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>
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 </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.

Our Past is Present