Did You Know This About Geary County History?
By Dr. Ferrell Miller
Geary County Historical Society Board Member
“Some Businesses Located In Junction City In 1953”
Today’s article is a reflection on some of the 1953 business in Junction City, which will include products sold, costs of items and even phone numbers. We do not recommend you try to call them, however. See if there are some you remember or have heard others talk about from the past.
The “Daily Union” newspaper sold subscriptions for 25 cents a week.
Crocker Motor Company was located at 117-119 West 8th Street. Their phone number was 1364 and they sold Dodge and Plymouth cars.
Waters Appliance Store was located at 111 West 8th Street. The phone number was 32. They sold 7.2 cubic foot Frigidaire refrigerators with a five year protection plan. The refrigerators came with a blue and gold interior and were built by General Motors. The refrigerators could be purchased for $209.95 with $21.00 down.
The Bramlage Service Station, located at 9th and Washington Streets, sold B.F. Goodrich tires in addition to gasoline, other automotive products and services.
The New Sweden Hot Dining Room was located at 1509 Washington Street. They only took reservations. The phone number was 826. Pan fried chicken, country gravy, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, cottage cheese and desserts in family style were served at the restaurant. This is a similar menu to that found at the Brookville Hotel in Abilene.
Well, perhaps that was a trip down memory lane for some of you. If you have memories of other businesses, our staff would like to hear about them. Stop by our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets anytime between 1 and 4 in the afternoon any day Tuesdays through Saturdays and share your stories.
“Descriptions of Winter Events In 1881 and 1915”
In January of 1881, the Junction City had received the first snow of the season. During that month, a young man by the name of Elisha Edward of Lyon’s Creek brought to town the stuffed skin of a thirty-four pound wildcat, which was caught in a steel trap. It was the largest cat ever seen in the region.
On January 15, 1915, a heavy snowstorm began after midnight in central Kansas and continued until just after 3:00 PM the next day. Twelve inches of snow fell in Junction City and fourteen inches in Manhattan. A strong wind caused the snow to badly drift. In some places it was piled to a depth of several feet. A snowplow and several men with shovels were necessary to keep the streetcar line open and the Union Pacific resorted to the use of snow plows all along the tracks. As expected, most of the trains were running late. A cold wind was forecast for the night bringing in lower temperatures.
We have experienced some cold temperatures and some areas had an accumulation of nine inches of snow during a snow event this winter. Our county highway crews do an amazing job treating and cleaning the roads to make it possible for safe travel. It is still winter and this is still Kansas. Quick changes in the weather can cause hazardous conditions. Be safe!!!
Visiting our Museum is a good way to spend some time during cold wintery days. Our Museum is located at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets in Junction City. The friendly staff and a host will greet you between the hours of 1 and 4 Tuesdays through Saturdays. Come buy and learn more about your Geary County history. Admission is free!!!