Fall 2013 Newsletter

          The Battle Canyon anniversary celebration and symposium was, as promised, a once-in-a-lifetime event. It was well attended and the comments have been overwhelmingly positive. A huge thank you to all our members who helped in any way to make the weekend a success. Big jobs or small, each one was important and your participation was greatly appreciated. Kudos to Jerry Thomas, who spent months of his life and put countless miles on that bright red pickup, making sure all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. It was a huge undertaking and we encourage you to let him know that you appreciated the results. Jerry has added some amazing artifacts to his gallery collection, many of which pertain to the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork. They are beautifully displayed – Come and see!

As usual, we can barely catch a breath before we’re on to the next important event – the annual Membership Appreciation Day! The date is Sunday, October 27th, at 2 p.m. at El Quartelejo Museum.

We are pleased to announce that our guest speaker will be Thad Beach. Some of you are familiar with Thad’s work at the Middle School each year. Thad is a musician and songwriter who introduces the students to the challenges of the Dust Bowl years right here in Scott County. Local citizens are interviewed by the students, who then write songs about the stories they’ve heard.

          We’re all interested in those difficult years which many of you remember all too well. Come and hear his presentation and share your own stories.

          Following is Thad’s biographical information:

         Songwriter Thad Beach will be performing his musical program entitled, “Dust Bowl Survivors: They Called it the Dirty Thirties.” This multi-media program features six songs co-written by fifth grade students and teachers during Thad’s songwriting residencies at Scott City Middle School since 1999. An accompanying slide show presentation highlights the songwriting process and collection of personal histories.

          The songs tell the stories of rural people and some minute details of daily life in the 1930's for those who chose to stay in western Kansas, rather than emigrate during hard times. Many personal experiences of local residents who participated in discussions over the years with the students, were woven into the lyrics of the songs....songs about “Going to Scott City,” “When the Roosters Crowed at Noon,” how “Farmers Never Give Up,” and “When the Rain Came Down”.  "Troop Train" is the newest song written just weeks ago, about local support for WWII soldiers passing through Scott City.

          This promises to be a special afternoon, so be sure to put the date and time on your calendar – Now! SUNDAY, OCT. 27th, 2 P.M.   Bring your friends!