by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Three enlarged photographs of early-day Valley Falls scenes and a painting of a Valley Falls landmark mounted on the west wall of the entry room greet the visitor to the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum.
The photographs were from glass negatives obtained by the late Dale Irwin from the photographic studio of early-day photographer, Alice Gardiner Sennrich. The pictures are of the first depot, a wooden building built in 1872, featuring three young school teachers (circa 1905), Lenora Steele, Maud Myers, and Anna Kamm, on the platform next to the train. Also shown at the station are Bert McClure and his milk wagon.
The Harness racing picture depicts races held at the old fairgrounds near the river and the photo of the Ferris wheel (1911) recalls the days when carnivals were held in the downtown area, many near Broadway and Sycamore. The painting of the Piazzek Mill, built on the Delaware River in 1855, was acquired by the late Virginia Reichart and donated to the museum. Mrs. Reichart had the paintings done from photographs by the now-deceased artist Donald O. Ballou, one-time resident of Brewster place, Topeka, where Mrs. Reichart resided for several years.
Darlene Glassel, Geneva Lonard, and Ellen Schrick will be museum hosts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Admission is free.
New, 2009 historical society calendars are available at the museum for $5. The 2008 calendars are still available for the same price.
October 10, 2008
October 02, 2008
Recent visitors; banquet ticket information
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
July and August visitors to the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum were: Chet and Earlene Boyce, Wakomis, Okla.; Ellen Hefty, Akron, Ohio; Margaret and Dennis McGrath, Ft. Morgan, Colo.; Terry Urban, Hays; Shirley Arnold, Ozawkie; and James Sears, June Huston, Susan Phillips, Warren and June Boyce, Shirley Neibarger, Mildred Hefty, Anita Stutesman, Beverly Reichart, Alex Ferguson, Marie Lange and Danny Lange, all Valley Falls.
September visitors were: Andrew Lonard, Kansas City, Mo.; Doris McClenny Boisen, Miami Springs, Fla.; Robert Lonard, Houston, Texas; Dick Strecker, Hiltin Head Island, S.C.; Presha, Brock, and Celia Emmert, Alma; Ron Smith, Auburn; Clifford and Cora Belle Lobb and Erin J. Ellerman, all Nortonville; Karen Sue Gordon, Denison; Dan and Mildred Linn, Wichita; Chad Quasebarth, Centralia; Bill and Virginia Billings, Lancaster; Patrick and Linda Henry, Coffeyville; John, Erica, Austin, and Madison Acheson, Effingham; Debbie Weston and Robert Kramer, both Meriden; Karen Lonard, Lenexa; Gwen Towle and Sheila Strecker, Overland Park; Tony Lonard, Lawrence; Pat Yehle, Lawrence; Jim Palmber, Patricia McClenny Nix, Earlene and Roland Reichart, Connie and Rosemary Strole, Eleanor and Larry Strecker, all Topeka; Dianna Welsh, Valley Falls; Donna Dunn, Michael Brose, Tom and Leah Brown, Harold and Gladys Wunder, Veryle Gilleece, Ashley and Joann Westbrook, Karen Botkin, Phyllis Petesch, Marie Lange, Danny Lange, Linda Schneider, Heather Edwards, Gordon and Margaret Lowry, Terry and Sondra Sullivan, Edna Coleman, Eileen Bledsoe, Kyle, Laura, Jackson, and Myles Reich, Melody, Caylin, and Peyton Conser; Doug Arnold, Mary Henry, Francis and Rosalie Hosler; Ardith Spencer, Don Carder; Caleb Clark, Winona Deckard, Ted and Jessie Montgomery, Calleigh and Carson Clark; Jeanette Smith, Cleo Carson, Joe and Linda Heinen, Tam and Alvin Wilhite, Harry Leonard, Brandon Tucking, and Dalene Senn, all Valley Falls.
The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Admission is free.
