Legacy Fall 2011

LEGACY 

FALL 2011

T H E

J O U R N A L

O F

T H E

R E N O

C O U N T Y

H I S T O R I C A L

S O C I E T Y

the diaries of marion foster span decades…page 4

I 18 first run through kusm tunnels gets a high-five

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E 24 time capsule in cornerstone reveals wealth of memorabilia

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LEGACY 

THE JOURNAL OF THE RENO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

HISTORICAL SOCIETY STAFF (full-time)

Linda Schmitt, executive director, rchs

4 the diaries of francis marion foster ...reveal day-to-day life in reno county

lindas@undergroundmuseum.org

Jamin Landavazo, chief curator, rchs jamin@undergroundmuseum.org

Gayle Ferrell, director of operations, kusm gayle@undergroundmuseum.org

Tonya Gehring, docent supervisor, kusm

17 dairies run the gamut in design ...from fanciful to sophisticated

18 kusm opens up tunnels to runners ...fun runs deep for middle school students

tonya@undergroundmuseum.org

Mike Allen, finance manager, rchs mike@undergroundmuseum.org

Dave Unruh, maintenance supervisor, kusm dave@undergroundmuseum.org

Lynn Ledeboer, curatorial assistant, rcm

21 governor saved best for last ...in tour of “8 wonders of kansas”

22 kourtney a real people pleaser ...and she loves being a “salt nerd”

lynn@renocomuseum.org

Tina Moore, administrative assistant, rcm tina@renocomuseum.org

Kourtney Krehbiel, visitor services, kusm kourtney@undergroundmuseum.org

23 a big thanks to our latest members ...both new and renewing

24 capsule takes us back in time ...ceremonies mark 100 years of hall

BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Doswell, president • Shannon Holmberg, secretary Charles Studt, treasurer • Michael Armour, president-elect Patty Foss • LeAnn Cox • E. Francis Habiger • Nan Hawver Todd Laffoon • Sherry Mundhenke • Tim Davies • Richard Shank Barbara Withrow • Jerry Wray • Mike Carey, ex-officio • Myron Marcotte, ex-officio • Lee Spence, ex-officio

28 volunteer up to her eyeballs in napkins ...categorizing thousands of varieties

29 it was a very social event ...ice cream draws families and musicians

29 please come tickle these ivories! ...feel free to experience our latest donation

30 fresh new signage for rcm ...thanks to donors, project is proceeding Volume 23, No. 4 Legacy is published quarterly by The Reno County Historical Society, Inc. 100 S. Walnut St., P.O. Box 664, Hutchinson, Kansas 67504-0664 For advertising or membership information, call 620-662-1184. © 2011 The Reno County Historical Society, Inc. ISSN 1045-3423 All rights reserved. The RCHS disclaims responsibility for statements of fact or opinion made by contributors.

31 volunteers spruce up rosemont porch ...united way workers scrape away at paint

32 dare you ride the train of terror? ...check out new events and exhibits at museums

ella parcell foster with daughter, helen, and stepsons, lester in wwi uniform, and either leon, kenneth or jim. ca. 1918. (1993.10.124)

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The Diaries of Francis Marion Foster

By Lynn Ledeboer, RCM Curatorial Assistant

Francis Marion Foster. Born in Ohio on May 23, 1861…died in Hutchinson on October 8, 1953… buried in Hutchinson’s Eastside Cemetery.

Foster’s writing is very sparse. At times, however, he does give us glimpses into his life, his activities, his family, his job and the world around him.

From 1874 until 1949, Foster almost always starts his entry ho was this Francis each day with an account of the Marion Foster? He was weather, including a check of the an early Reno County temperature, moisture and wind adventurer. Hard worker. conditions.

Musician. Family man.

I have omitted the repetition In early Hutchinson diof the weather reporting in some rectories, Foster was listed of the entries below and chosen variously as a fireman, masome of the more interesting ones chinist, laborer, driver and for continuity and ease of reading. operator, primarily for the I’ve also kept most of the origiBarton Salt Company where nal spelling, amending or changhe worked for 51 years. ing again solely for the readers’ Some of the addresses detail from foster’s 1874 diary ease. where he lived were 713 E. When describing actions or events in his Ave G, 205 E. Ave. G, 306 Carpenter, and life, Foster gives us little embellishment, but 208 Park. states things simply and plainly.

Foster kept a daily diary from 1874 until When he does allow us in, it is a very rare at least 1949. His 28 diaries were donated to and welcome occurrence. the museum in 1993. Some are simply lined Life certainly was not all work and no play notepads, others are fancy leather-bound as Foster mentions many parties, dances volumes. All contain items that Foster felt and get-togethers. It is evident he plays the were important to him at the time.

Unfortunately for the researcher today, (See PLAYING....page 6)

W

5

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foster liked to “nock around town.”



Playing for the dance…

(Continued from page 5)

a detail, below, from foster’s 1874 diary. (1993.10.189)

piano, organ and fiddle at these gatherings as he often mentions “playing for the dance” or “furnished the music tonight.”

And although Foster discusses the traditional farming tasks associated with early county residents, the pursuit of other work drives him throughout the early years of his diaries.

He notes who he is working for, how long he has worked for someone, what the wages were for what tasks, and when he is out of work.

Foster notes “Cr” and “Dr” besides the names of individuals to whom he owes money or who paid him wages.

Surprisingly, Foster describes traveling repeat-

edly and staying overnight often. Sometimes these travels were to visit family and friends; sometimes he traveled to obtain goods or for work. Most evenings he “goes to town.”

Sadly for us, Foster only describes his activities there as “nocking around town,” meaning “knocking around town.” We can only

marion foster at 82 years of age, one of the few photos identified as marion in the museum collection. (1993.10.151)

guess that he shopped for necessities, visited associates, stopped in to mail a letter at the post office and perhaps just strolled along “main street” or gazed at the murky waters of Cow Creek.

