"Did You Know This About Geary County History?”

Geary County Historical Society Board Member

“Growing Up In Junction City – Some Reflections By Keith Hemenway”

	In 2003, Keith Hemenway, who was 83 years old, shared memories of Junction City in the early 1900’s with Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society:  Keith’s father owned the Junction City Sentinel, a weekly newspaper. One of the first homes Keith remembered was in the Raber Flats.  “This stone apartment building at the corner of Fourth and Jefferson Streets was built by Dr. C.K. Raber, a prominent local dentist who was the mayor here during several terms.”  

	In 1908, Keith’s father built a house on South Jefferson, next door to Dr. Fred O’Donnell.  Another close neighbor was Mr. L.J. Platt, who was a lawyer and judge. 

	The O’Donnell house, at 504 S. Jefferson Street was still lived in by a daughter, Betty Cleary, in 1985 and it was much the same as it had originally been. The house formerly had stables behind it where the doctor kept his ponies. Keith recalled often walking over to the old polo field, which was at the corner of Madison and Pine and went clear up toward the cemetery to watch Dr. Fred and the renowned Junction City polo team practice.

	Keith also recalled walking uptown. His first stop was always O’Reilly’s Livery Stable across the street east from the City Park.  The second stop was on East Seventh Street where the old Degitz Blacksmith Shop used to be.  He would watch them shoe horses and then go on to his third stop, which was the Brown’s Harness Shop, where the Cowen Shoe Store was for many years at 719 N. Washington Street.  Finally, he would arrive at the newspaper office in the basement of the building at Seventh and Washington Streets.

	The old Opera House and City Building was another favorite of young Keith’s.  The main entrance to the Opera House was on the Jefferson Street side.  The fire station was on the corner facing Seventh Street where with the two black horses were kept.  The harness was hanging up over the horses and there was a brass pole the firemen would slide down.  They would pull a cord and the harness would drop down over the horses and firemen would just have to fasten a few buckles.  Then the horses would be ready to go.

	Keith graduated from Junction City High School in 1919.  He left Junction City for college and a career in the eastern part of the United States.  Keith returned to Junction City in 1960.          He was involved in organizing the Geary County Historical Society in 1972.  Keith died in 1995 at the age of 90

“Historical Background About Our City (Heritage) Park”

Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote in an article in the book Set In Stone that the square in the center of Junction City now called Heritage Park and earlier designated as City Park, was always intended as a “park”.  However, there were issues of contention about the park for nearly a hundred years. 

	When the original town site was surveyed in 1858, the block bounded by Sixth Street on the north, Washington Street on the east, Fifth Street on the south and Jefferson Street on the west was designated as the “city park”. When the townsite was platted and registered in September 1860, the park plot was deeded to Richard C. Whitney, Mayor of Junction City. 

	In the early 1860s, the first “friend of the park”, General Knox, laid out the paths in a winding serpent-like manner and planted trees along the paths with care.  He faithfully watered the trees in order that they might survive the dry summers and be a permanent feature of the city”. It was later claimed by Thomas Dever, another pioneer mayor, that Knox’s efforts were not a success.

	In an 1864 article in the Union newspaper where the author stated: “S.M. Stickler was brought before Mayor Hall for having appropriated the city park to his own use as a cattle yard.  Stickler had the audacity to turn the cattle loose in the park and was fined $5.00.”

	In 1870, former Mayor Whitney attempted to deed the park to H.P. Hynes a prominent grocer in town. There had been a picket fence put up all around the park. However, during the night of January 19, 1871, Mr. Hynes, threw down a section of the picket fence, moved into the park, cut down some of General Knox’s trees, erected a corral of sorts and built a pig pen, chicken coop and some say even a house.  Within a short time the citizens removed Mr. Hynes into the street.  He was arrested and his project brought to a halt.  

	In 1891, the courts ruled that the Geary County Commissioners held title to the park “in trust” for the city of Junction City and in 1899 there was public sentiment in favor of appropriating the park square as the site for the new courthouse.  Even in 1949, there were proposals to turn the park now known as Heritage Park into businesses. 

In 2020, Heritage Park has a fountain, bandstand, flowers and shrubs that add to its beauty.  Monuments and memorials are in place to remind us of those who have served our country, county and city.

"Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“Growing Up In Junction City – Some Reflections By Keith Hemenway”	In 2003, Keith Hemenway, who was 83 years old, shared memories of Junction City in the early 1900’s with Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society: Keith’s father owned the Junction City Sentinel, a weekly newspaper. One of the first homes Keith remembered was in the Raber Flats. “This stone apartment building at the corner of Fourth and Jefferson Streets was built by Dr. C.K. Raber, a prominent local dentist who was the mayor here during several terms.” 	In 1908, Keith’s father built a house on South Jefferson, next door to Dr. Fred O’Donnell. Another close neighbor was Mr. L.J. Platt, who was a lawyer and judge. 	The O’Donnell house, at 504 S. Jefferson Street was still lived in by a daughter, Betty Cleary, in 1985 and it was much the same as it had originally been. The house formerly had stables behind it where the doctor kept his ponies. Keith recalled often walking over to the old polo field, which was at the corner of Madison and Pine and went clear up toward the cemetery to watch Dr. Fred and the renowned Junction City polo team practice.	Keith also recalled walking uptown. His first stop was always O’Reilly’s Livery Stable across the street east from the City Park. The second stop was on East Seventh Street where the old Degitz Blacksmith Shop used to be. He would watch them shoe horses and then go on to his third stop, which was the Brown’s Harness Shop, where the Cowen Shoe Store was for many years at 719 N. Washington Street. Finally, he would arrive at the newspaper office in the basement of the building at Seventh and Washington Streets.	The old Opera House and City Building was another favorite of young Keith’s. The main entrance to the Opera House was on the Jefferson Street side. The fire station was on the corner facing Seventh Street where with the two black horses were kept. The harness was hanging up over the horses and there was a brass pole the firemen would slide down. They would pull a cord and the harness would drop down over the horses and firemen would just have to fasten a few buckles. Then the horses would be ready to go.	Keith graduated from Junction City High School in 1919. He left Junction City for college and a career in the eastern part of the United States. Keith returned to Junction City in 1960. He was involved in organizing the Geary County Historical Society in 1972. Keith died in 1995 at the age of 90<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598541690217.jpeg" alt="1911 Bandstand in the City Park" />
 <figcaption>1911 Bandstand in the City Park</figcaption>
 </figure>“Historical Background About Our City (Heritage) Park”Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote in an article in the book Set In Stone that the square in the center of Junction City now called Heritage Park and earlier designated as City Park, was always intended as a “park”. However, there were issues of contention about the park for nearly a hundred years. 	When the original town site was surveyed in 1858, the block bounded by Sixth Street on the north, Washington Street on the east, Fifth Street on the south and Jefferson Street on the west was designated as the “city park”. When the townsite was platted and registered in September 1860, the park plot was deeded to Richard C. Whitney, Mayor of Junction City. 	In the early 1860s, the first “friend of the park”, General Knox, laid out the paths in a winding serpent-like manner and planted trees along the paths with care. He faithfully watered the trees in order that they might survive the dry summers and be a permanent feature of the city”. It was later claimed by Thomas Dever, another pioneer mayor, that Knox’s efforts were not a success.	In an 1864 article in the Union newspaper where the author stated: “S.M. Stickler was brought before Mayor Hall for having appropriated the city park to his own use as a cattle yard. Stickler had the audacity to turn the cattle loose in the park and was fined $5.00.”	In 1870, former Mayor Whitney attempted to deed the park to H.P. Hynes a prominent grocer in town. There had been a picket fence put up all around the park. However, during the night of January 19, 1871, Mr. Hynes, threw down a section of the picket fence, moved into the park, cut down some of General Knox’s trees, erected a corral of sorts and built a pig pen, chicken coop and some say even a house. Within a short time the citizens removed Mr. Hynes into the street. He was arrested and his project brought to a halt. 	In 1891, the courts ruled that the Geary County Commissioners held title to the park “in trust” for the city of Junction City and in 1899 there was public sentiment in favor of appropriating the park square as the site for the new courthouse. Even in 1949, there were proposals to turn the park now known as Heritage Park into businesses. In 2020, Heritage Park has a fountain, bandstand, flowers and shrubs that add to its beauty. Monuments and memorials are in place to remind us of those who have served our country, county and city.

Our Past is Present

Did You Know This About Geary County History?”

	Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote the following in a 2006 article titled Residents Have Always Kept Cool.

“From the earliest settlement here, families and citizens gathered in the outdoors to celebrate, pay tribute, protest and parade.  But by far the most popular of the outdoor activities was the picnic. 

	Early newspapers were full of announcements and accounts of Sunday school picnics, holiday picnics, Army picnics and even moonlight picnics.  As the early Kansas landscape was for the most part treeless, those areas where foliage was concentrated became favored spots for these gatherings. 

	Many landowners had groves which were designated as picnic spots. There were at least two in the close vicinity of the Junction City settlement, which almost became public property.” 

	One of those was Logan Grove, which has been written about in previous articles in this space.  The other was Bismarck Grove.

	“Bismarck Grove, must have been a type of amusement park as well as a picnic ground.  In an 1866 newspaper article, it was noted that “Bismarck Grove is the name given to Col. Price’s grove, three quarters of a mile from the city limit and fitted up by Mr. Matt Beckers (at great expense) to be a Sunday resort. These fittings consisted of gymnastic exercises, swings, foot races and a possible “bag race in which several young boys contest for points.”

	Mr. Beckers announced that his resort “will be conducted at all times on the very best principles.  No liquor will be sold nor gambling permitted.” 

	By 1874, a carousel had been added and a dance floor and concession stand built, according to photos taken by early Junction City photographer, A.P. Trott.  An 1873 map of Junction City shows that Bismarck Grove was located in the present Westwood area west of town, between 13th and 15th Streets and on the west side of Garfield.” 

“Some Early History Of Baseball In Junction City”

	Many of us have been following Nick Heath’s activation or promotion to the majors  with the Kansas City Royals baseball team.  Nick is the son of Kim Milleson and the grandson of Sam and Margaret Kilpatrick. Nick played at the historic Rathert Field with the Junction City High School Blue Jays from 2009-2012 as a student athlete.  He also played summer ball in the Babe Ruth League. In 2012, the Babe Ruth League team he was on won State and made it to regionals in Colorado.  Today’s story is a look back at the early history of baseball in Junction City.

 	The first baseball club was organized in Junction City in May of 1867. Teams like the “Junction City’s Crack Nine” and a team from a neighboring community, called the “Seven Mile” baseball club competed against each other.  After the “Nine” suffered a devastating loss to the “Seven Mile” team, The Junction City Baseball Association was formed.  In a July 8th, 1867 article in the Sentinel newspaper it was written that “Two games would be played in Junction City each week and no pain or expense will be spared to perfect a nine competent to meet all comers.”

	Milton Clark, one of Junction City’s most devoted baseball players in the early years of the 20th Century, recalled in a 1934 interview that “The “Y” club was called such because the baseball diamond was near the Union Pacific railroad “Y” on Grant Avenue close to the railroad shops.  There was no Junior League to buy equipment and keep the grounds in good shape.  So, on Saturday the boys would chip in dimes to get a ball to use in the Sunday games.

	On Sunday morning, everyone would be at the ball grounds with rakes and hoes to clean the field.  This would take until about 11:30 AM.  Then they would run home for lunch and rush back for the game.  After the game, the players would practice until it was so dark the ball could not be seen.   When Junction City joined the old Central League, the “Y” Club disbanded and everyone quit playing”. Clarke continued to be active in baseball for another 30 or so years until he died in 1962. 

