Legacy Winter 2013

N O S T U C FO AL S

Legacy h

WINTER 2013

T H E J O U R N A L O F T H E R E N O C O U N T Y H I S T O R I C A L S O C I E T Y

salt companies play a role in helping prevent once-common diseases…page 4

I 14 guests survive mayan end of the world

N

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I

D

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HISTORICAL SOCIETY STAFF (full-time)

Legacy h

THE JOURNAL OF THE RENO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Linda Schmitt, executive director, rchs lindas@undergroundmuseum.org

Jamin Landavazo, chief curator, rchs jamin@undergroundmuseum.org

Gayle Ferrell, director of operations, kusm gayle@undergroundmuseum.org

Tonya Gehring, docent supervisor, kusm tonya@undergroundmuseum.org

Dave Unruh, maintenance supervisor, kusm

4 hutch salt companies iodize america

13 kusm thanks you, hutch voters

lynn@renocomuseum.org

Tina Moore, administrative assistant, rcm tina@renocomuseum.org

Kourtney Krehbiel, visitor services, kusm kourtney@undergroundmuseum.org

...for passing the sales tax

14 theatre-goers survive end of world

dave@undergroundmuseum.org

Lynn Ledeboer, curatorial assistant, rcm

...preventing the scourge of goiter

...mayan madness not fatal

17 dick ehling long-time volunteer

...at reno county museums

18 meet mae boggs

...she’s our gal friday

20 meet at one of our museums

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Shannon Holmberg, president • Richard Shank, president-elect • Billy Klug, treasurer • Laura Snyder, secretary • Nan Hawver • John Doswell • Tim Davies • Sherry Mundhenke • Michael Armour • Elaine Fallon • Mary Wilson Conrad Koehler • John Fredricks • Bill Pfenninger • Alice Oldham Lee Spence, ex-officio • Mike Carey, ex-officio

...for your next event or meeting

22 match day matchless for nonprofits

...donors and foundation raise record funds

24 special events and exhibits ahead

26 our supporters make it all possible

on the cover this panel exploring salt, goiter and iodization was sponsored by kiwanis international organization and can be seen at the kansas underground salt museum.

...including miners, murder and mallets

...be sure you jump on this bandwagon

Volume 25, No. 1 Legacy is published quarterly by The Reno County Historical Society, Inc. 100 S. Walnut St., P.O. Box 664, Hutchinson, Kansas 67504-0664 For advertising or membership information, call 620-662-1184. © 2013 The Reno County Historical Society, Inc. ISSN 1045-3423 All rights reserved. The RCHS disclaims responsibility for statements of fact or opinion made by contributors.

this excerpt from a world war ii victory publication was distributed by carey salt company to explain the use and reasons for adding iodine to carey’s salt. (2000.36.01)

IODINE

…a little dab’ll do ya

By Dave Unruh, Maintenance Supervisor, Kansas Underground Salt Museum

W

hen you are walking

through the Kansas

touch the screen to hear a

museum, let me catch you

four-minute talk on IDD –

up.

Underground Salt Muse-

iodine deficiency disorder.

um Discovery gallery, you

What you will miss is the

Disorder, or IDD, is the

pass a small wall panel

amazing history of how ta-

new name for the cause

display in the Kiwanis

ble salt has saved us from

of several ailments that

exhibit. (See page 24.)

this disease.

result from a lack of io-

You may wonder what it is about or maybe you will

Iodine Deficiency

For those of you who

dine in our bodies. Goiter,

have not seen this in the

impaired cognition (trou-

4

this map outlines areas of the historical “goiter belt” in the u.s. (credit: http://learnendocrinology.blogspot.com/2009/02/ goiter-belt.html)

ble getting your thoughts

Kiwanis International to

He did not have the

straight or learning new

explain their fight against

funds to spend on ana-

material), cretinism

IDD.

lyzing this new substance

(stunted growth, some-

The swelling of the

so he turned his findings

times called dwarfism),

thyroid gland, a butter-

over to wealthier friends

and developmen-

fly-shaped gland

who could continue the

tal abnormalities

located in your

research.

(mental retardation) are some of these ailments.

Other studies

lack of iodine cause of many ailments

neck (as shown in the exhibit

iodine was recognized as

photo on page

a new element. Salts of

12) is what we all

claim infertility,

could be suffer-

loss of hearing,

ing from if not for

lack of energy and “dog tiredness.” (My apologies

iodine and salt.

In 1811 iodine was

if some of these terms

“discovered” in France by

disturb you but they are

a poor chemist named

the terms used in the re-

Courtois who was burning

search for this article.)

seaweed to use the recov-

Goiter is the most no-

ered salts, both potassium

ticed symptom and the

and sodium, for his salt-

one with a fascinating

peter business. Saltpeter

history. You may have

was used in the making of

seen goiter mentioned in

gunpowder.

all those “required reading

With further work,

He made a mistake

books” in high school or

of adding too much acid

college like I had, but it

while purifying the salts

never came to life until I

and found a new purple

saw this video made by

substance was formed.