Sunday, August 16 – Went to Walnut Monday, August 17 – Went to Bend. Sold meat & plums. Returned home at night.

Wednesday, August 19 – Sold heifer & hogs to Let’s peek into Foster’s White. life in August, 1874, when he was just 13 years old, Foster lists several eastand two years foster was ern addressafter Hutchinonly 13 es along with son was when he notations, established as started including: a city. keeping “Baugh & a diary.

Sons, No. 20 1874 South Del, Phil – Dealer Wednesday, in Rough August 12 – dry Bones - $22.00=2240 On Blood Creek. Left (pounds?). home. Arrived at Depot at 9:30 p.m. Camped on Thursday, December 17 River.

– Contracted to take load of company (B) freight to Thursday, August 13 camp supply.

– Started for Rattle Snake Friday, August 14 – Arrived at R. Snake. Went plumming. Went after Buffalo. Camped at night at crossing.

Friday, December 18 – Camped on the River Bottom below Dodge – we are to receive “demurrage” from today till we load

(Sandhill plums were abundant at this time and Foster harvests them often.)

Foster and his co-workers received pay while they waited for a delay – either due to weather or other circumstances.

Saturday, August 15 – Arrived at Bend

(See CAMPING, page 8)

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

CALL FOR INFORMATION If any relatives or family friends have corrections or more information about the Foster family, please contact Lynn Ledeboer.

620-662-1184

Camping out on Christmas (Continued from page 7) Saturday, December 19 – Sent for gun Sunday, December 20 – Birthday (whose is unknown) Monday, December 21 – Received gun & letter – canned some place – ponies recruiting up for the trip.

J9525-1 Hutch Legacy Mag -Spring11-7.5 x 5 2c ad .indd 1

Tuesday, December 22 – We went to the Post and loaded up – camped at the Post.

Wednesday, December 23 – Started. Weighed our loads at Dodge City – weight 2850.540lbs = 2310. Camped on Mulberry 12 miles from D-City.

No timber. No running water.

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Thursday, December 24 – Camped on Bluff Creek – 12 miles from Mul – some brush – running water.

Friday, December 25 – Camped on Bear Creek – 20 miles – near “Soldier’s Grave”. Some timber & water.

3/30/2011 10:24:39 AM

the outside of foster’s 1874 diary is made from “hand sided, solid sole leather counters.” its label asserts that it is “warranted” and made by “c.m. henderson co.” (1993.10.189)

Saturday, December 26 – Camped on Cimarone – 12 miles – no timber, running water.

Monday, December 20 – Worked for Hutchinson.

1 day with team. $3.00.

Surveying between river and creek. Fine weather.

1875 Tuesday, December 21 – Hutchinson with Friday, January 22 team, 1 day.

– Camped flats. $3.00. Leveling foster worked Killed two bufon and off for between river falo. c.c. hutchinson, and creek. the town’s Nice weather.

Saturday, Janfounder uary 23 – Struck Wednesday, DeS. Canadian River. cember 22 – Worked Killed three Buffalo.

1 day. $1.50. Surveying south of creek in town.

Thursday, January 28 Splendid weather.

– Camped on Paladora.

Killed wolf.

Wednesday, December 15 – worked for Hutchinson.

3⁄4 day. $1.17 1⁄2 Surveying north of Town – good weather.

(When Foster states “worked for Hutchinson,” he’s referring to C.C. Hutchinson, founder of the city of Hutchinson.)

Thursday, December 23 – Wrote to Wilder.

Friday, December 24 – Hauled corn for Street – got coal.

Saturday, December 25 – Christmas. Got flour.

Monday, December 27 – Hutchinson Dr. 1⁄2 day with team. $1.50. Dug

9

3 wells west end of race.

Turn to front of Book, page 20.

Foster directs the reader from book to book or, in this case, from the end of the book back to the front. He was meticulous in maintaining the continuity of his entries.

1876 Monday, January 6 – C.C. Hutchinson to 1⁄4 day. 37 1⁄2. Dug well South of main st.

Thursday, January 7 – 1/3 day. .50. Surveying embankment.

Tuesday, February 8 – 1 day. Surveying sect(ion) 11-1 day – 2.00 Wednesday, February 9 – Surveying Sect. 11-1 day – 2.00

(See SURVEYING, page 10)

this 1874 diary, containing foster’s earliest memories, begins with several pages of ornate almanac information, including these detailed zodiac medallions.

(1993.10.189)

Surveying, harrowing, plowing, planting (Continued from page 9)

Friday, February 11 – 1 day. Surveying Sec. 11 - 2.00 Monday, February 14 – Located stockyards.

1⁄2 day. 1.00 Breaking & Harrowing Sec. 5 – East embankment. .50.

Dunkin Cr. By 5 gal. Sorgum molasses.

William Dunkin was a local landowner for whom Foster often worked.

Sunday, March 5 – Sunday night rain.

Friday, March 10 – Sleet, cold.

Monday, March 6 – Rain – rain. Wm. Dunkin Cr 2 bu(shels) oats. 2 bu corn.

Tuesday, March 14 – Worked for Wm. Dunkin on race. $1.00. Letter from Shields

Tuesday, March 7 – Went to town. Got corn & meal.

Thursday, March 9 – C.C. Hutchinson Dr. to setting stones on Sec. 11 with team. 1⁄2 day – $1.50.

Plow sharpened.

Wednesday, March 15 – Sleet & snow.

Friday, March 31 – Rain – rain – rain.