	The Kansas City Royals and other professional teams have seen many changes over the years in terms of their play, getting to and from games, compensation, rules and even now playing without fans in the bleachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“Bismarck Grove”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597938188796.jpeg" alt="Carousel in 1870" />
 <figcaption>Carousel in 1870</figcaption>
 </figure>	Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote the following in a 2006 article titled Residents Have Always Kept Cool.“From the earliest settlement here, families and citizens gathered in the outdoors to celebrate, pay tribute, protest and parade. But by far the most popular of the outdoor activities was the picnic. 	Early newspapers were full of announcements and accounts of Sunday school picnics, holiday picnics, Army picnics and even moonlight picnics. As the early Kansas landscape was for the most part treeless, those areas where foliage was concentrated became favored spots for these gatherings. 	Many landowners had groves which were designated as picnic spots. There were at least two in the close vicinity of the Junction City settlement, which almost became public property.” 	One of those was Logan Grove, which has been written about in previous articles in this space. The other was Bismarck Grove.	“Bismarck Grove, must have been a type of amusement park as well as a picnic ground. In an 1866 newspaper article, it was noted that “Bismarck Grove is the name given to Col. Price’s grove, three quarters of a mile from the city limit and fitted up by Mr. Matt Beckers (at great expense) to be a Sunday resort. These fittings consisted of gymnastic exercises, swings, foot races and a possible “bag race in which several young boys contest for points.”	Mr. Beckers announced that his resort “will be conducted at all times on the very best principles. No liquor will be sold nor gambling permitted.” 	By 1874, a carousel had been added and a dance floor and concession stand built, according to photos taken by early Junction City photographer, A.P. Trott. An 1873 map of Junction City shows that Bismarck Grove was located in the present Westwood area west of town, between 13th and 15th Streets and on the west side of Garfield.” <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597938247982.jpeg" alt="Junction City’s “Crack Nine” - 1910" />
 <figcaption>Junction City’s “Crack Nine” - 1910</figcaption>
 </figure>“Some Early History Of Baseball In Junction City”	Many of us have been following Nick Heath’s activation or promotion to the majors with the Kansas City Royals baseball team. Nick is the son of Kim Milleson and the grandson of Sam and Margaret Kilpatrick. Nick played at the historic Rathert Field with the Junction City High School Blue Jays from 2009-2012 as a student athlete. He also played summer ball in the Babe Ruth League. In 2012, the Babe Ruth League team he was on won State and made it to regionals in Colorado. Today’s story is a look back at the early history of baseball in Junction City. 	The first baseball club was organized in Junction City in May of 1867. Teams like the “Junction City’s Crack Nine” and a team from a neighboring community, called the “Seven Mile” baseball club competed against each other. After the “Nine” suffered a devastating loss to the “Seven Mile” team, The Junction City Baseball Association was formed. In a July 8th, 1867 article in the Sentinel newspaper it was written that “Two games would be played in Junction City each week and no pain or expense will be spared to perfect a nine competent to meet all comers.”	Milton Clark, one of Junction City’s most devoted baseball players in the early years of the 20th Century, recalled in a 1934 interview that “The “Y” club was called such because the baseball diamond was near the Union Pacific railroad “Y” on Grant Avenue close to the railroad shops. There was no Junior League to buy equipment and keep the grounds in good shape. So, on Saturday the boys would chip in dimes to get a ball to use in the Sunday games.	On Sunday morning, everyone would be at the ball grounds with rakes and hoes to clean the field. This would take until about 11:30 AM. Then they would run home for lunch and rush back for the game. After the game, the players would practice until it was so dark the ball could not be seen. When Junction City joined the old Central League, the “Y” Club disbanded and everyone quit playing”. Clarke continued to be active in baseball for another 30 or so years until he died in 1962. 	The Kansas City Royals and other professional teams have seen many changes over the years in terms of their play, getting to and from games, compensation, rules and even now playing without fans in the bleachers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. McKinley”

Thomas G. McKinley had come with his parents from Illinois in 1858 to Geary (Davis) County.  The trip was made in wagons.  There was one drawn by horses, one by a yoke of oxen and one by a yoke of cows. The cows provided milk for the family and were used to start a herd of cattle on the farm once the homesteaded area was located. 

	 Soon after their arrival, they selected farmland near the mouth of the Humboldt Creek. 

Opportunities for an education were meager and Thomas McKinley felt that made life more challenging for him.  However, through his natural ability and strong determination, he attracted the attention of his peers, who found him well-qualified to serve his community and country.  Thomas served on the rural school board for 34 years and was a justice of the peace and constable. 

	 Virginia Ross, the youngest daughter of the Ross family, came to Kansas from Virginia in 1873.Thomas G. McKinley and Miss Virginia G. Ross were married in 1879.

  The McKinley’s enjoyed their retirement years in their home in Alta Vista, where they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1929.  Relatives and friends joined them in observance of the joyous event.  Among the guests were the bridesmaid, best man and four other members of the original wedding party. Mrs. McKinley wore a black satin dress with a brooch and earrings, which were a gift of her groom on their wedding day. 

“The Early History of St. Xavier’s Catholic Church”

	Gaylynn Childs wrote a story about the St. Francis Xavier Catholic in the book Set in Stone. This is some of what she wrote: “Father Louis du Mortier, a Jesuit, came to America in 1853 and had been an instructor at St. Louis University until 1859 when he was transferred to the Kansas Territory as a missionary to the Pottawatomies.  

	It was Father du Mortier who organized St. Xavier’s Catholic parish in Junction City.  In June of 1861, the Junction City Union newspaper reported about an organizational  meeting Father Mortier held with Patrick, James and Thomas Dixon, John Casper, the Stephan Whites, James Maloney of Dry Creek and a determined young Irish woman, Mary Clarke, who had been left by her soldier husband to run the ferry between Fort Riley and Junction City. 

	During the Civil War this group met sporadically in homes and borrowed halls whenever a Priest was in the vicinity. After the war, the arrival of the railroad in 1866 brought an influx of Irish immigrants that swelled the ranks of Father du Mortier’s flock. 

	It had been decided to conduct a three-hour door-to-door campaign on Thanksgiving Day in 1866. The eleven hundred dollars in cash and pledges collected was to be used to build a church.  

	The first stone church building was constructed in 1867 on West Third Street.  Unfortunately, Father du Mortier never saw the first Mass said at his new church held August 11.  Several weeks earlier he had learned that soldiers were dying of cholera at Fort Harker and he went to that western Kansas outpost to minister to them.  In doing so he contracted the disease and died in a box car alone and unattended just days before the dedication of the church. 

	Father Fogarty followed Father du Mortier.  During Father Fogarty’s tenure the rectory for the parsonage was built south and east of the church.  Father Scholl, who came in 1871, raised the money to build a room onto the church and began Junction City’s first Catholic school.

	During the pastorate of Father Hurley, who came in 1882 and served St. Xavier’s for 28 years, funds were raised to build a larger church. Father John O’Brien arrived in 1905 and saw that dream to fruition. The corner stone was laid that year with a dedication on May 9, 1906.”

Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. McKinley”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597333252731.jpeg" alt="Thomas G. McKinley Tom G. (1859)" />
 <figcaption>Thomas G. McKinley Tom G. (1859)</figcaption>
 </figure>Thomas G. McKinley had come with his parents from Illinois in 1858 to Geary (Davis) County. The trip was made in wagons. There was one drawn by horses, one by a yoke of oxen and one by a yoke of cows. The cows provided milk for the family and were used to start a herd of cattle on the farm once the homesteaded area was located. 	 Soon after their arrival, they selected farmland near the mouth of the Humboldt Creek. Opportunities for an education were meager and Thomas McKinley felt that made life more challenging for him. However, through his natural ability and strong determination, he attracted the attention of his peers, who found him well-qualified to serve his community and country. Thomas served on the rural school board for 34 years and was a justice of the peace and constable. 	 Virginia Ross, the youngest daughter of the Ross family, came to Kansas from Virginia in 1873.Thomas G. McKinley and Miss Virginia G. Ross were married in 1879. The McKinley’s enjoyed their retirement years in their home in Alta Vista, where they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1929. Relatives and friends joined them in observance of the joyous event. Among the guests were the bridesmaid, best man and four other members of the original wedding party. Mrs. McKinley wore a black satin dress with a brooch and earrings, which were a gift of her groom on their wedding day. “The Early History of St. Xavier’s Catholic Church”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597333344345.jpeg" alt="St Xavier's Catholic Church 1867." />
 <figcaption>St Xavier's Catholic Church 1867.</figcaption>
 </figure>	Gaylynn Childs wrote a story about the St. Francis Xavier Catholic in the book Set in Stone. This is some of what she wrote: “Father Louis du Mortier, a Jesuit, came to America in 1853 and had been an instructor at St. Louis University until 1859 when he was transferred to the Kansas Territory as a missionary to the Pottawatomies. 	It was Father du Mortier who organized St. Xavier’s Catholic parish in Junction City. In June of 1861, the Junction City Union newspaper reported about an organizational meeting Father Mortier held with Patrick, James and Thomas Dixon, John Casper, the Stephan Whites, James Maloney of Dry Creek and a determined young Irish woman, Mary Clarke, who had been left by her soldier husband to run the ferry between Fort Riley and Junction City. 	During the Civil War this group met sporadically in homes and borrowed halls whenever a Priest was in the vicinity. After the war, the arrival of the railroad in 1866 brought an influx of Irish immigrants that swelled the ranks of Father du Mortier’s flock. 	It had been decided to conduct a three-hour door-to-door campaign on Thanksgiving Day in 1866. The eleven hundred dollars in cash and pledges collected was to be used to build a church. 	The first stone church building was constructed in 1867 on West Third Street. Unfortunately, Father du Mortier never saw the first Mass said at his new church held August 11. Several weeks earlier he had learned that soldiers were dying of cholera at Fort Harker and he went to that western Kansas outpost to minister to them. In doing so he contracted the disease and died in a box car alone and unattended just days before the dedication of the church. 	Father Fogarty followed Father du Mortier. During Father Fogarty’s tenure the rectory for the parsonage was built south and east of the church. Father Scholl, who came in 1871, raised the money to build a room onto the church and began Junction City’s first Catholic school.	During the pastorate of Father Hurley, who came in 1882 and served St. Xavier’s for 28 years, funds were raised to build a larger church. Father John O’Brien arrived in 1905 and saw that dream to fruition. The corner stone was laid that year with a dedication on May 9, 1906.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597333757767.jpeg" alt="St Xavier's Catholic Church 2017" />
 <figcaption>St Xavier's Catholic Church 2017</figcaption>
 </figure>

“Bringing Junction City Into The 20th Century”

In Susan Franzen’s book, Behind the Façade of Fort Riley’s Hometown The Inside Story of Junction City, Kansas, she wrote that “Having a self-proclaimed Junction Citian, General Adna R. Chaffee, as the first Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army meant that Fort Riley would receive its share of attention from military planners.  In 1901, the Secretary of War had approved Fort Riley for a national encampment of up to 30,000 men.  The decade between 1900 and 1910 marked the growing economic dependence of Junction City on Fort Riley.

 The new look began just prior to the turn of the century with the limestone Civil War memorial arch in City Park (1898). (The park is now called Heritage Park). The Opera House was also built in 1898.  On Sixth Street, just one block west of City Park, was a new stone high school (1903).  (Currently the Geary County Historical Society’s Museum).   Several two-story storefronts appeared along Washington Street, replacing one story frame buildings.  A massive stone county courthouse was built on East Eighth Street (1900). 

	It was the infrastructure that really brought Junction City into the twentieth century.  Most important were the enlarged Union Pacific roundhouse, which assured that Junction City would continue to be a railroad center; The Electric Railway, Light and Ice Company, which provided the power for street lights, interior lighting, the Junction City and Fort Riley Street Railway; the telephone company and concrete sidewalks for the anticipated brick paved streets.

	The Ladies’ Reading Club had its own distinction in the new era.  Captain Bertrand Rockwell built a stone cottage-style clubhouse in honor of his wife, Julia Snyder Rockwell.  Inspired by the expanding spirit of the town, they renewed their commitment to establishing a free public library, a cause they had espoused when they first met in 1874.  They collected a thousand volumes and planned to submit a library bond issue to the voters in 1903.  Two years later, when the electorate still had not voted the money, Junction City acquired funding for a library building in a dramatic and unexpected way.

	George Smith was a tinsmith who owned several pieces of commercial property in Junction City.  He was an eccentric who lived in a room above a grocery store. During the Civil War, he opened a hardware store in Junction City.  In the early-morning hours of January 5, 1905, he shot himself in the head with a derringer pistol.  His will revealed that he had left all his property, an estate of over $50,000 for the building and maintenance of a public library.”

“Handwashing at Frey’s Restaurant in 1911”

	During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all aware of the importance of the need to frequently wash our hands to prevent advancing the virus. Sanitizing our hands is also important when we enter a store or church.  

