Legacy Spring 2012

LEGACY 

SPRING 2012

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

it all started with the first masonic temple at sherman and main…page 4

I 10 mementos abound from area lodges

N

S

I

D

E 12 new plumbing sets off kusm flushing frenzy

Home Loans

Stay At Home.

The First is offering fixed-rate mortgages —

build a solid foundation for you and your

and servicing them under our own roof.

family. And we’re providing powerful online

Our rates are competitive, our experts are

tools to help budget, plan and pay your way.

always available and our commitment to friendly, personal service extends to each and every customer.

When you’re in the market for a move, trust the area’s leading community bank for mortgage loans that stay right under our own

Your home can be the cornerstone of your

roof. It’s one more way we’re First for You.

financial future. When you borrow with us, we will help you make wise decisions to

fnbhutch.com

620-663-1521

First for You.

Member FDIC

LEGACY 

THE JOURNAL OF THE RENO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

HISTORICAL SOCIETY STAFF (full-time)

4 the masonic legacy ...supporting area communities

Linda Schmitt, executive director, rchs lindas@undergroundmuseum.org

Jamin Landavazo, chief curator, rchs

10 masonic lodges throughout county

jamin@undergroundmuseum.org

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

...long history of benevolence

12 flushing frenzy underground ...new bathrooms open in salt museum

Tonya Gehring, docent supervisor, kusm tonya@undergroundmuseum.org

Mike Allen, finance manager, rchs

16 join celebration for kusm’s “5th”

mike@undergroundmuseum.org

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

...week-long event with gifts for all

17 our members make it all possible ...special thanks to project donors

Lynn Ledeboer, curatorial assistant, rcm lynn@renocomuseum.org

Tina Moore, administrative assistant, rcm

18 penmanship focus of collection

tina@renocomuseum.org

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

...found in cornerstone time capsule

20 flurry of events coming up ...in both salt and reno county museums

22 merry makers of cookies & crafts ...children prolific at special events

22 dates set for underground scouting BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael Armour, president • Charles Studt, treasurer Shannon Holmberg, secretary • Richard Shank, presidentelect • Nan Hawver • Barbara Withrow • John Doswell Tim Davies • Sherry Mundhenke • Patty Foss Elaine Fallon • Billy Klug • Mary Wilson • Conrad Koehler Myron Marcotte, ex-officio • Lee Spence, ex-officio Mike Carey, ex-officio



...new geology merit badge being offered

Volume 24, No. 2 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. © 2012 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.

found in a haven cornerstone was this 1886 register of

Ancient, Free

...Masons helped build

hutchinson masons, above and on page 5, that lists the lodges and members at that time. (1993.58.37)

By Tina Moore, RCM Administrative Assistant

O

n September 26,

auspices of the local lodge

in Hutchinson’s history

2011, the corner-

of the Ancient Free & Ac-

sparked such a great in-

stone of the Hutchin-

cepted Masons of Kansas

terest in the Masons and

(A.F. & A.M.).

their story that it seemed

son Convention Hall was opened to much fanfare and ceremony.

More than 100 years

imperative to write an

PRESIDENT PRESIDES U.S. President William

article on how the Freemasons helped build the

had passed since the

H. Taft, who ceremoni-

communities in Reno

copper time capsule box

ously used a trowel on

County.

had been placed inside a

the cornerstone, and

hollowed out portion of

Hutchinson Mayor Frank

organization on and follow

the highly polished granite

Vincent, who presided

the tenets of brotherly

cornerstone.

over the ceremony, were

love, relief and truth.

The original ceremony

themselves both Masons.

was performed under the

This important event

4

The Masons base their

In that light, the Masonic Lodges of Reno County

and Accepted

d area communities

(1993.58.37)

helped form many of the

begins in 1854 when the

other lodges were created

towns with the creation

first Masonic Lodge was

throughout the state.

of grand buildings.

They also laid cornerstones in other buildings.