Saturday, April 1 – Rain – rain – rain – rain. Went to town. Got coal. Dunkin Cr. Powder & saps. .48 Tuesday, April 4 – Windy – clear. Dunkin Cr. 1⁄2 bu corn.

Wednesday, April 5 – Plowing sod. Clear.

Thursday, April 6 – Clear.

Went to town. Dunkin Cr. 2 bu corn. 2 bu shot. Order to Geo. Penny. $5.00 Friday, April 7 – Went to town – got scraper.

Saturday, April 8 – Clear – planted sweet potatoes.

Mulched potatoes.

Sunday, April 9 – Dunkin & lady came out.

10

Through May he continues to remark on the weather and planting corn. He continues to work for Dunkin.

Saturday, June 24 – Shower in eve – plowing west corn.

Sunday, June 25 – Boys went to river. Got some wood & plums. (See note on family on page 15.)

Monday, June 26 – Finished west corn. Plowed Dunkin’s trees. .25 He continues helping Dunkin.

Tuesday, July 4 – Centennial. Picnic in Sand hills.

Wednesday, July 5 – Boys went to town – got plow share. Rain.

Throughout July he cuts, binds and hauls oats.

Thursday, July 30 – Foster lists his work activities and what he earned for them: Plowing 1 acre – .50 Harrowing .25 Drilling .25 Seed 1.00 Harvesting 1.50 Thrashing 20 bu 1.00 Boarding .50 Hands work .50 5.50 Sunday, August 2 – His work for Dunkin was listed as follows: Breaking 22.45 Race work 1.00 Plowing patch .85 Hauling oats .75 Shocking wheat 1.25 Plowing patch .50 Stocking wheat 1.50 Stocking wheat .50 Sacking corn 1.00

11

Plowing wheat Total

20.50 $50.30

1900 By 1900, Foster’s entries have settled into what sounds very much like a weather broadcast.

pictured above are marion’s father, d.p. foster (1993.10.135), and his mother, catherine.

(1993.10.136)

Sunday, January 14 – Clear, warm, no wind.

Made kite. No wind to fly it. Burt Vincent came over. Asked us to a party at their house Tuesday night.

Tuesday, January 16 – Went to a party and played at Vincents. Cold north wind. Cloudy. Dad went to Enid.

Sunday, March 11 – Clear warm north wind.

Smokey. Went to Sheltons for dinner, big crowd over. our last night in the old sody. (soddy?)

(See page 12)

(Continued from page 11) foster’s creative side shows itself in the capital letters and numbers in this 1909 diary, above left.

(1993.10.197)

advertisements for dr. pepper inside this 1899 diary, right, claim that dr. pepper “brightens the mind and clears the brain.”

(1993.10.190)

Foster mentions working on a house throughout April and May. He relays that he had “music” several nights, went to and “played” at several parties and dances. He often mentions hauling a load of rock, hay or corn or taking hogs to town.

1901 Saturday, June 2 – Clear warm. Went to town. The Salt Jacks played ball.

There are no entries until October when Foster talks about camping.

Sunday, October 8 – Started for nowhere. Camped on Indian Creek. Clear.

Sandy.

Monday, October 9 – Broke camp 8:10 a.m.

Took dinner at Fairview. Camped at Juniper Spring. Hard south wind.

Clear. Dusty.

Tuesday, October 10 – Broke camp 8:10 a.m.

Crossed North Fork Canadian. Clear windy. Sand and black jacks.

On October 16 Foster says he “commenced work on sod house.” It is unknown if this house is for him or someone else, although he mentions Uncle Charley and Charley’s wife, and he continues work on the house through November.

Monday, October 23 – Worked on house all alone. Wind blowing like

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h--- (his notation).

Throughout November, Foster talks about hauling water, cutting kaffir corn, killing chickens, and many times he admits to having “don nothing all day.” He mentions the comings and goings of Uncle Charley. However on Friday, October 17, he reports, “Uncle Charley left for better quarters, kit and budle…”

Saturday October 18 – Cattle about to take us.

Cloudy all day. Warm.

Looks like rain. It’s damn lonesome here. Nothing to see but hills and cattle.

Charley and his wife continue to visit Foster throughout November.

On November 25 he states “Married 14 years today,”

by 1915, at the age of 54, foster’s handwriting had vastly improved, as most probably had his living conditions and writing utensils, allowing him to reveal his flowing, flowery handwriting.

(1993.10.202)

 his only mention of his anniversary, possibly to a first wife.*

to Hutchinson 8:30 p.m.

Cold north east wind.

Cloudy snowing some in evening.

1902 Thursday, November 27 – Thanksgiving. Had company to dinner, music and fun. Clear cold south wind.

Friday, November 28 – Clear cold north wind.

Folks went for wood. I and girls went to candy pulling. Big crowd. Good time.

Saturday, November 29 – Went for persimmons.

Found plenty. Went to funeral of Charley Lynes father-in-law. Clear cold south wind.

Though the end of December, Foster works on an engine and getting rocks for the engine bed.

1903

Sunday, January 11 – Clear cold north wind.

Went up to town. Got pair of shoes. Went to block in afternoon.

Tuesday, January 13 – Clear cold north wind.

Don nothing. I guess

uary 18, he went to “E.F. church in the morning and to the army in evening. Stayed all night with Louises.” On Tuesday, January 20, he went to church again, “big crowd.

Several conversions.”

Friday, January 23 – Snowed and drifted from north. Went through Reformatory in afternoon, fired little boilers all night.

He fired little boilers in the reformatory one cold January night. Several weeks later he reports on work at Barton Salt: “…bad night in block.

All kinds of trouble.”

I’ll not get my job back.

Nocked around town with dad Chieb.

Wednesday, January 1 – …cloudy cold…North East wind...went to town, got home late.

