LAYERS OF HISTORY:
Reflecting on the Archeology Field School
(more on pages 2-3, 5)
Zephyr
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Summer Activities!
One of my favorite events this time of year is the Kansas Archeology Training Program (KATP), which has been held annually since 1975 in partnership with the Kansas Anthropological Association (KAA). Many thanks go to Tim Weston, KAA president, and Virginia Wulfkuhle, KAA editor, for organizing and hosting this year’s event. Held in Crawford and Bourbon counties, the excavation site was located at a property known as the Skinner Homestead in Bourbon County.
The site of this year’s training program was especially interesting since it contained both a prehistoric component and a homestead originally dating to the territorial/early statehood period. You can read all about it on page 5 of this issue, but I wanted to comment specifically on the intriguing vernacular construction of one of the outbuildings. After the original house was burned by bushwackers in 1864, it is thought that this small stone structure was quickly erected to provide shelter. The small single room cabin was constructed of visually striking, striated limestone probably taken from the nearby creek bank, and the interior of the cabin had been finished at some point with plaster over an uncommonly seen, milled wood dovetail lath, which suggests a later renovation. A small, roughly finished, wood-frame attic space, accessible only via an exterior ladder, adds to the mystery. Later shed additions can be attributed to the cabin’s conversion to a farm storage shed and laundry. Hopefully, we will learn more about the construction history of this peculiar building when the final report is completed.
Please send change of address information to the above address, email ashley.wunder@ks.gov, or call 785-272-8681, ext. 263.
Partial funding provided by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. The contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior. This program receives federal funds from the National Park Service. Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in departmental federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program activity or facility operated by a recipient of federal assistance should write to:
Office of Equal Opportunity, National Park Service 1849 C Street NW, Washington DC 20240. ©2024
I was recently honored to be asked to provide remarks at the ceremony in Hays marking the 75th anniversary of the Kansas Merci Train Boxcar. The historical context behind the Merci Train is fascinating. European Allies were in dire need following World War II. American journalist Drew Pearson believed Soviet disinformation complicated the recovery,
“ The site of this year’s training program was especially interesting since it contained both a prehistoric component and a homestead originally dating to the territorial/early statehood period.”
citing European press agencies praising their meager gifts. He wanted an American grassroots relief effort that would demonstrate solidarity with Europe. His column and broadcast on October 11, 1947, presented a vision of the Friendship Train. American towns and cities competed to collect food and necessities. The Freedom Train began ceremoniously across the nation, passing through 11 states but collecting from all. Three trains filled 270 boxcars with an estimated $49 million in goods. Signed from the United States of America, they were delivered to Europe, making stops in France and Italy with gifts shared in Austria, Germany, Greece, and Norway. The European press praised America’s good will as Pearson had hoped.
Europeans expressed their appreciation in many ways. The French sent boxcars with gifts to show their appreciation to the American people. The “40 and 8” boxcars, one for each of the 48 states plus one car shared by Washington, D.C., and the territory of Hawaii, arrived in February 1949. The “40 and 8” carried an earlier meaning for veterans of the World Wars. The boxcars, about a third the size of the standard car, were used by the French military to hold 40 men or eight horses. The American Legion formed an honor society in 1920 named for these less than comfortable transports. These smaller boxcars, renamed Merci—with thanks from the French people, were filled with some 50,000 items for each
state. The Kansas Merci Boxcar began its tour on top of a flatbed rail car on June 26, 1949, with needlework, dolls, letters, and commemorative medallions for exhibits, schools, museums, libraries, historical societies, and other public institutions. The car visited Wichita, then Topeka, where it was parked at Memorial Hall for public tours, and sent to visit 120 communities around the state. The boxcar’s final stop was in Hays, on November 11, 1949, where the American Legion “Voiture of the 40 and 8” offered to maintain the car. Visitors can now see the Merci boxcar exhibit at Hays Veterans Memorial Park. Most other states display their Merci boxcars. At least two have been scrapped and the whereabouts of others are unknown.
I was curious as to whether a current event, even one so prominent as the Merci Train, would be mentioned in KSHS documents from that year. Sure enough, the annual report for 1949 noted that “Gov. Frank Carlson sent to the Society a Sevres vase, a gift from Pres. Vincent Auriol of France. It was brought to Kansas on the ‘Merci Train.’” The vase was one of 48 given to each state by the French president. This vase along with a metal serving tray, decorative bronze disc medal, and three French dolls in traditional attire, are part of our museum collection.
The Society of 40 Men & 8 Horses, Voiture 1543, and the Friends of the Kansas Merci Boxcar and Museum Society are to be commended for their excellent stewardship of this important piece of both Kansas and world history for the past 75 years.
Patrick Zollner EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER
Longtime KAA member Mike Wallen and Executive Director Patrick Zollner discuss the unsusual construction methods of the Skinner Homestead cabin.
The Kansas Merci Boxcar in Hays marks its 75th year in 2024.
The Sevres vase was previously on display in the Kansas Museum of History’s Recent Past case.
A non-profit supporting and promoting the work of the Historical Society through fund raising, fund management, membership, and retail.
RECOGNIZING LINDA JEFFREY, BOARD PRESIDENT
John Pinegar, Former Interim CEO/Development Director
We thank Linda Jeffrey for her remarkable service as president of the Kansas Historical Foundation. Linda began her one-year term in November 2023 and has helped fulfill the Foundation’s mission to support and promote Kansas history through the work of the Kansas Historical Society. In addition to her primary responsibilities, she led the Foundation through a transitional period, serving as chairperson of the search committee to hire newly-appointed CEO/Development Director Gaye Leonard. We look forward to introducing Gaye in the next issue of Zephyr and thank Linda for her determination and guidance that led to this incredible hire.
Linda has provided invaluable support to the Kansas Historical Foundation over the past year, but her journey with the organization spans many years and a number of roles. After joining the board in 2017, she quickly became a member of the executive committee, which exercises its powers. When an interim executive director was needed from 2021-2022, Linda graciously stepped up for the task. Her unwavering commitment to being a
WITH SPECIAL APPRECIATION:
NANCY COLE
John Pinegar, Former Interim CEO/ Development Director
In 2012 the Kansas Historical Foundation hired Nancy Cole, CPA, as a part-time staff accountant. Nancy had a long auditing career working for respected public accounting firms. After enjoying retirement for a few years, she returned to the workforce on a part-time basis and found a home with the Kansas Historical Foundation.
Nancy was primarily responsible for maintaining the Foundation’s financial transactions and daily functions such as recording income, invoicing, paying bills, and processing payroll, as well as preparing requested financial reports. Throughout her tenure she served as the primary contact for outside accounting and audit firms that performed the annual nonprofit audit and prepared necessary federal and
leader and helping whomever, whenever, and however needed has made an observable mark on the Kansas Historical Foundation.
A Topeka native, Linda holds undergraduate and law degrees from Washburn University. She is now retired after working in the public sector as Kansas’ Assistant Attorney General, County Counselor of Shawnee County, and the City Attorney of Topeka. Linda is a shining example of volunteering’s transformative power, having served on the boards of Community Action, Inc., the Women’s Fund of Topeka, and the Topeka Community Foundation. In 2017 she was named Woman of Distinction by the American Business Women’s Association’s Career Chapter. Linda’s community service will continue on Washburn University’s Board of Regents, which she was recently appointed to by Governor Laura Kelly.
