Legacy winter 2015 by Reno County Historical Society

N O S T U C FO AL S

Legacy h

WINTER 2015

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

spend a day with a new miner in the 1920s and find out what it was really like down there…page 4

I 12 take a bike ride underground … in the dark … if you dare

E 15 descend a mile into the earth – virtually, that is

HISTORICAL SOCIETY STAFF (full-time)

Legacy h

THE JOURNAL OF THE RENO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Linda Schmitt, executive director, rchs linda@underkansas.org

Ashley Maready, chief curator, rchs ashley@underkansas.org

Gayle Ferrell, director of operations, strataca gayle@underkansas.org

Tonya Gehring, operations manager, strataca tonya@underkansas.org

Dave Unruh, maintenance supervisor, strataca dave@underkansas.org

Myron Marcotte, mine specialist, strataca

4 a miner’s life way back when

12 new attractions afoot in strataca

sarah@underkansas.org

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

Paula Dover, administrative assistant, rcm paula@underkansas.org

...and don’t miss that bike ride in the dark!

14 new volunteer makes exhibit possible

...thanks to his digital conversion expertise

15 take the plunge a mile underground

myron@underkansas.org

Sarah Voran, customer service representative, strataca

...what was it really like?

...on the new ipad tablets, that is

16 legacy magazine has a storied history

...now it’s time to bid it adieu

19 legacy, it’s been a great ride!

...issue on solomon butler editor’s fave

20 a heartfelt thanks to our members BOARD OF DIRECTORS Richard Shank, president • Nan Hawver, president-elect Billy Klug, treasurer • Laura Snyder, secretary • Tim Davies Elaine Fallon • Mary Wilson • Bill Pfenninger • Carol Carr Cris Corey • Katherine Goodenberger • Arlyn Miller • Frank Alexander • Jerry Wray • Darren Wicks • Lee Spence, ex-officio Mike Carey, ex-officio • Harold Mayo, ex-officio

...your loyalty has been invaluable

21 new windows give museum a facelift

...while those from our past “look on”

22 murder, salt hikes, exhibits, jewels

...what more could you want from two museums?

ON THE COVER THIS POSTCARD DEPICTS THE MINE’S UNDERCUTTING ROOM AS IT WOULD HAVE APPEARED IN THE 1920S AND ‘30S AND THE UBIQUITOUS CARBIDE LAMP. THE CAR ON THE TRACKS WAS USED TO TRANSPORT THE UNDERCUTTER. (STORY P. 4)

Volume 27, No. 1 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. © 2015 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.

Working the mine ...a glimpse into the past

By Myron Marcotte, Strataca Mine Specialist

A Benny Pallister chronicled what it was like to work in the mine in its early days.

ugust 11, 2014 marked my 39th year of involvement with the Carey Salt Mine, and many times I have been asked the question, “What’s it like working down there?” To be honest, I have wondered what it was like working in the mine 90 years ago when it first opened. And I have dreamed of what it would

have been like back then. So using the writings of Benny Pallister with my own experience and imagination, I will attempt to explain what it was like to work in the mine in the mid-1920s. I hope you enjoy this fictional tale.

LOOKING FOR A JOB

Benny, being a young lad and just getting out of

school, was eager to find a job. He had heard of a salt mine opening under the Carey Salt Company, southeast of town. So he rode the trolley down to the Carey Salt corporate offices at 1 East Avenue B, just around the corner from their old salt works on Main Street. He was told by the corporate secretary to apply at the

THE TRAIN CREW MULE DRIVER AND SWITCHMAN ARE SHOWN AT LEFT PICKING UP AND CHANGING OUT THE 3.5-TON CARS. THE LOADING CREW IS IN THE BACK. BENNY WOULD HAVE USED THE SLEDGEHAMMER, PICK AND SHOVEL, SHOWN HERE, WHILE MINING.

u mine. So he rode the trolley down A Street to the Larabee Mill, then hitched a ride on the Ark Valley Interurban railway that ran right past the mine. At the mine, young Benny talked to the mine foreman who told him they were looking for some strong young men. “We pay 50 cents a car load that you help with, but while you’re learning you will only make a dime,” he said. “You’ll need a pick, sledgehammer and shovel that I’ll sell you. It will come out of your first check. You’ll need a carbide lamp. I can sell you that and the carbide, too. If you want the job be here at 7 a.m. tomorrow and wear a cap.”