But the real

created in Kansas

first meeting in 1873 held in a room over hardware store

story reveals so much more that the

by three Wyan-

The first lodge in Reno County was organized be-

dotte Indians

fore Hutchinson became

and five white

a town.

settlers – even before Kansas

became a state.

Freemasons have done

The first three Kansas

and still do in our com-

lodges were affiliated with

munities.

the Missouri Lodge but

Another fraternal organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was first organized in October 1872.

According to an article

eventually broke away to

in the News-Herald on

it is important to start at

form the Grand Lodge of

April 20, 1941, the Reno

the beginning. This story

Kansas. Over the years

Lodge met four days prior

As with any great story,

5

the inside of the hutchinson register, above, lists family names that are familiar even today.

(See RENO, page 6)

,

this page is from the 1887 “freemason’s practical monitor,” an early masonic handbook.

(1999.09.27)

Kansas to discuss important matters involving all lodges in the state. They reported on their works and the Brothers who had been laid to rest.

RITUAL BOOK The minutes of this meeting talk about William M. Shaver creating a book about Masonic rituals. Born in 1858 in Albany, N.Y., Shaver moved to Newton, Kansas, in 1878 where he practiced law for 10 years. He then moved to Wichita in 1893, became secretary of the Y.M.C.A., and later served as Masonic Grandmaster of Kansas from 1897 to 1898.

Reno Lodge First (Continued from page 5)

to the Odd Fellows’ first

The first regular meeting

meeting, making the Free-

was held in a room over

Masonic Monitor,” platted

masons group just four

Hardy & Dunkin’s hard-

all the floor movements of

days older than the Odd

ware store on January 16,

Masonic rituals with ex-

Fellows.

1873, just north of the

planatory notes to ensure

Reno House.

there was no deviation

Reno Lodge #140 was, however, officially granted

The 37th Annual Com-

His book, “Shaver’s

from an earlier work that

its charter in October

munication on February

had been adopted in 1867.

1873, according to the

15, 1893, in Hutchinson

Although Shaver’s book

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

drew Masons from all over

6

was originally written only

COVER: this 1888 drawing from “the hutchinson news” shows the town’s first masonic temple, located at sherman & main. a former woolworth store, the building is no longer standing.

for Kansas Masons, other

branches of the Masons

states eventually adopted

over the years. Records at

A number of newspa-

it for their own lodges.

the Reno County Museum

per articles refer to a ball

reveal several groups in

at the Masonic Lodge. It

Through the years, two other lodges in Hutchin-

Hutchinson and Reno

County in past decades.

(See A LEGACY, page 8)

the charter for masonic cable lodge #299 in arlington, below, dates from 1888.

(1999.09.27)

son and some in smaller Reno County communities have joined Hutchinson Lodge #124, which is still operational today.

the area beneath the barton pan room was

LAYING OF STONES The lodges in Hutchinson have placed cornerstones in several downtown buildings over the years.

In addition to the one placed in Convention Hall, the only other known cornerstone was placed in the Electrex, Inc. building at the corner of Sherman & Walnut in 1926.

FIRST TEMPLE BUILT This building is the only Masonic Temple constructed in Hutchinson that is still standing.

The Masonic Temple has been used by many

7

most unpleasant, as is evident in this glass plate negative.

(1992.145)

chalk, charcoal and clay (1993.49.40) a set of 107 “magic lantern” slides, above, was donated to the museum in 1993. the slides were used in the early 1900s as

brotherly love, relief and truth (1993.49.03.30)

A legacy of generosity (Continued from page 7) appears this was a yearly

have used several differ-

have contributed more

event with the proceeds

ent ways to raise money

than $20 million to cancer

dures and rituals.

going to charity. More

for the benefit of their

research since 1974.

(1993.49.03.30)

recent articles chronicle

communities.

part of masonic and eastern star proce-

this slide with star

garage sales held by dif-

“For the good of the

Locally, the Masons last year donated money to

and checkerboard,

ferent branches of Mason-

community” has been the

the Boys and Girls Club of

below, was labeled

ry, such as the Order of

focus of the Masonic orga-

Hutchinson to help cover

“ornaments of lodge.”

the Eastern Star. Masons

nization since its

fuel costs.

