” Harrison Fulghum later settled in Geary County. Whether Harrison Fulghum or some other black Dunlap resident invented the rock-and-iron post, it was Philip Chapman who took out the patent. 	Another advantage of a Chapman Post, besides being portable and not needing post holes, is they are imperviousness to rot and fire, which is no small thing in an area where pasture burning is an annual practice. 	After eighty to one hundred years, a few Chapman Posts are holding up wire on Flint Hills fences. Examples may be seen along Moyer Ranch Road between Humboldt Creek Road and MacDowell Creek Road. However, many of Harrison Fulghum’s and Philip Chapman’s creations either lie in ditches or adorn parking lots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609693879186.jpeg" alt="T.W. Dorn HT. W. Dorn house as it looked before it was torn down to provide parking for the Church of the Covenant, Episcopal. The house was located at 312 N. Adams" />
 <figcaption>T.W. Dorn HT. W. Dorn house as it looked before it was torn down to provide parking for the Church of the Covenant, Episcopal. The house was located at 312 N. Adams</figcaption>
 </figure>“Thomas W. Dorn Played An Important Role In Our Community”	The late Marilyn Heldstab, former Geary County Historical Society Director, wrote an article about Thomas W. Dorn, which was published in the J.C. Union newspaper on January 3, 1993. This is some of what she wrote.	 Thomas W. Dorn, 76 years old, a resident for 55 years and City Clerk for approximately 40 years, passed away about 4:30 Friday evening at the City Hospital. Mr. Dorn took sick on Wednesday, August 10, 1922 at his home at 312 N. Adams and died on August 12, 1922. He was a talented musician and was the organist at the Universalist Church for 20 years.	The Dorn family came to Kansas from Vermont and settled near Wakefield. Mr. Dorn came to Junction City at the age of 21 and was employed as a salesman for the S.W. Pierce Music Store. He sold organs to numerous Geary County farm families and for many years was the only pipe organist in Junction City. When Mr. Pierce sold the store and opened the Central National Bank, Mr. Dorn became his cashier. Insurance was another line of business which Thomas Dorn continued until his death. 	He was interested in the legitimate stage and was manager of the City Opera House in the days when world famous actors and actresses played to large audiences from Fort Riley and Junction City. Thomas was also the first manager of the Bell Telephone Company in Junction City.	 Dorn had managed the original opera house after A.P. Trott retired from the position in 1894. The original opera house burned on January 14, 1898. Because of its importance in the community, it was rebuilt within eight months and was again managed by Dorn. By 1915, the new movie industry had completely changed the entertainment field. At that time Dorn relinquished the opera house management to John W. Wendel. 	In September of 1919, the local newspaper announced that “T.W. Dorn would open the opera house on September 24, 1919 renovated, renamed and regenerated under the new name of City Theater”. 	Dorn’s business life happened on the 100 block of West Seventh Street. His insurance office was at 124 W. Seventh. Its location was referred to as the Raber Building in his ads. The City Clerk’s office was in the front portion of the Opera House building at the corner of Seventh and Jefferson Streets. T. W. Dorn house as it looked before it was torn down to provide parking for the Church of the Covenant, Episcopal. The house was located at 312 N. Adams.

“Some Glimpses of Early Junction City”

	In W.F. Pride’s book, The History of Fort Riley, he has an entire chapter on The Early Days of Junction City. This is some of what he wrote:

	“In May of 1862, considerable excitement was created not only in Davis County 

(now Geary County), but also in those adjacent. A body of Comanche Indians had entered the Republican Valley and were driving off the settlers and committing depredations.  The large number of troops in and around Fort Riley afforded protection to people within easy reach of that place and Junction City was sought as a place of refuge. 

	On the fourth day of August in 1862, the first stagecoach left Junction City for the far west.  This was quite an event as it made a through stage route from Leavenworth to Fort Larned, via Topeka, Manhattan, Fort Riley, Junction City, Abilene and Salina.  About this time, Abilene consisted of a house, a small store and a blacksmith shop.  Salina was only slightly larger having two or three houses, a hotel a store and a blacksmith shop.  Salina was the farthest west settlement in Kansas.  This line was operated by the Kansas State Company. The fare from Leavenworth to Junction City was about ten dollars. 

	On the 17th of September 1862, the whole frontier was thrown into a state of feverish excitement by a band of bushwhackers who made a dash through the country and raided Salina.  Guards were posted every night around Junction City for several weeks after that. 

	Prairie fires were frequent in those days and were little like the fires of today, when a farmer selects a favorable wind and deliberately burns over a field.  Then, death and destruction lurked in the path of a fire, for the thick grass was shoulder high in many places and burned with a flash and a roar.  In March of 1863, a prairie fire approached Junction City and swept over the uninhabited part of the townsite, but fortunately caused little damage.

	W.F. Pride wrote brief statements about many topics related to Fort Riley and Junction City in his book. It is an interesting read.  The book is available at our Museum.  Please call 785-238-1666 for entry into the building during these current times.  

“Making Calls On New Year’s Day In the 1800s”

	Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society wrote the following in a 1995 article for the J.C. Union newspaper. 