In September of 1911, the Kansas Board of Health, under the direction of Dr. Samuel Crambine, it was decreed that roller towels in public facilities were not sanitary and should be replaced with paper towels. 

 William Frey, was the owner of Frey’s Restaurant at 605 N. Washington Street, which later became the Good Eats Café, Stevie’s and is now Bella’s Italian Restaurant in the Rialto Building.  William  had the new paper towels installed at his popular restaurant.  However, when a writer for the local newspaper learned of a story about a hand washing incident at the restaurant, the author suggested the food department send a person to instruct patrons regarding its use.  

Apparently, one gentleman went into the restaurant to get dinner. Before dinner, he went to the washroom to wash his hands. After washing his hands, he began to look for a towel on rollers to dry his hands, which was common in 1911.  However, the man could not find anything except a roll of paper.  The only other thing in view was an old coat, which had been left hanging in the washroom.  He took the coat from the hanger and eagerly completed drying his hands on the coat.  This leaves us to wonder if there was more chance of getting infected from drying his hands on the coat, than if he had not washed his hands at all.   

If you “dine-in” at a restaurant, be sure to wash your hands.  Use an air-drying system or paper towel for drying your hands.  Properly dispose of the paper towel.  Some of us carry our own small bottle of sanitizer with us, just in case there are no paper towels or air-drying system.  

"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/2020/8/1596729389819.jpeg" alt="Gen. Adna R. Chaffee, Sr." />
 <figcaption>Gen. Adna R. Chaffee, Sr.</figcaption>
 </figure>“Bringing Junction City Into The 20th Century”In Susan Franzen’s book, Behind the Façade of Fort Riley’s Hometown The Inside Story of Junction City, Kansas, she wrote that “Having a self-proclaimed Junction Citian, General Adna R. Chaffee, as the first Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army meant that Fort Riley would receive its share of attention from military planners. In 1901, the Secretary of War had approved Fort Riley for a national encampment of up to 30,000 men. The decade between 1900 and 1910 marked the growing economic dependence of Junction City on Fort Riley. The new look began just prior to the turn of the century with the limestone Civil War memorial arch in City Park (1898). (The park is now called Heritage Park). The Opera House was also built in 1898. On Sixth Street, just one block west of City Park, was a new stone high school (1903). (Currently the Geary County Historical Society’s Museum). Several two-story storefronts appeared along Washington Street, replacing one story frame buildings. A massive stone county courthouse was built on East Eighth Street (1900). 	It was the infrastructure that really brought Junction City into the twentieth century. Most important were the enlarged Union Pacific roundhouse, which assured that Junction City would continue to be a railroad center; The Electric Railway, Light and Ice Company, which provided the power for street lights, interior lighting, the Junction City and Fort Riley Street Railway; the telephone company and concrete sidewalks for the anticipated brick paved streets.	The Ladies’ Reading Club had its own distinction in the new era. Captain Bertrand Rockwell built a stone cottage-style clubhouse in honor of his wife, Julia Snyder Rockwell. Inspired by the expanding spirit of the town, they renewed their commitment to establishing a free public library, a cause they had espoused when they first met in 1874. They collected a thousand volumes and planned to submit a library bond issue to the voters in 1903. Two years later, when the electorate still had not voted the money, Junction City acquired funding for a library building in a dramatic and unexpected way.	George Smith was a tinsmith who owned several pieces of commercial property in Junction City. He was an eccentric who lived in a room above a grocery store. During the Civil War, he opened a hardware store in Junction City. In the early-morning hours of January 5, 1905, he shot himself in the head with a derringer pistol. His will revealed that he had left all his property, an estate of over $50,000 for the building and maintenance of a public library.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596729442895.jpeg" alt="Former Good Eats Cafe, 605 N. Washington" />
 <figcaption>Former Good Eats Cafe, 605 N. Washington</figcaption>
 </figure>“Handwashing at Frey’s Restaurant in 1911”	During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all aware of the importance of the need to frequently wash our hands to prevent advancing the virus. Sanitizing our hands is also important when we enter a store or church. In September of 1911, the Kansas Board of Health, under the direction of Dr. Samuel Crambine, it was decreed that roller towels in public facilities were not sanitary and should be replaced with paper towels. William Frey, was the owner of Frey’s Restaurant at 605 N. Washington Street, which later became the Good Eats Café, Stevie’s and is now Bella’s Italian Restaurant in the Rialto Building. William had the new paper towels installed at his popular restaurant. However, when a writer for the local newspaper learned of a story about a hand washing incident at the restaurant, the author suggested the food department send a person to instruct patrons regarding its use. Apparently, one gentleman went into the restaurant to get dinner. Before dinner, he went to the washroom to wash his hands. After washing his hands, he began to look for a towel on rollers to dry his hands, which was common in 1911. However, the man could not find anything except a roll of paper. The only other thing in view was an old coat, which had been left hanging in the washroom. He took the coat from the hanger and eagerly completed drying his hands on the coat. This leaves us to wonder if there was more chance of getting infected from drying his hands on the coat, than if he had not washed his hands at all. If you “dine-in” at a restaurant, be sure to wash your hands. Use an air-drying system or paper towel for drying your hands. Properly dispose of the paper towel. Some of us carry our own small bottle of sanitizer with us, just in case there are no paper towels or air-drying system.

In Susan Lloyd Franzen’s book, Beyond the Façade of Fort Riley’s Hometown, she wrote about the impact of the Filipino soldiers who were in the Bataan Death March during WWII and later settled in Junction City.  

	“In the 1950s a number of the original Heroes of Bataan arrived at Fort Riley without fanfare.  Most of them were Filipino soldiers who had been on Bataan and endured the march to Camp O’Donnell. Juan Fabia, Hippolito Fernandez, Felix Yapit, Eliodoro Ibarra, Ricardo Yutuc and others escaped or survived the Bataan Death March and later joined the guerillas to continue fighting the Japanese.”  Ricardo’s wife, Presentacion, was also captured. Presentacion was pregnant and had their daughter, Lane, under a banana tree during the Death March.

 	After the war, the Filipino troops who fought against the Japanese were given the opportunity to join the U.S. Army.  Later many of them fought in Korea.  In the 1950s, some of the Filipino soldiers came to Fort Riley and their families came to Junction City to look for their first homes outside the Philippines. 

	At first, the Death March survivors and their families saw the Filipino community in Junction City as a temporary substitute for the life they had left behind in the Philippines, but in time it became home.  Some moved elsewhere and later returned.  Juan and Rose Fabia were among them. They sold their house in Junction City and moved to Florida.” After a year and a half they returned to Junction City.

	“Juanita and Hippolito Fernandez looked at homes in Colorado and California. They decided to stay here because their children liked the school and refused to move. 

 Soldiers were able to use their off-post housing allowance to make payments on new houses. Although their first houses were small, in time the soldiers’ families built up equities with which they bought houses they preferred.   

	 Juan Fabia, Hippolito Fernandez, Felix Yapit, Eliodoro Ibarra and Ricardo Yutuc met again in Junction City in 1956. When these soldiers and their families arrived in Junction City, they renewed their cultural identity and formed the Filipino-American Friendship Club, which held festivals at traditional times and despedias (a farewell party) for those who were leaving.  They taught special lessons on Filipino traditions to grade school children and carried on the musical heritage by forming a quartet to sing Filipino songs in nursing homes.”  

“Frey’s Restaurant in the Rialto Building”

At the turn of the 20th Century, William Frey was a well-known and enterprising owner of Frey’s Restaurant located at 607 N. Washington Street. The Rialto building, which was constructed in 1897, later housed Frey’s Restaurant. 

A souvenir booklet published in 1910 titled “Junction City Past and Present” described Frey’s Restaurant as having seen many changes and additions over time.  Mr. Frey moved into the location of 607 N. Washington Street in 1905.  It was here that the most modern facilities and arrangement of artistic as well as expensive fixtures had created a great deal of interest.  Courteous waiters attended the customers who dined at the restaurant, the lunch counter and the soda fountain. Twelve to 18 employees were required at all times to take care of customers.  Each customer received individual attention and their wishes were catered to with courtesy whether the customers were local people or those visiting.  

Rooms were also available for rent. Regular meals were served as well as short orders of anything customers requested. There was a complete line of imported and domestic cigars, supplies for smokers and tobacco. 

By 1905 Mike Frey had a restaurant in the Rialto building.  In 1919, eight brothers named Maduros came to Junction City and opened the well-known Good Eats Café, which lasted until 1977.  There have been other restaurants at this same location, however, it is now the home of Bella’s Italian Restaurant.

Stop by 605 N. Washington Street and spend some time not only dining, but also imagining what that restaurant would have been like in the early 20th century.  Before or after you enter the restaurant look up at the top of the building and see the word “Rialto” carved into the limestone.  

Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“Heroes of Bataan Lived Among Us”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596128221256.jpeg" alt="Juan Fabia (right front) dancing the Caranosa with daughter Nita while daughter Lynn dances with Frank Asis (1968" />
 <figcaption>Juan Fabia (right front) dancing the Caranosa with daughter Nita while daughter Lynn dances with Frank Asis (1968</figcaption>
 </figure>In Susan Lloyd Franzen’s book, Beyond the Façade of Fort Riley’s Hometown, she wrote about the impact of the Filipino soldiers who were in the Bataan Death March during WWII and later settled in Junction City. 	“In the 1950s a number of the original Heroes of Bataan arrived at Fort Riley without fanfare. Most of them were Filipino soldiers who had been on Bataan and endured the march to Camp O’Donnell. Juan Fabia, Hippolito Fernandez, Felix Yapit, Eliodoro Ibarra, Ricardo Yutuc and others escaped or survived the Bataan Death March and later joined the guerillas to continue fighting the Japanese.” Ricardo’s wife, Presentacion, was also captured. Presentacion was pregnant and had their daughter, Lane, under a banana tree during the Death March. 	After the war, the Filipino troops who fought against the Japanese were given the opportunity to join the U.S. Army. Later many of them fought in Korea. In the 1950s, some of the Filipino soldiers came to Fort Riley and their families came to Junction City to look for their first homes outside the Philippines. 	At first, the Death March survivors and their families saw the Filipino community in Junction City as a temporary substitute for the life they had left behind in the Philippines, but in time it became home. Some moved elsewhere and later returned. Juan and Rose Fabia were among them. They sold their house in Junction City and moved to Florida.” After a year and a half they returned to Junction City.	“Juanita and Hippolito Fernandez looked at homes in Colorado and California. They decided to stay here because their children liked the school and refused to move. Soldiers were able to use their off-post housing allowance to make payments on new houses. Although their first houses were small, in time the soldiers’ families built up equities with which they bought houses they preferred. 	 Juan Fabia, Hippolito Fernandez, Felix Yapit, Eliodoro Ibarra and Ricardo Yutuc met again in Junction City in 1956. When these soldiers and their families arrived in Junction City, they renewed their cultural identity and formed the Filipino-American Friendship Club, which held festivals at traditional times and despedias (a farewell party) for those who were leaving. They taught special lessons on Filipino traditions to grade school children and carried on the musical heritage by forming a quartet to sing Filipino songs in nursing homes.” “Frey’s Restaurant in the Rialto Building”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596128440074.jpeg" alt="The Rialto Building" />
 <figcaption>The Rialto Building</figcaption>
 </figure>At the turn of the 20th Century, William Frey was a well-known and enterprising owner of Frey’s Restaurant located at 607 N. Washington Street. The Rialto building, which was constructed in 1897, later housed Frey’s Restaurant. A souvenir booklet published in 1910 titled “Junction City Past and Present” described Frey’s Restaurant as having seen many changes and additions over time. Mr. Frey moved into the location of 607 N. Washington Street in 1905. It was here that the most modern facilities and arrangement of artistic as well as expensive fixtures had created a great deal of interest. Courteous waiters attended the customers who dined at the restaurant, the lunch counter and the soda fountain. Twelve to 18 employees were required at all times to take care of customers. Each customer received individual attention and their wishes were catered to with courtesy whether the customers were local people or those visiting. Rooms were also available for rent. Regular meals were served as well as short orders of anything customers requested. There was a complete line of imported and domestic cigars, supplies for smokers and tobacco. By 1905 Mike Frey had a restaurant in the Rialto building. In 1919, eight brothers named Maduros came to Junction City and opened the well-known Good Eats Café, which lasted until 1977. There have been other restaurants at this same location, however, it is now the home of Bella’s Italian Restaurant.Stop by 605 N. Washington Street and spend some time not only dining, but also imagining what that restaurant would have been like in the early 20th century. Before or after you enter the restaurant look up at the top of the building and see the word “Rialto” carved into the limestone.