(1993.49.03.27)

founding.

According to the Masons’ website, www. kansasmason. org, every day the Masons nationwide donate $3 million to national and local charities. They

RINGING BELLS AT CHRISTMAS Masons also have helped the Salvation Army by ringing bells at Christmas, and sponsoring a number of special events to raise money for a variety of charities.

The local Masonic Lodge

8

variety of elements with the “all-seeing eye” (1993.49.03.50)

also holds an annual dinner to assist widows of

The most common Masonic symbol is the square

fellow Masons.

and compass with a

Freemasonry

“G” in the mid-

in the United

masonic symbol can be seen on buildings everywhere

eastern star elements (1993.49.03.88)

seen on the cornerstones of Convention Hall and the Electrex, Inc. building in Hutchinson.

dle. It stands

So the next time you

for morality,

see a Masonic symbol on

boundaries

a building around your

the edges of wooden

branches. Each

and geometry

town, you can smile to

casings of the magic

member can be

under the Great

yourself, knowing that

States is made up of several

part of one, all, or just a few of these groups.

Architect of the Universe. This symbol can be

lantern slides are meticulously labeled,

Masons are helping your

such as the one below

community.

dealing with masonic



tenets.

this copper time capsule box, left, (1993.58.33) was found in a cornerstone by the father of donor dorothy meier during the remodeling of a haven pharmacy. the printer’s block, above (1993.58.42), was found among the contents and reads: “willis b. powell, garrett, inc., local editor of ‘the independent,’ haven, ks. 11-86.”

Masons abound

By Tina Moore, RCM Administrative Assistant

a five-pointed star, complete with ceremonial

H

utchinson is far from the only town in Reno County to have a Masonic Lodge.

Other Reno County communities have a longstanding connection with Freemasons as well. They all have played a significant role in their towns.

symbols in each

HAVEN

segment, below

The first Lodge in Haven, chartered in 1875,

left, was the most typical symbol for the order of the eastern star.

(1994.18.26)

before the official “shaver’s monitor” was penned, other handbooks, such as this 1890 “standard masonic monitor,” far right, provided guidelines for the masons. (1999.09.28)

10

was named Friendship Lodge.

The first meeting room was the second floor of the Friendship schoolhouse.

In 1886 the second story of the schoolhouse was removed and a new building was constructed.

A lot on the corner of Main & Kansas Avenue was offered to the Lodge

by the Haven Town Company on the condition that the Lodge erect a twostory brick building. This became the first brick building in town.

One record tells of a cornerstone being laid in the high school in 1920.

The Reno County Museum has a time capsule in its collection from Haven that could be the corner-

stone laid by the Masons.

Haven Lodge merged with Sumner Lodge #203 in 1986.

PRETTY PRAIRIE

STAFFORD

Pretty Prairie Lodge #428 was chartered in 1922.

Stafford Lodge #252 was chartered in 1885 and merged with St. John’s in 1997.

ARLINGTON

NICKERSON

Cable Lodge #299 was instituted in 1887 and chartered in 1888.

The original Lodge building was on the southeast corner of Main Street & Algona. After it was destroyed by fire in 1930, the Lodge voted to rebuild.

The Lodge also laid a cornerstone for the M.E. Church in 1892.

Two other Lodges, Pretty Prairie Lodge #428 in 1967 and Turon Lodge #358 in 1986, consolidated with Cable Lodge, which in turn consolidated with Hutchinson Lodge #124 in 1994.

Nickerson Masonic Lodge #42 was organized in 1882, and is now under Lodge #43.

In 1888 the local Freemasons helped build the Salt Works building, and in 1900 they laid a cornerstone for the First Christian Church.

TURON Turon Lodge #358 was chartered in 1889, and laid a cornerstone in the high school in 1910.

SYLVIA Sylvia Lodge was formed July 21, 1910, and the charter was granted by the Grand Lodge on February 16, 1911.

