May window displays at the museum

The Valley Falls Historical Society's seasonal window display for May features paintings by local artists.

Susan Phillips' painting of the Kansas Central Freight Rail Train on the old train bridge (circa approx. 1895) provides the backdrop for Neola Scarlett Risinger's "Old School" and the "Last Passenger and Rail Depot (Santa Fe)," and Sandra Sullivan's floral beauties. The painting of the small house bore the following information handwritten and taped to the back of the framed artwork when presented to museum personnel: "painted by hometown boy Ralph Frakes, 1962, of Diehl's Meat Market on North Walnut, two blocks north of the post office on Broadway," followed by the additional "The small brick house was the home of the Green family and later occupied by Mary Bottom and family. Acquired by Everett Mitchell in 1942 for his market and processing until turning it over to Leland Diehl, nephew, in 1954. Diehl added the cement block addition to accommodate cold storage locker. Property was acquired by Corps of Engineers at beginning of construction of Perry Lake, purchasing all property within 350 feet from Delaware River."

The museum's veterans window display honors all past and present veterans with Decoration-Memorial Day with the window lined with tiny red poppies reminiscent of the infamous "In Flanders Field the Poppies Blow" poem, followed by a row of miniature green wreaths centered with small white crosses. Rows of military company caps, fatigue and dress, complete the display with a bright blue curtained backdrop featuring a simple, colorful plaque.