Linda has been a pillar of support for the Kansas Historical Foundation, and her steadfast leadership, profound wisdom, and perseverance inspire us all. We are entirely grateful for her dedication to this role and years of service. Thank you for your contributions, Madam President!
state filings. Yet her knowledge and contributions to the Foundation extended far beyond fiscal responsibilities. After 10 years in this role, Nancy retired a second time, in June 2022, to enjoy other activities and sharpen her golf game.
In April 2024 Kansas Historical Foundation President Linda Jeffrey asked Nancy to return to the organization part-time for a few months to complete some special projects. Nancy didn’t hesitate due to her high regard for the people and work of the Kansas Historical Foundation and the Kansas Historical Society.
Over the past few months Nancy has successfully accomplished a variety of tasks. “I absolutely love the teamwork and respect we have for one another. It is fun coming to a place with happy people who love where they work. I see smiles everywhere I turn,” Nancy said. “By the way, my golf game still needs sharpening!”
The Kansas Historical Foundation is grateful for Nancy’s work, but more importantly, for her strong connections with agency staff members and dedication to our mission of supporting and promoting Kansas history. Thank you, Nancy, for your friendship and commitment to our work!
Protecting and understanding the archeological resources of Kansas— working with local, state, and tribal entities, offering educational programming, and conducting and sharing research.
UNEARTHING THE HISTORY OF THE SKINNER HOMESTEAD PROPERTY
AT THE 2024 KATP FIELD SCHOOL
Dr. Nikki Klarmann, PhD, State Archeologist
PROPERTY OVERVIEW - This summer the Kansas Archeology Training Program (KATP) focused on two sites in Bourbon County on property owned by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and managed by Crawford State Park. Locally known as the Skinner Homestead, the field school sought to further document the property’s unique history. It was donated to the park by the estate of former landowner, Clifford Skinner, after his death in 2013. His daughter, Jan Martin (1), visited KATP several times to share valuable historical information.
14BO361 - Stone points found by Skinner provide evidence of early Native American occupation of the property. The site had never been examined by professional archeologists and was recorded in 2014 based on secondhand recollections. KATP conducted a systematic survey on the recorded site to better understand its history and determine its eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The survey included shovel and auger tests and some excavation units. Though few artifacts were recovered, their locations helped provided a more accurate site boundary.
14BO14 - A second area of the property (2) has three standing buildings—a barn, cabin, and house—and is referred to as the Skinner Homestead. The cabin was likely built sometime after 1864, when the original cabin of Hezekiah Harryman was burned by bushwhackers during the Civil War. Investigations at this site focused on documentation of the current cabin structure, along with limited test excavations and metal detection across the property. Further documentation will allow a better understanding of its history and possible nomination to the NRHP.
BENEATH THE CABIN FLOOR - Among the most interesting areas of excavation was the work inside the Harryman cabin. After the main room was photographed, an excavation unit was placed at the center of the dirt floor. A layer of rocks was encountered; once removed, artifacts were uncovered including a complete glass lamp/lantern (3) and nearly complete bowl. Additional items unearthed indicate the possible presence of a cellar or refuse disposal area for the post-1864 cabin or the earlier cabin that had burned. Further analysis of artifacts removed will likely provide additional evidence of the area’s original use.
FINAL THOUGHTS - We are indebted to the Kansas Anthropological Association for taking the lead on planning and administering this year’s field school. KATP was a great success thanks to their leadership and the support of Crawford
State Park staff members. Since there was no lab at this year’s KATP, we held a lab event July 26-28 at the Historical Society to process and catalog the artifacts. Once cataloging is complete, the artifacts will be loaned to Buried Past Consulting for analysis and write-up. There is still much to learn about the two Skinner Homestead sites from the artifacts unearthed. We look forward to providing future updates! Thanks to all participants of the 2024 KATP field school!
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE (SHPO)
Preserving and protecting the state’s historic buildings, structures, and sites through financial assistance programs, technical guidance, and regulations; working with federal, state, and local communities and partners to interpret and preserve these resources.
STATE REGISTER LISTINGS
The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of historically significant properties. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at the Kansas Historical Society administers this and the Register of Historic Kansas Places. In June the Historic Sites Board of Review listed the following 11 properties to the state register and recommended nine of those (denoted with an *) be forwarded to the Office of the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places in Washington, D.C.
Mount Vernon Cemetery, Atchison, Atchison County* Platted in 1864 and expanded in 1882, Mount Vernon Cemetery is one of Kansas’ oldest active cemeteries. Located on the Missouri River, the town of Atchison was incorporated on February 12, 1858, and quickly became an important railroad hub. The Atchison Cemetery Association was formed in late 1863 and chartered in April 1864. The land for Mount Vernon was purchased that same month and the Mount Vernon Cemetery Association was formed. Burials began at the cemetery in 1864 and included prominent Atchison citizens, including three Kansas governors—George Glick, John A Martin, Willis Bailey—and U.S. Senator John J. Ingalls. In addition, lots were purchased by the Masonic fraternity and the Odd Fellows Society for burial of their members. The cemetery now accepts internments through area funeral homes. The cemetery is nominated for its local significance related to the exploration and settlement of Atchison, as well as its design as a Lawn-Park cemetery.
Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church, Lawrence, Douglas County*
Lawrence was a known stop along the Underground Railroad. Prior to the Civil War an unknown number of escaped enslaved people traveled through the area. In the 1860s a “school” emerged to teach the mostly illiterate population arriving in the city. Classes, mostly for adults, were taught in the evenings by volunteer teachers from the community. A church was intended
to be formed from these school groups; eventually two distinct churches, Methodist and Baptist, were established in 1862. By the end of the 1860s at least four Black churches existed in Lawrence, including Ninth Street Missionary Baptist. While the congregation was formed in the 1860s, construction of the building didn’t begin until 1872. With no record of a designer or architect, it is likely the church was built by the congregation. It is an example of the Richardsonian Romanesque/Romanesque Revival style, with arched openings, a turreted tower, and stained-glass windows. The period of significance continues through 1969, as many of its pastors have been civic leaders, including Revered Frank Brown who served as president of the NAACP in the 1950s and 1960s. The church is nominated for its architecture and local significance related to Black history.
Fort Dodge – Junior Officers’ Quarters, Fort Dodge, Ford County*
As a site along the Santa Fe Trail, the history of Fort Dodge predates the history of Kansas as a state. Established around 1864 to1865, Fort Dodge lay between the 240-mile stretch of trail from Fort Larned, Kansas, to Fort Lyon, Colorado. The high winds around the area made camping in tents difficult so the troops were quartered in dugouts along the bank of the Arkansas River until the first barracks were completed in 1867. By 1870 there were three barracks for enlisted men, as well as some officers’ quarters. The Junior Officers’ Quarters was built in 1870 and has an east and west unit with mirrored floorplans. In 1889 Congress authorized the sale of Fort Dodge to the State of Kansas for a soldiers’ home, which the Kansas Veteran’s Commission operated for many years. The property will soon be transferred to the Kansas Historical Society. The Junior Officers’ Quarters is nominated as part of the Historic Resources of the Santa Fe Trail Multiple Property Listing for its significance relating to military history.
Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church
Mount Vernon Cemetery
Fort Dodge – Junior Officers’ Quarters
Lauren Jones, MA, National Register Reviewer
Tauy Baptist Church, Ottawa, Franklin County*
A group of citizens in Franklin County formed the original congregation of Tauy Baptist Church. Individuals began meeting in homes in 1886, and by 1896 they had formally organized their congregation.
Tauy Baptist was named for John “Tauy” Tecumseh Jones, a local Baptist missionary, teacher, and businessman. The group purchased and began work on the church structure in 1900. The building’s design source is unknown but the result is an excellent example of Vernacular Gothic architecture, a subset of the Late Gothic Revival style. Though simple in design, the steeply pitched roof, steeple, tall and narrow windows, stainedglass windows, and vernacular trim exemplify the characterdefining features of the Gothic style. The church underwent an interior remodel in 1955, which is still present today. The building is nominated for its architecture.
Transcontinental Airway Beacon, Anthony, Harper County*
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Kansas proved an ideal location for aviation enthusiasts. Two successful inventors, Clyde Cessna of Rago and A.K. Longren of Topeka, both had sustained flights in 1911. Early landing strips were simply mowed fields on the flat plains, but following World War I, paved runways and municipal airports began to appear. Around the same time, the U.S. Postal Service began shipping mail by plane, which revealed the lack of safe and efficient navigational systems. As a result, the transcontinental airway beacon system was formed. Lighting the night with acetylene gas, beacons were placed every three miles. They could be seen from a 10-mile radius, and undert perfect conditions, up to a 100-mile distance. The Transcontinental Airway Beacon in Anthony was constructed in 1931 along Contractor Airmail Route #34. Like most other beacon towers, the structure was secured on a concrete base in the shape of an arrow. These 70-foot, yellow arrows pointed the way to the next numbered arrow. The tower and arrow are still extant today and are nominated for their significance in the area of transportation.
Learn More and Engage!
Registers of Historic Places Workshop
8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2024
8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2024
bit.ly/kshsnrworkshop
Want to learn more about the registers of historic places? Join us on Zoom for a free, two-day workshop! National Register Coordinator Jamee Fiore Krivenko will underscore program fundamentals, provide guidance for those developing their first nominations, and address more advanced topics. View a full description and access the virtual meeting at the link above.
Dismantling Preservation Listening Session
6-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
Marvin Auditorium, Room 101A
Times have changed since historic preservation became a national priority in 1966 and we want to ensure we’re meeting community needs. Join us for a casual conversation to discuss your preservation priorities and questions. We look forward to learning about your successes and challenges working with preservation programs.
Transcontinental Airway Beacon
Tauy Baptist Church
Prairie Oil and Gas Company Building, Independence, Montgomery County*
When Independence was founded in 1871, agriculture was the primary economic activity. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in southeast Kansas around 1900 allowed Independence to benefit from the subsequent industrial development. The population reached 15,535 by 1907, and by 1912 the town became home to numerous factories, plants, banks, a hospital, and two weekly newspapers. The Prairie Oil and Gas Company, founded in 1900, erected a building in Independence in 1916. It became the central command center for all field operations in the region. Despite its early years of growth and prosperity, Prairie Oil was overtaken in 1932 by the Sinclair-Cudahy Pipeline Company. Sinclair continued to operate out of the building until met with challenges in the 1960s. After a merger with Atlantic Richfield Company, Sinclair Pipeline Company became ARCO Pipeline Company. ARCO continued to operate out of the building until 1994. The property is nominated for its local significance in the area of commerce.
Sturdevant Hardware Building, Chanute, Neosho County*
Chanute was incorporated in 1873 as a result of a new railroad crossing in Neosho County. As rail lines spread, Chanute served as a hub. By 1903 the city was at the center of Kansas’ oil boom, producing nearly 50 percent of the state’s crude oil. Bolstered by these two industries, Chanute’s expansion continued. In 1907 Sturdevant & Son erected a three-story brick and stone building on west Main Street to house its hardware business. This construction by local builder D.D. Johnson is a good example of an early 20th century Commercial style building. The first floor was used for sales, the upper floors as offices, and the rear area for storage. Ownership changed hands over the years but the first floor continued as a hardware store until 2004. The upper floor housed numerous small businesses, including Carter-Hanscome Music Company, doctors offices, real estate companies, the Kansas Torpedo Company, and painter, shoe, and flower stores. The property is nominated for its architecture and local significance in the area of commerce.
Wichita State University – Corbin Education Center, Wichita, Sedgwick County* Corbin Education Center at Wichita State University was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, considered among the greatest architects of the 20th century. Cobin is one of 445 projects that Wright executed during his 70-plus year career. It represents a significant departure from traditional pre-World War II architecture and characterizes the optimism of the period from 1950 through 1969. Designed by Wright between 1957 and 1958, the education center was completed in 1964. The primary materials are glass, brick, precast concrete, and steel. In keeping with Wright’s design philosophies, the large glass planes (or “light screens” in Wright’s words) are the primary exterior material, dissolving the distinction between indoors and outside. The Corbin Education Center retains excellent historic integrity, with minimal modifications over the years. It stands as a unique example of Modernist style in the city of Wichita and is nominated for its architecture.
Pearl Opera House, Alta Vista, Wabaunsee County*
Constructed in 1904, the Pearl Opera House was completed one year prior to Alta Vista’s incorporation in 1905. It was built by local meat market owner Union Thomas and housed two retail spaces on the first floor and a large open hall with a stage on the second floor. In addition to providing entertainment, it served as a meeting venue. The building was constructed of native limestone by Alta Vista mason J.P. Day and his son Amos Day, who are responsible for many of the stone residences, arches, bridges, and commercial buildings around Wabaunsee County. This type of building is defined in the Theaters and Opera Houses of Kansas Multiple Property Listing as a Community Hall. Although there have been alterations over time, it still retains its historic integrity. The opera house is nominated for its local significance in the areas of entertainment and social history.
Prairie Oil and Gas Company Building
Sturdevant Hardware Building
Wichita State University – Corbin Education Center
Pearl Opera House
Biles Brothers Building, Pittsburg, Crawford County Established in 1876, Pittsburg was intentionally formed as an industrial city for mass mining operations. Thanks to recruitment efforts to bring in labor for the surrounding mines, the population expanded from 624 in 1880 to 6,697 in 1890. Among the new arrivals were Paul and George Biles, who established the Biles Brothers Bakery in 1892. As it grew, the owners began to look for a brick-and-mortar location and purchased a lot in 1900. By 1901 they began construction on a new facility. Fred Massman served as the general contractor and oversaw other subcontractors. By January 1902 the bakery opened, offering cakes, breads, candy confections, and ice cream. In addition to the firstfloor business, the upstairs held offices and meeting spaces. The Biles Brothers Bakery closed its doors in 1924, but the building continued serving culinary and retail operations for more than 100 years. It is nominated for its local significance in the area of commerce.