Wednesday, January 14 – Clear cool north west wind. Up in town most of day. Jameson thinks he will have something for me soon.

Saturday, January 10 – Started for Hutch – left Ponca 12 a.m. layed over 2 hours at Blackwell. Got

During the following week, Foster stays overnight at various friends’ houses. On Sunday, Jan-

Cold. Cleared off in afternoon.

Monday, January 26 – Cloudy cool north wind.

Carted salt all night.

Foster continued to cart salt on and off, helped scale salt pans, and worked with boilers through February. MidFebruary Foster has a “bad night in block. All kinds of trouble.”

(See page 14)

13



*On Nov. 25, 1901, Marion writes: “Married 14 years today.”

No information can be found, however, that identifies his first wife.

(Continued from page 13)

above is a detail from foster’s 19131915 diary. his creative side emerges in his artwork here as does his love for his wife, “ella,” written in the banner underneath the bird. (1993.10.201)

He continues to mention having trouble in the “block,” referring to the Barton Salt Plant.

Tuesday, February 17 – Bad night in block. I made salt.

Raining most of day. Cow Creek coming up higher than ever known. Back of Opera House fell down.

Streets all underwater.

(The Opera House was located on the northeast corner of 1st and Main.)

Saturday, February 21 – Clear warm. Went to town got shoes. Went to picture show in evening.

Shut down boilers to clean up.

In April and May Foster repairs, cleans and maintains boilers and pans in salt operation. He receives letters from Ella Parcell, soon to become his wife.

Friday, April 29 – Cloudy raining most of time. Went to town in afternoon.

Creek coming up.

Tuesday, May 2 – Cloudy cool north wind no rain.

Water still going down some. Dropped about 8 or 9 inches all together below town. Got letters from children.

Saturday, April 30 – Cloudy cold north wind.

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Friday, May 5 – Clear very near all day warm. Went up town. Water about all gone. Streets and sidewalks in bad shape but repairing as fast as they can.

Saturday, May 9 – …black Smallpox in town. Two deaths – both women.

On Sunday, July 26, Foster says he was “in bed most all day. Not feeling well. Toothache and bad cold. Felt bad.”

By Tuesday the 28th, he was not feeling any better and “had Doctor. He pronounced it tonsillitis.

Payed McHily $10.00.”

 Throughout the months Foster is back at work of September and Octoon Thursday, but comber, Foster works on the plaining still about his salt pans and general salt sore throat. mine work.

On Saturday August 15, in his usual way of underThursday, October 22 – statement, Foster writes Ella came. We were marin his diary: “Barton Salt ried at Judge Knauss’ ofBlock burned down. Big fice in evening. Stayed all fire.” By the 17th Foster night with Stant & Louis. is “putting shed over salt.

It is the supposition that Barton will Foster was 42 at build again.” this point and after fire at Ella Parcell On the 18th barton plant, “will be all was 26. His he says, “got alone tonight marriage to the salt covon watch.” ered and shack Ella may have to put things in,” changed some and on the 19th, things, as on Sunday, October 26, Foster “got the salt all roofed shares, “Gon to keeping over. Lots of fire there yet.” the house proper.” ApparFoster reports that he “will ently Ella had something be all alone tonight on to say about how Foster watch.” was “keeping house.”

Tuesday, September 1 – Clear nice day. All went to Chicaska fishing. Took dinner in shade. Caught some fish. All small. Went swimming. Had good time.

Wednesday, September 2 – Clear south wind. Took picture of house. Hard to get good one. Developer not good.

In September Foster gets a stove, oven range and puts down carpet in his house.

800-760-5315

as near as can be determined from early documents and obituary notices, lester had six children from a first marriage (wife unknown), myrtle, mae, leon, kenneth, lester and jim. helen foster sanders, pictured on page 4, appears to be the only biological child of marion and ella.

May 2, 1904– Went to town afternoon.

Got Lester’s hair cut.

See note on Lester’s family above.

1904 Tuesday, May 10 – Clear south wind. Went fishing.

(See BARN, page 16)

620-662-5315

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“Barn across the alley burned.

They said our children don it.”

(Continued from page 15)

watch for more on the life of marion foster as revealed through his diaries in the

as was Foster’s typical blunt way of mentioning an event without any further analyses or follow-up.

1904. In the next issue, we will follow Foster’s life until his final entries in 1949.

Monday, June 13 – Clear mostly. Didn’t sleep much. Barn across the alley burned. They said our children don it. Cut out #2 pan to fix pipe. (Children’s names unknown) No further mention is made of the barn incident,

This diary continues through 1904 with a multitude of references again to the weather, fixing the pans, pipes and boilers at the Barton Salt plant.

This is just a short sampling of the entries in Foster’s diaries through

Although we are able to glimpse just a little of what Francis Marion Foster’s life was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s, he shares just enough to allow us to imagine his life on the Reno County prairie.

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insight, innovation, integrity. . .every day

Richard Hunter

History repeats itself

Harry Dunn

next issue.

Caught a few. Came near upsetting in creek. It swam the horses. River up. Played for a dance.

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FOCUS on Marion Foster’s diaries

1899

1902

1909

1911

1915

1918

On your mark…

By Gayle Ferrell, KUSM Director of Operations

runners from the anthony middle school track team in manhattan, above, prepare for the first run through the tunnels of kusm.

18

O

ver and over again I have been asked by visitors if there could be a marathon underground.

Or a half marathon. Or any kind of run as “... there is all that room and all those tunnels.”

And for four years I said no. There is no way anyone can be turned loose to run beyond museum boundaries.

Runners and bikers have a hard time comprehending that, unlike the museum area, it is rough terrain with absolutely no light available, and there is still active mining occurring every day.