“Difficult Times Require Sacrifices”

During the Great Depression and WWI flour companies began to pack flour in colorful fabrics.  Once the flour had been used, women turned the sacks into clothing.  

People make sacrifices during times of need for their country, state, county, community or for individuals. We can only imagine there were people who resisted, but eventually the majority did and will also do the right thing in our time. 

	During WWI and II each American shopper signed a pledge promising not to buy, hoard or use more than 3 pounds of sugar per month. Coffee, meat, cheese, milk, clothing, shoes, canned goods, tires, processed foods, gasoline/fuel and metal were also rationed.  

	Every American on the home front was issued a series of ration books. The ration books contained removable stamps good for certain rationed items. No one could buy a rationed item without also giving the grocer the correct ration stamp.  If you ran out of tokens, you could not buy more until the next month.  This meant strict meal planning and innovation for families to make it through the month.

 	 Americans were told to buy it with thought; cook it with care; use less wheat and meat; buy local foods. Serve just enough and use what is left – don’t waste it.   

For brides preparing their wedding dresses in the 1940s, the war rationing made traditional white dresses an expensive luxury.  Some brides opted to wear their best dress – white or otherwise – to help conserve fabric.  Wedding suits and colored dresses were an alternative to the traditional white gown. One trend involved sewing dresses out of the white silk of parachutes after the war ended.   

When SGT Charles Jewell returned from the Philippines, he brought home pina fabric made from pineapple fibers for his bride to be – Anna Matilda Oesterhaus.  This fabric was used to create clothes for her wedding trousseau.

 Rationing became a part of the image of patriotism.  Posters, newspapers articles and radios praised those who used rationing to help with the war effort.  A common phrase used during WWII was “Do with less, so they’ll have enough”.  In difficult times individual sacrifices are necessary for the good of all!!!

“John and Ruth Keys Were Early Settlers”

	 John and Ruth Keys were married in the state of New York in 1854.  They decided to move out west and first lived in Iowa before coming to Kansas in the spring of 1860. 

 The Keys stopped in Junction City where they purchased a land warrant for $200, which entitled them to 160 acres of unclaimed land. They settled in the Chapman Creek area.  There wasn’t a drop of rain all that summer.  John and Ruth slept in their covered wagon with their nearest neighbor being three miles away and Native Americans roaming about the area.  

	One day John went to Junction City to get supplies and did not return until the following day.  While he was gone and just before dark, a band of Native Americans came by and asked Ruth if the big chief, meaning Ruth’s husband, was in the wagon.  Ruth led them to believe that he was, so they left and didn’t bother her.  However, they did set up camp so close that Ruth could hear them snoring as they slept. 

	As a result of a drought and John’s ill health, the family gave up the farm and moved into Junction City where Ruth lived on the same block for nearly fifty years.  She raised two sons, but both died within a month of each other in 1906. Her husband, John, had passed on many years before she died in 1915.  Ruth was buried in Highland Cemetery in July of 1915.  

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/2020/7/1595852449231.jpeg" alt="Ration Book Coupon" />
 <figcaption>Ration Book Coupon</figcaption>
 </figure>“Difficult Times Require Sacrifices”During the Great Depression and WWI flour companies began to pack flour in colorful fabrics. Once the flour had been used, women turned the sacks into clothing. People make sacrifices during times of need for their country, state, county, community or for individuals. We can only imagine there were people who resisted, but eventually the majority did and will also do the right thing in our time. 	During WWI and II each American shopper signed a pledge promising not to buy, hoard or use more than 3 pounds of sugar per month. Coffee, meat, cheese, milk, clothing, shoes, canned goods, tires, processed foods, gasoline/fuel and metal were also rationed. 	Every American on the home front was issued a series of ration books. The ration books contained removable stamps good for certain rationed items. No one could buy a rationed item without also giving the grocer the correct ration stamp. If you ran out of tokens, you could not buy more until the next month. This meant strict meal planning and innovation for families to make it through the month. 	 Americans were told to buy it with thought; cook it with care; use less wheat and meat; buy local foods. Serve just enough and use what is left – don’t waste it. For brides preparing their wedding dresses in the 1940s, the war rationing made traditional white dresses an expensive luxury. Some brides opted to wear their best dress – white or otherwise – to help conserve fabric. Wedding suits and colored dresses were an alternative to the traditional white gown. One trend involved sewing dresses out of the white silk of parachutes after the war ended. When SGT Charles Jewell returned from the Philippines, he brought home pina fabric made from pineapple fibers for his bride to be – Anna Matilda Oesterhaus. This fabric was used to create clothes for her wedding trousseau. Rationing became a part of the image of patriotism. Posters, newspapers articles and radios praised those who used rationing to help with the war effort. A common phrase used during WWII was “Do with less, so they’ll have enough”. In difficult times individual sacrifices are necessary for the good of all!!!“John and Ruth Keys Were Early Settlers” <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595852534809.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>	 John and Ruth Keys were married in the state of New York in 1854. They decided to move out west and first lived in Iowa before coming to Kansas in the spring of 1860. The Keys stopped in Junction City where they purchased a land warrant for $200, which entitled them to 160 acres of unclaimed land. They settled in the Chapman Creek area. There wasn’t a drop of rain all that summer. John and Ruth slept in their covered wagon with their nearest neighbor being three miles away and Native Americans roaming about the area. 	One day John went to Junction City to get supplies and did not return until the following day. While he was gone and just before dark, a band of Native Americans came by and asked Ruth if the big chief, meaning Ruth’s husband, was in the wagon. Ruth led them to believe that he was, so they left and didn’t bother her. However, they did set up camp so close that Ruth could hear them snoring as they slept. 	As a result of a drought and John’s ill health, the family gave up the farm and moved into Junction City where Ruth lived on the same block for nearly fifty years. She raised two sons, but both died within a month of each other in 1906. Her husband, John, had passed on many years before she died in 1915. Ruth was buried in Highland Cemetery in July of 1915.

“The Pre-Civil War House At 1064 West Chestnut”

	Edmund S. (E.S.) McFarland was born in Clinton, New York in 1828 and learned the trade of a carpenter. In March 1852, he enlisted in the Second United States Dragoons with his regiment being in Texas before he was assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas in 1855.  He then mustered out in 1857. 

	E.S. returned east for a few months before coming back to Kansas with his brother, James Horatio.  They later settled on adjoining homesteads one mile west of Junction City and three miles from Fort Riley. Edmund built the first building in town, the “Claims House”, before Junction City was incorporated in 1859. The “Claims House” was located at what is now the corner of Sixth and Washington Street. 

	E. S. married Amanda Staples from Massachusetts in 1871.  Edmund built the house on 160 acres of land by using the money he was given for not drinking his ration of whiskey while he served in the Army. 

 The McFarland’s had one daughter, Mary Elizabeth, and a son, J.E. (Ed). Some of the information about the history of the house and the area where it is located comes from Mary Elizabeth’s notebook titled Mary Remembers. Mary lived in the house until she married Henry Axtell in 1895. Mary wrote that “A deep creek and timber ran through the land coming from the south along the valley and crossed the Sixth Street Road.  McFarland Road was an early pioneer trail leading out of Junction City, which ran into the Old Smokey Hill Trail. Many pioneer schooners traveled through the land.”  In 1942, J.E. (Ed) McFarland sold 120 acres of the land to Glenn and Myrtle Kirkpatrick. In 1945 the Kirkpatrick’s sold 52 acres to Walter and LaVanche Homer. 

 The Homers completely renovated the house on the land they purchased from the Kirkpatricks.  In 1949, Walter built the pond now called Homer’s Pond, which is located near Eisenhower Street across from the Devin Center for Education Support. Colonel (retired) Leland and Katherine Flynn bought the house in 1964. In 1969, Don and Mary Carrier purchased and remodeled the house and later remodeled it several times. When their son, Steve, was two or three, he often referred to the place as “Old McDonald’s Farm”.  Like E.S.  McFarland, Don Carrier is a “master” carpenter and just as Amanda McFarland was a teacher, Don and Mary had long careers in educating the youth in Geary County schools. The house is located at 1064 W. Chestnut in Junction City, Kansas. 

	“Shaken, not stirred” is a command often given by James Bond in the Ian Fleming novels, which become movies.  It is in reference to James Bond’s preference for the making of his martini.  However, today’s story is about what to do with hay after it is mowed.  Should it be “shaken or stirred?”

	The story comes from a July 1866 article in the “Junction City Union” newspaper.  The writer stated that “his father says it don’t do nay good to keep stirring hay all the time after it is mowed, till it is cured”.  Uncle John, who is a good farmer, says we “ought to keep stirring the grass all the time”.  Mother says: “Uncle John cannot bear to see anyone rest for one minute, so all the while he keeps his people working whether or not it does any good.”  I should like to know who is right on this subject stated the author.  

	Well, the reply came back stating that “it seems Uncle John was right.  The more one stirred newly mown grass, the more it cured evenly and the sooner it was fit to go into the barn. Some of the best farmers used a horse hay-tender for keeping the grass in constant motion.  As soon as an acre or two was mown, they started up the tender, shook up and turned over the hay until it was fit to rake.  The sun did the most damage by burning and scorching the grass when the hay lay thick on the ground and was not turned. The respondent also stated that “it would be best to shake all the bunches into pieces and throw it around lightly so the air may circulate through it and raise the moisture.  This would hurry along the curing process”.

	Now we know that at least when it comes to curing hay, both shaking and stirring helps. However, it may be an individual choice to have a martini shaken not stirred. 

"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/2020/7/1594913742546.jpeg" alt="1064 W Chestnut - 1871" />
 <figcaption>1064 W Chestnut - 1871</figcaption>
 </figure>“The Pre-Civil War House At 1064 West Chestnut” 	Edmund S. (E.S.) McFarland was born in Clinton, New York in 1828 and learned the trade of a carpenter. In March 1852, he enlisted in the Second United States Dragoons with his regiment being in Texas before he was assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas in 1855. He then mustered out in 1857. 	E.S. returned east for a few months before coming back to Kansas with his brother, James Horatio. They later settled on adjoining homesteads one mile west of Junction City and three miles from Fort Riley. Edmund built the first building in town, the “Claims House”, before Junction City was incorporated in 1859. The “Claims House” was located at what is now the corner of Sixth and Washington Street. 	E. S. married Amanda Staples from Massachusetts in 1871. Edmund built the house on 160 acres of land by using the money he was given for not drinking his ration of whiskey while he served in the Army. The McFarland’s had one daughter, Mary Elizabeth, and a son, J.E. (Ed). Some of the information about the history of the house and the area where it is located comes from Mary Elizabeth’s notebook titled Mary Remembers. Mary lived in the house until she married Henry Axtell in 1895. Mary wrote that “A deep creek and timber ran through the land coming from the south along the valley and crossed the Sixth Street Road. McFarland Road was an early pioneer trail leading out of Junction City, which ran into the Old Smokey Hill Trail. Many pioneer schooners traveled through the land.” In 1942, J.E. (Ed) McFarland sold 120 acres of the land to Glenn and Myrtle Kirkpatrick. In 1945 the Kirkpatrick’s sold 52 acres to Walter and LaVanche Homer. The Homers completely renovated the house on the land they purchased from the Kirkpatricks. In 1949, Walter built the pond now called Homer’s Pond, which is located near Eisenhower Street across from the Devin Center for Education Support. Colonel (retired) Leland and Katherine Flynn bought the house in 1964. In 1969, Don and Mary Carrier purchased and remodeled the house and later remodeled it several times. When their son, Steve, was two or three, he often referred to the place as “Old McDonald’s Farm”. Like E.S. McFarland, Don Carrier is a “master” carpenter and just as Amanda McFarland was a teacher, Don and Mary had long careers in educating the youth in Geary County schools. The house is located at 1064 W. Chestnut in Junction City, Kansas. “Shaken, Not Stirred” 	“Shaken, not stirred” is a command often given by James Bond in the Ian Fleming novels, which become movies. It is in reference to James Bond’s preference for the making of his martini. However, today’s story is about what to do with hay after it is mowed. Should it be “shaken or stirred?”	The story comes from a July 1866 article in the “Junction City Union” newspaper. The writer stated that “his father says it don’t do nay good to keep stirring hay all the time after it is mowed, till it is cured”. Uncle John, who is a good farmer, says we “ought to keep stirring the grass all the time”. Mother says: “Uncle John cannot bear to see anyone rest for one minute, so all the while he keeps his people working whether or not it does any good.” I should like to know who is right on this subject stated the author. 	Well, the reply came back stating that “it seems Uncle John was right. The more one stirred newly mown grass, the more it cured evenly and the sooner it was fit to go into the barn. Some of the best farmers used a horse hay-tender for keeping the grass in constant motion. As soon as an acre or two was mown, they started up the tender, shook up and turned over the hay until it was fit to rake. The sun did the most damage by burning and scorching the grass when the hay lay thick on the ground and was not turned. The respondent also stated that “it would be best to shake all the bunches into pieces and throw it around lightly so the air may circulate through it and raise the moisture. This would hurry along the curing process”.	Now we know that at least when it comes to curing hay, both shaking and stirring helps. However, it may be an individual choice to have a martini shaken not stirred.