The Valley Falls Historical Society’s 41st annual meeting will be held Sunday, Oct. 26, at The Barn Bed and Breakfast Inn, 14910 Blue Mound Road. Lunch will be served at 1:30, entertainment at 2 p.m. featuring Kirk Shapland, reenactor of Buffalo Bill, portraying “Cody of the Plains.”
Ticket prices are $15 for the meal and entertainment or $5 for entertainment only. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Kendall State Bank or from Gary Coleman, Betty Jane Wilson, Lesa Brose, Maxine Hefty, Frank Shrimplin, Kyle Quasebarth, Joan Reichart, or Jamie Durand.
July and August visitors to the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum were: Chet and Earlene Boyce, Wakomis, Okla.; Ellen Hefty, Akron, Ohio; Margaret and Dennis McGrath, Ft. Morgan, Colo.; Terry Urban, Hays; Shirley Arnold, Ozawkie; and James Sears, June Huston, Susan Phillips, Warren and June Boyce, Shirley Neibarger, Mildred Hefty, Anita Stutesman, Beverly Reichart, Alex Ferguson, Marie Lange and Danny Lange, all Valley Falls.
September visitors were: Andrew Lonard, Kansas City, Mo.; Doris McClenny Boisen, Miami Springs, Fla.; Robert Lonard, Houston, Texas; Dick Strecker, Hiltin Head Island, S.C.; Presha, Brock, and Celia Emmert, Alma; Ron Smith, Auburn; Clifford and Cora Belle Lobb and Erin J. Ellerman, all Nortonville; Karen Sue Gordon, Denison; Dan and Mildred Linn, Wichita; Chad Quasebarth, Centralia; Bill and Virginia Billings, Lancaster; Patrick and Linda Henry, Coffeyville; John, Erica, Austin, and Madison Acheson, Effingham; Debbie Weston and Robert Kramer, both Meriden; Karen Lonard, Lenexa; Gwen Towle and Sheila Strecker, Overland Park; Tony Lonard, Lawrence; Pat Yehle, Lawrence; Jim Palmber, Patricia McClenny Nix, Earlene and Roland Reichart, Connie and Rosemary Strole, Eleanor and Larry Strecker, all Topeka; Dianna Welsh, Valley Falls; Donna Dunn, Michael Brose, Tom and Leah Brown, Harold and Gladys Wunder, Veryle Gilleece, Ashley and Joann Westbrook, Karen Botkin, Phyllis Petesch, Marie Lange, Danny Lange, Linda Schneider, Heather Edwards, Gordon and Margaret Lowry, Terry and Sondra Sullivan, Edna Coleman, Eileen Bledsoe, Kyle, Laura, Jackson, and Myles Reich, Melody, Caylin, and Peyton Conser; Doug Arnold, Mary Henry, Francis and Rosalie Hosler; Ardith Spencer, Don Carder; Caleb Clark, Winona Deckard, Ted and Jessie Montgomery, Calleigh and Carson Clark; Jeanette Smith, Cleo Carson, Joe and Linda Heinen, Tam and Alvin Wilhite, Harry Leonard, Brandon Tucking, and Dalene Senn, all Valley Falls.
The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Admission is free.
The Valley Falls Historical Society’s 41st annual meeting will be held Sunday, Oct. 26, at The Barn Bed and Breakfast Inn, 14910 Blue Mound Road. Lunch will be served at 1:30, entertainment at 2 p.m. featuring Kirk Shapland, reenactor of Buffalo Bill, portraying “Cody of the Plains.”
Ticket prices are $15 for the meal and entertainment or $5 for entertainment only. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Kendall State Bank or from Gary Coleman, Betty Jane Wilson, Lesa Brose, Maxine Hefty, Frank Shrimplin, Kyle Quasebarth, Joan Reichart, or Jamie Durand.
September 30, 2008
2009 calendars now available
The Valley Falls Historical Society 2009 calendars are now available at the museum, Evelyn’s, Stewart’s Olde Store and The Vindicator, all in Valley Falls. The cost is $8.00. There are a few 2008 calendars left, cost for those is $5.00.