It is beyond impossible to allow anyone access other than a trained miner into those areas. My counter offer was always that it might be possible

to allow a run to occur on a circular path that was followed, almost like running laps on a track. That never sounded near as exciting to them.

But then there was Jeff Eckelberry, track coach at Anthony Middle School in Manhattan. He wanted to reward his runners with a special trip to the Salt Museum and wondered if there was any chance they could run a mile underground.

Tonya Gehring, our Assistant Site Director, repeated the standard story: it would have to be inside museum boundaries, on a repetitious loop, and occur at the end of the day so that tours for other visitors were not interrupted.

He liked it! So with a long list of rules and requirements, we said, “YES!” Measuring and laying out a loop that would eventually equal a mile became a challenge for Dave Unruh, Maintenance Supervisor.

I approved turning on the emergency lights in the Dark Ride, and allow-

(See GO, page 20)

get set....

…GO!!!

(Continued from page 18)

To see a short video clip of the exciting run, please follow this link: https:// sites.google. com/site/anthonymsxc/ home/salt-minerunderground.

ing the students to run there on well-graded and smooth paths.

Dave eventually came up with a half-mile loop that started in the Great Room, entered the Dark Ride, went past the Souvenir Salt Pile, turned around at the end of the saltcrete in that tunnel, and returned to the beginning.

Next was the plan for safety, always my first priority. I had to be sure that we provided not only a safe path but also kept them on it.

So we chose to have a pace car, in our case a golf cart, lead the runners on the route. Passing the pace car was NOT allowed.

At regular intervals along the route, and at every corner, we posted a docent. Their job was not only to make sure that the runners stayed on the path but also to cheer them on!

KEEPING AN EYE OUT I rode in the golf cart facing backwards so I could tell the driver whether the pace car needed to speed up or slow down, and watch how the runners were holding up.

This was not a race.

Coach Eckelberry made it very clear that this was a FUN run and ran along with them.

A total of 44 runners of

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all sizes and strengths ran the course and included both boys and girls.

KUSM staff members applauded each one as they crossed the finish line and extended a “high five” for their efforts.

Of course, group photos were in order before they returned topside for the bus trip home.

All in all, they were a well-behaved, fantastic bunch of kids who obviously had been mentored by a coach who cares about his students, not just their sports results.

If we had to choose, I’m not sure who had the best time – Anthony Middle School or the KUSM staff!

It was a hoot!



Saving the best for last

T

he Kansas Underground Salt Museum was recognized as one of the “8 Wonders of Kansas” in 2008.

Now, almost three and a half years after we received our award, the Governor of Kansas finally visited our facility on August 16!

Although on a very tight schedule, we managed to get Gov. Sam Brownback underground for a Train Ride, an expedited Dark Ride, and a brief journey through the galleries.

He acknowledged that he had already visited the other “8 Wonders” and

was impressed with our accomplishments and environment.

After purchasing a couple of museum souvenirs for his kids, he returned topside for the requested

photo-op with the FanCam. We hope to see him back someday soon with his family and, of course, we believe he saved “the best for last.”



from left, rchs executive director linda schmitt, kansas gov. sam brownback, and kusm director of operations gayle farrell enjoy the magic of the salt museum. gov. brownback, below, has a premiere seat on the salt mine express.

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 She’s happy to be one of the…

SALT NERDS

By Lynn Ledeboer, RCM Curatorial Assistant

K three-year visitor services staffer kourtney krehbiel is a real people pleaser.

ourtney Ann Krehbiel says she and her coworkers joke about how they are all “Salt Nerds.”

Well, if this means that they are employees who provide excellent customer service and just happen to love salt, then it may be true.

As a three-year employee in Visitor Services with KUSM, Kourtney has had the opportunity to work with many people and use her well-honed people skills.

She just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University

where she majored in Family Studies and Human Services that deals with the psychological and social aspects of working with people, learning how people live day to day, and providing service to people.

PASSION FOR PEOPLE Kourtney discovered a passion for this field first by working with school-age children at an after-school program at Union Valley Grade School.

During her junior and senior years of high school and her first year at Hutchinson Community College, Kourtney helped students with activities and homework.

As she moved on to KState, Kourtney began looking for summer work opportunities that would fit her school schedule. In May 2008 she was hired by KUSM to help with ticket sales and general visitor services during the summer.

RIDING THE RAILS She returned to KUSM during available weekends and vacations, learning everything from gift shop operations to ticket sales.

She recently learned to

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work the new underground train.

Being underground in a working salt mine is Kourtney’s favorite part of the job, and she greatly enjoys sharing everything salty with visitors and coworkers alike.

She describes her time at the museum as a “...great experience.”

Working at the salt museum is far removed from her Hutchinson family’s hog-raising business.

“It wasn’t my thing, but I did learn to appreciate it,” she admitted.

FAMILY IMPORTANT Kourtney feels very close to her family, saying, “I feel very blessed to have a supporting and loving family.”

Besides spending time with her family, Kourtney’s main passion is music. She has always been involved with some type of music – bell choir, chorale, a jazz ensemble at HCC. She also enjoys playing the piano.

Kourtney says she missed the musical part of her life while at KSU and plans to join her church’s “Praise Team” to continue singing.

KUSM is very lucky to have people-pleaser Kourtney Krehbiel in Visitor Services.

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A big thank you to these members We’d like to thank all listed below for their continued support and renewal of their memberships between July 13 and September 30, 2011: CORPORATE DONORS Directors’ Circle: Bank of Kansas Donors’ Circle: Bridgman Oil

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

LEGACY WINS two “FIRSTS” the legacy magazine has won first place in state and national competitions.