5

(See GOITER, page 6)

a sales placard, below, shows the product before iodization. (kusm 06.06.87)

above are three examples of early day packages of carey’s iodized salt. (2003.30.01)

Goiter long

a scourge

(Continued from page 5)

the headline in this june 3, 1925 letter, right, from carey salesman f.l. king of shellsburg, iowa, reads: “customers want more iodine.”

(2001.69)

6

iodine became a claimed

were on germs being the

known disease. He iden-

treatment for goiter by

cause of disease.

tified it as goiter and had

1820 in France. People

Almost a hundred years

success with iodine again.

had been suffering from

later in 1907, a new doc-

goiter for untold years and

tor at a Cleveland hospital

Marine identified a “goiter

had been treated since the

started work on goiter in

belt,” a region with a high

time of the Greeks with

dogs. Dr. David Marine

rate of goiter disease. The

the ashes from seaweed.

found treating the dogs

study was based on the

And now we know what

with iodine salts cured

number of men rejected

the important element in

their goiter. He was asked

from serving in World War

the seaweed was.

to treat fish at a hatchery

I. Some of the men had

suffering from an un-

such enlarged thyroid

This did not impress

A 1917 study by Dr.

the world. French

glands that they

doctors questioned

could not button

how an element

their shirts!

could be a cure for

A Detroit, Mich.,

the disease when

study and a Cleve-

the current studies

land, Ohio, study

f

below is an ad carried in the july 1925 issue of carey’s company publication, “salt & pep.” it encourages salesmen to promote iodized salt and order promotional cards.

u then found a third to a

others became the control

enlarged glands. And the

half of school children had

group. The two-and-a-

2,190 in the treated group

enlarged thyroid glands.

half-year study produced

had five! What a success!

Can you imagine a dis-

notable results. From

ease today that inflicts

the 2,305 in the control

one half the children?

group, 495 developed

Dr. Marine wanted to try a study of adding iodine to the diets of these school-age children but the study was vetoed by another doctor on the school board as being too dangerous.

CHILDREN TESTED Dr. Marine was becoming well known in medical circles for his results, so a fellow doctor asked him to try again. A test case was set up in Akron, Ohio, which had a high rate of goiter in children. Girls had a higher rate than boys so two groups of girls were studied.

Parents were asked if they wanted their children in the study. Daughters of consenting parents were treated with iodine in their drinking water, and the

7

Now how do we treat the

(See IODIZATION, page 8)

this card is one of a number of items promoting iodine salt that were available free for carey salt dealers in 1927.

Iodization cause gains momentum (Continued from page 7) rest of the goiter belt?

Dr. David Cowie of the University of Michigan joined the cause. With support of the government, two major salt companies asked to add iodine to

companies decided to go

their table salt. Morton

all out and sell iodized salt

Earl Brown, the city

Salt Company of Chicago,

everywhere. By May 1924

health officer, made an

Ill., and Diamond Crystal

iodized salt was

Salt of St. Claire, Mich.,

being sold in

were major players in get-

Michigan, and

ting the ball rolling.

the influence

Though reluctant at first

of these compa-

because of the problem

nies made others

of separating iodized salt

take notice.

destined for Michigan

In Topeka, Kan., Dr.

analysis of the

kansas included in goiter belt after state study

But what did this have

school children and found half the girls and a third of the boys had en-

larged thyroid glands.

The Carey Salt Compa-

from the non-iodized salt

to do with Kansas, a state

ny’s newsletter, “Salt and

being sent elsewhere, the

then not in the goiter belt?

Pep,” reported that the doctor did not consider

We’re proud to share our hometown with you.

How fortunate we are to live in a

these as high values but in line with more studies from Cincinnati.

community with such diverse and high quality amenities -- including the Reno County Museum and Kansas Underground Salt Museum!

So now Kansas was included in the goiter belt.

4 Hutchinson locations to serve you

Further studies brought Nebraska, Colorado and Oklahoma into the areas low in iodine.

8

even early mini shakers promoted the added iodine.

(2003.34.03)

Major salt compa-

with branches in Kansas

new Lily Brand of iodized

nies were located in the

City, Omaha, Colorado,

salt. Company reports

Hutchinson area. The

Missouri and other parts

indicate that iodized salt

Morton Salt Company’s

of the Midwest – an area

was a key issue for the

South Hutchinson plant

now added to the goiter

company, and informa-

claimed to be the largest

belt.

tional packets were sent

in the world just a few years before. In Lyons

to all their salesmen.

CAREY JUMPS IN

Adding iodine to salt

there was the Diamond

The Carey Salt Com-

Crystal Salt Company.

pany quickly joined the

the company that a two-

And Hutchinson included

movement and was selling

pound container of iodized

the Carey Salt Company

iodized salt in 1925 with a

(See THE SELL, page 10)

9

was of such importance to

9

a can of carey’s iodized salt is the focus of this circa 1940s radio promotional flyer explaining how the war was interferring with salt delivery to retailers. (2001.69)

this ww ii victory publication, distributed by carey salt, explains the uses and reasons for iodized salt.