September 11, 2008
Mural depicts town's railroad history
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Original photographs from the Valley Falls Historical Society files were the inspiration for the colorful Delaware River mural on display in the museum’s east window.
Representative of the late 1880s era, the old railroad bridge pictured in the foreground, parallel with the wagon bridge in the background, supports the Kansas Central Train. The elevator and mill, vital to the community’s economy, add credence to the historical scene.
A miniature locamotive with attached box cars, surrounded by vintage photos of Valley Falls train depots updates the city’s history as a popular railroad town.
An enlarged portrait of pioneer mill owner, operator and benefactor Joseph Piazzek surveys the scene including the grasshopper for whom the town was orginally named, Grasshopper Falls.
The museum’s west window is devoted entirely to the memory and anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, tragic terrorist attack that devastated the nation and shocked the world.
Anita Stutesman, Lesa Brose and Joan Reichart will be museum hosts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.
The historical society will observe Grasshopper Falls Fun Day with free cider and doughnuts for visitors at the museum.
Original photographs from the Valley Falls Historical Society files were the inspiration for the colorful Delaware River mural on display in the museum’s east window.
Representative of the late 1880s era, the old railroad bridge pictured in the foreground, parallel with the wagon bridge in the background, supports the Kansas Central Train. The elevator and mill, vital to the community’s economy, add credence to the historical scene.
A miniature locamotive with attached box cars, surrounded by vintage photos of Valley Falls train depots updates the city’s history as a popular railroad town.
An enlarged portrait of pioneer mill owner, operator and benefactor Joseph Piazzek surveys the scene including the grasshopper for whom the town was orginally named, Grasshopper Falls.
The museum’s west window is devoted entirely to the memory and anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, tragic terrorist attack that devastated the nation and shocked the world.
Anita Stutesman, Lesa Brose and Joan Reichart will be museum hosts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.
The historical society will observe Grasshopper Falls Fun Day with free cider and doughnuts for visitors at the museum.
September 04, 2008
Museum open house on Grasshopper Falls Day to follow renovation
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Scaffolding, ladders, drop cloths, brushes, and cans of paint in front of 310 Broadway are proof positive the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum exterior is undergoing a facelift.
The scarred and weather-beaten wood beneath the windows and the doorway has a new coat of paint. The screen door has been rebuilt with new hinges and screen.
The two-story McCammon structure, built of native limestone in 1884, has housed a variety of tenants, including several hardware stores. It provided a bank interior setting for the movie “Kansas.”
The historical society purchased the building in 1987 through the efforts of the late Greever Allan, who spearheaded a fund drive that raised $30,000 for the purchase.
The museum was opened to the public in 1990.
The second floor became available for additional exhibit space when an interior stairway was completed in 1991.
Plans are in the offering for an open house with free refreshments concurrent with Grasshopper Falls Funday, Sept. 20.
Dee Bayless and Ella Mae Holding will be museum hosts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Scaffolding, ladders, drop cloths, brushes, and cans of paint in front of 310 Broadway are proof positive the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum exterior is undergoing a facelift.
The scarred and weather-beaten wood beneath the windows and the doorway has a new coat of paint. The screen door has been rebuilt with new hinges and screen.
The two-story McCammon structure, built of native limestone in 1884, has housed a variety of tenants, including several hardware stores. It provided a bank interior setting for the movie “Kansas.”
The historical society purchased the building in 1987 through the efforts of the late Greever Allan, who spearheaded a fund drive that raised $30,000 for the purchase.
The museum was opened to the public in 1990.
The second floor became available for additional exhibit space when an interior stairway was completed in 1991.
Plans are in the offering for an open house with free refreshments concurrent with Grasshopper Falls Funday, Sept. 20.
Dee Bayless and Ella Mae Holding will be museum hosts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
August 25, 2008
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.
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.
August 22, 2008
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.
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.
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