Historical society rooms made for browsing

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

Although our boots aren’t “made for walking” (they’re fashionable), our rooms are made for browsing (and we have several).

Local artists’ paintings, mega photos from glass negatives, wooden plaques listing historical society benefactors, life members, and memorial recipients, military apparel and artifacts, a reed organ, and the famous “Depot Fern” greet the visitor to the entrance of the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum.

Browsing rooms feature yesteryear sports gear, merchant photos, and establishments including a barber shop replica complete with striped pole (sans quartet) showcases with postal work items and a prized Grasshopper Falls stamp canceler, sewing necessities, railroad equipment, and a variety of telephones surrounded by operator photos.

China cabinets with interior lighting display shelves of antique glass and dinnerware, a Linotype and equipment used to publish the Valley Falls Vindicator occupies an entire corner of the room lined with advertising mirrors from various barber shops.

Toys, dolls, wagons, and scooters, prior to motorized vehicles, and games claim a share of browsing. A corner devoted to the pharmaceutical profession contains an enviable collection of supplies and neccessities, plus an 1872 prescription book.

Recently-installed, overhead, miniature spotlights illuminate the scenic theatrical curtain that emphasizes merchants wares, and is reminiscent of stage presentations of year’s past.

Twelve dozen egg crates, monkey wrenches, cow kickers, and animal nose snubs draw attention to shelves and walls lined with “tools of the trade.”

Second-floor browsing rooms are filled with wedding and graduation dress fashions, and a millinery shop, high school senior class composites, school trophies, country school memorabilia, bank paraphernalia, fraternal organization material, Rio Theatre movie posters, photographic enlargers, cameras, and film developers, utility room “back breakers,” including hand-operated clothes washer and wringer and a flat iron.

The Sam Strawn Room boasts quilts, coal room heater, pineapple legged dining table, womens’ high-topped, laced, pointed-toe shoes (boots aforementioned), baby clothes, and antique samplers.

Ramp and hand rails new at Shrine Church

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

A white, walk-up ramp with hand rails added to the entrance of the Shrine church enhance the beauty and accessibility to the building. Designated a state historical shrine in the 1970s, the structure, located at the intersection of K-16 and Elm Streets is the first Lutheran Church built in Kansas.

Owned and maintained by the Valley Falls Historical Society, the Shrine is open to visitors by advance arrangement. Call Gary Coleman, (785) 945-3231, or Betty Jane Wilson, (785) 945- 3576 for an appointment.

The museum on Broadway Street will be open Saturday, Aug. 23, with hosts Galen Reichart and Glen Lester. Admission is free. Guided tours are available.