“The Pawnee Town Association of 1854”

In September of 1854, the Pawnee Town Association was formed to establish a town near the new Army post at Fort Riley.  The Association was composed totally of military officers and territorial officials, including Major W.R. Montgomery, the commander of the Post and the first Territorial Governor Andrew H. Reeder of Pennsylvania.  Governor Reeder assured the Association of his intent to convene the first Territorial Legislature at Pawnee if proper buildings could be constructed. Major Montgomery agreed to exclude the town site from the first survey of the fort reserve. 

Pawnee was soon a booming town of a dozen or so dwellings with a two-story capitol and a large hotel under construction.  By May, the hotel could boast of having about 500 residents.  There were two sawmills and three saloons, which catered to the workmen and soldiers, who were building the nearby fort. 

 In April of 1855, Governor Reeder called the first legislature to convene at Pawnee on July 2nd. This “Bogus Legislature” met at Pawnee July 2nd through 6th in 1855 in the unfinished Capitol Building. The nickname “Bogus Legislature” came from widespread accounts of fraudulent voting in the March 30, 1855 election that selected the assembly’s initial members to the Legislature. The legislators were mostly pro-slavery Missourians, while Reeder and the Pawnee citizens were predominately Free-staters. The main acts of the session were to expel the two free-state members and to vote to transfer the capitol from Pawnee in central Kansas to Lecompton, which was located closer to the Missouri border. 

	Later that summer, Jefferson Davis, the Secretary of War in Frank Pierce’s cabinet, expanded the boundaries of the fort to include the Pawnee town-site.  The citizens were ordered out. In October of 1855 soldiers rode in with grappling hooks and pulled the houses and buildings down.  This left only the old stone Capitol Building as a mute testimonial of the little settlement that was to have been the Capitol of Kansas. 

	The First Territorial Capitol can still be seen on Fort Riley and is open by appointment. 		           

“Ruth Gordon Baked Pies For The “Bogus Legislature in 1855”

	The information in this article was written by the late Marilyn Heldstab, who was a former Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society. The article was published in the JC Union newspaper in 1993.  Marilyn also gave credit for information used in her article to the late J.C. Poe, who was the local Masonic Lodge Historian in 1993. 

“Mr. and Mrs. G.F. Gordon were early settlers in this area when Kansas was still a territory. G.F. Gordon came to Kansas from Easton, Pennsylvania in the company of Andrew H. Reeder, the first Territorial Governor of Kansas.  In 1855, he was married to Ruth Berry of Juanita, Pennsylvania. The wedding took place in the old Capitol building at Pawnee and was officiated by Chaplain David Clarkson.

	Ruth Gordon, age 16, baked 70 pies for the first Territorial Legislature, which convened on July 2, 1855.  Mrs. Gordon baked those pies before the days of ovens and quick mix piecrust and later told her children they were made from anything which could be found in the way of pie filling.  She also told them she waited the table at which Governor Reeder dined. 

	The Gordons were among the families driven from the military reservation when the borders were fixed by Jefferson Davis, then Secretary of War and later the President of the Confederacy.  Pawnee was found to be inside the reservation and families living there were forcibly ejected when they refused to leave.  The Gordons went across the river from the old capitol building and built a log cabin.  

 	Mr. and Mrs. Gordon lost two children during the epidemic of “black” diphtheria during those early wintry days.  The snow was so deep it was impossible to take the bodies to the cemetery and the dead were buried in the snow near the cabin until the snow melted.” 

	Their granddaughter was Alverta Trebilcock.  She was a long-time organist at the First Methodist Church in Junction City.  	

Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“The Pawnee Town Association of 1854”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594307591544.jpeg" alt="Andrew Reeder, first governor of Kansas Territory" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Reeder, first governor of Kansas Territory</figcaption>
 </figure>In September of 1854, the Pawnee Town Association was formed to establish a town near the new Army post at Fort Riley. The Association was composed totally of military officers and territorial officials, including Major W.R. Montgomery, the commander of the Post and the first Territorial Governor Andrew H. Reeder of Pennsylvania. Governor Reeder assured the Association of his intent to convene the first Territorial Legislature at Pawnee if proper buildings could be constructed. Major Montgomery agreed to exclude the town site from the first survey of the fort reserve. Pawnee was soon a booming town of a dozen or so dwellings with a two-story capitol and a large hotel under construction. By May, the hotel could boast of having about 500 residents. There were two sawmills and three saloons, which catered to the workmen and soldiers, who were building the nearby fort. In April of 1855, Governor Reeder called the first legislature to convene at Pawnee on July 2nd. This “Bogus Legislature” met at Pawnee July 2nd through 6th in 1855 in the unfinished Capitol Building. The nickname “Bogus Legislature” came from widespread accounts of fraudulent voting in the March 30, 1855 election that selected the assembly’s initial members to the Legislature. The legislators were mostly pro-slavery Missourians, while Reeder and the Pawnee citizens were predominately Free-staters. The main acts of the session were to expel the two free-state members and to vote to transfer the capitol from Pawnee in central Kansas to Lecompton, which was located closer to the Missouri border. 	Later that summer, Jefferson Davis, the Secretary of War in Frank Pierce’s cabinet, expanded the boundaries of the fort to include the Pawnee town-site. The citizens were ordered out. In October of 1855 soldiers rode in with grappling hooks and pulled the houses and buildings down. This left only the old stone Capitol Building as a mute testimonial of the little settlement that was to have been the Capitol of Kansas. 	The First Territorial Capitol can still be seen on Fort Riley and is open by appointment. 		 “Ruth Gordon Baked Pies For The “Bogus Legislature in 1855”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594307664755.jpeg" alt="Ruth Gordon" />
 <figcaption>Ruth Gordon</figcaption>
 </figure>	The information in this article was written by the late Marilyn Heldstab, who was a former Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society. The article was published in the JC Union newspaper in 1993. Marilyn also gave credit for information used in her article to the late J.C. Poe, who was the local Masonic Lodge Historian in 1993. “Mr. and Mrs. G.F. Gordon were early settlers in this area when Kansas was still a territory. G.F. Gordon came to Kansas from Easton, Pennsylvania in the company of Andrew H. Reeder, the first Territorial Governor of Kansas. In 1855, he was married to Ruth Berry of Juanita, Pennsylvania. The wedding took place in the old Capitol building at Pawnee and was officiated by Chaplain David Clarkson.	Ruth Gordon, age 16, baked 70 pies for the first Territorial Legislature, which convened on July 2, 1855. Mrs. Gordon baked those pies before the days of ovens and quick mix piecrust and later told her children they were made from anything which could be found in the way of pie filling. She also told them she waited the table at which Governor Reeder dined. 	The Gordons were among the families driven from the military reservation when the borders were fixed by Jefferson Davis, then Secretary of War and later the President of the Confederacy. Pawnee was found to be inside the reservation and families living there were forcibly ejected when they refused to leave. The Gordons went across the river from the old capitol building and built a log cabin. 	Mr. and Mrs. Gordon lost two children during the epidemic of “black” diphtheria during those early wintry days. The snow was so deep it was impossible to take the bodies to the cemetery and the dead were buried in the snow near the cabin until the snow melted.” 	Their granddaughter was Alverta Trebilcock. She was a long-time organist at the First Methodist Church in Junction City.

Did You Know This About Geary County History?

“The H.F. Tyler House at 512 N. Jefferson”

	The late Marilyn Heldstab, who was the Geary County Historical Society’s Executive Director in 1993, wrote an article for the Junction City Union newspaper about the H.F. Tyler house.  The house was originally located at 512 N. Jefferson.

	“The H.F.Tylers, had become a prominent family in Junction City by the turn of the 20th century.  They owned Tyler Mills, which was located on East Eighth Street.  The mill was founded in 1893 by D.W. Tyler and became one of the largest mills in Kansas. 

	The Tyler’s house was west of the city park on a lot which was homesteaded in 1860 by Captain J.R. McClure. The plans of the house were drawn by H.C. Chivers of St. Louis and were remodeled by George C. Moses of Junction City.  The house was mostly built by Junction City workmen under Mr. Tyler’s supervision.

	The front porch was a large half circle thirty feet in width and from the steps to the door was twenty-nine feet.  The circle was formed in a stone wall seven feet high. 

	The first floor of the house was divided into a reception hall, parlor, sitting room, dining room and kitchen.  All the rooms could be made into one large room by sliding doors.  The kitchen was supplied with hot and cold soft water and hot and cold hard water.  One door of the kitchen opened into a cold storage room which supplied ice during the summer through a small chute from the outside.

	The second story of the house was divided into a large receiving room, four bedrooms, a large bathroom and closets.  The attic was large and could have been furnished.   There was a laundry chute, which ran from the second floor to the basement.

	The rooms throughout the house were connected by speaking tubes. Every part of the house was fitted for electric lighting.  The hardware used, such as the locks, hinges, etc. were of brass with a sand finish.  All of the floors of the house were of hard maple.” 

	  The house was demolished to make way for a building and loan company, which took up two lots including 512 N. Jefferson St.  The Sunflower Bank is now at the location.  

“Some History About The Junction City Little Theater - Then and Now”

	The Junction City Little Theater is the longest-running community theater in the state of Kansas.  It began in 1949 with the vision and guidance of Bettina Coover.  In 1955, Coover, Betty Cleary, Mona Kessinger and Alma Hornbaker signed the documents of incorporation which created the Junction City Little Theater (JCLT).  

	Early productions were staged in schools, auditoriums, and churches.  In 1960 the Little Theater began the long tenure at the 18th Street location, which was the former USO for “colored” soldiers. In 2008, the JCLT transitioned to the newly renovated C.L. Hoover Opera House, where it opened its 301st production with Meredith Willson’s The Music Man.  The office is now located on the second floor of the Opera House, up the main staircase and to the left. Costume and some set storage; a shop for set construction; a huge room for props, hats and shoes; a “black box” stage for smaller shows and a sewing room are located across the street at the JCLT Annex. The Annex was purchased in 2009, which was the location of the former Mass-Hinitt Funeral Home. 

 	A mural has recently been painted on the south side of the Annex that highlights some of the history of the local theater organization. Sally Jardine, Secretary of the JC Arts Council, was the  leader of a  mural committee consisting of Ranell Steiner also with the Arts Council; Janette Vogelsang, Little Theater Foundation; Michelle Custer, President of the JCLT Board; Sheila Markley, Co-Director of the C.L. Hoover Opera House; Chris Heldstab, Director of the ASTRA Program at the Opera House and Brad Johnson, Exchange Bank.  

The money to pay for this project came from a grant provided by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, National Endowment for the Arts  and donations from generous Junction City community members including the R2B4 Bramlage Family Foundation, David and Suzy Lauseng, David and Sylvia Walker Benevolent Fund and the Hampton Inn.  