In 1912 a cornerstone was laid for the Methodists, according to the local newspaper. In 1913 the lodge hall burned.

Sylvia Lodge was 73 years old when it consolidated with the Stafford Lodge in 1984.

11



from left, eastern star handbook (1994.18.27); a guide to masonic rituals (1999.09.27); and a 1905 directory of the ancient order of united workmen, which was not part of the masons!

(1999.37.01)

vent and exhaust pipes that run from the bathroom complex out into the mine are installed.

Plumbing passion

By Gayle Ferrell, KUSM Director of Operations flushing 650 feet underground is no mean trick. below, gayle ferrell could hardly contain her excitement while sharing a first flush with will burns from e&m plumbing.

In the past couple of months, my co-workers have frequently exchanged looks while shaking their heads after another outburst from me.

They all agree: There is no one more excited about plumbing pipes, shut-off valves, a pressure tank and grinder pit than me!

I just grin. I don’t care if I appear crazed or unbalanced. It doesn’t matter if

system, smoke detectors, no one shares my level of fire alarm strobes, and enthusiasm. For five years electrical/communication I have had a pipe dream, devices was running way and now that pipe dream more than expected. is coming true!

Everything was My pipe dream different from has actutoilets the norm. ally been about and sinks Nothing was pipes – dream…a dream easy. As a reing that the come true! sult, about half plumbing pipes of the planned placed years ago concrete was poured near the Event Cenand numerous white PVC ter would be hooked up pipes were left sticking someday to water lines, out of the floor. sewer lines and porcelain By the way, I looked up fixtures. the official definition of You see, they the idiom: “A pipe dream have been there is a fantastic hope or plan for five years. that is generally regarded When the conas being nearly impossible crete floor in the to achieve.”

Event Center was Yep, I think that sums poured, the sewer it up! Try to imagine the pipes, vent pipes equipment it takes to and floor drains install flushing toilets 650 were installed. feet underground – in a Then consalt mine. struction in and Add to the challenge around the Event the approximately 600Center came foot distance between the to a screeching restroom complex and halt when realthe underground water ity hit. The cost supply. Then factor in the to install a water supply, sewer

(See I ALMOST, page 14)

12

13

the pvc pipes had been waiting just like this for five years.

“I almost hugged it...”

(Continued from page 12)

need for vent pipe and exhaust pipes from three separate bathrooms to be run about 200 feet out into the mine.

When the grinder for sewage processing was delivered, I almost hugged it!

And I haven’t even talked about walls yet!

Chalk lines were snapped to establish wall and door placement, and metal studs were delivered.

underground and save us from hauling paper towels underground just to turn around and haul the dirty ones back topside.

WALLS GO UP

mike Ferrell, left, and Derrick Pohl install the metal wall studs for the restrooms.

Skeleton walls appeared. Sheetrock was installed and stud cavities were stuffed with insulation as a sound barrier.

Bathroom partitions and doors were ordered.

High-efficiency hand dryers arrived to cut down on the combustible load

Each day brought huge changes in the bathroom complex taking shape.

Adding walls around some electrical panels provided a makeshift dressing room for the

actors at our February “Murder in the Mine” mystery dinner theater – an unexpected bonus for all of us!

And the natural salt walls and ceilings left untouched in each bathroom took on a whole new beauty as pipes, wires, clamps and brackets crisscrossed the space.

We chose to add fiberglass-reinforced plastic to the lower half of the walls behind toilets and sinks.

Rubber cove will be installed to finish off the bottom edges and provide a moisture barrier for mopping.

NO MORE DESPAIR An orange peel texture is being sprayed on the walls to add some character. As this is going to

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

14

a veritable calvacade awaits grateful visitors.

press, the paint is being delivered and fixtures are being set in place!

FUTURE IS HERE! My background in construction has come in handy as we modified walls, doors and fixtures, and talked future development.

From the very first chalk line, I could see what would be and I haven’t

quit smiling! For five years I have looked at those pipes in the concrete floor and despaired over how many more years it would take us to use them. This is no longer a pipe dream!