(2000.36.01)

Carey Salt Company

educate people on the

has left us many notes

importance of iodine and

and newsletters show-

how to best use their salt.

ing the publications they

Cities considered and

created and sent to their

eventually rejected plans

salesmen and customers

(mainly for cost reasons)

who wrote asking for

to add iodine to their

more information on iodine.

Almost every issue of “Salt

water systems.

iodized salt heavily promoted to consumers.

& Pep” in 1924,

The sell begins (Continued from page 9)

salt sold for 10 cents – the

1925 and 1926

same price as plain salt.

mentioned this new

10

it was easier to let the salt companies provide the service.

This also allowed

product – iodized salt –

people to choose if they

start of things. Now they

designed to improve their

wanted this new additive

had to educate the con-

customers’ health.

in their diets.

But that was just the

sumer to buy and use this cheap cure.

samples of carey’s iodized salt were given away at the 1952 kansas state fair. the editor of carey’s “salt & pep” newsletter mans the booth.

They found

All the salt companies started ad campaigns to

For the next 10 years, advertisements for all ma-

a common carey salt can label not only emphasized the added iodine but also provided the public with a tableware offer!

(2001.69)

jor salt companies claimed

savings in health care for

ventive action for Iodine

their salt was superior for

such a simple thing as

Deficiency Disorder.

your family’s health. What

changing from plain to

mother would not reach

iodized salt.

for iodized salt when it would help protect her

All things change and so we do not see these ads

For more than 20 years, this was the best pre-

children?

FOCUS ON BABIES Babies also got into the picture concerning prenatal care. A 1930 study at the Henry Ford Hospital of Detroit cited in Carey’s “Salt & Pep” claimed that expectant mothers consuming iodized salt reduced the incidence of goiter in babies from 60 to four percent.

Michigan, located in the heart of the goiter belt, experienced a dramatic drop – from 30 to two percent in residents suffering from goiter.

What a tremendous

11

anymore.

(See IODINE, page 12)

the five-pound bag of carey salt with its famous salt girl, left, is highly branded with the “iodizied” label. (2001.69.01.47) the one-pound can of carey’s popcorn salt makes the distinction of not having iodine added. (kusm 06.06.16)

chemist melvin c. mann, of carey’s winnfield, louisiana plant, performs tests on the iodized salt product in 1951, as shown above on the cover of carey’s “salt & pep” publication.

Iodine use expands (Continued from page 11)

regulations on cattle feed

on food packaging, you

and changes in our eating

do not know how much

habits have lowered our

you are getting. So once

intake of iodine, however,

again it might be wise to

vitamin tablets are now a

reach for that container

relatively new source.

of iodized salt for all your

As the FDA does not require the listing of iodine

home cooking needs.

h

an unfortunate sufferer of goiter with the enlarged thyroid gland is shown in this photo included in the kiwanis display at kusm.

In the 1940s the baking industry introduced additives, including iodine, into its products to prolong fresheness. The 1960s through the 1980s brought iodine into our milk through the cows’ diets.

And do you remember #3 red coloring used in our food? It was also a source of iodine. New

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n Tuesday, November 6, the quarter-cent sales tax passed with more than 70 percent of the vote.

I am writing to offer heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for renewal of the tax. Although very small in the big scheme of things, it is so important to the Kansas Underground Salt Museum (KUSM).

Five years ago the salt museum was a new and struggling attraction.

Today KUSM is on solid financial footing due to healthy ticket sales, successful events, a generous membership base, careful stewardship of our resources, and a share of the quarter-cent sales tax.

The five percent of the tax that we receive equals about 10 percent of our yearly budget and provides for the growth of KUSM. It means the difference between only surviving and thriving.

We love it when you

come to visit because it gives us an opportunity to thank you in person and show you all that we have been able to accomplish in such a short time.

We want KUSM to be a source of pride for you and can’t wait to show you all that we have in store for the next five years – thanks to your generosity and support.

a whopping 70 percent of hutch voters approved the sales tax that will help ensure the future of the kansas underground salt museum.

– Linda Schmitt, Executive Director Reno County Historical Society

insight, innovation, integrity. . .every day

Richard Hunter

History repeats itself

Harry Dunn

O

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It was Mayan Madness in the...

 BUNKER

....but everyone survived the end of the world

By Gayle Ferrell, KUSM Director of Operations

W rchs executive director linda schmitt enjoys handing out prizes to a lucky guest!

elcome to the bunker! That was my opening remark for the 224 guests at Mayan Madness, our end-of-theworld interactive dinner theatre at KUSM. Following a survival theme, everyone got to spin the Mayan Wheel, which was labeled with 18 possible world endings, then choose from three categories: Rations, Keep It Clean or Survival

Essentials.

Prizes ranged from Moon Pies and Fruit Rollups to Mylar blankets, cans of food, glow sticks,

toothpaste, personal urinals and packaged drinking water.

Our dinner theatres are

fundraisers for KUSM. Net proceeds from Mayan Madness were used to purchase 100 new chairs and five more tables for our events. The current chairs were purchased six years ago for $20 each and feature padded seats and backs that are worn out and stained.