McClellan Hotel, Wichita, Sedgwick County
Built in 1923, the Wichita Eagle announced the McClellan Hotel as a “Fine Structure in Heart of Main Business Center.” Wichita resident Alexander McClellan developed the property at William and Broadway following the death of his parents in 1922. He turned to Richard Gray and John Rigby to operate the new hotel. The building was constructed by local masonry contractor Oliver Mourning, known for his design and construction of commercial buildings and apartment houses throughout the city. The hotel construction spurred major development in the area that had been sparsely dotted with manufacturing firms and garages for the developing automotive industry. The hotel continued operation until December 1981, when it closed after being declared unsafe by the city. After a 1983 rehabilitation, it was used as an office building. The McClellan Hotel is locally significant for its contribution to the community planning and development of the City of Wichita.
National Register Listings
These Kansas properties were recently evaluated by the Office of the Keeper in Washington, D.C, and approved for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
First Presbyterian Church
Lawrence, Douglas County, listed March 11, 2024
Carver Social League
Pittsburg, Crawford County, listed April 30, 2024
Matfield Green High School Gymnasium
Public Schools of Kansas Multiple Property Listing Matfield Green, Chase County, listed May 3, 2024
Hotel Josephine
Holton, Jackson County, listed May 6, 2024
Oakwood Cemetery Parsons, Labette County, listed May 9, 2024
Vermillion United Methodist Church
Vermillion, Marshall County, listed June 10, 2024
The J.H. Stevens-C.L. Thompson Block Historic District
Garden City, Finney County, listed June 17, 2024
Hotel Stamey
Hutchinson, Reno County, listed June 17, 2024
Frank and Agnes Schmotz Farmstead
Agriculture-Related Resources of Kansas
Multiple Property Listing Bonner Springs, Wyandotte County, listed June 17, 2024
Biles Brothers Building
McClellan Hotel
HERITAGE TRUST FUND PROJECT: OAK GROVE SCHOOL
Lauren Jones, MA, National Register Reviewer
The Oak Grove School, District #20 in southeast Neosho County, was awarded a Heritage Trust Fund (HTF) grant for $38,400 in 2021 to restore the floor, mitigate water issues, replace rotted exterior trim and paint, and replace the porch roof.
The Oak Grove School was listed in the National Register in 2016 as part of the Historic Public Schools of Kansas Multiple Property Listing for its local significance in the area of education as well as its architecture. Constructed in 1877 for the early settlers of the Lincoln Township and the Oak Grove community, this was one of only three stone schools among the 96 school districts in Neosho County in 1880. The school also served as a community gathering spot. The oneroom stone building underwent a few modifications over the years, including the addition of a front porch (1913), a bell cupola (since removed), and a coal room at the rear (1937). The school continued to operate until 1960, when it was closed due to rural district consolidation.
With deferred maintenance after the school closed in 1960, the building faced many issues; the most pressing were the rising damp and exterior deterioration.
The rising damp had infiltrated the interior of the building and was damaging the historic plaster. A French drain was installed on the exterior of the building to address this issue, which allowed water to flow away from the building instead of seeping into the foundation and being wicked up through the interior plaster walls. Since termites had damaged the interior hardwood floors, they needed to be restored to make the structure safe. The lack of exterior maintenance had caused trim to rot and need repair or replacement. Further examination showed the porch roof also needed to be replaced to prevent more moisture intrusion.
With this work complete, the Oak Grove School Historical Society plans to utilize the restored schoolhouse as a museum and educational site. Find more photos at oakgroveschoolhouse.org
Apply for the 2025 HTF Grant Round
matched by the grant recipient (80 percent/20 percent).
Applications for the 2025 grant round are due November 1, 2024, and will be awarded February 1, 2025. Join us for a virtual workshop at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 12, for step-by-step application instructions.
With cleaning complete, the Longren biplane is ready for exhibition.
The Heritage Trust Fund is a state program that provides matching grant funds for the preservation of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Register of Historic Kansas Places. HTF was created in 1990 and has awarded more than $30 million to projects across Kansas. Funding comes from a per page fee collected by the register of deeds in each county. These grants have funded water towers, bridges, historic theaters, barns, and other historic buildings. Individual grant awards may not exceed $100,000 and must be
To access the Zoom meeting, learn more about HTF, or view the list of past recipients, visit bit.ly/kshshtf or scan this QR code.
With cleaning complete, the Longren biplane is ready for exhibition.
MUSEUM AND EDUCATION
Using stories from Kansas history to encourage new explorations of the past, understand our present, and appreciate the experiences of others; collecting, preserving, and providing access to the state’s material culture.
RESERVE A TRAVELING RESOURCE TRUNK
Ashley Pheigaru, MLS, Education Coordinator
History is on the go with the Kansas Historical Society’s traveling resource trunks. Nine different trunks cover a range of topics that are perfect for teachers, museums, libraries, community centers, and Kansans wanting to explore the state’s stories. They offer opportunities to study history from multiple perspectives, practice historical thinking skills, and share knowledge through creative activities. All trunks contain teaching manuals with lesson plans, artifacts or high-quality reproductions, and primary sources.
Trunks can be reserved up to one school year in advance on a first come, first served basis. Kansas Day celebrations are popular and booked far in advance.
For a full list of trunks and the reservation form, visit bit.ly/kshstrunks or scan this QR code.
Joy Brennan: Reflecting on 40 Years at KSHS
Joy Brennan, Program Coordinator
I joined the Kansas Historical Society (KSHS) staff in August 1981. Little did I know I would spend the next 43 years being a part of this agency. My story began in the Memorial building as the museum was preparing for a new space west of town.
I saw construction of this “new” museum and eventually the research center. I remember the excitement of artifacts being packed onto moving vans. I watched with anticipation as the 1880s steam locomotive moved across town on a flatbed trailer and then was carefully placed on its tracks in the gallery where it still stands today.
I enjoyed interviewing traditional folk artists across Kansas. From this work came several special exhibits and projects relating to the artists. As program coordinator I helped plan and implement events such as Creative Holidays, West Fest, Kansas Day, History & Environmental Fair, and many exhibit openings. I created and scheduled tours and worked with volunteers to train and oversee their valuable work. Our team planned film festivals, children’s workshops, Halloween events, overnight adventures, cooking and craft classes, lecture series, and much more through these years.
With mixed emotions, I will be retiring in early September. I want to say thanks to KSHS for the countless friendships I’ve made. I’m so excited to watch as the museum renovations are completed with this young, innovative, and energetic staff who are now the majority. KSHS will always be a part of my heart.
Joy, third from the left, poses with colleagues by the Cyrus K. Holliday locomotive that was tranported to the museum on March 20, 1983.
Wait…YOU’RE STILL CLOSED?
Sarah Bell, PhD, Museum and Education Division Director
If I have learned nothing else in my almost two years in the position of museum director, it is that a renovation project takes a lot longer than anticipated. A year ago we were hoping to be reopening now, in the fall of 2024, but that reopening has been pushed to mid-2025. While no one likes a delay, we are ensuring that the museum we reopen is exactly the museum we want. As we close in on the final months of this long process, I would like to share some updates on what we have done the past two years and a look at what is to come. We are very excited about the renovation and eager to show off all our hard work.
STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Our facilities and maintenance team did 100 percent of the demolition in the museum gallery. This included removing all the walls and the flooring, protecting our largest artifacts in plastic (including the steam engine
and two train cars), and removing cases behind the train along the platform. The museum exhibit gallery is 23,100 square feet. The lobby is more than 7,000 square feet. In 18 months demolition of the museum gallery and lobby generated 35 loads of a 40-yard dumpster. Doing all the demolition in-house saved us immense amounts of time and money.
We are currently undergoing construction of new walls, building a structural element that will provide new views of some favorite artifacts, and making life safety improvements, which includes replacing and adding sprinklers, ensuring we meet codes, and updating egress. The Kansas Museum of History was built in the early 1980s. A lot of code updates have occurred in the past 40 years, and it takes time to make these changes.
23,100 SQUARE FEET
DESIGN AND FABRICATION
In one of the past issues of Zephyr I shared some of the conceptual designs from our exhibit partner, Dimensional Innovations (DI). We have continued to refine those designs and the corresponding themes in the gallery. The accompanying floor plan is the most up-to-date version, showing the exhibit themes and layout. Upon entering the gallery, visitors will be prompted to contemplate the questions: What is Kansas and Why Kansas? These key questions, and their answers, will serve as the guide for the rest of the thematic gallery.
The next phase for DI is engineering and fabricating the exhibits they designed, which they will initiate this fall and winter. All the fabrication will be done at DI’s facility in Overland Park, Kansas. Because of their proximity, museum staff members will be able to visit to get updates on the fabrication process and test the interactives.
ARTIFACT PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION
An important step in the renovation process is cleaning and preparing the artifacts going on display. Our larger artifacts, including the Longren biplane and the windmill, have undergone weeks of careful cleaning. This is in part due to their size but also because of their delicate materials. Thankfully, not all 3,000 artifacts returning to the gallery will need weeks to clean and prep, but it is a time-intensive process since every artifact is unique and requires patience.
Similarly, the installation of the artifacts requires meticulous attention and time. Many of our artifacts need specially constructed mounts to be displayed. All the artifact mounts will be built in
house by our exhibits staff. Then each artifact will be carefully installed in cases and vitrines, which protect them from dust and pests and help control their climate.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
When the Kansas Museum of History’s exhibit gallery reopens, visitors will encounter captivating visuals that elicit the Kansas landscape, engaging interactives that will help them understand an artifact and its historical significance, and stories that will lead to a deeper knowledge and appreciation for Kansas history and its people. Visitors will see new views of favorite artifacts, including the 1866 Humbargar cabin, the 1914 Longren biplane, and the Southern Cheyenne tipi. We will also introduce many other artifacts to the gallery, including a 1950s wheat truck, a dugout, and a Parker carousel horse. We can’t wait to share our updates with
STATE ARCHIVES
Collecting, preserving, and providing access to the state’s history through unpublished materials, personal papers, audio-visual materials, and government, organization, and business records.
FAMILY LIFE FOR EARLY KANSANS
Family History Month in October shines a spotlight on a special set of items in our collections: the diaries of Azubah “Zu”
Adams. The Adams family was immeasurably important to the Kansas Historical Society’s early life. Zu’s father, Franklin Adams, was one of the first secretaries of the agency; Zu herself became one of the Historical Society’s first librarians. From her teens to her death in 1911, Zu researched, transcribed, and organized collections. While her diaries provide an excellent record of our own history and the contributions she made, this article celebrates her personal and family life.
Zu’s earliest diary in our collection spans 1890 to 1901 and detail her life after the death of her mother, Harriet C. Zu assumed the responsibility of raising the younger Adams children. This led her to write of familial joys and struggles that may resonate with
when her sister Harriet E. moved on from Historical Society work hit close to home for anyone who’s grown apart from a loved one, “. . . she seems slipping into another world from mine.” Even in their sad moments the family found contentment together, as illustrated by a birthday celebration for Zu’s daughter, Helen. This date coincided with Franklin Adams’ terminal illness, but the family made sure to give Helen a memorable day. Zu’s gift to her was a silver charm bracelet and each family member, including Franklin, gave a charm. It’s heartwarming to know he had the chance to give his granddaughter a keepsake to cherish.
Faced with Franklin Adams’ illness, the Historical Society needed to select a new secretary. Zu’s candidacy for that office is the focus of her 1899 diary entries. With the encouragement of her father, Zu cautiously looked forward to the prospect, but once George Martin’s candidacy became known, Zu was advised to back him instead. It’s heartbreaking to read how Zu’s hard work, hope, and struggles to be considered as a serious candidate ended with her withdrawal from the race. She writes, “I am no politician...my ambition to secure the position is not sufficient for me to get down to active work.” Not long after, Franklin succumbed to his illness, dying peacefully, surrounded by family. Zu continued her work as librarian, supporting the new secretary, George Martin, throughout
TOP
This black-and-white image shows the color portrait of Zu Adams preserved in the museum collections.
BOTTOM LEFT
Posed are the six children of Franklin and Harriet C.: Paul, Samuel, Henry, Margaret, Harriet E., and Zu.
BOTTOM RIGHT
In 1875 Zu’s father, Franklin Adams, became the second KSHS secretary.
Gill Schawo, Administrative Assistant
Zu’s later diary spans 1908 to 1910. It reveals that as the siblings grew up, the Adams children lived in the family home and traveled abroad. Some, like Margaret, acquired and worked land, much to Zu’s delight. Others, like Paul, roamed to find their fortunes. Helen remained at home with Zu, whose health began to fail. During these stressful years Zu took comfort in her work, personal life, and friends and family. She writes about dinners, visiting loved ones, and outfits Helen wore to school events. Zu also faithfully reports on her brothers’ hijinks that cause endless annoyment.
Paul “smokes [the family] most out of the house.” Sam upends the family finances by asking for help purchasing a profitable business. Before the dust settles, Sam surprises everyone with his intent to marry but forbids mentioning it or “he [will] not bring his wife [to meet them] until the novelty [has] entirely worn off.” Anyone with siblings may identify with Zu’s ambivalence toward her younger brothers’ behaviors.
Zu Adams’ diaries detail her experiences during the early years of the Historical Society and provide a heartfelt window into family life in 19th century Kansas. She frets over embarrassing moments at work, celebrates family, and plans the future on each page, while always writing with a sense that the Adams family will persevere. We at the Historical Society are honored to have been a part of her family.
CELEBRATE FAMILY HISTORY MONTH THIS OCTOBER
The Kansas Historical Society’s genealogy resources can help uncover and preserve unique family history.
Check out all these sources!
KSHS ONLINE CATALOGS AND GUIDES: This includes links to our online catalogs, indexes, and finding aids. Researchers can search for high-level information in our subject guides or dig deep using other resources listed here. bit.ly/ksarchivesccg
KSHS PARTNERSHIP WITH ANCESTRY.COM: Our unique partnership with Ancestry.com provides access to digitized records from KSHS collections. This includes Kansas state census data, city/area directories, and other government records that can help with genealogy research. bit.ly/kshsancestry
Zu is pictured here in 1896 with her adopted daughter, Helen (center), and an unidentified girl.
The later Zu Adams diary is available on Kansas Memory. Visit bit.ly/kshszudiary or scan this QR code to examine the handwritten account.