	In 1880, it was the gentlemen of the community who hosted both the evening parties and the New Year’s Day open houses while the ladies made the calls.  The large and elegant parlors of Capt. John K. Wright were thrown open to the young people of Junction City.  About fifteen couples were present and witnessed the last minutes of the year 1879 by dancing and eating.  

	In 1881, the situation had reversed itself and it was the ladies who received the guests and the gentlemen who called.  The Union of January 1, 1881, devoted a large column to publicizing the names and locations of the various open houses under the heading, “List of Junction City Ladies Who Will Receive Calls.” 

	During the next several years there seemed to be a marked decline in the practice of making New Year’s Day calls. In 1888, the Ladies Reading Club was still observing the calling custom.  New Year’s Day was observed in a moderately quite way, only a few gentlemen did any general calling, but the whole town called at the headquarters of the Ladies Reading Club in the Opera House.  The ladies had their rooms handsomely decorated, tables loaded with elegant refreshments and the greatest enjoyment was had by the callers and the ladies of the club.” By January 1, of 1889, the newspaper made mention of many open houses and the revival of the custom of making New Year’s Day calls.  There was mention of the use of “calling cards.” 

	The custom of leaving a calling card when making a social visit is one military officers and their families are familiar with as well as those who were well versed in the “social graces” prior to WW II.  The little cards, printed or engraved with the caller’s name were presented to a servant or left on a card tray when the visitor arrived.  The following is written in an 1879 etiquette book: “Visitors should furnish themselves with cards.  Gentlemen are simply to put their cards into their pockets, but ladies may carry them in a small, elegant portfolio called a card case.  They can hold this case in their hand and it will contribute to giving them an air of good taste.  

“Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“Some Glimpses of Early Junction City”	In W.F. Pride’s book, The History of Fort Riley, he has an entire chapter on The Early Days of Junction City. This is some of what he wrote:	“In May of 1862, considerable excitement was created not only in Davis County (now Geary County), but also in those adjacent. A body of Comanche Indians had entered the Republican Valley and were driving off the settlers and committing depredations. The large number of troops in and around Fort Riley afforded protection to people within easy reach of that place and Junction City was sought as a place of refuge. 	On the fourth day of August in 1862, the first stagecoach left Junction City for the far west. This was quite an event as it made a through stage route from Leavenworth to Fort Larned, via Topeka, Manhattan, Fort Riley, Junction City, Abilene and Salina. About this time, Abilene consisted of a house, a small store and a blacksmith shop. Salina was only slightly larger having two or three houses, a hotel a store and a blacksmith shop. Salina was the farthest west settlement in Kansas. This line was operated by the Kansas State Company. The fare from Leavenworth to Junction City was about ten dollars. 	On the 17th of September 1862, the whole frontier was thrown into a state of feverish excitement by a band of bushwhackers who made a dash through the country and raided Salina. Guards were posted every night around Junction City for several weeks after that. 	Prairie fires were frequent in those days and were little like the fires of today, when a farmer selects a favorable wind and deliberately burns over a field. Then, death and destruction lurked in the path of a fire, for the thick grass was shoulder high in many places and burned with a flash and a roar. In March of 1863, a prairie fire approached Junction City and swept over the uninhabited part of the townsite, but fortunately caused little damage.	W.F. Pride wrote brief statements about many topics related to Fort Riley and Junction City in his book. It is an interesting read. The book is available at our Museum. Please call 785-238-1666 for entry into the building during these current times. “Making Calls On New Year’s Day In the 1800s”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608740020483.jpeg" alt="Girls of the Junction City High School Class of 1898 received New Year’s callers at the Bertrand Rockwell house on the corner of Fifth and Adams Streets." />
 <figcaption>Girls of the Junction City High School Class of 1898 received New Year’s callers at the Bertrand Rockwell house on the corner of Fifth and Adams Streets.</figcaption>
 </figure>	Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society wrote the following in a 1995 article for the J.C. Union newspaper. 	In 1880, it was the gentlemen of the community who hosted both the evening parties and the New Year’s Day open houses while the ladies made the calls. The large and elegant parlors of Capt. John K. Wright were thrown open to the young people of Junction City. About fifteen couples were present and witnessed the last minutes of the year 1879 by dancing and eating. 	In 1881, the situation had reversed itself and it was the ladies who received the guests and the gentlemen who called. The Union of January 1, 1881, devoted a large column to publicizing the names and locations of the various open houses under the heading, “List of Junction City Ladies Who Will Receive Calls.” 	During the next several years there seemed to be a marked decline in the practice of making New Year’s Day calls. In 1888, the Ladies Reading Club was still observing the calling custom. New Year’s Day was observed in a moderately quite way, only a few gentlemen did any general calling, but the whole town called at the headquarters of the Ladies Reading Club in the Opera House. The ladies had their rooms handsomely decorated, tables loaded with elegant refreshments and the greatest enjoyment was had by the callers and the ladies of the club.” By January 1, of 1889, the newspaper made mention of many open houses and the revival of the custom of making New Year’s Day calls. There was mention of the use of “calling cards.” 	The custom of leaving a calling card when making a social visit is one military officers and their families are familiar with as well as those who were well versed in the “social graces” prior to WW II. The little cards, printed or engraved with the caller’s name were presented to a servant or left on a card tray when the visitor arrived. The following is written in an 1879 etiquette book: “Visitors should furnish themselves with cards. Gentlemen are simply to put their cards into their pockets, but ladies may carry them in a small, elegant portfolio called a card case. They can hold this case in their hand and it will contribute to giving them an air of good taste.