The grant required the mural be painted by a traveling artist, who lives more than 60 miles from the artwork. Artists were contacted to find the right fit for the project with the final decision being made to bring in Dr. Bob Palmer from Bethany, Oklahoma.  He began work on June 22 and finished June 24, 2020.

Using historical elements suggested by the Arts Council Board, Dr. Palmer came up with a collage style mural for the JCLT Annex wall on Jefferson Street.  The collage includes titles and characters from shows previously performed, the old 18th St. Theater and a portrait of Bettina Coover, whose vision started Junction City Little Theater.   

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/2020/7/1593713014467.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“The H.F. Tyler House at 512 N. Jefferson”	The late Marilyn Heldstab, who was the Geary County Historical Society’s Executive Director in 1993, wrote an article for the Junction City Union newspaper about the H.F. Tyler house. The house was originally located at 512 N. Jefferson.	“The H.F.Tylers, had become a prominent family in Junction City by the turn of the 20th century. They owned Tyler Mills, which was located on East Eighth Street. The mill was founded in 1893 by D.W. Tyler and became one of the largest mills in Kansas. 	The Tyler’s house was west of the city park on a lot which was homesteaded in 1860 by Captain J.R. McClure. The plans of the house were drawn by H.C. Chivers of St. Louis and were remodeled by George C. Moses of Junction City. The house was mostly built by Junction City workmen under Mr. Tyler’s supervision.	The front porch was a large half circle thirty feet in width and from the steps to the door was twenty-nine feet. The circle was formed in a stone wall seven feet high. 	The first floor of the house was divided into a reception hall, parlor, sitting room, dining room and kitchen. All the rooms could be made into one large room by sliding doors. The kitchen was supplied with hot and cold soft water and hot and cold hard water. One door of the kitchen opened into a cold storage room which supplied ice during the summer through a small chute from the outside.	The second story of the house was divided into a large receiving room, four bedrooms, a large bathroom and closets. The attic was large and could have been furnished. There was a laundry chute, which ran from the second floor to the basement.	The rooms throughout the house were connected by speaking tubes. Every part of the house was fitted for electric lighting. The hardware used, such as the locks, hinges, etc. were of brass with a sand finish. All of the floors of the house were of hard maple.” 	 The house was demolished to make way for a building and loan company, which took up two lots including 512 N. Jefferson St. The Sunflower Bank is now at the location. “Some History About The Junction City Little Theater - Then and Now” 	The Junction City Little Theater is the longest-running community theater in the state of Kansas. It began in 1949 with the vision and guidance of Bettina Coover. In 1955, Coover, Betty Cleary, Mona Kessinger and Alma Hornbaker signed the documents of incorporation which created the Junction City Little Theater (JCLT). 	Early productions were staged in schools, auditoriums, and churches. In 1960 the Little Theater began the long tenure at the 18th Street location, which was the former USO for “colored” soldiers. In 2008, the JCLT transitioned to the newly renovated C.L. Hoover Opera House, where it opened its 301st production with Meredith Willson’s The Music Man. The office is now located on the second floor of the Opera House, up the main staircase and to the left. Costume and some set storage; a shop for set construction; a huge room for props, hats and shoes; a “black box” stage for smaller shows and a sewing room are located across the street at the JCLT Annex. The Annex was purchased in 2009, which was the location of the former Mass-Hinitt Funeral Home. 	A mural has recently been painted on the south side of the Annex that highlights some of the history of the local theater organization. Sally Jardine, Secretary of the JC Arts Council, was the leader of a mural committee consisting of Ranell Steiner also with the Arts Council; Janette Vogelsang, Little Theater Foundation; Michelle Custer, President of the JCLT Board; Sheila Markley, Co-Director of the C.L. Hoover Opera House; Chris Heldstab, Director of the ASTRA Program at the Opera House and Brad Johnson, Exchange Bank. The money to pay for this project came from a grant provided by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, National Endowment for the Arts and donations from generous Junction City community members including the R2B4 Bramlage Family Foundation, David and Suzy Lauseng, David and Sylvia Walker Benevolent Fund and the Hampton Inn. The grant required the mural be painted by a traveling artist, who lives more than 60 miles from the artwork. Artists were contacted to find the right fit for the project with the final decision being made to bring in Dr. Bob Palmer from Bethany, Oklahoma. He began work on June 22 and finished June 24, 2020.Using historical elements suggested by the Arts Council Board, Dr. Palmer came up with a collage style mural for the JCLT Annex wall on Jefferson Street. The collage includes titles and characters from shows previously performed, the old 18th St. Theater and a portrait of Bettina Coover, whose vision started Junction City Little Theater.

“The Brown Family Lived Where The Library Is Now Located”

The late and former Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, Marilyn Heldstab, wrote an article for the Junction City Union newspaper about Richard John Brown and his family.  This is some of what Marilyn wrote: 

“Richard Brown moved to Junction City to open the Brown Harness Company in 1864. When the family first settled in Junction City, they lived at 520 W. Seventh Street. Eventually Richard and his wife, Maggie McKay, made their home at 230 W. Seventh Street, which is now the location of the Dorothy Bramlage Library.

Mr. Brown first had a shop near the corner of Sixth and Washington Streets, opposite what is now Heritage Park.  He soon erected a building on Washington Street between Seventh and Eighth Streets.  One city directory in the museum’s research room shows the location at 727 Washington.  Later it appears as 719 N. Washington.  At one time the numbering of buildings was changed, so this may account for the difference. In 1888, the Rockwell store next door and to the north was destroyed by fire.  The same fire burned Mr. Brown’s building.  He rebuilt the same year, only this time using brick and stone instead of wood.

The Browns were parents to seven children.  Two young daughters died of diphtheria on the same day.  They were five and seven.  The other children, Tom, Arthur, Charles, Richard and their only daughter, Jessie all survived their parents.   They owned other land around the homestead.  Jessie gave the Nazarene Church land at the corner of Seventh and Webster on which to build a church.

Tom and Dick kept the saddle and harness business going until at least 1911. Richard sold real estate and was associated with the First National Bank.  Tom farmed until he moved to town to live with sister Jessie.  Art farmed and worked at the city water works.  Charles Brown owned and operated Brown Electric from 1918 until the time of his death in 1977.”

“The Miller Drug Store Was A Junction City Landmark”

Albert Nickerson Miller was born in Provincetown, Massachusetts in November of 1858. It was approximately 1875 when the Miller family made their way to Kansas from New Hampshire.  Robert Miller came first and settled on a 700 acre spread at the western edge of the Fort Riley military reservation.  Two years later, sons Albert and Henry and their wives arrived to give a hand in a joint ranching venture.  The three families all lived and worked on the ranch and soon became recognized for their fine livestock operation.  They were the first breeders of purebred horses, hogs and cattle in the area. 

In 1888, however, for reasons unknown, the Miller family disposed of their ranch property and holdings and moved into Junction City, where Albert Miller opened his first drug store in November of 1889.  The new business struggled getting off the ground.  Perhaps it was for this reason that Albert Miller and his family left Geary County in 1894 and moved to Larned, Kansas. They lived in Larned for only three months before moving back to Junction City.

After the return to Junction City, Albert again attempted to establish his own drug store.  The A.N. Miller Drug Store, was located on the northeast corner of 7th and Washington Streets until 1909 until J.J. Pennell’s new building opened at 801 Nt. Washington Street.  At that time, the Miller Drug Store became one of the three businesses which shared the ground floor of the Pennell building. The large onyx soda fountain was designed especially for the Miller Drug Store.  The front bar was over 20 feet in length and two men could easily work at the fountain.  This area is currently part of the Court Services secretaries workspace on the main floor of the building. 

The Miller Drug Store occupied this location only five or six years before moving back to its former location at 701 N. Washington Street.  About 1915, A.N. Miller retired and his sons Charles and Ed continued the business.   

Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“The Brown Family Lived Where The Library Is Now Located”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593102793095.jpeg" alt="230 W.7th" />
 <figcaption>230 W.7th</figcaption>
 </figure>The late and former Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, Marilyn Heldstab, wrote an article for the Junction City Union newspaper about Richard John Brown and his family. This is some of what Marilyn wrote: “Richard Brown moved to Junction City to open the Brown Harness Company in 1864. When the family first settled in Junction City, they lived at 520 W. Seventh Street. Eventually Richard and his wife, Maggie McKay, made their home at 230 W. Seventh Street, which is now the location of the Dorothy Bramlage Library.Mr. Brown first had a shop near the corner of Sixth and Washington Streets, opposite what is now Heritage Park. He soon erected a building on Washington Street between Seventh and Eighth Streets. One city directory in the museum’s research room shows the location at 727 Washington. Later it appears as 719 N. Washington. At one time the numbering of buildings was changed, so this may account for the difference. In 1888, the Rockwell store next door and to the north was destroyed by fire. The same fire burned Mr. Brown’s building. He rebuilt the same year, only this time using brick and stone instead of wood.The Browns were parents to seven children. Two young daughters died of diphtheria on the same day. They were five and seven. The other children, Tom, Arthur, Charles, Richard and their only daughter, Jessie all survived their parents. They owned other land around the homestead. Jessie gave the Nazarene Church land at the corner of Seventh and Webster on which to build a church.Tom and Dick kept the saddle and harness business going until at least 1911. Richard sold real estate and was associated with the First National Bank. Tom farmed until he moved to town to live with sister Jessie. Art farmed and worked at the city water works. Charles Brown owned and operated Brown Electric from 1918 until the time of his death in 1977.”“The Miller Drug Store Was A Junction City Landmark”Albert Nickerson Miller was born in Provincetown, Massachusetts in November of 1858. It was approximately 1875 when the Miller family made their way to Kansas from New Hampshire. Robert Miller came first and settled on a 700 acre spread at the western edge of the Fort Riley military reservation. Two years later, sons Albert and Henry and their wives arrived to give a hand in a joint ranching venture. The three families all lived and worked on the ranch and soon became recognized for their fine livestock operation. They were the first breeders of purebred horses, hogs and cattle in the area. In 1888, however, for reasons unknown, the Miller family disposed of their ranch property and holdings and moved into Junction City, where Albert Miller opened his first drug store in November of 1889. The new business struggled getting off the ground. Perhaps it was for this reason that Albert Miller and his family left Geary County in 1894 and moved to Larned, Kansas. They lived in Larned for only three months before moving back to Junction City.After the return to Junction City, Albert again attempted to establish his own drug store. The A.N. Miller Drug Store, was located on the northeast corner of 7th and Washington Streets until 1909 until J.J. Pennell’s new building opened at 801 Nt. Washington Street. At that time, the Miller Drug Store became one of the three businesses which shared the ground floor of the Pennell building. The large onyx soda fountain was designed especially for the Miller Drug Store. The front bar was over 20 feet in length and two men could easily work at the fountain. This area is currently part of the Court Services secretaries workspace on the main floor of the building. The Miller Drug Store occupied this location only five or six years before moving back to its former location at 701 N. Washington Street. About 1915, A.N. Miller retired and his sons Charles and Ed continued the business.

“Road and Bridge Repairs An Issue Then and Now”

	Street and road repairs increased in recent weeks on the west side of Junction City. These repairs are necessary for safe and convenient travel to and from our destinations. The condition of our city and county roads are often discussed as an ongoing issue.  This appears to have also been true in 1873.  

 An election had recently concluded in April of that year and the “Junction City Union” newspaper called upon the County Commissioners to lay out a road from Washington Street to beyond Henderson’s Grove – being careful not to injure Mr. House’s substantial wire fence in the process – and to ditch and drain the road leading through the Dismal Swamp. 

 The intent was to make a road that would be passable for a loaded wagon or light carriage to traverse it without constant peril. It was noted that the Commissioners should attend to the bridge over the Smoky Hill River at Judge Gordon’s place.  It seemed that it was in bad repair with the floor being dilapidated and rotten making travel across it dangerous.  Commissioners were warned that if the bridge were not repaired soon it could cost them a new structure.  

	In conclusion, the editor of the local newspaper noted that those who traveled between Junction City and Fort Riley had reported the bridge over the Republican River was also in bad condition.  “We have a system of railroads to take in the whole country.  It is time to work up a system of local wagon roads so neighbors can visit each other.  Buyers want better roads to get directly to town to shop and make purchases.”

