A Tribute

by Betty Jane Wilson, president VFHS

The recent days have seen the demise of a number of kind and gentle souls from our midst.

This turning of the pages of the ‘Book of Life’ by HIM who has it in his keeping, saddens us, but should remind us that it is not what we might have done that is important.” Penned by the late Arthur Strawn, historian and editor of the Valley Falls Historical Society Newsletter dated Dec. 29, 1970.

Nearly four decades later and almost prophetically, we are saddened by the demise of two lifetime members and avid supporters of the Valley Falls Historical Society, Milton Reichart, anthropologist, author, and past president of the society, and Arthur Strawn, one of the founders, first president and long-time historian.

Adamant advocate of historical accuracy and preservation of facts, historian Strawn once wrote “a historical society is unique among the institutions of a community. It is not just one more social group, but ranks with the public library in that its membership corresponds to the library board and must carry the burden of collecting and preserving materials, but its services must be to the whole community. No finer way exists to promote interest and pride in a community than by a local historical society.”

Recognizing Arthur’s superlative qualifications as an historian and adviser, past president, Milton Reichart honored him with these words “One term that would characterize and typify the history of Valley Falls is ‘Ask Art,’ whenever someone makes inquiry of a Valley Falls citizen concerning something about the town’s history, sooner or later, the citizens will be heard to say ‘Ask Art.’ ”

The legacy of Arthur Strawn, his devotion and adherance to factural history, his contributions to the Valley Falls Historical Society and museum and entire community will grace the annals of Valley Falls history.

How long? Ask Art.

The historical society remains closed through February. Call (875) 945-3576, Betty Jane Wilson, for information or arrangements for visits.

Historical record lows

by Betty Jane Wilson

From Greenland’s icy mountains to the arid Sahara Sands, extreme weather conditions play dominant rolls in the annals of history.

Valley Falls history claims the following record low temperatures:
• From the Valley Falls New Era, Jan. 10, 1884, Patrick of the post office, recalled on the first of January, 1864, “the thermometer stood at 30 degrees below zero.”
• From the Valley Falls Vindicator, Jan. 24, 1930, “The thermometer registered 31 degrees below, the lowest in 30 years.”
• The Vindicator, Jan. 8, 1947, reported, “In just a week’s time, from Dec. 27 to Jan. 3, the mercury tumbled 103 degrees from 73 degrees
above to 31 degrees below.”

Extremes do make history; however, sometimes normalcy is preferable.

Window displays continue in January and February

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be closed from now through February, however window displays will be updated to coincide with calendar events and holidays.

The seasonal window for January will celebrate entrance of Kansas territory into the Union Jan. 29, 1861. A scenic mural of sunflowers, maps, brochures, and books serve as reminders of the state’s history.

The veterans’ window honors the memory of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a portrait, American flags, and memorabilia including his famous “I have a dream . . .” speech.

Advance arrangements for visits to the museum will be accepted. Call President Betty Jane Wilson, 785-945-3576, for information and visit the website at vfhistory.org.

Museum open by appointment only in January and February

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will not have regular hours in the months of January and February.

The museum is still open by appointment. Contact information can be found in the column at left.

Holiday closing

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be closed on Saturday, December 27 for the holiday weekend.

2009 calendars

The Valley Falls Historical Society 2009 calendars:
• unique
• practical
• Valley Falls oriented
• collectors items
• pictures suitable for framing
• great gifts for $5.00

Available at Evelyn's, Stewart's Olde Store, The Vindicator office and the Historical Society Museum. Mail orders also accepted. Add $2.00 each for postage and handling. Request from VFHS Calendars, 310 Broadway, Valley Falls, KS 66088

Old-fashioned Christmas; Pearl Harbor remembered

by Betty Jane Wilson, historical society president

Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s immortal “Night Before Christmas.” reminisences of an old-fashioned Christmas developed into the theme for the seasonal window display at the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum.

Dazzling sunlight reflections from huge, colored baubles replace traditional strings of tiny, twinkling electricity-fed bulbs spiraling and evergreen tree.

Gaily wrapped “mystery” gifts, toys and stuffed animals crowd around the tree. A vintage scooter and skates with shoes of questionable age add credence to past generations’ holiday celebration.

A bright, flaming fireplace completes the Christmas scene and reminder of Mr. Moore’s “Happy Christmas to All . . .” amid expressions of honor, blessings, patriotism, and holiday levity, the Veterans’ window remembers Pearl Harbor and commemorates the 67th anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Naval Installation Dec. 7, 1941, that plunged the country into war — changing the world forever.

“Reminder: Incessant prayers for peace are always in vogue.” BJW

Darlene Glassel, Geneva Lonard, and Ellen Schrick will be museum hosts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. Admission is free.

Historical society 2009 calendars are available at the museum, Evelyn’s, Stewart Hardware, and the Vindicator office.