Category: News & Events

The Museum Annex is temporarily closed to the public as work is in progress on a much anticipated improvement. For years, museum staff and board have longed for air conditioning to be installed in the annex. In the summer months, being in the annex can be unbearable for our guests. Temperatures in the balcony reach well over 100 degrees. The extreme temperature is not only uncomfortable, but extremely hard on our artifacts. Museum professionals advise that fluctuating temperatures and humidity cause the most stress on artifacts, particularly textiles. In 2010, the American Institution of Conservation established that most cultural institutions should strive for a set point in the range of 45-55% relative humidity and a temperature range of 59-77 degrees Fahrenheit. Ramos Heating and Air Conditioning began work this week removing the old tube heater and installing a new AC/heating system. Next week Danny Crist will be here to plumb for natural gas, and we also anticipate the electricians to be here updating our system to handle the heavier load. We ask that you be patient during this process. We are very excited that this dream is coming to fruition for our visitors AND for the precious artifacts that we have been entrusted with.

 

Oh what a difference a fresh coat of paint makes!! The Great White House on the museum grounds is finally white again! The painters just recently finished this project which is one of many that have been on the to-do list for the oldest house in Lakin. A new roof was added last year, and the year before that work was done on the foundation to prevent future settling and cracks. There are some minor repairs still to come on the historic structure, but the old gal is looking pretty sweet! The White House is over 140 years old and was the home of Alonzo Boylan and his family. Boylan was the first railroad agent for Lakin. In 1916, the house was acquired by the O’Loughlin family and moved from its original location on the railroad right-of-way to Buffalo Street. In 1974, the house and the 1/2 block property it sits on were donated by the O’Loughlins to the Kearny County Historical Society. The pictures here show the finished project as well as what the house looked like prior to her new paint job. Doesn’t she look pretty?

One hundred years ago this week, the community of Deerfield bid farewell to some of its favorite sons who left to join Uncle Sam’s Army and put an end to World War I. The adieu included an open air dance with live music from the Deerfield Orchestra on the evening of August 2, 1917. The next morning the soldier boys of Deerfield Company F, led by Lt. Roy Thornbrough, met on Main Street Deerfield where “Rev. Gibbons of Lakin, made a very appropriate and fitting talk, in farewell to the boys.” A few more good-byes were spoken by friends and families, and then 10 of Deerfield’s finest citizens drove the boys to Larned where a reception was given to them upon their arrival.

 

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated the month of July as National Ice Cream Month and called for all people of the United States to observe these events with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.” The Kearny County Historical Society Museum did just that this past Saturday, July 15, 2017. Over 140 visitors, young and old alike, came out to enjoy free ice cream at our Annual Ice Cream Social.  

The Kearny County Senior Center recently implemented a new program in cooperation with the museum. Small groups of senior citizens visit specific areas in the museum on designated days. They then return to the Senior Center for lunch and a round table discussion or “memory sharing.” Last week the group visited the machinery building, concentrating on the washing machine and stove displays. The theme was “Women’s Work Was Never Done.” We heard several interesting comments about our equipment and how some had used the exact same thing in their younger years. This week they visited the depot. “All Aboard” was centered around memories of the train and depot. Next week, they will concentrate on the mens’ and womens’ clothing displays in the museum for “Dressed to the Nines.” If you would like to participate in this program, contact the Senior Center at 355-6482.

Throughout the school year, student groups perform community service at the museum. Their chores range from helping out with activities like Pioneer Day to cleaning, yard work and moving items for us. We are very fortunate and thankful for this relationship with the Lakin school district. Today a group of Lakin Middle School seventh graders, along with their fearless leader, tackled the round barn. In addition to sweeping, removing cobwebs and other cleaning chores, they helped relocate several items that had been stored in the barn to other buildings for future displays.

Were you one of the lucky people who attended the Kearny County Historical Society’s 59th Annual Meeting? If not, you missed a wonderful meal, interesting speaker and a perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones! The event took place April 8 at the Veterans Memorial Building in Lakin. Guests were treated to a delicious meal followed up with a short business meeting, election of board members, a short program on Harvey Girls, student recognition and presentation of door prizes. Kansas State University Professor Dr. Michaeline Chance-Reay was our guest speaker. Her presentation was brought to us courtesy of the Kansas Humanities Council. It was a very enjoyable evening for all!

Kearny County Historical Society will host “The Harvey Girls,” a presentation and discussion by Michaeline Chance-Reay on Saturday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Lakin, Ks. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Reservations are required by 4 p.m. on April 3 and may be made by calling the Kearny County Museum at 355-7448.

Dr. Chance-Reay’s presentation is made possible by the Kansas Humanities Council and is in conjunction with the KCHS’s 59th Annual Meeting. In addition to the program, other items on the evening’s agenda include a meal, short business meeting and election of board members. The event is open to the public, but only members of the Kearny County Historical Society may vote.

The Harvey House chain of restaurants got its start in Topeka when Fred Harvey opened a lunchroom for passengers on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad line. Preferring the term “Harvey Girl” to waitress, Harvey recruited single women to work at his restaurants which gradually sprang up all the way to California and Texas.

Michaeline Chance-Reay teaches courses in Women’s Studies and Education at Kansas State University. Her current research focuses on the Harvey Girls and the historic sites on the K-State campus, especially those related to women. “Women in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries who wanted jobs or careers outside of the home had few choices,” said Chance-Reay, “but the Harvey Company offered unique opportunities. It was demanding work but also offered a decent salary in a protected environment, in addition to travel and adventure.” She will explore the job duties and working conditions of Harvey Girls in her presentation.

“The Harvey Girls” is part of the Kansas Humanities Council’s Kansas Stories Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and discussions that examine our shared human experience – our innovations, culture, heritage and conflicts. The Kansas Humanities Council conducts and supports community-based programs, serves as a financial resource through an active grant-making program, and encourages Kansans to engage in the civic and cultural life of their communities. For more information about the Humanities Council, visit them online at www.kansashumanities.org.

And remember to get those annual meeting reservations in by April 3!

Spring newsletters went out in the mail yesterday to Kearny County Historical Society members. If you aren’t a member, here is a little example of what you’re missing. Like what you see?  Then head on over to the membership page. As a Kearny County Historical Society member, you will receive quarterly newsletters which include museum updates, historical articles and more!

Fred Harvey Spring 2017 Newsletter