Jack Mull David Richman

the magazine received the awards in the mag-

Preserver: Merl Sellers

Friend: Mildred Elaine Applegate Lloyd McAdams Douglas McGovern Sally McPherson James Shaw J.B. Stucky Robert Winslow

Backer: Roger Hawk Virginia Rayl Supporter: Charles Benscheidt Bob DeVault Greg Hoefer Kyle Holmberg

azine category from kansas professional communicators and national federation of press women. legacy is written by rchs staff members and designed and produced by jane lee communications,

If you would like to join, call 620-662-1184.

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ltd., of kansas city, formerly of hutchinson.

a wide variety of items, such as a flag, newspapers, stamps, souvenirs and much more were found in the convention hall time capsule.

A step back in time

I

n the past five years as Executive Director of RCHS, I have had many wonderful opportunities and experiences.

One of these occurred on September 26 when the time capsule placed in Linda Schmitt the cornerstone of ConExecutive vention/Memorial Hall by Director, President William Howard Reno County Taft was opened exactly Historical 100 years later.

Society Although I have lived in lindas@undergroundmuseum.org Hutchinson my entire life and seen the cornerstone a million times, I never knew about its history, or that it contained a time capsule – until I did research for our walking tour.

When I saw that the 100-year anniversary would occur September 26, 2011, I knew that those who placed it expected the capsule to be opened in 100 years, and that the museum had to be involved.

PLAN TAKES SHAPE

A plan began to take shape in early summer when the Landmarks Commission, a city-appointed group dedicated to the preservation of historic sites and buildings, agreed that removing the cornerstone to retrieve the capsule was a worthy joint project.

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Because the centennial date was quickly approaching, commission, city and museum personnel sprang into action.

This was the plan: ■ Find a mason to extract the time capsule safely out of the cornerstone ■ Secure the box and loosen the top prior to public opening ■ Make arrangements for proper care and storage of the contents of the box before and after opening ■ Plan the reenactment event ■ Publicly open the time capsule ■ Inform the public and inspire them to attend ■ Serve cake

mason mike nevius cuts into the brickwork around the cornerstone of convention hall.

Of course, all the steps were more complicated than this but everything went better than we hoped and expected. And the media did a great job of covering the event.

Rather than recap what occurred, I would like to leave you with a list (in no particular order) of the moments that made the event especially memorable: • The excitement and willingness of so many people to participate and donate their time • The concept of the time capsule inspiring people to fondly remember and relate their own Convention/Memorial Hall moments My favorite memory was the ninth grade tri-party (Liberty, Central, Sherman) dance with the mirrorball and that pink dress.

• The way that participants in the reenactment were inspired to shed their inhibitions and recreate the past • Looking out into the crowd during the ceremony and seeing the smiles, the flag-waving and how engaged everyone was in the moment • Discovering the wonderful condition of the items inside the box, demonstrating the competence and care of those who

(See page 26)

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the box is visible! chief curator jamin landavazo and mason ernesto alarcon ease the 100-yearold time capsule out of the cornerstone.

scott hoefer and curry wells, of hoefer custom stained glass, use a jarmac saw to cut open the lead seal on the time capsule.

jamin carefully lifts the lid of the time capsule for the first time in 100 years while curatorial assistant lynn ledeboer looks on at anniversary activities.

(Continued from page 25)

a group of dignitaries, including local masons, begins the procession from the old masonic temple at 6 N. Walnut to convention hall. from left are: worshipful master of reno lodge 124 gary brown, mike foster, don carlson, gil ash, ron pauls (in rear), brad dillon, jerry rodman, richard greever, and don newman of topeka.

created and sealed it • The idea that the items were last touched by human hands 100 years ago as they were meticulously arranged inside the copper box • Imagining them imagining us opening the time capsule in 2011 • Trying to understand the thought process they used to determine what items were included in the box, and then thinking about the process we will use in assembling our time capsule (to be placed inside the same cornerstone during 2012 Memorial Hall festivities) • The collaboration between the Landmarks Commission, the city and museum to create a “living history” lesson I wish there were more opportunities to work together.

• Reflecting upon the detailed record of the cornerstone planning and events that was left for us, and wondering if we can and will do the same for

those 100 years from now • Respect for the enormity of the event that the planners were able to produce in 1911: fairground events, banquet, parade and cornerstone event • The fact that 40,000 persons attended the cornerstone dedication in 1911 without air travel and widespread automobile availability

WHAT DID THEY DO?

This also led me to wonder: what did they all do for restroom facilities? I think that 1911 was pre-Porta Potty and, remember, there was no Reno County Museum next door!

• Realizing that both the Kansas Semi-Centennial events (1911) and the Centennial events (1961) dwarfed anything done in 2011 for the Sesquicentennial, and wondering what this says about the culture and priorities of today’s society • Knowing that my grandmother attended the cor-

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nerstone event as a young woman of 17 • Finding out that my childhood friend’s mother was born on September 26, 1911, and that her birthday was often referred to as “Taft Day” • The excitement of finding items in the capsule that weren’t included on the list, and realizing that they were mainly personal items put in at the last minute Now, the second half of the cornerstone project begins.

It includes the process of preparing the items for display, creating a Convention/Memorial Hall exhibit, identifying items for the new time capsule, and learning how to build a 21st century capsule that will last into the next century.

I am definitely looking forward to completing this fascinating journey and know that there will be many more wonderful moments along the way.

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dignitaries on the dais above, from left: grand master tracy bloom (portraying 1911 grand master alex sharp), doug mcgovern (portraying president william h. taft), don newman, and richard greever. below, mcgovern reenacts president taft speaking at the 1911 event.

in their ofďŹ cial cornerstone-laying attire, above from left, are tracy bloom, doug mcgovern and don newman. at left are kathi white, mcgovern and rchs executive director linda schmitt.