HUGS ALL AROUND The bathroom complex adds NINE toilets, SEVEN sinks and THREE urinals to our underground world!

Before you even read

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

15

this article, I’m going to be hugging a toilet and performing the very first flush!

Thanks to our generous donors who were there at the start and throughout this arduous process.

We couldn’t have done it without you!



3/30/2011 10:24:39 AM

I

KUSM to celebrate its fifth anniversary

t’s hard to believe but on May 1 the Kansas Underground Salt Museum will celebrate its fifth birthday.

KUSM opened its door (yes, there was only one we hope to see all door) to the general public of you at the party!! on May 1, 2007.

At that time, construction on the Visitors’ Center hadn’t even begun.

Linda Schmitt It wasn’t until July 2008 Executive that the offices, lobby and Director, restroom complex were Reno County completed.

Historical Because the museum Society was constructed in lindas@undergroundmuseum.org phases, there was never

a “Grand Opening,” but a lot of smaller openings to celebrate the Underground Vaults & Storage and Vreeland Fluid Inclusion exhibits, and the Salt Mine Express train.

TIME TO CELEBRATE

As a result of never feeling “finished,” a definitive opening was never held.

Now flash forward to Spring 2012: The bright and colorful lobby is long since completed. And now, with the opening of the new restroom com-

16

plex, the museum infrastructure has crossed the finish line.

The time has finally come – not for a grand opening, but for a grand celebration of the accomplishments of the last five years.

This party has been in the works since 2000, and we are more than ready.

The week-long celebration begins with a reception on Monday, April 30, for all those who helped make the museum a reality.

Guests will include donors, staff, volunteers, current Reno County Historical Society members, and local and state dignitaries.

After remarks, guests will enjoy refreshments and have the opportunity to go underground, roam the gallery and ride the Salt Mine Express train.

But the celebration won’t end there. Each day, May 1 through 7, visitors will receive a special treat. It might be birthday cake in the lobby or a free dark ride, but each day it will be different.

Check out each day’s special treat on the KUSM website, www.undergroundmuseum.org.

We are very proud of everything that has been accomplished at KUSM in the past five years, and are grateful to all of those who have contributed to this “Wonder of Kansas.”



Thanks to members and donors Thanks to our new and renewing members as of March 8. It’s your generous support that keeps our heritage alive.

Friends: Juanita Bacon William & Joyce Ball Marilyn Bauman Jane Cooper Maurice & Melva Cummings Barbara Frizell Jerry & Janice Green *Billy Klug Robert M. Lundquist Kenneth & Marjory McReynolds Russell & Nancy Reinert Richard & Candace Robl Del Ruff Phyllis Snyder Herb & Shanna Soukup Allen & Ila Stone Earl & Julia Weidman Richard Young Supporters: Dennis & Jennalee Boggs Larry & Marilyn Bolton Richard & Marie Buzbee Herchel & K.T. Crainer Anita Drake Bob & Annie Fee E. Francis & Nancy Habiger Ande & Greg Henne Lona Hinshaw Lee & Joyce Kelly Chuck & Dianne Lee Wally & Joan McKinney William Rexroad Harold & Janet Ryan *Donna & Harold Swanson John & Barbara Withrow Jack & Donna Wortman Cynda Wright Backers: Ed & Carol Berger John Wilson & Mollie Mitchell

Preservers: Bob & Lou Peel Corporate / Donors’ Circle: Commerce Bank Fee Insurance Agency Kansas Gas Service Sirloin Stockade *New members

Thanks to donors The Reno County Historical Society thanks the following organizations and individuals for their generous support of both museums.