	Some of us complain about the condition of our streets and roads and even the inconvenience of having to follow detours during the time when repairs are being made.  However, after the repairs are made, we are thankful and appreciate the work done.

“The House at Third and Adams Streets”

The house at 240 W. Third Street in Junction City will be 127 years old this year.   The late Marilyn Heldstab, former Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote an article for Junction City’s local newspaper about the house.  

“Captain David Hill had the home built for his family in 1893.  His daughter, Ida Fitzgibbons, made the plans for the house.  On October 14, 1893, the Junction City Union newspaper reported the family was “at home” in their new residence.  

Hill did not intend for his home to be considered elegant.  However, his stately home with so many large rooms and generous porches seems elegant even by today’s standards. 

Hill was a land and cattle baron from Denver, Colorado, who came here in the late 19th century.  His obituary on January 29, 1910, described him as a shrewd businessman who for many years owned the finest farms and city property.  

Hill sold the house around 1904 to George T. Brown, a man in the lumber business.  Several others owned the home until 1924, when it was converted into apartments shared by five families.  In the 1960s it sheltered nuns of St. Xavier’s parish for nearly a year.

	Since that time, the house has been restored to a family dwelling and several families have played a part in the rebirth.  Eugene and Dorothy Seaburn began the process, followed by Carl and Ingrid Bierbaum in 1979. Carl Bierbaum owned the B.F. Goodrich Stores in Junction City and Coffeyville, Kansas.

	When the Bierbaums sold the house, the next owners were Donna and Charles Lundeen.”  The Lundeens owned the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Junction City and Brown’s Floral.  

We want to again encourage you to take a driving tour to see some of the beautiful historic houses in our area and you will see why we say “Our Past IS Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“Road and Bridge Repairs An Issue Then and Now”	Street and road repairs increased in recent weeks on the west side of Junction City. These repairs are necessary for safe and convenient travel to and from our destinations. The condition of our city and county roads are often discussed as an ongoing issue. This appears to have also been true in 1873. An election had recently concluded in April of that year and the “Junction City Union” newspaper called upon the County Commissioners to lay out a road from Washington Street to beyond Henderson’s Grove – being careful not to injure Mr. House’s substantial wire fence in the process – and to ditch and drain the road leading through the Dismal Swamp. The intent was to make a road that would be passable for a loaded wagon or light carriage to traverse it without constant peril. It was noted that the Commissioners should attend to the bridge over the Smoky Hill River at Judge Gordon’s place. It seemed that it was in bad repair with the floor being dilapidated and rotten making travel across it dangerous. Commissioners were warned that if the bridge were not repaired soon it could cost them a new structure. 	In conclusion, the editor of the local newspaper noted that those who traveled between Junction City and Fort Riley had reported the bridge over the Republican River was also in bad condition. “We have a system of railroads to take in the whole country. It is time to work up a system of local wagon roads so neighbors can visit each other. Buyers want better roads to get directly to town to shop and make purchases.”	Some of us complain about the condition of our streets and roads and even the inconvenience of having to follow detours during the time when repairs are being made. However, after the repairs are made, we are thankful and appreciate the work done.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592496598365.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“The House at Third and Adams Streets” The house at 240 W. Third Street in Junction City will be 127 years old this year. The late Marilyn Heldstab, former Director of the Geary County Historical Society, wrote an article for Junction City’s local newspaper about the house. “Captain David Hill had the home built for his family in 1893. His daughter, Ida Fitzgibbons, made the plans for the house. On October 14, 1893, the Junction City Union newspaper reported the family was “at home” in their new residence. Hill did not intend for his home to be considered elegant. However, his stately home with so many large rooms and generous porches seems elegant even by today’s standards. Hill was a land and cattle baron from Denver, Colorado, who came here in the late 19th century. His obituary on January 29, 1910, described him as a shrewd businessman who for many years owned the finest farms and city property. Hill sold the house around 1904 to George T. Brown, a man in the lumber business. Several others owned the home until 1924, when it was converted into apartments shared by five families. In the 1960s it sheltered nuns of St. Xavier’s parish for nearly a year.	Since that time, the house has been restored to a family dwelling and several families have played a part in the rebirth. Eugene and Dorothy Seaburn began the process, followed by Carl and Ingrid Bierbaum in 1979. Carl Bierbaum owned the B.F. Goodrich Stores in Junction City and Coffeyville, Kansas.	When the Bierbaums sold the house, the next owners were Donna and Charles Lundeen.” The Lundeens owned the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Junction City and Brown’s Floral. We want to again encourage you to take a driving tour to see some of the beautiful historic houses in our area and you will see why we say “Our Past IS Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

“Who Threw The First Forward Pass In College Football?”

John York, who lived at 240 W. Fifth Street in Junction City until recently, shared about  previous residents at that address who were  Dr. W.A. and Hazel Smiley.  In a June 8, 1960 article from our local newspaper, the author wrote the following:

“Dr. W.A. Smiley was born in Delphi, Indiana and received his grade school education there before his widowed mother moved to a farm near Stafford, Kansas.  He played football in high school and a physician-friend persuaded him to study medicine in college.

Mrs. Elizabeth Smiley took her family to Topeka and William Arthur Smiley enrolled in Washburn College.  He graduated from the School of Medicine in the spring of 1910.  

At Washburn he played halfback and quarterback.  W.A. captained the Washburn team in 1909 and has been credited by many players and the Topeka Capital with being the first football player to throw a forward pass. Until that time, passes were not permitted.  Passes were considered trick plays and not “real football”. In that game Washburn played Fairmount College of Wichita, which later became Wichita State University.  

Following graduation, W.A. Smiley came to Junction City in 1910 to assist Dr. W.A. Carr.  Smiley’s first office was over at the Eisenhower Drug Store, which also served as his residence. 

Upon his arrival in Junction City, Dr. Smiley learned that his college football teammate I.M. Platt, who was a lawyer in town, was also coaching the high school football team.  There was no hired coach.  Dr. Smiley joined Mr. Platt and continued to coach the team for several seasons. 

After Dr. Carr returned from his military service, he and Dr. Smiley formed a partnership. For many years their office was over the Central National Bank, but later moved to the old Home State Bank building on West Seventh Street. In 1951 the practice was moved to a modern building at Sixth and Jefferson Streets. 

Dr. W.A. Smiley was introduced to the 30-30 rifle and eventually represented Kansas as a member of the state civilian team in the National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. He was a member of the Masonic orders and the Presbyterian Church. 

William Arthur Smiley married Hazel Arnold of Chapman in 1910 and they lived most of their married life at 240 West Fifth Street.  Hazel was an active Democrat, a member of the Ladies Reading Club, the Presbyterian Church and served on the School Board for 25 years.  The Smiley’s had three children. Dr. W.A. Smiley retired in 1976 at age 90. He died at age 92 in July of 1978.”

“The House At 240 West Fifth Street”

Today’s story is a shortened version of an article written in the book Set in Stone titled Rescuing Dr. Smiley’s Prairie Style Abode written by Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society. 

“John York undertook the restoration of the old Prairie-style home in 2001 after acquiring it from the grandson of the builder. At that time, the garage had nearly fallen in and only one or two rooms in the big old house were being used.  Overgrown trees and shrubs had nearly obscured the front entrance and the impressive wrap-around porch. 

The home featured beautiful woodwork including unique exposed ceiling beams in every room of the ground floor.  All this was retained with no refinishing.  Expansions were made to the kitchen and back porch, bathrooms upgraded, new electric service and two new heating and air conditioning units were installed.  The original plumbing, which was all copper and in excellent condition, was retained.  John also added a matching two-story garage/studio that connects to the northeast rear corner of the house. 

John explained that all the doors in the house are 84 inches high rather than the standard 78 inches.  He assumes that this was a special requirement for Dr. Smiley, who was well over six feet in height.  Other unique features include single bare bulb light fixtures located at each point where the ceiling beams crossed in the living room and dining room.  Initially John had planned to install wall to wall carpeting over the two inch oak wood floors until he learned that his uncle, Glenn White, had installed the floors for Mrs. Smiley in the 1920s. 

It is believed that the house on the site was the location for a brief time of one of Junction City’s earliest hospitals.  This is based on the following notation printed in the Junction Union on September 9, 1913:  

Drs. Carr and Smiley, two or the prominent physicians of this city, have commenced to make plans for a small hospital they will open in the building at the corner of 5th and Adams Streets now occupied by Dr. Smiley.  The east part of the residence will be arranged for the use of the hospital work and while the place will not be large enough to accommodate many patients, they will make what they have at the hospital modern in every respect and be able to have patients close at hand where they can be given the best care and attention. “

John York has recently moved to another address.  Joe and Sheila Markley purchased the house in 2019.

Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“Who Threw The First Forward Pass In College Football?” John York, who lived at 240 W. Fifth Street in Junction City until recently, shared about previous residents at that address who were Dr. W.A. and Hazel Smiley. In a June 8, 1960 article from our local newspaper, the author wrote the following:“Dr. W.A. Smiley was born in Delphi, Indiana and received his grade school education there before his widowed mother moved to a farm near Stafford, Kansas. He played football in high school and a physician-friend persuaded him to study medicine in college.Mrs. Elizabeth Smiley took her family to Topeka and William Arthur Smiley enrolled in Washburn College. He graduated from the School of Medicine in the spring of 1910. At Washburn he played halfback and quarterback. W.A. captained the Washburn team in 1909 and has been credited by many players and the Topeka Capital with being the first football player to throw a forward pass. Until that time, passes were not permitted. Passes were considered trick plays and not “real football”. In that game Washburn played Fairmount College of Wichita, which later became Wichita State University. Following graduation, W.A. Smiley came to Junction City in 1910 to assist Dr. W.A. Carr. Smiley’s first office was over at the Eisenhower Drug Store, which also served as his residence. Upon his arrival in Junction City, Dr. Smiley learned that his college football teammate I.M. Platt, who was a lawyer in town, was also coaching the high school football team. There was no hired coach. Dr. Smiley joined Mr. Platt and continued to coach the team for several seasons. After Dr. Carr returned from his military service, he and Dr. Smiley formed a partnership. For many years their office was over the Central National Bank, but later moved to the old Home State Bank building on West Seventh Street. In 1951 the practice was moved to a modern building at Sixth and Jefferson Streets. Dr. W.A. Smiley was introduced to the 30-30 rifle and eventually represented Kansas as a member of the state civilian team in the National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. He was a member of the Masonic orders and the Presbyterian Church. William Arthur Smiley married Hazel Arnold of Chapman in 1910 and they lived most of their married life at 240 West Fifth Street. Hazel was an active Democrat, a member of the Ladies Reading Club, the Presbyterian Church and served on the School Board for 25 years. The Smiley’s had three children. Dr. W.A. Smiley retired in 1976 at age 90. He died at age 92 in July of 1978.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591888803785.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“The House At 240 West Fifth Street”Today’s story is a shortened version of an article written in the book Set in Stone titled Rescuing Dr. Smiley’s Prairie Style Abode written by Gaylynn Childs, retired Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society. “John York undertook the restoration of the old Prairie-style home in 2001 after acquiring it from the grandson of the builder. At that time, the garage had nearly fallen in and only one or two rooms in the big old house were being used. Overgrown trees and shrubs had nearly obscured the front entrance and the impressive wrap-around porch. The home featured beautiful woodwork including unique exposed ceiling beams in every room of the ground floor. All this was retained with no refinishing. Expansions were made to the kitchen and back porch, bathrooms upgraded, new electric service and two new heating and air conditioning units were installed. The original plumbing, which was all copper and in excellent condition, was retained. John also added a matching two-story garage/studio that connects to the northeast rear corner of the house. John explained that all the doors in the house are 84 inches high rather than the standard 78 inches. He assumes that this was a special requirement for Dr. Smiley, who was well over six feet in height. Other unique features include single bare bulb light fixtures located at each point where the ceiling beams crossed in the living room and dining room. Initially John had planned to install wall to wall carpeting over the two inch oak wood floors until he learned that his uncle, Glenn White, had installed the floors for Mrs. Smiley in the 1920s. It is believed that the house on the site was the location for a brief time of one of Junction City’s earliest hospitals. This is based on the following notation printed in the Junction Union on September 9, 1913: Drs. Carr and Smiley, two or the prominent physicians of this city, have commenced to make plans for a small hospital they will open in the building at the corner of 5th and Adams Streets now occupied by Dr. Smiley. The east part of the residence will be arranged for the use of the hospital work and while the place will not be large enough to accommodate many patients, they will make what they have at the hospital modern in every respect and be able to have patients close at hand where they can be given the best care and attention. “John York has recently moved to another address. Joe and Sheila Markley purchased the house in 2019.