MORE CHAIRS AHEAD The sorry state of the chairs and rising event attendance prompted a decision to make the switch to a different type of chair.

The proceeds of one of our dinner theatres in 2013 will be devoted to purchasing another 150 matching chairs to complete our new look.

The meal, catered by Knackies, was excellent, the cash bar did a booming business, and the dinner show was funny and entertaining, as it always is!

Prior to revealing who

(See LUCKY, page 16)

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guests enjoy a laugh at the antics of a murder in the mine actor while linda schmitt, left, and gayle ferrell are decked out in full survival mode with well stocked camo vests.

Lucky winners (Continued from page 14)

the murderer was, we held a drawing for some highly-prized survival necessities.

Each guest was given a numbered ticket upon arrival and ticket stubs were drawn from a camouflage bucket.

moment’s notice.” n “Your Survival” by Dr. Bob Arnot n A deluxe backpack made by ASAP Survival Gear.com (a highly sought item in the book, “The Hunger Games”)

ROOM GOES DARK! SURVIVAL PRIZES

actors joel friend and erica sharpe of without a net entertainment take a break from murder with gayle ferrell, kusm director of operations, center.

The lucky winners won the following prizes: n First-aid kit n Fleece camouflage blanket n Can opener (highly prized by those who had won canned food!) n “98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping YOUR ASS ALIVE!” Described as destined to be an underground classic, this book

by Cody Lundin covers what to do to maintain a safe core temperature and how to create an effective modern-day survival kit. n “The Official Underground 2012 Doomsday Survival Handbook,” compiled by W.H. Mumfrey who lives on an island off the south coast of Australia and “is ready to seal the bunker door at a

Even though there was that little “power outage” at the end that delighted and entertained our guests, rather than causing them to wonder if the world really had ended,

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there were good times, lots of laughs, new friendships formed, and old friendships reconnected.

WE SURVIVED THE END OF THE WORLD ACCORDING TO THE MAYAN CALENDAR! Whether it is 12-21-12 or any other day, there is nowhere else I’d rather be than 650 feet underground in the salt strata of the old Carey Salt Mine.

h

Dick Ehling…

20 years of service

By Barbara Ulrich-Hicks, Former RCHS Chief Curator

D

ick Ehling knows everybody in this county.

If he doesn’t know you, he knows someone who knows you. You might even be related by blood or marriage.

Dick’s familiarity with people stems partly from the fact that he was born into a large family who settled here early and that he has lived here all his life. But mostly it comes from the fact that he pays attention. Current events have always been a topic of interest for Dick – and a lifetime of current events equals one historian.

Dick came into the world in 1927, the fourth of five children in the Ehling family that farmed

just outside of Abbyville.

Despite contracting polio at the age of three, Dick helped his father out on the family farm until he was able to obtain his own land. He left farming in 1976 when he took a job at Deluxe Specialties and later at Cessna.

Not even four months after he retired in 1992, Dick joined the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and was referred to the Reno County Museum where he has since come faithfully every Tuesday.

Dick watches the desk because he sees a community need to greet people as they come into the museum. He puts his heart into the job. The cu-

ratorial staff is more likely to get an artifact donation or a walk-in research request during Dick’s shift than at any other time of the week.

(See DICK, page 18)

Here’s to Dick!

By Lynn Ledeboer, RCM Curatorial Assistant This past election day in November Reno County Museum served as a polling place and was host to nearly 500 persons, quite a few for our small staff.

That is why we were so grateful for the presence of long-time volunteer and greeter, Dick Ehling. This year marks Dick’s 20th year as a volunteer here at the museum!

Regular visitors to the

museum enjoy chatting with Dick as they enter the museum, happy to see a familiar, comforting face each Tuesday.

As of this date, Dick has also been a volunteer at the Kansas Cosmosphere for more than 15 years.

As I began to do some background research about Dick, I discovered an article written about him by former Chief Cura-

17

tor Barbara Ulrich-Hicks for the Winter 2007 issue of Legacy. I couldn’t possibly say it any better.

So, in honor of volunteer Dick Ehling’s 20th year at the museum, here is the article, reprinted above in its entirety.

Dick, thank you for all your years of dedication to the Reno County Museum – especially for manning that front door!

Thanks to all

…our other volunteers at the Reno County Museum and the Kansas Underground Salt Museum. Some of you have been with the Historical Society even longer than 20 years and some of you have just come on board.

Thanks for all your help! We couldn’t do it without you.

Reno County Museum: Richard Ewing Trudy Lingle KUSM: Jay Brown Joel Busch Shirley Fick Roger Hawk Cindy Kallaus Rich McCullum Karen Stickley

Meet Mae Boggs…

By Lynn Ledeboer, RCM Curatorial Assistant

A

Dick…

(Continued from page 17)

hh, Friday afternoon!

Who doesn’t love that time of week?

It’s extra special at the Reno County Museum, however, because for at least 26 years volunteer Mae Boggs has been greeting visitors at the front desk on Friday after-

noons. The entire staff can called. “I would have liked rest assured that each to have been a history and every visitor will be teacher.” given a welcoming “Hello, An early volunteer at the I’d like you to sign the new museum, Mae greetbook,” when they enter ed visitors, but remarked, the front lobby.

