The Kearny County Historical Society’s Annual Meeting was held April 18th at the Veterans Memorial Building. Seventy-five people signed the guest book, and four signed up for memberships that evening.
President Linda Peters welcomed everyone in attendance. The crowd stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and then the blessing was given by Bob Price, second vice-president. Next, a delicious meal of pulled pork, New Orleans potatoes, baked beans, rolls, coleslaw and cupcakes was enjoyed. The meal was catered by Webbs BBQ.
Following the meal, Peters introduced the board members and Museum employees. Minutes from the 2025 Annual Meeting were included in the program and approved as read. Treasurer Marilyn Wolfe presented the 2025 year-end financial report, and the financial report was approved as read.
Peters announced that the KCHS will probably start charging a minimal fee for the meal in 2027 due to budget cuts. She also gave a review of museum activities in 2025 which included school tours, Night @ the Museum, work on the White House porches, replacement of the lights in front of the Main Building, the award of a Western Kansas Community Foundation grant, the receipt of an antique truck from the Joe Tarbett estate, and the continuation of newsletters and Julie’s weekly article in The Lakin Independent. The Museum had 865 guests from 19 states and seven different countries sign the register in 2025.
Next order of business was the election of board members. Karen Burden, Robbie McCombs, Bob Price, Brenda Rios and Marilyn Wolfe were all up for re-election. Joe Eskelund, long-time board member, opted not to run again. Other names submitted for the ballot were John Craig and Wilma Day.
Following the collection of ballots, Julie McCombs introduced Steve and Suzanne Germes, former Lakin residents who now live in Topeka. Steve portrayed Fred Harvey, and his eldest son, Ford, while Suzanne portrayed Harvey’s personnel manager, Alice Steele. Their program covered how Harvey came to be known as the “Father of Hospitality” and the “Civilizer of the American Southwest.” Following Harvey’s death, his children continued in their father’s shoes expanding the Fred Harvey Company into other venues with Fred’s signature style of excellence.
McCombs announced election results. All incumbents were returned to office, and Craig was elected to fill the vacancy. Karen Burden, Kelley McCormick and Lisa Grant won the door prizes.