Reno County Museum Jan and Ron Pauls: ”Hail to the Hall: 100 Years of Convention Hall” exhibit Miners’ Break Room Exhibit Hutchinson Salt Company

Salt Circle for Event Center / Phase I (minimum $1,000 in cash or services): Underground Vaults & Storage, Inc. Western Supply Company Stella & Ray Dillon Foundation First National Bank Hutchinson Clinic Nation Meyer Virginia Harris Rayl Mike Ferrell Merl F. Sellers Sturgeon Glass & Mirror Additional Phase I donors (minimum $100 donation): Warren Hixson David Richman Stanley Brown Dr. & Mrs. Jack Wortman David & Patricia Kerr Central Bank & Trust Linda Tegethoff R.B. Operating (Ralph Bowen) Lois Schlickau Ruth Ann & Jerome Spitzer Frank & Sally Depenbusch Bank of Kansas



800-760-5315

17

620-662-5315

the tuesday, september 26, 1911, edition of “the

hutchinson daily gazette,” above left, was purchased from H. D. Winslow, as shown in

this detailed stamp on the front page. in 1909-1913 directories,

winslow’s business appears as “books, stationery, wallpaper, fancy goods, and news dealer.” above right, this imposing crest is a raised design on both the outside and inside folders of the photograph of C.C. Hutchinson. (2011.25.01.22)

18

It’s all in the details! 



The expression A 1909 Hutchinson FOCUS ON COLLECTIONS sometimes goes, “God directory has a listis in the details.” Othing for a Nicholas A. ers say, “The devil is in the details.”

Campbell, designated as a “Student,” and Regardless, you’ll marvel at the many boarding at 517 B av E. By 1913, he was intricate details on these items that were no longer listed in local directories. removed from the 1911 Convention Hall Perhaps he was our artistic “Penman” time capsule. who left his creative mark on the time This Focus on Collections gets up close capsule documents. and personal to fascinating details of penBe sure to visit the Reno County Mumanship on the roster lists of local fraternal seum to see the details for yourself in the organizations and other documents. All “Hail to the Hall: 100 Years of Convention were the work of “N.A. Campbell, Penman.”

Hall” exhibit starting April 26 for members and for the public on April 27. details on these masonic documents here and on page 19 showcase the penmanship of n.a. campbell.



insight, innovation, integrity. . .every day

Harry Dunn

Richard Hunter

History repeats itself

service

service

At Martindell Swearer Shaffer Ridenour LLP some things never change‌such as our founders’ commitment in 1886 to superb client service, integrity and the highest ethical standards.

That legacy has made us who we are today – trusted legal advisors to local, national and international businesses, governmental entities and people in our own community.

service

service

service

&

expertise

&

expertise

&

expertise

&

&

expertise

expertise

service & expertise

service & expertise

service & expertise

service & expertise

service & expertise

service & expertise

service & expertise

service & expertise

www.martindell.com Hutchinson 20 Compound Drive | 620-662-3331 Kingman 120 East A Avenue | 620-532-5158 Greensburg 15477 US 54 Hwy | 620-723-3478 Cimarron 107 South Main | 620-855-7051

service & expertise

service & expertise 19

the “salt ‘n pep” newsletter, left, shows a carey salt basketball team in this detail of the photo below. matchbooks, cigarette packs and other everyday items used by miners will be featured in this fascinating exhibit. watch for details!



EXHIBITS  & EVENTS

KANSAS UNDERGROUND SALT MUSEUM EVENTS 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 each day. 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 children under 4 not admitted due to mine safety regulations. pricing available to add only dark ride or train ride to gallery admission. 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

KUSM BIRTHDAY PARTY Celebrating five years 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 30 Enjoy refreshments, then a quick train ride to see how far we’ve come. Take a gander at the fabulous new underground restroom complex.

May 1 through May 7 To celebrate KUSM’s fifth birthday, all visitors to KUSM will receive a special treat. Check out each day’s “present” at www.undergroundmuseum.org.

“Once Upon a Murder”

Saturday, August 25 $50 per person / Table of eight: $360 Doors open at 5 p.m.

Last trip underground: 6:15 p.m.

For details and reservations: 620-662-1425 • 866-755-3450 Make your reservations now for these hilarious, tongue-in-cheek, adults-only mystery spoofs. After all, who wants to miss a murder?

just in…mayan murder madness mystery dinner theatre december 21. space limited!