KSHS PARTNERSHIP WITH NEWSPAPERS.COM: Our entire collection of pre-1923 newspapers has been digitized and made available through our partnership with Newspapers.com. We continue adding titles and years as we get permission from publishers to digitize their content. bit.ly/kshsnewspapers
KANSAS NAMES INDEX: Researchers can search by ancestor name to see if records are available within the 20 collections listed. Collections include the Board of Healing Arts License Application Files, Kansas Marriage Index from 1854-1861, Orphan’s Home Records, and the Knights & Ladies of Security Death Claims. bit.ly/kshsnamesindex
KANSAS MILITARY INDEX: This index can connect to records of Kansans’ military service from the Civil War to Iraq Conflict. Researchers can search by ancestor name to see what is in the collections. bit.ly/kshsmilitaryindex
STATE ARCHIVES RESEARCH ROOM: Visit our research room at 6425 SW 6th Avenue in Topeka to explore non-digitized records and get help from our archivists. All experience levels are welcome! Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday.
Preserving and protecting the state historic sites placed under the care of the Historical Society; educating visitors and classes through exhibits, exterior interpretation, and programming.
GRINTER PLACE
Oldest Home in Wyandotte County
Tiffany Grassmuck, MA, Historic Sites Supervisor
Grinter Place State Historic Site represents early settlement and economic opportunity in Kansas Territory. The story of the Grinter family is unique because it combines the themes of Indian removal and commerce in Indian Territory. The Grinter family was allowed to own property because Annie was a member of the Lenape (Delaware) Tribe. Moses, her husband, became an Indian agent, and their life together involved early commerce on the frontier. Annie and Moses Grinter’s two-story brick house, completed in 1857, is preserved today as the oldest home in Wyandotte County.
From 1825 to 1843 a government policy relocated more than 100,000 Native people from their homes in the East to new reservations west of the Mississippi River to create the new “Permanent Military Indian Frontier.” Delaware families, like Annie Marshall’s, had been relocated to the Fort Leavenworth Indian Agency in the early 1830s. Moses Grinter, a Kentucky native and ferry operator, married Annie around 1838. His ferry was used to cross the Kansas River by troops traveling between Fort Leavenworth and Fort Scott, as well as traders heading to Santa Fe.
In addition to the ferry, Moses operated a trading post from 1855 to 1860. This business sold about 160 types of goods, including clothing, powder and bullets, perfume, sugar, and scissors, to the Delaware in exchange for cash and furs. The Grinters also farmed, raised poultry and livestock, and planted an apple orchard on their farmstead. During the Civil War their son William Harrison Grinter served as a lieutenant in Company E, 15th Kansas Cavalry. Moses Grinter died in 1878. After Annie’s death in 1905, their daughter Martha and the Reverend Henry Kirby moved into the home.
Their daughter sold the house and land to the Hanson family who operated a chicken dinner restaurant on the site until the mid-1960s. Through the assistance of the Junior League of Kansas City, Kansas, and Grinter Place Friends, the state of Kansas acquired the site in 1971. It preserves the history of Native people, daily life, and commerce on the frontier.
Plan Your Visit!
Grinter Place State Historic Site
1420 S 78th Street, Kansas City, KS 66111
Visit: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday; 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday
Open April 17 – October 13, 2024
Admission is free!
Introducing
Eric Smallwood, Site Administrator
Eric Smallwood became the site administrator of Grinter Place State Historic Site in May 2023 after serving as site director at the Kit Carson Museum. In his role at Grinter Place, he has overseen important updates, including restaging displays, revamping the museum store, replacing the outdoor sign, and preparing for upcoming electrical work required for exterior improvements. Eric enjoys researching and sharing the story of Moses and Annie Grinter and other facets of the site’s history with visitors. Upon welcoming guests he begins his tour by explaining why the Grinters settled in Kansas Territory and detailing the century-long impacts they had on Kansas City’s economic history. Eric’s favorite part of his work is interacting with people who are interested in local history and collaborating on events with his network of living history interpreters. As an avid clothing historian and experienced interpreter, Eric was featured in the spring 2024 edition of Lawrence Magazine. Visit bit.ly/lawmag24sp or scan this QR code to read “The Man in the Kossuth Hat” by Nathan Pettengill on pages 36 to 43.
Join Us for the Artist and Maker Fair
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2024
Grinter Place State Historic Site
– Observe historic artist demonstrations hourly starting at 10 a.m.
– Browse artwork and supplies for sale by local artists and creators
– Enjoy educational and interactive programs held in the historic home and on the grounds
As a costumed interpreter for the 2024 Kansas Day at the Capitol program, Eric Smallwood provided remarks about everyday life in Kansas Territory.
SEASONAL STATE HISTORIC SITES: SEASON ENDING SOON
The seven seasonal Kansas State Historic Sites will be closing soon. The last day to visit Cottonwood Ranch, First Territorial Capitol, Grinter Place, Hollenberg Pony Express Station, Mine Creek Civil War Battlefield, Pawnee Indian Museum, and Red Rocks for the 2024 season is Sunday, October 13. Fall is the perfect time to plan a road trip to explore these seasonal sites before they close. They will reopen next spring.
After October 13, the year-round sites—Constitution Hall, Fort Hays, Kaw Mission and Last Chance Store, Goodnow House, John Brown Museum, and Shawnee Indian Mission—will remain open to visitors. Guests can also continue visiting our self-guided sites, Marais des Cygnes Massacre and Pawnee Rock, which are open daily from dawn to dusk.
Admission is free to all Kansas State Historic Sites.
Farewell to Amanda Pope
Amanda Pope has been the Kansas State Historic Sites administrative assistant for a year and a half and has made her mark on the division. She leaves for the University of Kansas to pursue a master’s degree in museum studies focusing on museum registration. Amanda meticulously organized the Historic Sites resource office files into a usable system for research, making it much simpler to access information about the 16 sites. She also tackled numerous special projects. Her favorite involved cataloging personal letters and photographs for inclusion in the State Archives. Cheers to Amanda! We wish her a bright future in the museum world.
TUNE IN!
Featuring documentaries, YouTube videos, podcasts, and other audiovisual offerings that highlight engaging stories related to Kansas history.