“Oh, we did everything.

Mae Boggs remembers We were always busy. We when the dream of were answering telea new museum phones. There were was just in the only two people in the early planning stages. [staff members] days the museum While the muthen and they had only two seum was still had to do everystaff members. located in the Hathing. I always ven Township Hall, remember Michael Mae helped with the Knecht [first formally cleaning in preparation for trained RCHS director] the move. spending a lot of time She and her husband, mowing and doing a lot of Lee, attended many of the the yard work back then.” planning meetings until fiCertainly the Reno nally the museum opened County Museum and the in its current location on county have seen many December 13, 1986. changes since then, and “I was always fascinatMae has changed right ed with history,” Mae realong with them.

Dick has a way of drawing people into Reno County history by engaging them with his sharp memory and storytelling abilities. This talent isn’t lost on staff members who continually use him as a resource for remembering who did what when, especially in the areas near Abbyville and Haven.

Dick has served the community in other capacities as well. He has greeted visitors at the Cosmosphere for the last 10 years where he enjoys meeting people from dif-

ferent parts of the world.

He also spent nine years reading to the visually impaired, and reading with fourth graders at Avenue A School, not to mention being extremely active in the Abbyville Methodist Church.

When not making the world a better place, Dick, a self-proclaimed “sports idiot,” is following the latest NJCAA scores, tracking the Chicago Cubs, and attending the Haven High School basketball games. Often he does this with his grandchildren or

18

“adopted” grandchildren – kids who don’t live near their own grandparents and could use a mentor.

Family is most important on his list.

According to Dick, the best part of volunteering at the Reno County Museum is cultivating relationships with the visitors and the staff.

When you look at the whole of Dick’s life, it’s easy to see that this area is where he really shines.

Dick pays attention to people.

h

…our gal Friday Born and raised in Reno County, Mae Stiggins grew up on a rural Plevna farm in an area where her grandparents had homesteaded.

She worked as a longdistance phone operator for about five years and married electrician Lee Boggs in 1945. Raising her sons, Dennis and Daryl, was a full-time job until the boys went to high school.

NEW CAREER

At that time Mae became a medical assistant to Dr. Moorman, an ear-nose-throat specialist in Hutchinson. She remained in that job for about 10 years.

Mae and Lee had been living in Hutchinson but moved back to South Hutchinson in 1954, urged on there as Lee earlier had a dairy on what is now Valley Pride Road.

“It was just ‘Rural Route’ then,” Mae added.

Building two houses there and moving twice, Mae finally said, “I’m tired of moving!” and there they remained.

For a large part of their lives, the couple’s beloved Boston Terriers, “Bubbles,” two separate pets at two different times, moved right along with the family.

When Lee passed away in 2002 after 57 years of marriage and Dr. Moorman died as well, Mae’s

thought was, “Well, what am I going to do now? I did a little bit of everything – embroidery work, latch-hook rug making.”

QUILTING HER NICHE

Lee’s mother and sister were quilters and introduced Mae to quilting at that time. “I found my niche in quilting,” Mae explained.

The Reno County Museum staff is very grateful for that as throughout the years Mae has given many quilt programs for the

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yearly Celebrate History gatherings, craft programs, clubs and schools in the area.

She has been involved for many years in the Heart of Kansas Quilt Guild and still attends their meetings.

We want to thank Mae for her many long years of dedication to the museums.

Volunteer, quilter, donator of artifacts, staunch supporter and friend of RCHS, Mae Boggs truly is our Gal Friday.

h

the houston whiteside conference room features lovely handmade quilts.

Meet up here!

Having a birthday party? What about a lunch or dinner meeting or classy corporate event? MayLinda Schmitt be you are looking for a Executive beautiful location outDirector, doors or even an exotic Reno County and unique underground Historical space for a wedding or Society reception. lindas@undergroundmuseum.org Whatever your needs, the Reno County Historical Society has a venue

the rcm courtyard provides a picturesque backdrop for weddings, receptions and other activities. the whiteside conference room is reserved in case of bad weather.

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for you!! Consider these: The Houston Whiteside Conference Room / Reno County Museum Located on the second floor of the Reno County Museum, the conference room can seat up to 75 comfortably. With a sink, microwave, freezer and plenty of counter space, it can accommodate busi-

ness meetings and catered events.

It is a favorite for children’s birthday parties as the Oodleplex, RCM’s historically-themed playroom, is located only a few steps away.

Decorated with beautiful seasonally updated handmade quilts, the Houston Whiteside Conference Room is a reasonably priced and enjoyable venue.

The Reno County Museum Courtyard The courtyard adjoins the beautifully renovated and historic George Pyle Park.

The park gazebo isn’t the only area receiving a makeover this spring!

With warm weather, the RCM fountain will be flowing again and a repaired irrigation system and new foliage will bring the courtyard back from two years of drought and disrepair. The improvements will be complete in time for spring activities.