This volunteer has a…

Knack for napkins

By Lynn Ledeboer, RCM Curatorial Assistant

W

volunteer laura lindgren, right, helped organize more than 7,000 paper napkins into 10 archival storage boxes, creating this tower of napkins above.

hat do chemical engineering and the Reno County Museum have in common? Volunteer Laura Elizabeth Lindgren!

This summer the museum was delighted to have Laura learn the ins and outs of museum work during four weeks of her summer off from studies at the University of Michigan.

From July 20 to Friday, August 13, Laura worked on a backlog of data entry and then moved onto organizing two large artifact collections.

More than 400 medical tools and over 7,000 paper napkins were categorized and neatly placed in proper archival storage during Laura’s work at the museum.

problem-solving and high school chemistry.”

Both her parents, however, are chemical engineers and Laura admits, “...the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.”

Laura lived in Michigan before the family followed her father to Hutchinson where he is plant manager for Morton Salt.

When not studying (or boxing up napkins), Laura

enjoys sewing, knitting and crocheting. She also enjoys the trombone…a good thing as all her five roommates at Michigan also play the trombone!

The RCM staff hopes Laura can find time to volunteer at the museum in the future. We’re sure there will be another large artifact collection just waiting for her!

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VOLUNTEERING FUN Volunteering at the Reno County Museum was Laura’s first experience with official volunteering and she acknowledged, “I liked working here. It was a lot of fun.”

Laura returned to the University of Michigan this fall as a junior in chemical engineering.

She chose the field because she “...likes

We’re proud to share our hometown with you.

How fortunate we are to live in a community with such diverse and high quality amenities -- including the Reno County Museum and Kansas Underground Salt Museum!

4 Hutchinson locations to serve you

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A very social event Ice cream truly hit the spot on July 21.

The Reno County Museum offered its highly anticipated Ice Cream Social once again and no one walked away hungry.

Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers who helped make this event go smoothly.

Also thanks to Bogey’s, RCHS Execu-

tive Director Linda Schmitt, Wal-Mart and Dillon’s for their generous donations.

And last, but certainly not least, thank you to the band, Raging Sea, for a delightful, impromptu performance for the 150 or more guests during the event.

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Please tickle these ivories!

Do you enjoy tickling the ivories?

Well, now you can tickle to your heart’s content at the Reno County Museum, thanks to a generous donation by Gayle Ferrell, KUSM Director of Operations.

Although not as ivory as they once were, the keys of this circa 1930s piano are begging you to play them as you enter or exit the lobby of the museum.

We hope to liven up this piano in the future with a bit of decoration and a nod to the Kansas Sesquicentennial.

So, stop by and play any time we are open.

The piano is calling!

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NEW SIGNAGE

being created for RCM

T

tina moore and john cruz pour cement around the post, above, then put the finishing touches on the new sign, right.

here is a bright new face at RCM! The Reno County Museum now has a fresh, clear new sign, thanks to Tina Moore, RCM’s Administrative Assistant (and sometimes Chief Construction Technician), and John Cruz, RCM’s Hutchinson Correctional Facility Assistant, RCM was lacking a concise, modern and easily read sign that identified both the parking areas and the museum itself.

Gregory, Inc., of Buhler, provided the graphics and aluminum signs that filled that need. Tina and John constructed, erected and painted the frame for the sign.

The sign is part of the first phase in updating RCM’s outdated and badly deteriorating outdoor signage.

Next on the agenda are the interpretive signs for the Siegrist Claim House, the outhouse, the farm implements and the windmill.

All “signs” look good for great looking new signage at the Reno County Museum.

supporting the signage project: Mildred Elaine Applegate Michael & Bonnie Armour Bank of Kansas David Lesperance Charles Benscheidt Dr. Norman Bos Dianne & James Cannon JoAnn Cole Bill Collins Glenna Dellenbach Dillon Stores Dana Knott Dr. Richard & Jane Falter Martha Fee Financial Planning First National Bank Greg Binns Roger & Judy Hawk Gregory & Andrea Henne

Thank you! …to all the following generous donors listed below who are

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Gladys Heter-Sargent Edward & Marjory Johnson Kenneth Keefer Robert Lindquist Lloyd McAdams Sally McPherson Norma Mitchell Dr. Robert Morrison Bill Pfenninger Dr. Vern & Aavon Powers Virginia Rayl Russell & Nancy Reinert F.E. Schoepf Dr. Gerald Schrater Richard Shank John & Peg Stephens Ruth Stiggins Barry & Gale Wall Dr. Jack & Donna Wortman Cynda Wright Laura Yowell

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Porch gets facelift

matt irwin, on ladder, and other united

…thanks to volunteers

Scraping off old paint is never a fun job, so hats off to these hearty volunteers from The Hutchinson News who came out on a Saturday morning to do just that at the Reno County Museum.

For the United Way of Reno County Community Work Day, six wonderful workers, led by RCM Administrative Assistant Tina Moore, worked the morning of August 27, scraping away peeling and flaking paint from the front porch of the historical Rosemont, the museum’s east building.

This was the first step in the extensive repair and preservation of the porch.

As the porch is part of the Rosemont building, every effort is being made to restore it as much as possible to its original condition.

Thank you to Jenifer Sterling, Susan Bowlby, Shandi Stallman, Greg

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Jerauld, Matt Irwin and Debbie Irwin who came out to help.

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way volunteers from the hutchinson news scrape paint from the porch of the historic rosemont building.

mark your calendars now for murder in the mine 2012. you never know what to expect when it comes to murder…

KANSAS UNDERGROUND SALT MUSEUM 9 am–5 pm Tues–Fri 9 am–6 pm Saturday 1–6 pm Sunday closed Mondays last tour departs two hours before closing HOLIDAY SCHEDULE closed: November 24 December 24-25 open: 9 am-6 pm December 26 reservations strongly recommended call us or check our website for holiday hours.