ARRIVING AT WORK

Benny was early to the mine, arriving at 6:30. He had to wait around as the other men showed

the source of that strange smell was hanging from the ceiling.

up. One by one they went into the red brick building behind the hoist house. So, of course, Benny had to go in to see what was there. As he walked into the building, a foul odor struck him. It was the

odor of sweat and grime, like clothes that were worn too many days in a row. Everyone in the room stopped what they were doing and stared at him, but just for a brief instant. They then went on about their business of changing clothes in preparation for work. It was then that he realized where that odor was coming from. In the rafters of the building were clothes hanging from baskets on ropes that fastened to the walls. There must have been 60 baskets. Men were changing into clothes that were hanging drying from the previous day’s work.

(See I WAS, page 6)

BENNY WOULD HAVE USED A CARBIDE LAMP (CIRCA 1930) VERY SIMILAR TO THIS. MADE OF BRASS, THIS LAMP HAS A SMALL RESERVOIR AT THE BOTTOM FOR STORING CALCIUM CARBIDE AND A DEVICE ON TOP FOR ADJUSTING THE FLOW OF WATER. (1987.162.382)

I was supposed to bring a hat? (Continued from page 5)

MINING IN THE 1920S WAS OFTEN BACK-BREAKING WORK, AS SEEN BELOW. AS BENNY DISCOVERED, LOADING WAS OFTEN DONE IN PAIRS, WEARING THE UBIQUITOUS OVERALLS.

The mine foreman spotted Benny and came over to speak with him. He asked Benny, “Did you bring a change of clothes?” “Well no, I did not think of that,” Benny replied, as he watched men starting to file out past him, wearing bib overalls. “Grab your hat and we will go underground.” “My hat!” Benny thought. “I was supposed to bring a hat. I wonder why.”

GOING UNDERGROUND THE FIRST TIME

As he followed the foreman outside he noticed it had begun to rain. They crossed the road and he saw a staircase leading up to the shaft. The shaft was a mighty-looking structure as it was made from

concrete and you could see the skip moving as it passed by the landing. Standing in the rain, Benny watched as the first group of men got onto the left skip below the bucket. He heard three bells, then three more bells, and finally one bell and the skip began to move down. He could see two cables moving as the men descended into the mine. Soon the right cable pulled up another bucket and skip identical to the first. It stopped at the bucket for a minute and then slowly moved up to the landing. The group of men standing with Benny began to move toward the skip. They crammed themselves onto it until there were 12 men jammed together in a space 48 by 50 inches.

Benny’s arms were wedged at his sides by the bodies of the men around him. He looked up and watched the sky as it got farther away until it was just a dot. At the mine level the men quickly sprung off the skip. A couple of bare light bulbs dimly lit the area. As Benny stepped off the skip he became nervous, goose bumps of excitement welled up on his arms. Wow, he thought, I am really deep underground!

LIKE NOTHING EVER IMAGINED

Underground was nothing like what he had imagined. His only previous experience was going into a cave he and his cousin had found in northern Kansas. The mine was much

BENNY KNEW HE HAD REACHED ROOM NUMBER “5” WHEN HE LOOKED UP TO SEE A NUMERAL “5” SIMILAR TO THIS ONE THAT WAS DRAWN WITH A CARBIDE LAMP ON THE ROCK WALL.

Do you know how to use a carbide lamp?” “No,” Benny replied. “Well, watch me, then you try.” Benny watched carefully as the foreman unscrewed the bottom from his carbide lamp. He dumped some carbide from a flask into the bottom then screwed it back on. He then opened a small lid on top and poured water in from a jug. “Now you see this lever,” the foreman indicated, “You adjust the water drip with this lever and that determines how bright your light is.”

THE LAMP LIT WITH A LOUD POP

wider than the higher ceiling. To his right the room he was in curved out of sight. Directly in front of him was a large steel apparatus with train rails running through it. As he looked left he could follow the rails as they curved off out of view. He followed the other men off to the right. Across the tracks was a door in the salt wall. The foreman opened it and went in. He soon came out with a pick and shovel and handed them to Benny.

TRIP TO THE FACE

The men began climbing into a mine car, joining the men from the skip before. The small battery-powered mule pulled them down the tracks. Bang, bang, bang, bang was heard as each mine car was pulled to life.

Benny watched as he Each car was connectcupped the reflector of ed to the next by a large the light in his hand and three-link chain. lit the lamp. A bright The ride was bumpy white light emitted from and rough. The train jerkthe lamp. “Wow!” Benny ed them around as they thought. “It should last rode along. The wheels you a couple hours if sang a loud click-clack you don’t have it too as they passed bright. Now you over endless try.” a batteryjoints. SuddenNervously powered “mule” ly they were Benny copied pulled the all jolted to the the procedure train loaded right as they step by step. with miners. turned down When it came a switch cutting to lighting the across to another lamp he had trouble entry. Rooms flew by as on the first try. He tried they passed them. A lot of again, and the lamp lit mining had already taken with a loud pop. place here. “The gas built up on ya’,” the foreman explained. “If you had a cap AND THEN HE HAD you could hook the lamp LIGHT to it like this.” Benny When they got to the watched as the foreman face of the mine everyone slipped the hook on the quickly climbed out of the cars. The mine foreman (See SETTLE, page 8) yelled, “Benny come here.