"Family Tradition and the Important Work of the Salvation Army In 1945”

	The Christmas tree is often the focal point of our holiday season.  Years ago the family bundled up in warm clothes as they hiked out into the woods or pasture to find their Christmas tree – usually on Christmas Eve.  Dad brought up the rear, carrying the saw while trying to keep the group headed in the same general direction to find that special tree.

	Finding the tree was no easy matter.  Each family member was quick to offer criticism of first spotted trees – too short, too tall, lopsided, not thick enough or the top was not right for the angel.  Then, finally one child would shout – “I found it! This tree has a bird nest in it”.  Since that meant good luck, the search was over, dad sawed the tree down and the family headed home with their chosen tree. 

	Once the Christmas tree was brought home, it was set up in the living room.  Because of the placement of a wall plug or heat register in the house, the tree was usually in the same place every year.  Decorating the Christmas tree with lights and ornaments is believed to have originated in Germany in the early 1880’s with the custom spreading to other European countries.

	The evergreen tree has long represented immortality and hope.  In some rural areas, a tankard of beer was poured near the root of the selected tree.  If the tree flourished, grew sturdy and strong, so would the family and farm. 

	In December of 1945, the Salvation Army asked Junction City residents to donate one or more cans of fruit or vegetables in a campaign to provide a good Christmas dinner for every family of the community. Residents were asked to place their donation on the front porch in a paper sack, so it could be seen from the street. Canned goods would be picked up by a driver who broadcasted Christmas carols from his car.  A campaign was conducted at the high school and the food collected there was turned over to the Salvation Army to be placed in baskets for delivery to the city’s needy families on December 24th.  

	Salvation Army Captain William Gant stated that the returns from the kettles on the streets had been good and from those funds they had already sent money for the benefit of people in Geary County.  Some boxes had also been shipped to servicemen.  

	A special Salvation Army children’s party was held and each child who attended received a gift and a treat. The children were entertained with a program that included a visit from Santa and the showing of several cartoon movies.  

“Some Christmas Memories From 1941 and 1942”

	For Junction City’s Lighting Contest of 1941, it was noted that there were fewer entries than prizes.  The contests were sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and they offered cash prizes for the best displays.  There were two categories:  One was for displays costing less than $10.00 and another for those that cost MORE than $10.00.  

	On December 17, 1941, as darkness settled over Junction City, lights began twinkling in Christmas displays, which transformed both the residential and business sections into a wonderland of color and beauty.  Nearly every home in the city had a lighted wreath or tree to cast out rays of cheer for passersby as well as those inside.  Many residents had lighted trees in their yard. 

	That same year, in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, a plea went out to the community for those baking Christmas cookies to bake an extra dozen and take them to the USO Social Center.  Mrs. Katherine Humphrey, chief hostess at the Social Center said “coffee and cookies were to be served to soldiers on Christmas afternoon and evening and it&nbsp; was hoped to have the cookie jars filled for the occasion”. 

	Christmas dinners with all the trimmings would be served at Fort Riley’s training camps at noon and officials discouraged residents from inviting soldiers to Christmas dinners.  However, it was suggested invitations be given to soldiers for the Sunday which fell betweenChristmas and New Year’s.  

	The newspaper advertisements of December 1942 were full of suggestions for “Practical Gifts” at sensible prices.  J.C. Penny’s ads noted that wartime Christmases live in the memory long after the happy carefree ones are forgotten.  The shadow of war had been cast over every home in 1942.  The ads also stated that there must be giving – generous giving, but no gift should be extravagant.  Some of the suggestions were men’s shirts at $1.98 each and lady’s dresses at $3.98.  Men’s soft leather belts and boy’s shirts were 90 cents each.  

Townsend’s store in Junction City had aprons for 49 cents and slack suits for $6.50.  A formal gown was priced at $8.50.  In a letter written to Santa by way of the newspaper, young Vonley Leighton wrote he had been a good boy and would like Santa to bring him house slippers and a new hat - a modest and practical request for a war time Christmas.

	Although the prices of the items mentioned here are higher today, gift giving is still about the thought and expression of caring and love which is reflected in a material item. However, it is also true that quality time spent with others is the best gift.  Those moments may stay in our memory throughout our lives. 