A Legacy of Excellence: The William Allen White Family
Emporia Gazette editor William Allen White’s influence went far beyond his Kansas community. This video reflects on White’s humble beginnings in the newspaper business, his politics, and his introduction to the national stage. It also highlights White’s family history, including his parents, Mary Ann and Allen; wife, Sallie; son and daughter-in-law, William Lindsay and Kathrine; and granddaughter, Barbara. The 9-minute video, produced by the Kansas Historical Society, features the unique architecture of Red Rocks State Historic Site, which served as home to three generations of the White family. Watch the video at bit.ly/wawlegacy
A Taste of History: The Santa Fe Trail
In this video Chef Walter Staib journeys to historic spots along the Santa Fe Trail. His first stop is at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm in Olathe where he makes pioneer recipes with Katherine Lange, program coordinator. Next, he moves on to the Trail Days Café and Museum in Council Grove to make a vintage salad with owner Shirley McClintock. The video ends with Chef Staib grabbing a bite to eat at the Hays House with Kelley Judd of the Hays House Advisory Council. Also featured is Mark Brooks, site administrator of Kaw Mission and Last Chance Store State Historic Site, who explains why Council Grove was one of the most important stops on the trail. Check out this 25-minute video from Janson Media at bit.ly/hungrysftrail
Dawn of Day: Stories from the Underground Railroad
The history of the Underground Railroad runs deep in Kansas. This video focuses on the experiences of enslaved people who escaped to Kansas. Set in historical locations in Wabaunsee and Pottawatomie counties, the video is hosted by the late Richard Pitts, founder of the Wonder Workshop Children’s Museum in Manhattan. Pitts visits with Brad Burenheide, Kansas State University associate professor; Madge McDonald, retired curator of the Wamego Historical Society and a descendent of area abolitionists; and local historian Michael Stubbs. The Kansas Historical Society provided several photos for this 54-minute video, which was produced by Kansas State University’s College of Education. View the documentary at bit.ly/ksudawnofday
Kansas History
9–30
9–1
German Mennonites from Russia began arriving in Kansas in 1874. On this day the South Kansas Tribune in Independence announced the first group of 1,100. Many Mennonite families fled forced enlistment to settle in Marion, Harvey, and McPherson counties. Soon to follow were German Catholic families, many of whom settled in Shawnee and Ellis counties. A number of German Lutheran families from Russia went to Russell County. These immigrant groups brought faith traditions and customs, and adapted their knowledge of agriculture they had proven in the heartland of Russia. By 1879 Kansas’ German Mennonite population had reached 12,000. They demonstrated the success of planting winter wheat, rather than spring, to suit the Kansas climate, which made a significant impact on Kansas wheat production. Many credit the Mennonites with introducing Turkey Red Wheat to Kansas. These souvenir bottles of this variety were used to commemorate the Wheat Centennial of 1974. Descendants of these families are marking the 150th anniversary of their arrival with special celebrations of the 2024 harvest. Discover more information about Kansas Mennonites from Kansapedia (bit. ly/kshskpmennonites) or learn more about Russian-German migration from this detailed account (bit.ly/ kshsrussiangerman)
Before the arrival of railroads, the Santa Fe Trail was the most significant route to the West—from Missouri to Nuevo México. On this day in 1821 William Becknell departed Arrow Rock, Missouri, with other traders to exchange goods at Santa Fe. The party followed routes used by Native American Tribes. They arrived in November and were treated with civility by Pedro Ignacio Gallego, the Spanish military captain. Though neither group spoke the others’ language, Becknell’s party left with hope for future commerce. The 1,203-mile-long trail soon proved a lucrative trade and military supply route, with stage and mail lines stationed along the path. Wagon ruts can still be seen in Kansas where two-thirds of the trail lies. Learn more about this historic trail from Kansapedia (bit.ly/kshskpsft) or the video playlist on our Education YouTube channel (bit.ly/kshsedusft).
9–13
The Battle of Hickory Point in Jefferson County was one of many skirmishes in Kansas Territory during a particularly violent time in “Bleeding Kansas.” On this day in 1856, James Lane led a group of antislavery men against Missouri proslavery forces in retaliation for previous attacks. Lane retreated after territorial governor John Geary ordered a ceasefire. Reinforcements led by Colonel James Harvey arrived the next day. The group brought a cannon, “Old Sacrament,” captured from proslavery supplies to fire on the town. One proslavery man was killed, four were wounded, and several freestaters were injured. Samuel Reader, a participant and member of the Kansas militia, created this artwork that is preserved in the museum collections. For more “Bleeding Kansas” history, view our Kansapedia article (bit.ly/kshkpbleedks) or a four-part video series on our Education YouTube channel (bit.ly/kshedubleedks).
10–3
Formed in 1920, the Kansas City Monarchs was the longest running franchise of the Negro Leagues. The baseball team toured the country with lighting equipment to compete with teams like the Birmingham Black Barons, Pittsburgh Crawfords, and Parsons Katy Cardinals. On this day in 1930, the Katy Cardinals hosted the Monarchs for the city’s first night game. Admission was just 50 cents and fans picked up a program like this one before taking their seats. Although the Cardinals’ pitcher struck out 15 batters, the Monarchs won, as predicted, 0-13. The Monarchs secured 10 league championships and won the 1924 and 1942 Negro Leagues World Series before disbanding in 1965. They contributed more players to the major leagues than any other Negro Leagues franchise. Discover more about the Kansas Monarchs from Kansapedia (bit.ly/kshskpmonarchs) or by visiting the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri (nlbm.com).
Dwight D. Eisenhower hoped to attend military school at West Point or Annapolis. U.S. Senator Joseph L. Bristow from Kansas nominated young Eisenhower to West Point with this letter received on this day in 1910. Eisenhower drafted a letter the next day thanking Bristow for the nomination. The future president was admitted to West Point in 1911 and graduated in 1915, receiving a commission as second lieutenant. He served in the Panama Canal and Philippines in the 1920s and 1930s. Promoted to brigadier general in October 1941, Eisenhower was assigned to lead Allied invasions of North Africa, Tunisia, and Italy. Dressed in this olive drab uniform jacket, he then oversaw efforts in Western Europe as supreme commander, and accepted Germany’s surrender in 1945. Twice elected president, Ike served a nation rebuilding from the war from 1953 to 1961. Read the Bristow and Eisenhower letters on Kansas Memory (bit.ly/kshskmbristowike) or learn more about Eisenhower’s military and political career from Kansapedia (bit.ly/kshskpike).
10–24
Neewollah (Halloween spelled backwards) was first celebrated in Independence on this day in 1919 as an alternative to traditional Halloween activities. The inaugural event was marked with decorated cars and carriages in a day-long parade. The parade’s “Queen Neelah,” selected through votes at a penny each, reigned along with area festival queens and princesses. The event grew to become an annual event lasting several days. The Great Depression and World War II put the event on hold for several years. Revived in 1958, Neewollah spans nine days and is among the largest annual festivals in Kansas. See more Neewollah programs on Kansas Memory (bit.ly/kshskmneewollah) or find event information on the festival’s website (neewollah.com) 10–31
&News Notes
VISIT US AT THE STATE FAIR: The Kansas Historical Society is participating in the Explore Kansas Festival of the State Fair in Hutchinson! Check out our displays in the Oz Gallery from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, September 14, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, September 15. Staff members from our archeology, preservation, museum and education, state archives, and communication teams are excited to connect with you and answer your questions. Stop by to snap a picture with our big “KS” letters, enjoy hands-on activities, learn more about our sites and programs, and view nostalgic photos from previous state fairs.
REMATRIATION CELEBRATION OF Iⁿ‘ZHÚJE‘WAXÓBE
June 22, 2024, was a reverent and celebratory day for the Kaw Nation as they welcomed the return of Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe, a 28-ton red Siouxan quartzite boulder known as the Sacred Red Rock. Funded in part by a $5 million dollar Mellon Foundation Grant, this rematriation of the Tribe’s “Grandfather” to the center of Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park in Council Grove helped restore sacred relationships between the Tribe and their ancestral land. The celebration was filled with joy, pride, and renewed hope as the Kaw Nation honored their traditions and reenvisioned their future. Sydney Pursel, curator for public practice for the Spencer Museum of Art, directed the ceremony which included remarks from Council Grove Mayor Debi Schwerdtfeger, Friends of Kaw Heritage President Jason Booker, Kaw Nation Tribal Chair Kim Jenkins, and Kaw Nation Tribal Vice-Chair James Pepper Henry. Among those honored with wool blankets were our Executive Director Patrick Zollner and Kaw Mission and Last Chance Store Site Administrator Mark Brooks. Historic Sites Supervisor Tiffany Grassmuck also had the privilege of attending this event.
