February Newsletter

SCOTT COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

February Newsletter – 2019

Early February – the sun is shining brightly on the remaining piles of snow left over from those December and January snow storms.  For a while, it looked as though we would have snow hills on the back of every parking lot and vacant lot in town until spring, but there is noticeable thawing taking place now, and no snow in the immediate forecast.  But, Hey! It’s Kansas . . .

Since the last newsletter went out in early November, we haven’t had a chance to report on the great response we received from the Scott Community Foundation’s second annual Giving Day.  Thanks to your generous gifts, it was an excellent fundraiser for the historical society, adding $3,360.00 to our Foundation account.   Thanks to all who contributed through that unique event.

Many thanks, as well, for your help with the Sugar Plum Sale on December 16th.  The weather was fair, tables were loaded, and the crowd was good.  Actually, the crowd was early and eager!  By 2:00 p.m., the goodies were drastically reduced and late-comers were a bit disappointed to find limited selections.  It seemed like a long afternoon until we could finally draw for prizes.

Prizes were won by Karen Compton (Tava’s German Chocolate cake), Celia Fouser (Historical Society’s candy basket), Marilyn Dryer (Dean Fairchild’s handcrafted angel candleholder), Barb Dickhut (Suzy B’s Christmas fragrance infuser) and Tim and Jill Rust (Brenda Cejda’s ceramic Christmas tree.)

Proceeds for the sale were down a little from previous years, perhaps because some members who have often increased their checks that day, had just donated to the Giving Day in November.  All-told, our donations were very good this year and we are sincerely grateful for each and every gift.

 

We were saddened by the passing of long-time member and past president of the historical society board, Clyde Thomas.  Our thanks to Clyde’s family for designating the Scott County Historical Society as the recipient of his memorial funds.

Please welcome new member, Stan Sweeny, from Hydro, Oklahoma.  Stan visited the museum recently and was so impressed, he wanted to become a member!  That says volumes about the quality of our beautiful galleries and the way our unique history is told and shown here.

We enjoyed Brenda Cejda’s collection of ceramic Christmas trees in the temporary gallery through the holiday season.  That has now been replaced with a collection of vintage Valentines.  Some belonged to Ruth Dunn’s mother and some are from the Payne family.  Most date back to the 20’s and 30’s, when such cards were beautifully constructed, many with fold-out designs and moving parts.  It’s a charming display, but it won’t be up long, so  don’t miss seeing it.

Kansas Day (January 29th) was celebrated with 84 local fourth grade students who toured the galleries that morning.  They came in two groups, and each tour ended around the pump organ where everyone sang our state song, Home on the Range.

Stephanie Fisher continues to involve grade school children with her delightful trunk talks.  She presents a themed program the first Wednesday of each month for home-schooled children at the museum, and then takes her trunk to the elementary school later in the month.  January theme was Indian Homes in Kansas, and February is My Daily Life in Kansas.    

Our next scheduled event will be the annual meeting of the historical society in April.   Guest speaker will be Sara Richter, who has entertained us so well before.  Her topic will be TV Cowboys.  Doesn’t that sound like fun!  Put this date on your calendar now – Sunday, April 7, at 2:00 p.m. and plan to take part in the business of the society and enjoy the program.  And refreshments, of course.  We always have refreshments and we have the best cookie bakers in town!

And looking way down the line  – the June Jaunt will be May 31st to June 2nd.  We’ll feature Matt Bain as our guest speaker on Saturday, June 1st, at 2:00 p.m.  With New Jerusalem opening soon as the newest State Park in Kansas, Matt will have the latest information for us.

The Historic Sites Guided Bus Tour will take place on Sunday, June 2nd, leaving the museum at 1:00 p.m.  This great tour is free and open to the public, but you must make reservations in advance so we know how many to plan for.

We are still trying to add photos of military veterans to our collection.  If you have a photo of anyone in your family who has served in the armed forces, any era, any branch of service, please bring it in.  We have an excellent copy machine and do not need to keep your original.  These photos will be kept on file, possibly used in displays now and then, but will also be available for future generations looking for family connections.  Please help with this project.

CALENDAR DATES:

               Annual Meeting of the Historical Society - Sunday, April 7th, at 2:00 p.m.

               June Jaunt – Saturday, June 1st, at 2:00 p.m.

Go to top