	Merry Christmas from the Geary County Historical Society.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586184383131.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member"Family Tradition and the Important Work of the Salvation Army In 1945”	The Christmas tree is often the focal point of our holiday season. Years ago the family bundled up in warm clothes as they hiked out into the woods or pasture to find their Christmas tree – usually on Christmas Eve. Dad brought up the rear, carrying the saw while trying to keep the group headed in the same general direction to find that special tree.	Finding the tree was no easy matter. Each family member was quick to offer criticism of first spotted trees – too short, too tall, lopsided, not thick enough or the top was not right for the angel. Then, finally one child would shout – “I found it! This tree has a bird nest in it”. Since that meant good luck, the search was over, dad sawed the tree down and the family headed home with their chosen tree. 	Once the Christmas tree was brought home, it was set up in the living room. Because of the placement of a wall plug or heat register in the house, the tree was usually in the same place every year. Decorating the Christmas tree with lights and ornaments is believed to have originated in Germany in the early 1880’s with the custom spreading to other European countries.	The evergreen tree has long represented immortality and hope. In some rural areas, a tankard of beer was poured near the root of the selected tree. If the tree flourished, grew sturdy and strong, so would the family and farm. 	In December of 1945, the Salvation Army asked Junction City residents to donate one or more cans of fruit or vegetables in a campaign to provide a good Christmas dinner for every family of the community. Residents were asked to place their donation on the front porch in a paper sack, so it could be seen from the street. Canned goods would be picked up by a driver who broadcasted Christmas carols from his car. A campaign was conducted at the high school and the food collected there was turned over to the Salvation Army to be placed in baskets for delivery to the city’s needy families on December 24th. 	Salvation Army Captain William Gant stated that the returns from the kettles on the streets had been good and from those funds they had already sent money for the benefit of people in Geary County. Some boxes had also been shipped to servicemen. 	A special Salvation Army children’s party was held and each child who attended received a gift and a treat. The children were entertained with a program that included a visit from Santa and the showing of several cartoon movies. “Some Christmas Memories From 1941 and 1942”	For Junction City’s Lighting Contest of 1941, it was noted that there were fewer entries than prizes. The contests were sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and they offered cash prizes for the best displays. There were two categories: One was for displays costing less than $10.00 and another for those that cost MORE than $10.00. 	On December 17, 1941, as darkness settled over Junction City, lights began twinkling in Christmas displays, which transformed both the residential and business sections into a wonderland of color and beauty. Nearly every home in the city had a lighted wreath or tree to cast out rays of cheer for passersby as well as those inside. Many residents had lighted trees in their yard. 	That same year, in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, a plea went out to the community for those baking Christmas cookies to bake an extra dozen and take them to the USO Social Center. Mrs. Katherine Humphrey, chief hostess at the Social Center said “coffee and cookies were to be served to soldiers on Christmas afternoon and evening and it&nbsp; was hoped to have the cookie jars filled for the occasion”. 	Christmas dinners with all the trimmings would be served at Fort Riley’s training camps at noon and officials discouraged residents from inviting soldiers to Christmas dinners. However, it was suggested invitations be given to soldiers for the Sunday which fell betweenChristmas and New Year’s. 	The newspaper advertisements of December 1942 were full of suggestions for “Practical Gifts” at sensible prices. J.C. Penny’s ads noted that wartime Christmases live in the memory long after the happy carefree ones are forgotten. The shadow of war had been cast over every home in 1942. The ads also stated that there must be giving – generous giving, but no gift should be extravagant. Some of the suggestions were men’s shirts at $1.98 each and lady’s dresses at $3.98. Men’s soft leather belts and boy’s shirts were 90 cents each. Townsend’s store in Junction City had aprons for 49 cents and slack suits for $6.50. A formal gown was priced at $8.50. In a letter written to Santa by way of the newspaper, young Vonley Leighton wrote he had been a good boy and would like Santa to bring him house slippers and a new hat - a modest and practical request for a war time Christmas.	Although the prices of the items mentioned here are higher today, gift giving is still about the thought and expression of caring and love which is reflected in a material item. However, it is also true that quality time spent with others is the best gift. Those moments may stay in our memory throughout our lives. 	Merry Christmas from the Geary County Historical Society.

“History of the Junction City Sertoma Club”

	Terry Heldstab shared some of the history of the Junction City Sertoma Club. “Sertoma stands for Service to Mankind”.  Sertoma started in America on April 11, 1912 and the Junction City club received their charter in 1959.  Some of the early members were Webb Davis, Harold Olmstead, Norwood Koepsel, Don Greenawalt, Wayne Pray, Dean Keller, Norm Helmke, Jack Gouldy and John Leonard.

	The emphasis of the group was speech and hearing.  Club members assisted many lower income people in getting recycled hearing aids at no cost to the individual.  In the early 1960s, Sertoma Club members went door to door to sell light bulbs to raise money for this purpose.  

	The members built and maintained Sertoma Park on East 6th Street in Junction City; built the backstop and the bleachers; added much of the playground equipment that is still in the park and maintained the field for many years until the City took over the park.  

	The main fundraiser during the last thirty plus years was the pancake feed.  This event was always held in late October at the Knights of Columbus Hall on West Seventh Street.  Club members used those funds to support local youth programs, baseball teams or other local projects decided by the membership. 

	Sertomans met in different places during their many years as a club.  Some of those were the Best Western Restaurant (Tyme Out Lounge) and Stacy’s Restaurant in Grandview Plaza.  In Junction City, they met at the Lamer (Bartell) Hotel; Sirloin Stockade on Goldenbelt Boulevard;  Valley View Estates dining /meeting room on Pearl Drive; and the final place for meetings was in the Hampton Inn Meeting Room located on South Washington Street. 

	Like most clubs, the Sertoma Club allowed only men to be members. However, Linda Jark was recommended by Terry Heldstab and was accepted. In the late 1980s members’ wives also joined.  Linda eventually became the President of the Club.”