The renovation will be made possible through a grant from the Hutchinson Community Foundation’s Fund For Hutchinson. Whether it’s a family reunion, wedding, recep-

tion or birthday party, the courtyard provides a lovely alternative, complete with restrooms and bad weather accommodations inside the museum.

The Kansas Underground Salt Museum Visitor Center The spacious and saltabulous Visitor Center offers a large open and comfortable space. Its huge window expanse looks out on the historic 1919 restored GE Engine #2 that once served the Carey Salt Mine.

We have ample parking in our vast lot and the lobby itself can hold up to 125 guests comfortably for any kind of event. A kitchen area with microwave and refrigerator is available as well as a pull-

down screen and sound system for presentations.

You may hold your entire event above ground or arrange a trip underground for a dark ride or gallery tour for your guests.

KUSM Underground Event Center Last but certainly not least is one of the most unexpected and extraordinary event spaces on the planet: the underground Event Center at KUSM. Going underground is always an amazing adventure but nothing says special and unique like a gathering in the Event Center. Expect sparkling salt walls, perfect climate, space for up to 250 guests at tables and chairs, and exemplary event planners

to help make your special day or evening memorable for all of your guests.

Amenities include a new state-of-the-art sound system, tours and rides for your guests, if you desire, centerpieces, linens and a wide variety of experienced salt mine caterers who will help you provide the perfect cuisine for your gathering.

Of course, we also have beautiful brand new underground restrooms adjoining the center that make

(See MEET, page 22)

children of all ages love the oodleplex, above left. the kusm event center, shown in all other photos on this page, provides a great venue for any type of entertainment, meetings and other events‌ including weddings!

Match Day

…simply matchless

By Gayle Ferrell, KUSM Director of Operations

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a total of 534 donors and the hutchinson community foundation helped make this an incomparable day in our community’s fundraising for nonprofit organizations.

atch Day was matchless . . . and surprising, humbling, fun, long, rewarding, amazing, invigorating, and eye-opening!

For 12 hours on November 28, supporters of 26 nonprofit organizations delivered donations – in person – totaling $182,000!

Due to a grant received by the Hutchinson Community Foundation, an additional $40,000 was deposited into the endow-

ment funds of the participating organizations!

Overall there were 534 donors – a true testament to community support!

FUNDS MATCHED

The $40,000 grant was distributed based on individual contributions, and matched at 50 cents per dollar. No organization could receive more than $10,000 in matching funds.

Cash prizes were awarded to the organizations raising the most money and with the most donors.

There were also hourly drawings for $100 cash prizes based on the do-

nors who arrived within a specific time frame.

Sixty-two donors gave $8,420 to the Kansas Underground Salt Museum endowment fund.

WOW!!! We received $3,195 in matching funds due to our donors arriving early before the pool ran dry! We established the Permian Salt Fund in July 2012 with an initial investment of $10,000. It is our hope that contributions from donor estate planning and charitable giving, plus a portion of ticket sales, will help financially secure future opportunities for people to experience this incredible

Meet here… it possible to attend an entire event without worrying about hard hats and rescuers.

If you aren’t planning your own event, come to one of ours. Three times a year, KUSM presents an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre.

Dates this year are February 23, August 24 and December 13.

Purchasing tables for Murder in the Mine events is also a great way for businesses to thank their clients or provide a fun and unique night out for

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(continued from page 21)

staff. Tickets sell out fast and we are taking reservations now for all 2013 shows.

Happy New Year everyone, and we hope to see you at museum events in 2013!!

Call these contacts for more information or to make reservations: Reno County Museum / Tina 620-662-1184 KUSM / Tonya 620-662-1425 866-755-3450

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kusm won twice during the hourly drawings throughout the day for an extra $100!

underground space. portation.

Although Mennonite There was the young Friendship Communities woman who literally gave raised the most for enall she had to the orgadowment, and Interfaith nization that gave her Housing Services brought a new beginning…and in the most donors, the the elderly gentleman salt museum won two who drove his electric of the hourly drawscooter from home ings! in frigid temperaOUR COMMUNITY But the money tures without his ANSWERED delivered in a coat zipped beTHE CALL single 12-hour cause his hands TO GIVE period, amazing don’t do zippers. as it was, was not We simply felt what had the greatest extremely blessed impact on me that day. that we could serve them No, it was the effort and by offering donuts, pie, personal sacrifice that hands to zip, a chair to individuals made to be sit in as they completed a part of this one-time their donor form, an arm Match Day event. to walk across the room, Donors were lined up a smile or friendly hello, outside at 6:45 a.m. that and a sincere thank you day, waiting in the cold as each one left. and dark morning air for We were occasionally the opportunity to give. asked for advice on an Linda Schmitt and I were honored and privileged to be able to greet almost every donor who walked through the doors of the Eagle Media Center that day.

There was the lady who got off the RCAT bus to bring in her gift, and then had to wait about an hour for the bus to swing back around to pick her up… and the man who called a younger friend to transport him as his physical 800-760-5315 limitations prevent him from using public trans-

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organization to choose, but we were there as representatives of ALL the participants and the Hutchinson Community Foundation. So our advice was always to look over the list and see if anything caught their interest. We never promoted the salt museum or even mentioned our association with it.