KUSM EXHIBITS MINERS’ TRASH DISPLAY

See this fascinating new display case of items left behind by miners. It’s a preview of the larger Miners’ Break Room exhibit coming later.

SALT MINE EXPRESS

Hurry aboard to ride the thrilling new underground train on the original rails and ties used underground.

PERMIAN PLAYGROUND

Go interactive and explore the incredible varieties of salt. First hand!

SALT SECRETS

Salt secrets exposed!

20

MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE

MINE CORRIDOR

Explore the general history of salt mining in Hutchinson.

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

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.

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

miners’ trash...or is it treasure?

OVERNIGHT SCOUTING ADVENTURES …for boys have been scheduled for regular sessions as well as for the new geology merit badge overnights. see page 22 for details.

 RENO COUNTY MUSEUM EXHIBITS HAIL TO THE HALL: 100 YEARS OF CONVENTION HALL A preview for museum members and friends will be April 26. The exhibit opens to the public on Friday, April 27.

This exhibit traces the history of Convention Hall and features items from the time capsule box that was recently extracted from the cornerstone.

Marvel at the pristine condition of these 100-yearold items, such as 1911 newspapers, cherished Masonic books, postcards and much more.

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…

View the final four of these 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 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

“On the Road” Arlington/Abbyville: Arlington Library 900 W. Main, Arlington Mon, Wed: 1-5 pm; Tues: 9 am - noon; Thur: 2-8 pm Buhler and Medora: Farmers National Bank 200 N. Main, Buhler Mon-Fri: 9 am-5 pm 620-543-2211

Partridge Library: 23 S. Main St. Mon, Tues, Thurs: 1-6 pm; Friday: 9 am-2 pm 620-567-2467 Nickerson Library: 23 N. Nickerson Tuesday-Thursday: 12-6 pm Friday-Saturday: 9 am-3 pm 620-422-3361

21

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

RCM EVENTS PLACEMENT OF THE NEW TIME CAPSULE 5:30 p.m., Friday, April 27 Join the City of Hutchinson, the Landmarks Commission and Reno County Museum in a ceremony installing the new time capsule in the cornerstone of Memorial Hall. Cookout follows.

CINCO DE MAYO Saturday, May 5 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

RCM Courtyard Make a “turquoise” bracelet in celebration of Cinco de Mayo!

CHALKFEST 2012 Thursday, May 17 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Time to get chalky! Bring the family to our fun, outdoor, signature event.

Check with the Reno County Museum for details.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL 2012 Thursday, July 19 What is summer without ice cream? Come and cool off at the Reno County Museum while you are downtown on July’s Third Thursday.

RENO COUNTY MUSEUM HOURS 9 am–5 pm tues-Fri 11-5 saturday closed sunday and monday free admission unless otherwise noted 100 S. Walnut 620-662-1184

Happy crafters Old Fashioned Christmas 2011 at Reno County Museum saw lots of creativity as children of all ages made ornaments, doorknob hangers, cards and cookies. A good time was had by all.

While the Downtown Hutchinson group continued to sponsor the out-

door live nativity in Pyle Park, RCM held its yearly “Decorate Your Own Cookie” event. Mounds of sugar cookies and frosting disappeared in a flash!

Thank you to all the volunteers and staff who always help make these events so enjoyable and run so smoothly.



Scouting dates Try an Overnight Scouting Adventure for $30 per person. Scouts must be 1018 years of age. Minimum one adult chaperone for each five scouts. Dates: • October 13 • November 10 • January 12 • February 16

GEOLOGY BADGE

The Geology Merit Badge Overnights for boys are $75 per scout and $60 per chaperone. Fifty to 100 participants required.

Troops may combine to reach minimum. Dates: • October 20 • November 3 • January 25 • February 2 Call Tonya Gehring or Kourtney Krehbiel 620-662-1425 • 866-755-3450

22

THE MASONS: PLAYING A BIG ROLE IN OUR COMMUNITY PAGE 4

reno county historical society p.o. box 664 hutchinson, kansas 67504-0664

return service requested

If your address changes, please call us at 620-662-1184.