	The Club disbanded four or five years ago, when the four remaining members were Kay, Randy, Mike and Terry Heldstab.  Terry Heldstab was a member of the Sertoma Club for 35 years.  

“Al Simpler, The Coach and Family Man”

	With the last football game having been played at Al Simpler Stadium on November 13, 2020, it is appropriate to reflect on the Coach, his career and the involvement of his family in Junction City High School (JCHS) football.  Some of the information included in this space came from an article written by G.S. Peters, who was the Daily Union Sports Editor in 1983 and other information came from interviews with those mentioned. 

	Through all his years as a coach, one common denominator has held true, concerning athletes who played for Al Simpler.  He set high standards for his players.

	Discipline made him a winner. Bobby Whitten, a 1977 JCHS graduate stated that “Coach Simpler was firm with his rules, and I respected them. Our curfew was 11 PM on weeknights and 12 midnight on the weekends.  If you didn’t want to play by his rules you could leave.  We lost some good players because they didn’t follow those rules, but the ones who stayed respected him.” 

	Coaching was not just a job for Al.  The whole family was involved.  From the time the Simpler family moved to Junction City in 1958, there was a movie screen set up in their basement for players to watch game film.  The players would go to the Simpler’s house on Sunday afternoons after lunch and watch film of previous games and/or of the next opponent.

	 When the football field needed to be reseeded, it was Al and his family who did the job. Before the days of the watering system, Al would stretch the hoses himself.  Mrs. Simpler remembers during dry summers, when the grass was at risk of dying, they would change the hoses as late as 2:30 in the morning.  

	In the early part of his career, when Al coached at Hominy, Oklahoma, Helen, his wife, was his greatest scout.  She would chart the games of upcoming opponents and then Al would be able to prepare his team for the next game. Jim Pendarvis, former JCHS Assistant Principal and Athletic Director,  recalled that when he was a player on the Blue Jay football team, “players would go to the Simpler’s house to watch New Year’s Day Bowl games on television.  If Al saw an offensive or defensive scheme he liked, he would immediately jot down notes and use that information or a modified version of a play with his team.”   

	There were only four losing seasons during Coach Simpler’s 23 years at JCHS.

Coach Al Simpler retired in 1983, which was the same year Simpler Stadium was dedicated.  He died October 24, 2007.

“Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“History of the Junction City Sertoma Club”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607786269220.jpeg" alt="Sertoma&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sertoma&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>	Terry Heldstab shared some of the history of the Junction City Sertoma Club. “Sertoma stands for Service to Mankind”. Sertoma started in America on April 11, 1912 and the Junction City club received their charter in 1959. Some of the early members were Webb Davis, Harold Olmstead, Norwood Koepsel, Don Greenawalt, Wayne Pray, Dean Keller, Norm Helmke, Jack Gouldy and John Leonard.	The emphasis of the group was speech and hearing. Club members assisted many lower income people in getting recycled hearing aids at no cost to the individual. In the early 1960s, Sertoma Club members went door to door to sell light bulbs to raise money for this purpose. 	The members built and maintained Sertoma Park on East 6th Street in Junction City; built the backstop and the bleachers; added much of the playground equipment that is still in the park and maintained the field for many years until the City took over the park. 	The main fundraiser during the last thirty plus years was the pancake feed. This event was always held in late October at the Knights of Columbus Hall on West Seventh Street. Club members used those funds to support local youth programs, baseball teams or other local projects decided by the membership. 	Sertomans met in different places during their many years as a club. Some of those were the Best Western Restaurant (Tyme Out Lounge) and Stacy’s Restaurant in Grandview Plaza. In Junction City, they met at the Lamer (Bartell) Hotel; Sirloin Stockade on Goldenbelt Boulevard; Valley View Estates dining /meeting room on Pearl Drive; and the final place for meetings was in the Hampton Inn Meeting Room located on South Washington Street. 	Like most clubs, the Sertoma Club allowed only men to be members. However, Linda Jark was recommended by Terry Heldstab and was accepted. In the late 1980s members’ wives also joined. Linda eventually became the President of the Club.”	The Club disbanded four or five years ago, when the four remaining members were Kay, Randy, Mike and Terry Heldstab. Terry Heldstab was a member of the Sertoma Club for 35 years. “Al Simpler, The Coach and Family Man”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607786343927.jpeg" alt="Al Simpler - May 1992" />
 <figcaption>Al Simpler - May 1992</figcaption>
 </figure>	With the last football game having been played at Al Simpler Stadium on November 13, 2020, it is appropriate to reflect on the Coach, his career and the involvement of his family in Junction City High School (JCHS) football. Some of the information included in this space came from an article written by G.S. Peters, who was the Daily Union Sports Editor in 1983 and other information came from interviews with those mentioned. 	Through all his years as a coach, one common denominator has held true, concerning athletes who played for Al Simpler. He set high standards for his players.	Discipline made him a winner. Bobby Whitten, a 1977 JCHS graduate stated that “Coach Simpler was firm with his rules, and I respected them. Our curfew was 11 PM on weeknights and 12 midnight on the weekends. If you didn’t want to play by his rules you could leave. We lost some good players because they didn’t follow those rules, but the ones who stayed respected him.” 	Coaching was not just a job for Al. The whole family was involved. From the time the Simpler family moved to Junction City in 1958, there was a movie screen set up in their basement for players to watch game film. The players would go to the Simpler’s house on Sunday afternoons after lunch and watch film of previous games and/or of the next opponent.	 When the football field needed to be reseeded, it was Al and his family who did the job. Before the days of the watering system, Al would stretch the hoses himself. Mrs. Simpler remembers during dry summers, when the grass was at risk of dying, they would change the hoses as late as 2:30 in the morning. 	In the early part of his career, when Al coached at Hominy, Oklahoma, Helen, his wife, was his greatest scout. She would chart the games of upcoming opponents and then Al would be able to prepare his team for the next game. Jim Pendarvis, former JCHS Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, recalled that when he was a player on the Blue Jay football team, “players would go to the Simpler’s house to watch New Year’s Day Bowl games on television. If Al saw an offensive or defensive scheme he liked, he would immediately jot down notes and use that information or a modified version of a play with his team.” 	There were only four losing seasons during Coach Simpler’s 23 years at JCHS.Coach Al Simpler retired in 1983, which was the same year Simpler Stadium was dedicated. He died October 24, 2007.