NEW SALT BLAST PASS our best deal includes gallery tour, dark ride (both handicapped-accessible) and new train ride. adults: $18 seniors (60+), aaa & active military: $16.50 children (4-12) & reno county residents: $12

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KANSAS UNDERGROUND SALT MUSEUM EVENTS TRAIN OF TERROR! One day only: Sunday, Oct. 30, 3 to 9 p.m.

Call to reserve your departure time 620-662-1425 • 866-755-3450 Reservations accepted thru Oct. 29 Walk-ins welcome! $10 per person / Must be 10 years old Under 16 must be accompanied by adult Do you dare ride the haunted Train of Terror 650 feet underground? Does salt really keep away the ghosts and ghoulies? Find out for yourself!

MURDER IN THE MINE

all prices include sales tax. special pricing for groups over 28 and school groups with arrangements made one week in advance.

3504 e. avenue g (at airport road) hutchinson, ks 67501

620-662-1425 toll-free 866-755-3450

Haven’t been able to attend one of these hilarious performances? Now is your chance to get these dates on your calendar! The themes are still a “mystery” at this date, but rest assured they will be just as thrilling as previous shows.

OVERNIGHT SCOUTING ADVENTURE $30 per person Try an Overnight Scouting event for an exciting underground adventure.

Scouts must be 10-18 years of age.

Minimum one adult chaperone for each five scouts.

Available dates:

February 18 • August 25 Doors open at 5 p.m. $50 per person / Table of 8: $360 For details and reservations: 620-662-1425 • 866-755-3450

children under 4 not admitted due to mine safety regulations. pricing available to add only dark ride or train ride to gallery admission.

EXHIBITS  & EVENTS

2011: December 3 (girls only) 2012: February 11 (girls only) Call Tonya Gehring or Gayle Ferrell 620-662-1425 • 866-755-3450

KUSM EXHIBITS NOW OPEN! PERMIAN PLAYGROUND

This new interactive display allows you to explore the incredible varieties of salt.

First hand!

SALT SECRETS

Salt secrets finally exposed!

THE STORY OF UNDERGROUND VAULTS & STORAGE View costumes and props from your favorite movies.

SALT MINE EXPRESS – NOW DEPARTING!

Hurry aboard to ride the thrilling new underground train.Experience the rustic side of the mine while traveling on original rails and ties used underground.

THE IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDER STORY Explore the efforts of Kiwanis International and UNICEF in using salt to combat IDD.

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TAKE IT WITH A GRAIN OF SALT

Discover how live bacteria were extracted from ancient Permian salt.

MYRONMOBILE

Come see the “Myronmobile,” from TV’s “Dirty Jobs” filmed in the Hutchinson Salt mine.

MINE CORRIDOR

Explore the general history of salt mining in Hutchinson, including mining equipment.

ON DISPLAY ONLY THROUGH NOVEMBER 30…UNTIL APRIL after 100 years in a copper box, this original certificate for the granite cornerstone for convention hall looks brand new. read more below.

RENO COUNTY MUSEUM EXHIBITS TIME CAPSULE BOX

Marvel at the pristine condition of these 100year-old items from the Convention Hall cornerstone. See 1911 newspapers, cherished Masonic books, postcards and much more temporarily on display through Nov. 30. These items then will be removed to prepare for a more formal exhibit in April 2012.

BISONTE HOTEL: THE BEST IN THE WEST

Visitors will have the opportunity to take a long-awaited look at one of Hutchinson’s most

beloved memories – the Bisonte Hotel. Experience the elegance and sparkle of the Bisonte in the early 1900s and its change to more modern times.

RCM ON THE ROAD…

We’re establishing small, temporary exhibits highlighting items unique to small communities in Reno County. See schedule below.

“86.121” Meet past Reno County resident Mildred Hobbs (donor #86.121) through the vast collection of artifacts she and her family

“On the Road” exhibit schedule South Hutchinson: Bank of Kansas 524 N. Main, S. Hutchinson Monday through Friday: 9–4 Pretty Prairie: Civic Theater 105 W. Main, Pretty Prairie Call for an appointment: 620-459-4600 Sylvia: Sunflower Center 301 S. Main, Sylvia Call for an appointment.

620-286-5320 Plevna: Floyd Redd Building 7 W. 3rd, Plevna Call for an appointment.

620-486-3845

Turon / Langdon: Turon Community Center & Library 501 E. Price St., Turon Tuesday through Thursday: 1–5 p.m.

Saturday: 9-12 620-497-6443

Coming exhibits November: Arlington and Abbyville January 2012: Buhler and Medora March 2012: Nickerson and Partridge

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generously donated to RCM. Follow the process of donating artifacts.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS

The Reno County Historical Society staff chose their favorite artifacts, most never before on exhibit.

TRANSPORTATION GALLERY

Come enjoy the Schuttler wagon, an Amish buggy, the Indian motorcycle, sidecar and much more in this fascinating look at the past.

RCM EVENTS OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS December 10, 10am-2pm Come enjoy crafts for kids with us during our signature winter event. Cost is only $1.50 per child for all the crafts. Children will make Christmas ornaments they can give as gifts, garlands to decorate the tree, and festive doorknob hangers. Just in time for the season! Don’t miss it!

COOKIE DECORATING/ THIRD THURSDAY December 15, 5:30-8:30pm or until cookies run out!

Our newest winter event is cookie decorating for Christmas. It’s your chance to be creative.

And, you get to eat your art work!

RENO COUNTY MUSEUM HOURS 9 am–5 pm tues-sat closed sunday and monday free admission unless otherwise noted 100 S. Walnut 620-662-1184