It was an exhausting day… a phenomenal day. Attempting to make donors feel appreciated by helping them in any way possible was far more rewarding than any and all donations.

This was about our supportive and caring community members answering the call to give – during a season when there are so many needs and requests.

And they came. Oh boy, did they come! We were all blessed beyond words.

gayle ferrell, left, and linda schmitt, rchs executive director, sport match day t-shirts.

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620-662-5315

f KANSAS UNDERGROUND SALT MUSEUM

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9 am–5 pm Tues–Sat 1–5 pm Sunday closed Mondays last tour departs two hours before closing. advance reservations strongly recommended allow about two hours for your adventure. closed Easter Sunday, March 31 open Monday, May 27, 9 am–6 pm call us or check our website for other holiday hours.

NEW SALT BLAST PASS our best deal includes gallery tour, dark ride (both handicapped-accessible) and new train ride. adults: $19 seniors (60+) and aaa: $17 children (4-12) & members: $12.50 reno county residents: $14 children under 4 not admitted due to mine safety regulations. pricing available to add only dark ride or train ride to gallery admission. all prices include sales tax. special pricing for groups over 28 and school groups with arrangements made one week in advance.

3504 e. avenue g

(at airport road) hutchinson, ks 67501 620-662-1425 toll-free 866-755-3450

OVERNIGHT SCOUTING

boys geology merit badge: jan. 26, feb. 2 girls: march 2

EXHIBITS & EVENTS

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KANSAS UNDERGROUND SALT MUSEUM EVENTS Murder in the Mine 2013 Interactive mystery dinner theatre • Saturday, February 23: “Murders of the Lost Crusade” • Saturday, August 24 • Saturday, December 13 Shows start at 6:30 p.m. $50 per person Doors open at 5 p.m.

Last trip underground: 6:15 p.m.

Must be 18 years old due to adult humor For details and reservations: 620-662-1425 • 866-755-3450

WATCH FOR THIS GLIMPSE INTO THE LIFE OF A MINER!

Murder is always a popular activity – particularly when the foul deed is committed 650 feet underground!

Make your reservations now.

This monitor now up in KUSM will show an in-depth, fascinating video about the life of a salt miner in the upcoming exhibit, “A Miner’s Life.”

KUSM EXHIBITS Miners’ Trash Display

See this fascinating new display case of items left behind by miners. It’s a preview of the larger “A Miner’s Life” exhibit coming soon to KUSM.

Salt Mine Express

Hurry aboard to ride the thrilling new underground train on the original rails and ties used underground.

Salt Secrets

Salt secrets exposed!

Permian Playground

Go interactive and explore the incredible varieties of salt. First hand!

Mine Corridor

Explore the general history of salt mining in Hutchinson.

The Iodine Deficiency Disorder Story Explore the efforts of Kiwanis International and UNICEF in using salt to combat IDD. (Story pg 4)

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Take It with A Grain of Salt

Discover how live bacteria were extracted from ancient Permian salt.

Myronmobile

Come see the “Myronmobile,” from TV’s “Dirty Jobs,” filmed in the Hutchinson Salt mine.

The Story of Underground Vaults & Storage View costumes and props from your favorite movies.

Members’ Program & Social Hour

APRIL 8 This event is open to all members of the Reno County Historical Society that includes both museums. Watch for details.

RENO COUNTY MUSEUM EXHIBITS Public Opening: March 1

struggles, sacrifices and accomplishments along the path to U.S. citizenship for many Kansans.

This tool-tally awesome new exhibit displays an amazing variety of tools used in Reno County.

Bisonte Hotel: The Best in the West Last Day: June 8

Tough, Rough & Ready: Reno County Tools A-Z Member Opening: Feb. 28

Americans By Choice: The Story of Immigration and Citizenship in Kansas Member Opening: Feb. 28 Public Opening: March 1 This traveling exhibit, commissioned in 2011 by the U.S. District Court of the District of Kansas, conveys the personal

Don’t miss RCM events

Visitors have the opportunity to take a long-awaited look at one of Hutchinson’s most beloved memories – the Bisonte Hotel from the early 1900s to more modern times.

their favorite artifacts, most never before shown.

Hail to the Hall: 100 Years of Convention Hall This exhibit traces the history of Convention Hall and officially displays the items from the Convention/Memorial Hall 1911 time capsule box.

Transportation Gallery

A Few of Our Favorite Things

See the Schuttler wagon, an Amish buggy, the Indian motorcycle, sidecar and much more.

The Reno County Historical Society staff chose

Jewelry Exhibit Watch for this opening in June.

RENO COUNTY MUSEUM HOURS 9 am–5 pm tues-Fri 11-5 saturday closed sunday and monday free admission unless otherwise noted 100 S. Walnut 620-662-1184

April 18: Chalkfest 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of chalk drawing in the RCM courtyard on this “Third Thursday.”

May 4: Cinco de Mayo

Don’t miss the variety of activities planned for this annual festival.