“The Junction City Pilot Club – Sixty Years of Friendship and Service”

	Sue Penn shared that the roots of Junction City Pilot Club are firmly embedded in their motto- Friendship and Service. In April 1961, the Topeka Pilot Club held the first organizational dinner in Junction City to determine interest for a local club. On September 16, 1961, the Junction City Pilot Club observed its Charter Night. Twenty-four willing business women signed the charter - Irene Rogers, Grace Acker, Nadine Wilson, Doris Paulson, Lavern Allen, Virginia Fiddler, Evelyn Hiett, Ruth Wells, Ione Ware, Lee Bunker, Marjorie Seitz, Vi Peterson, Aileen Hackett, Elizabeth Decker, Blanche Walker, Lois York, Leora Brown, Doris Taylor, Mona Kessinger, Mary Lou Noland, Margaret Parker, Lois Thompson, Marie Muse and Marguerite Ratts. 

	The Lamer Hotel hosted the seventy-five people in attendance, including Pilot International President Virginia Anderson, Topeka Pilots, and local officials.  Irene Rogers was installed as the first President.  Irene later recounted she had said no several times before accepting the position of President.

	In the early years, the club struggled to survive financially, but with the dedicated work of its members, and the support of the community, the club pushed on and began the annual Smorgasbord in May 1963. Long time members told stories of the year they ran out of food and had to refund money for tickets. Smorgasbord became a Mother’s Day week tradition for many as did the foods served. The club put together a recipe book including ham loaf and the many salads.  From net profits of a few hundred dollars the first year, to over $2,000, the Smorgasbord has been the most successful of many major fundraisers through its continuous 49 years.  These proceeds supported the service projects of the club.

	Some of the club projects have included the addition of an elevator at the Geary County Historical Society Museum, which provides access to the entire building; furnished a room at the Geary Community Hospital; tied yellow ribbons on the trees in City Park in support of our troops; rang bells for the Salvation Army; provided lunches for Habitat for Humanity workers and adopted grandparents at the nursing homes. The Club has also  hosted the community civic club luncheon at the Country Club to kick off the Salvation Army Christmas Red Kettle program; worked to make the US-77 and K-57 intersection safer; gave scholarships to a JCHS seniors for higher education; fitted helmets to young children and presented the BrainMinders  puppet show giving ways to play safe and be safe in a car and at home; refreshed equipment at the Glessner Playground at South Park; redid two rooms at the Open Door making them handicapped accessible; provided software for Early Childhood Education; funded the Stars Camp, which is held every summer at Rock Springs 4-H Ranch, by Pawnee Mental Health Services and provided funds for a   handicapped accessible counter at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library. 

	 The Junction City Pilot Club appreciates the community’s continued support of their activities as they strive to Do More, Care More, Be More.

“Hometown Hero Had An Effect On Many”

	 Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote some of the following in a 1990 article for the “Daily Union” newspaper.  

	“Dan LaShelle’s  father, Ralph LaShelle, was the proprietor of one of the community’s well-known businesses, the LaShelle Shoe Store.” LaShelle’s not only sold shoes, but also boots.  The boots were the Dehner Boots referred to in a previous article in this space. Dehner Boots were supplied to the Cavalry officers and soldiers stationed at Fort Riley and all over the world.

	Dan was born in 1919 and had an older brother, Bob, and a younger sister, Lois. Dan’s classmates at Junction City High School recalled he was shy and quiet.  Dan’s real love in high school was athletics.  He lettered in both football and track and ranked at the top of his class scholastically when he graduated in 1937.

	Following high school graduation, Dan went to Kansas University and graduated in 1941.  He was selected to receive a regular Army commission, because of his ROTC and scholastic record. 

	With the outbreak of WW II, Dan was assigned to the 1st Infantry of the 6th Division and was posted to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before being ordered overseas in 1943.  

	In May 1943, Dan married his college sweetheart, Anna Jane Hoffman of Enterprise, Kansas.  It was after only a few months of marriage that the newlyweds were parted never to see each other again. 