AD ASTRA SCULPTURE: When Ad Astra was placed atop the Kansas State Capitol in 2002, plans included creating a plaza where bricks and bronze plaques would honor project donors and feature a replica of the sculpture. The 22-foottall Ad Astra on the Capitol dome in Topeka, created by the late Richard Bergen of Salina, depicts a Kanza warrior firing an arrow. The artist also completed a 6-foot-tall version for the plaza. That project stalled over time. The question of a statue to top the dome began even before the building was complete in 1903. After years of proposals, Bergen’s work was selected during a design competition in 1988 and funded through private donations. Through the efforts of Senator Randall Hardy of Salina and Senator Elaine Bowers with the Capitol Preservation Committee, the final part of the project was finished in June 2024. Ad Astra, located southwest of the statehouse, will be dedicated in October.
SUMMER INTERNS: The Kansas Historical Society was fortunate to have the assistance of several interns and volunteers this summer. We’d like to recognize their contributions and thank them for their support.
• Luke Farron, Communications: A senior graphic design student at Emporia State University, Luke edited photos and designed layouts for Zephyr, conducted branding research, developed Sunflower Summer marketing materials, and created presentations slides.
• Ife Olusanya, Historic Preservation Office: Ife, a PhD candidate at the University of Kansas, assisted with historic rehabilitation projects, National Register nominations, and historic resources survey work.
• Jali Kennedy, Historic Preservation Office: An undeclared sophomore at Washburn University, Jali researched National Register nominations involving underrepresented groups.
• Meg Smith, Museum and Education: Meg, a Museum Studies master’s student at the University of Kansas, created content for the Education YouTube channel, cataloged artifacts, and gathered farming and natural disaster audiovisual clips for the new gallery.
• Peyton Williams, Museum and Education: A professional basketball player for Hungary’s NKA Universitas Peac Pecs, Peyton spent her off-season gathering information on baseball in Kansas that will result in one or more educational videos.
• Megan Gragg, State Archives: Megan, a Library and Information Science master’s student at Wayne State University, helped catalog former governor’s records for processing.
To learn more about paid and non-paid internships available through the Kansas Historical Society and Kansas Historical Foundation, visit bit.ly/kshsinternships
UPCOMING EVENTS
SEPTEMBER
2 – Statewide Labor Day, all sites closed for the state holiday
8 – Emporia
Sundays at the Site, “The History of Emporia Masonic Lodge #12,” presented by Tyler Curtis and/or David Hendricks, 2 p.m. Sunday, Red Rocks
8 – Council Grove
Kaw Mission Councils, Community Band Concert and Ice Cream Social, 6 p.m. Sunday, Kaw Mission grounds (please bring your own lawn chair)
11 – Virtual Museum After Hours, “President Truman and the 1948 Election,” presented by Mark P. Adams, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, via Zoom and YouTube
12 – Virtual Heritage Trust Fund Grant Informational Workshop, 10 a.m. Thursday, via Zoom; bit.ly/kshshtf
14 – Kansas City
Artist and Maker Fair, 10 a.m. Saturday, Grinter Place 14-15 – Hutchinson
Kansas State Fair, Explore Kansas Festival, 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oz Gallery
16 – Kansas City, Missouri
Freedom’s Frontier Partner Meeting, 10 a.m. Monday, Kansas City Museum; freedomsfrontier.org/partners/
17 – Virtual
Electronic Records Committee, 2 p.m. Tuesday, via Zoom 17-18 – Virtual Registers of Historic Places Workshop, 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, via Zoom; bit.ly/kshsnrworkshop
21 – Fairway
“Historic Trail Development and the Mission,” presented by Gary Hicks, 10 a.m. Saturday, Shawnee Indian Mission 21-22 – Osawatomie
Freedom Festival 2024, 10 a.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. Sunday, John Brown Memorial Park 22 – Emporia
Sundays at the Site, “Poetry on the Porch XVIII,” presented by Past Kansas Poet Laureate Kevin Rabas, 2 p.m. Sunday, Red Rocks
25 – Topeka SHPO Listening Session, “Dismantling Preservation,” 6 p.m. Wednesday, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, Marvin Auditorium (101A)
OCTOBER
4 – Emporia
W. A. White Children’s Book Awards, “Authors on the Porch,” 5 p.m. Friday, Red Rocks
5 – Wichita/Virtual
Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review, triannual meeting, 9 a.m. Saturday, location TBD and via Zoom; bit.ly/kshshsbrmtg
6 – Council Grove
Kaw Mission Councils, “1860s Blacksmithing,” presented by Pete Betke, 2 p.m. Sunday, Kaw Mission grounds (please bring your own lawn chair)
9 – Virtual Museum After Hours, “The Forgotten Senator: The Life and Character of Preston B. Plumb,” presented by Johanna Wickman, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, via Zoom and YouTube
12 – Fairway
Annual Fall Festival, 10 a.m. Saturday, Shawnee Indian Mission
14 – Statewide
Seasonal State Historic Sites closed for the season
15 – Topeka
Ad Astra Plaza Dedication, 11 a.m. Kansas State Capitol
17 – Virtual
State Records Board Meeting, 1 p.m. Thursday, via Zoom 21-23 – Olathe
Kansas Tourism Conference, Monday to Wednesday, Olathe Conference Center; tiak.org/events
26 – Fairway
“The Wyandot Nation—Ohio to Kansas,” presented by Kristen Zane, 10 a.m. Saturday, Shawnee Indian Mission
Editor’s Notes
Volume 1, Issue 6, Page 2: Kansas Zephyr photo caption should read, “…Zephyr sternwheel that sunk on July 20, 1790…”
Volume 1, Issue 6, Page 22: Second paragraph, second sentence of the mural article should read, “The Kansas Suffragist Memorial Committee continues to accept tax-deductible
See more events by scanning the QR code or visiting bit.ly/kshscalendar
donations toward the creation, installation, and maintenance of the suffragist mural. Please authorize your credit card or send a check in with ‘Kansas Suffragist Memorial Fund’ in the memo and mail to Department of Administration, Kansas Suffragist Memorial Fund, Attn: Sarah Huggins, 700 SW Harrison, Ste. 1015, Topeka, KS 66603: bit.ly/kssuffragistfund
Next Issue
Tune into the November/December issue
• A Spotlight on the Foundation’s New CEO/Development Director
• A Special Feature on the Kansas State Capitol Woman’s Suffrage Mural
• Summaries of New Collection Items
• A List of Holiday Programs at the State Historic Sites
Thank you for engaging with Zephyr! We value your support and are grateful for your input. To leave feedback on this issue or provide suggestions for future issues visit bit.ly/zephyrcomment or scan this QR code. Comments?
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Early concept of the Kansas State Capitol Woman’s Suffrage Mural by Artist Phyllis Pease