“The Large Stone House At 106 N. Jackson”

	Today’s story is a shortened version of an article written for the “J.C. Union” newspaper in 1994.  The original article was written by the late Marilyn Heldstab, who was then the Director of the Geary County Historical Society. 

	“The abstract related to the house at what is now 106 N. Jackson indicates the first entry of September 3, 1860. An 1886 entry listed a frame barn on the property at that time. Dustin Sands and his wife took out a mortgage on the property in 1887.  It is assumed that is when the present stone house was started. 

When Mr. Sands built the house, the walls cost $1,500 and he let them set for a year for settling purposes before completing the house.  The Sands’ may have lived in the house for a time before the Stephen Boon family acquired the property in 1901.  

 Stephen Boon had been a widower with two children.  Stephen and his father owned and operated the Bartell Hotel.  When Julia, Stephen’s second wife, came to Junction City the family lived at the hotel.  Mrs. Boon decided a hotel was no place to raise children so they got out of the business and Fred Boon, Stephen’s younger brother, took over the hotel. Stephen opened the Model Meat Market at 706 N. Washington Street. That building is now part of the First National Bank building (currently the Exchange Bank) and is hidden behind a stucco façade.

Stephen Boon (sometimes spelled Boone) died in 1942. Elizabeth Boon Compton related that there was extensive remodeling done over the years when the Boon family owned the house.  Julia remained in the house until August of 1943 when she sold the property to Mr. and Mrs. Howard Harper. 

Katherine (Harper) Hornbaker stated that the kitchen she acquired still had the old pitcher pump that had a cistern as its source of water.  Light was supplied by single bare bulbs that hung in the center of each room. They were low wattage, which made the rooms quite dim.  The worst part for Katherine was the large cast-iron cook stove that still reposed in the kitchen.

Donald and Norma Bush acquired the house in May 1973.  They also remodeled and updated areas of the house.” Terry and Peggy Heldstab purchased the house in 1994 and then sold it in 2020. The current owners are Mr. and Mrs.  Zac Hall.

“Rural Phone Lines Near Completion In 1905”

	Today, most of us have a cell phone.  We are able to make calls from almost anywhere, search the internet, check our Facebook pages, post pictures, use many different apps to get special deals on items we may want to purchase, play video games, word games and use our phones for many other uses.  

	However, in June of 1905, on the east side of Junction City, Kansas the farm telephone lines were just nearing completion.  Manager Thomas Dorn of the Wareham Dewey Exchange informed the “Junction City Daily Union” newspaper that he would be connecting the lines as soon as arrangements could be made and the materials could be laid out on the ground. (Thomas Dorn was also one of the early managers of the Opera House in Junction City).  

The farmers and townspeople had to pay a toll of 15 cents per use.  With the completion of the eastern lines, there would be few points in any area within 25 miles of Junction City that could not be reached by telephone.  

The connecting lines cost the telephone company about $75 to $100 per mile.  The lines going to Alida, Kansas connected with all those to the north and northeast and part of Dickinson County, which made it the longest connecting line in the area. 

	Just think how far we have come since 1905 with the ability to call almost anywhere in the world from our house, business or even while traveling in our car. There are some youngsters who would have never known life without a cell phone. A rotary dial phone may be only something they see images of on their hand-held device. 

Did You Know This About Geary County History?”By Dr. Ferrell MillerGeary County Historical Society Board Member“The Large Stone House At 106 N. Jackson”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591290649014.jpeg" alt="The 1904 Pennell photograph of the Stephen Boon family and their home at 106 N. Jackson Street&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The 1904 Pennell photograph of the Stephen Boon family and their home at 106 N. Jackson Street&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>	Today’s story is a shortened version of an article written for the “J.C. Union” newspaper in 1994. The original article was written by the late Marilyn Heldstab, who was then the Director of the Geary County Historical Society. 	“The abstract related to the house at what is now 106 N. Jackson indicates the first entry of September 3, 1860. An 1886 entry listed a frame barn on the property at that time. Dustin Sands and his wife took out a mortgage on the property in 1887. It is assumed that is when the present stone house was started. When Mr. Sands built the house, the walls cost $1,500 and he let them set for a year for settling purposes before completing the house. The Sands’ may have lived in the house for a time before the Stephen Boon family acquired the property in 1901. Stephen Boon had been a widower with two children. Stephen and his father owned and operated the Bartell Hotel. When Julia, Stephen’s second wife, came to Junction City the family lived at the hotel. Mrs. Boon decided a hotel was no place to raise children so they got out of the business and Fred Boon, Stephen’s younger brother, took over the hotel. Stephen opened the Model Meat Market at 706 N. Washington Street. That building is now part of the First National Bank building (currently the Exchange Bank) and is hidden behind a stucco façade.Stephen Boon (sometimes spelled Boone) died in 1942. Elizabeth Boon Compton related that there was extensive remodeling done over the years when the Boon family owned the house. Julia remained in the house until August of 1943 when she sold the property to Mr. and Mrs. Howard Harper. Katherine (Harper) Hornbaker stated that the kitchen she acquired still had the old pitcher pump that had a cistern as its source of water. Light was supplied by single bare bulbs that hung in the center of each room. They were low wattage, which made the rooms quite dim. The worst part for Katherine was the large cast-iron cook stove that still reposed in the kitchen.Donald and Norma Bush acquired the house in May 1973. They also remodeled and updated areas of the house.” Terry and Peggy Heldstab purchased the house in 1994 and then sold it in 2020. The current owners are Mr. and Mrs. Zac Hall.“Rural Phone Lines Near Completion In 1905”	Today, most of us have a cell phone. We are able to make calls from almost anywhere, search the internet, check our Facebook pages, post pictures, use many different apps to get special deals on items we may want to purchase, play video games, word games and use our phones for many other uses. 	However, in June of 1905, on the east side of Junction City, Kansas the farm telephone lines were just nearing completion. Manager Thomas Dorn of the Wareham Dewey Exchange informed the “Junction City Daily Union” newspaper that he would be connecting the lines as soon as arrangements could be made and the materials could be laid out on the ground. (Thomas Dorn was also one of the early managers of the Opera House in Junction City). The farmers and townspeople had to pay a toll of 15 cents per use. With the completion of the eastern lines, there would be few points in any area within 25 miles of Junction City that could not be reached by telephone. The connecting lines cost the telephone company about $75 to $100 per mile. The lines going to Alida, Kansas connected with all those to the north and northeast and part of Dickinson County, which made it the longest connecting line in the area. 	Just think how far we have come since 1905 with the ability to call almost anywhere in the world from our house, business or even while traveling in our car. There are some youngsters who would have never known life without a cell phone. A rotary dial phone may be only something they see images of on their hand-held device.

		Geary County Historical Society Board Member

“The Cholera Epidemic of 1855”

	Immigrants moving west in the 1800s brought with them more than hopes and dreams.  They brought cholera.  Cholera probably began in India and spread around the world along trade routes.  It first appeared in America in the 1800s. Cholera rarely spread from person to person, but through the contamination of water sources.

	 Percival Lowe, a former soldier, gave the following personal account to the Kansas Historical Society in 1901. “The Congress that adjourned March 4, 1855 made appropriations for preparing Fort Riley for a cavalry post by erecting new quarters, stables for five troops of cavalry, storehouses, etc.  The plans were prepared in Washington and Major Edmund A. Ogden was ordered to take charge of the work.  The buildings were all to be of stone taken from quarries in the vicinity of the post. I was post wagon-master at Fort Leavenworth when the order came to furnish transportation for men to Fort Riley along with a request from Major Ogden that I be placed in charge of it. The work crew reached the post in four days and work on the buildings began in earnest the first week in July. By the end of the month, one two-story building was finished and a number of others were well underway.”

Did You Know This About Geary County History?”	By Dr. Ferrell Miller		Geary County Historical Society Board Member“The Cholera Epidemic of 1855”	Immigrants moving west in the 1800s brought with them more than hopes and dreams. They brought cholera. Cholera probably began in India and spread around the world along trade routes. It first appeared in America in the 1800s. Cholera rarely spread from person to person, but through the contamination of water sources.	 Percival Lowe, a former soldier, gave the following personal account to the Kansas Historical Society in 1901. “The Congress that adjourned March 4, 1855 made appropriations for preparing Fort Riley for a cavalry post by erecting new quarters, stables for five troops of cavalry, storehouses, etc. The plans were prepared in Washington and Major Edmund A. Ogden was ordered to take charge of the work. The buildings were all to be of stone taken from quarries in the vicinity of the post. I was post wagon-master at Fort Leavenworth when the order came to furnish transportation for men to Fort Riley along with a request from Major Ogden that I be placed in charge of it. The work crew reached the post in four days and work on the buildings began in earnest the first week in July. By the end of the month, one two-story building was finished and a number of others were well underway.”	 In July 1855, cholera struck Fort Riley killing, Major E.A. Ogden. It reappeared on the military posts in 1866 and 1867. It was equally devastating to civilian populations in the communities that had recently appeared in response to the railroad construction and cattle shipping in central Kansas. 	Elizabeth Custer, detained at Ellsworth on her way east to Fort Riley, reported that it was so bad there was not enough lumber for coffins, and that crude receptacles were fashioned from hardtack boxes. Her husband, George Armstrong Custer, left his post at Fort Wallace to journey to Fort Riley and was later court marshaled. One of his excuses for leaving his post was fear for his wife’s safety. The last major cholera epidemic in the United States occurred in 1873. 	Most of the cholera victims at Fort Riley were buried in the vicinity of the present post cemetery, but their resting places were marked with wooden slabs and these were destroyed by a prairie fire, which swept over the area a few years later. Currently a shady section in the southwest portion of the cemetery has been left untouched and is marked as the collective burial place of the victims of the cholera epidemic of 1855.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590688530629.jpeg" alt="Lt. Walter D. Ehlers" />
 <figcaption>Lt. Walter D. Ehlers</figcaption>
 </figure>D- Day Heroes”	This article is part of a larger one written by the Gaylynn Childs and the late Marilyn Heldstab.&nbsp; Both ladies are former Directors of the Geary County Historical Society. The complete article is found in the book Set In Stone, on page 271.	“Geary County natives John and Maria (O’Neill) Ehlers had two sons, Walter and Roland, who joined the Army together in October 1940. They went through training together and were shipped overseas where they took part in the North African campaign in 1942. They then participated in the invasion of Sicily and the drive into Italy. During that time, Roland was injured by shrapnel and Walter was felled by malaria. Both recovered in time to be shipped to England with the First Division to prepare for the Normandy invasion. Walter achieved the rank of sergeant and his brother, now in the same unit, also became a sergeant. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, they both were part of the second wave to land on Omaha Beach.	Soon after, the Ehlers family were notified that Roland, the eldest son, had been seriously wounded on D-Day. They later found out that he, in fact, had died that same day and Walter had won the Bronze Star for valor. 	Then three days later, Walter earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for actions near Goville, France. According to newspaper reports the citation said he started that day by creeping up on a machine gun that was pinning his squad down. En route, he killed four of the enemy and put the machine gun crew out of action. Walter then went after two mortars protected by machine gun crossfire. He led his squad to do the job and killed three men himself. He had knocked out one enemy position single-handedly. 	On January 19, 1945, the Junction City Union carried an article titled General ‘Cliff’ Lee Writes Letter to Grandfather of Lt. Ehlers, War Hero. “It was a proud moment for two former pupils of Junction City High School when Lt. Gen. John Clifford H. Lee recently placed the Congressional Medal of Honor around the collar of Lt. Walter D. Ehlers on a European battlefield. General Lee, a member of the 1902 graduating class of Junction City High School, recently took the time from his busy schedule to write a letter to Claus B. Ehlers, of Junction City, the grandfather of the young war hero, expressing his pleasure in the occasion. In that letter General Lee pointed out that the citation states ‘deeds of heroism worthy of the best Kansas tradition.’”