	In the Pacific, Dan, now Captain LaShelle, took part in three bloody campaigns in New Guinea before going ashore in the third wave of the 6th Division in the landing at Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines. On January 25, 1945, Dan LaShelle was wounded while trying to rescue one of his soldiers and three days later died from his wounds.” (It was stated in a previous article in this space that Dan was killed during the Bataan Death March and is being corrected here). 

	Dan was admired and respected by the American soldiers with whom he served.  However, it was not just the American soldiers whose lives were influenced by Dan LaShelle. A Filipino officer, Demosthenes “Tony” Gabioma, who was assigned as a liaison to Dan’s unit, wrote a letter to Anna Jane several months after Dan’s death. Tony wrote that he and Dan had many conversations at night about Kansas, Dan’s family and Kansas University.  Dan had visited Tony’s family home just the day before Dan was wounded. Tony told of the visit he had with Dan in the hospital the day before Dan died.  Tony promised to “find out where Dan was to be buried so Tony’s family could visit, tend the grave and make floral offerings as a tribute to their friendship.  Tony kept his vow and throughout his life, maintained contact with the LaShelle family.  In the 1960s Tony was finally able to realize his ambition to visit Kansas and the community which had produced Dan LaShelle. 

"Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607348565272.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“The Junction City Pilot Club – Sixty Years of Friendship and Service”	Sue Penn shared that the roots of Junction City Pilot Club are firmly embedded in their motto- Friendship and Service. In April 1961, the Topeka Pilot Club held the first organizational dinner in Junction City to determine interest for a local club. On September 16, 1961, the Junction City Pilot Club observed its Charter Night. Twenty-four willing business women signed the charter - Irene Rogers, Grace Acker, Nadine Wilson, Doris Paulson, Lavern Allen, Virginia Fiddler, Evelyn Hiett, Ruth Wells, Ione Ware, Lee Bunker, Marjorie Seitz, Vi Peterson, Aileen Hackett, Elizabeth Decker, Blanche Walker, Lois York, Leora Brown, Doris Taylor, Mona Kessinger, Mary Lou Noland, Margaret Parker, Lois Thompson, Marie Muse and Marguerite Ratts. 	The Lamer Hotel hosted the seventy-five people in attendance, including Pilot International President Virginia Anderson, Topeka Pilots, and local officials. Irene Rogers was installed as the first President. Irene later recounted she had said no several times before accepting the position of President.	In the early years, the club struggled to survive financially, but with the dedicated work of its members, and the support of the community, the club pushed on and began the annual Smorgasbord in May 1963. Long time members told stories of the year they ran out of food and had to refund money for tickets. Smorgasbord became a Mother’s Day week tradition for many as did the foods served. The club put together a recipe book including ham loaf and the many salads. From net profits of a few hundred dollars the first year, to over $2,000, the Smorgasbord has been the most successful of many major fundraisers through its continuous 49 years. These proceeds supported the service projects of the club.	Some of the club projects have included the addition of an elevator at the Geary County Historical Society Museum, which provides access to the entire building; furnished a room at the Geary Community Hospital; tied yellow ribbons on the trees in City Park in support of our troops; rang bells for the Salvation Army; provided lunches for Habitat for Humanity workers and adopted grandparents at the nursing homes. The Club has also hosted the community civic club luncheon at the Country Club to kick off the Salvation Army Christmas Red Kettle program; worked to make the US-77 and K-57 intersection safer; gave scholarships to a JCHS seniors for higher education; fitted helmets to young children and presented the BrainMinders puppet show giving ways to play safe and be safe in a car and at home; refreshed equipment at the Glessner Playground at South Park; redid two rooms at the Open Door making them handicapped accessible; provided software for Early Childhood Education; funded the Stars Camp, which is held every summer at Rock Springs 4-H Ranch, by Pawnee Mental Health Services and provided funds for a handicapped accessible counter at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library. 	 The Junction City Pilot Club appreciates the community’s continued support of their activities as they strive to Do More, Care More, Be More.“Hometown Hero Had An Effect On Many”	 Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote some of the following in a 1990 article for the “Daily Union” newspaper. 	“Dan LaShelle’s father, Ralph LaShelle, was the proprietor of one of the community’s well-known businesses, the LaShelle Shoe Store.” LaShelle’s not only sold shoes, but also boots. The boots were the Dehner Boots referred to in a previous article in this space. Dehner Boots were supplied to the Cavalry officers and soldiers stationed at Fort Riley and all over the world.	Dan was born in 1919 and had an older brother, Bob, and a younger sister, Lois. Dan’s classmates at Junction City High School recalled he was shy and quiet. Dan’s real love in high school was athletics. He lettered in both football and track and ranked at the top of his class scholastically when he graduated in 1937.	Following high school graduation, Dan went to Kansas University and graduated in 1941. He was selected to receive a regular Army commission, because of his ROTC and scholastic record. 	With the outbreak of WW II, Dan was assigned to the 1st Infantry of the 6th Division and was posted to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before being ordered overseas in 1943. 	In May 1943, Dan married his college sweetheart, Anna Jane Hoffman of Enterprise, Kansas. It was after only a few months of marriage that the newlyweds were parted never to see each other again. 	In the Pacific, Dan, now Captain LaShelle, took part in three bloody campaigns in New Guinea before going ashore in the third wave of the 6th Division in the landing at Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines. On January 25, 1945, Dan LaShelle was wounded while trying to rescue one of his soldiers and three days later died from his wounds.” (It was stated in a previous article in this space that Dan was killed during the Bataan Death March and is being corrected here). 	Dan was admired and respected by the American soldiers with whom he served. However, it was not just the American soldiers whose lives were influenced by Dan LaShelle. A Filipino officer, Demosthenes “Tony” Gabioma, who was assigned as a liaison to Dan’s unit, wrote a letter to Anna Jane several months after Dan’s death. Tony wrote that he and Dan had many conversations at night about Kansas, Dan’s family and Kansas University. Dan had visited Tony’s family home just the day before Dan was wounded. Tony told of the visit he had with Dan in the hospital the day before Dan died. Tony promised to “find out where Dan was to be buried so Tony’s family could visit, tend the grave and make floral offerings as a tribute to their friendship. Tony kept his vow and throughout his life, maintained contact with the LaShelle family. In the 1960s Tony was finally able to realize his ambition to visit Kansas and the community which had produced Dan LaShelle.