July 18: Ice Cream Social

It’s ice cream time from 5:30 to 7:30 – or until the ice cream runs out – on this Third Thursday at RCM.

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“two men, two hayforks, two hats” is only one of the photos and artifacts that will be on display at rcm in the upcoming “tough, rough and ready: reno county tools a-z.”

Our wonderful

SUPPORTERS

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s we begin the new year, the Reno County Historical Society extends its appreciation to all the wonderful supporters of the museums and county history.

Friends: Whitey & Shirley Alpers Juanita Bacon Marilyn Bauman Jerry & Marie Blocher Anthony & Connie Brauer Stanley & Katherine Brown Lori & Darrell Bryan Kiki Cappony Jo Ann Cole Bill & Mary Janet Collins Jane Cooper Maurice & Melva Cummings Mary Alice Ditgen Ed & Hazel Doherty Joan & Roy Dunn Barbara Frizell Gerald Green Heart of Kansas Quilt Guild Gary & Peggy Hughes Sally Holmes McPherson *Billy Klug Bob & Charlene Lind Wayne & Polly Lowe Robert & Marian Lundquist Ticky & Lloyd McAdams Judith Mielke William Morand Max & Carol Murray Bert Newton Karen Orr Nancy & Russell Reinert Candace & Richard Robl *Steve & Marsha Schrag LaVerna & James Shaw *Laura Snyder Phyllis Snyder Ruth Stiggins Allen & Ila Stone J.B. Stucky L.P. Thurman Ken & Glenda Vogel Julia & Earl Weidman Charlene & Clark Wesley Cleyon & Laura Yowell Supporters: *Robert & Kay Ahrens Mildred Elaine Applegate Larry & Marilyn Bolton Gladys Bos Gordon & Ann Brown Margaret & Elwin Cabbage *Susan Clemens Marcia & Richard Cooper Fred & Barbara Conner John Corey Herchel & K.T. Crainer

William Davis *Somnath Dasgupta *Pupan Dev Sharon & Bob DeVault Mrs. Carolyn Dillon Anita Drake Lewis & Julane Ediger Tom & Carolyn Elliott Gene Elliott John Eriksen Jane & Richard Falter John Fan Annie & Bob Fee Bonita Fee D.R. Fesler *Arlene Frederiksen *Shane George Esther & Wilbur Goheen Francis & Nancy Habiger *Gary Hackney Elizabeth Hayes Jo & Kenneth Hedrick Greg & Ande Henne Greg Hoefer *Linford Holdeman Shannon & Kyle Holmberg *Daniel Holtman Pamela & Randy Johnston Barbara & Kenneth Keefer Joyce & Lee Kelly Ron & Raelene Kite Jack & Ginger Koelling Charles & Diane Lee Ron Leslie Shirley & Dallas Macklin Dan & Georgia Maxwell Joan & Wally McKinney Stephens Mills Norma Mitchell *Ron Moore Wanda & Robert Morrison Jeanette & Jack Mull Rodney & Beverly Nash *Jim & Viola O’Connell *Ronald O’Hara Judy & Sam Ontjes Bill & Linda Pfenninger Harold & Janet Ryan William Rexroad Nancy & David Richman *Julie Robinette *Tammy Root *Rebecca Rothe Jack & Arvy Sampson Lois Schlickau Warren Schmitt Dr. Gerald & Judy Schrater Bill & Jennifer Scofield Richard & Patti Shank Dick Siegrist *Dilrukshan Silva Lorraine & Phil Simpson Jay S. Smith Charles & Patsy Studt

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*Donna & Harold Swanson Marilyn & Bill Swearer *Ahmad Vaqar Sue & Larry Wagerle Gale & Barry Wall *Brenda & Joseph Weber Michael & Kelly Wesley Barbara Williams June & Robert Winslow Gary & Nancy Witham Barbara & John Withrow Donna & Jack Wortman Cynda Wright Mary Anne Wright *Jill Zerger Backers: Ed & Carol Berger Dan & Sharon Deming Sally & Frank Depenbusch John & Kris Doswell Martha Fee Patty & Dan Foss Judy & Roger Hawk Elizabeth Oswald Kim & Cindy Moore Gary & Sherry Mundhenke Kyle & Tom Philbeck Sue & Gary Poltera Virginia Rayl Robert & Charlotte Summers John Wilson & Mollie Mitchell Jerry & Joan Wray Preservers: Roger Fick Steve & De Anna Marshall Nation & Tucker Meyer Lou & Bob Peel Merl Sellers Visionary: Mae Boggs Donors’ Circle: Advertising Specialties *Sisters of the Immaculate Heart *Ball Doctor Pro Shop Bridgman Oil Downtown Hutchinson Fee Insurance Agency First National Bank Kansas Gas Service Leech Products Inc. Shep Chevrolet Simpson Capital Directors’ Circle: Ag Trax/ Pro Data Bank of Kansas Greater Hutchinson CVB *New Members

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SALT COMPANIES IODIZE AMERICA PAGE 4 reno county historical society p.o. box 664 hutchinson, kansas 67504-0664

return service requested

If your address changes, please call us at 620-662-1184.