Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
"Hickory Point marker unveiling June 22" reported the June 20, 1941, edition of The Winchester Star, the weekly news publication of our neighbor city.
"To commemorate the only military engagement in Jefferson County of the Kansas slave-or-free state struggle, a suitable marker has been erected by the state Highway Commission near the site of the Battle of Hickory Point fought in September 1856.
"This marker will be unveiled, with ceremonies, next Sunday afternoon, June 22, at three o'clock. Hon. John A Dawson, chief justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, will make the inspirational address of the occasion.
"Mr. John Sherwood, who has resided many years on the actual site of the battle, will unveil the marker and repeat reminiscences he has heard of the affair.
"The Rev. Clyde King, Winchester minister, will pronounce the invocation.
"A trio of Valley Falls young ladies — the Misses Rita Goodwin, Mary Jane Blake, and Pauline Shermer — will sing patriotic numbers. The Oskaloosa uniformed school band will open the program with a concert.
"Kansas State Highway Patrol will have charge of traffic and parking.
"Location of the marker is four miles west of Winchester and a third of a mile north of Dunavant corner on US-59.
"Credit belongs to Gov. Payne Ratners' administration for initiating and executing the enterprise of marking this and half a hundred other historic sites in Kansas. The Highway Commission was given authority to negotiate for sites and funds to build the markers; the state Historical Society has cooperated by verifying historical data.
"The committee for the Hickory Point ceremonies is composed of Jas. A. Swoyer, chairman, and John W. Roberts, Oskaloosa, Richard A. Swallow and Bert Booth, Valley Falls, and John Sherwood, Hickory Point.
The Valley Falls museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18.
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