“History of the Junction City Rotary Club”

	Information in this article includes some of the history of the Junction City Rotary Club, which was compiled by Gaylynn Childs and the late Dan Loeb. 

	A Rotary Club organizational meeting was held August 26, 1917 at the home of R.B. Fegan on North Jefferson Street. The purpose was to apply for a Rotary Club charter.

"Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“History of the Junction City Rotary Club”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606501887531.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>	Information in this article includes some of the history of the Junction City Rotary Club, which was compiled by Gaylynn Childs and the late Dan Loeb. 	A Rotary Club organizational meeting was held August 26, 1917 at the home of R.B. Fegan on North Jefferson Street. The purpose was to apply for a Rotary Club charter.	Two weeks later, the group was officially organized, and 20 Junction City men were taken as charter members. The ladies of the Episcopal Church prepared and served a fried chicken banquet. The official certificate of affiliation was issued on October 1, 1917.	Ben Fegan served as the first president of the Junction City Club and was re-elected for four consecutive years. Harry Montgomery was the first vice-president and A.D. Jellison, the treasurer.		 In 1917, people were literally living in the City Park, because no other shelter was available. To help alleviate the housing shortage caused by the massive influx of workers, soldiers and dependents, twenty-five of the newly organized Rotary Club members subscribed $1,000 each toward the cost of erecting the apartment building at the corner of 4th and Washington, later known as the Schwartz Apartments. The City of Junction City also came up with the funds to construct a wood frame “community house” on West 6th Street to serve as a recreation center. It quickly became apparent that that structure was inadequate to meet the needs of the 1,000 to 4,000 young men who were using it each day.	During WWI, President Woodrow Wilson’s commission on training camp activities for assistance in organizing recreation for soldiers led to the construction of the “Community Building”, which is now the Eagles Lodge at 10th and Franklin Streets. It was built at a cost of $40,000, funded and built by the Rotary Clubs of the 11th District. The building was dedicated in December of 1918 when the town and the world was still experiencing the flu epidemic. It was later presented to the city for use as a community center until the Municipal Building was constructed in 1938. 	For the first 50 years, the club met in the dining room of the Bartell Hotel. The Rotary Club has also met at the Good Eats Café; Knights of Columbus building on West 7th Street (then Tony’s Pizza); the Country Club; Washington Street Grille in the Bartell Building and since January 2009 Rotary Club members have been meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel and Convention Center located on East Chestnut Street in Junction City. “Remembering County School Christmas Programs”	During the COVID-19 epidemic, school programs have been discontinued up to now. Geary County USD 475 music teachers have always provided young people, their parents, family and community members with enjoyable, spirit filled programs during this time of the year. 	Those who experienced a county school Christmas program prior to unification of USD 475, Geary County Schools, may have fond memories. Some of those memories shared here have come from the late Gaylord Munson and Mary Bell Read Glick. 	Gaylord reminisced about being a student and his involvement in Christmas programs at Spring Valley School, which is now the Geary County Historic Site at the corner of K-18 and Spring Valley Road. “There was no electricity at the school, so the evening Christmas programs were illuminated with oil lamps and lanterns. The school was heated with a pot-bellied stove. The classroom where the programs were held was barely as large as a living room. So, parents and family members stood across the back and around the sides of the school room. 	A makeshift stage was arranged in the front of the room. Curtains for the stage were always made out of bed sheets. The sheets were attached with safety pins to a wire stretched across the front.” Gaylord also recalled that “some student was always delegated to be the curtain-puller. This always made the curtain-puller feel important. 	The program consisted of singing carols and recitations.” Gaylord Munson claimed he was “such a poor singer, because the music training at Spring Valley School wasn’t much to brag about. It seems when the teacher would try to play the old organ, which had to be pumped with the player’s feet, mice would run out. When that happened, the teacher would be up on the organ stool screaming.”	Mary Bell Read Glick also recounted her memories of school days at Brookside School and Christmas programs she enjoyed. “There was a box supper and a Christmas play with a variety of programs and recitations.” Mary also remembered that her “mother took baked goods she had made at home and shared with those who attended the programs”.