“Settle for sett’n it on a rock” (Continued from page 7) back of the lamp into a hole in his cap above the brim. “I guess you will just have to settle for sett’n it on a rock.” Benny saw a sledge, and a small metal wedge on the floor. “What’s this?” he asked while picking up the wedge. “It’s a gunior (sounds

THE DRILLING CREW THAT BENNY WOULD HAVE SEEN IN THE ‘20S OR ‘30S WOULD HAVE LOOKED SIMILAR TO THIS PHOTOGRAPH. THE CREW USED A POST DRILL TO DRILL THE 39 HOLES USED TO BLAST THE ROOM. IN THIS PHOTOGRAPH, THE UNDERCUTTER CREW IS BEHIND THEM, BEGINNING TO CUT THE ROOM. (FROM 1997.40.02)

like junior with a G),” the foreman explained. “It’s like a wedge you use with the sledge to split rock. Now go down to room 5 and help Tom and Joe.”

OFF TO WORK

Benny followed the rail down the passage going past rooms in which other men were busily loading mine cars. Finally he came to room 5 with its designation written on the wall with a thin black line. He wondered what they used to write it with. The room was 50 feet wide, 6 feet high, and about 200 feet deep. Benny, being a man of 6’ 2,”

quickly realized the importance of that hat he was supposed to bring with him. There at the back the two men were hurriedly loading the salt from a big pile into the car. “We like to load in a pattern,” Tom said. “Joe usually starts against the wall and I start next to the car. We work our way

left. That way we can load at about the same rate all day.” “That’s why we are the fastest muckers!” they bragged. “Why, we once loaded nine cars in a day! You grab a broom and sweep and shovel up the floor as we go.” Benny quickly finished the task assigned and began shoveling salt as quickly as he could into cars. They soon filled the two cars assigned to them and pushed them out, howling the whole time for more cars. When the mule driver came with the locomotive, he handed each a chip for

the cars that were loaded. “Whatever you do, don’t lose one of those chips. If you do, you won’t get paid for that car.” Soon it was lunch and the men found three nice boulders for seats. Benny pulled a sandwich from his bag and ate. Tom and Joe also dug out their lunches. Tom had brought some peaches in a mason jar, and Joe brought some fried chicken and an apple. As they ate, Benny’s mind wondered back to the number “5” on the rib wall of this room. Always inquisitive, Benny asked how the “5” was written on the wall. “With a carbide lamp like this,” said Tom as he got up off his boulder and walked to the rib. He took the lamp from his cap and placed the flame against the wall of the rib. He then drew a picture of a monkey face on the wall. “Quit monkeying around! Back to work!” Joe said with a grin. “We got cars to load.”

AN IN-DEPTH TOUR

The mine foreman came by to talk to Benny. “Well, how are ya’ doing?” “He’s doing great!” Tom yelled out. “I’m trying to keep up,” Benny admitted. “Good,” said the foreman. “Come with me. I want you to see the rest of the face of the mine.” They walked back to the entry and around the corner to the next room, number “6.” There the drillers were drilling holes

using a post drill with the luxury of an electric light. That’s an odd contraption, Benny thought, as he examined the machine a little closer. About that time the men finished up that set and began taking down the drill to move it farther left to finish the room. One man released the and, as they rounded the drill steel (auger) and corner, Benny could hear pulled it free of the drill a machine running. Salt while the other man lifted dust lay heavy in the air the drill from the post. as they neared a glow They both sat the drill toward the face of the near where they were room. moving next. The “That’s the men unscrewed the undercutter,” two big bolts on undercutter: explained the the bottom of the a beast of foreman. It post and then a machine was a beast of a lowered the post machine gnawing to the floor. They its way across the then dragged it a few room along steel cables feet and stood it up again. stretched pillar to pillar. They then reassembled One man was shoveling the drill in reverse. Soon loose salt out from in they were drilling again. front of the machine as First the top hole, then it dragged itself across the middle, and finally the the room. The other was bottom hole in three rows. scooping salt away from They left the room, an auger in the back of walked back to the entry,

ALTHOUGH TOM WAS JUST “MONKEYING AROUND” IN OUR FICTIONAL TALE, THIS ACTUAL CARBIDEDRAWN MONKEY FACE IS REAL AND CAN STILL BE SEEN UNDERGROUND WITHIN A COUPLE HUNDRED FEET OF THE MAIN SHAFT. IT WAS DRAWN DURING THE ERA IN WHICH OUR REAL B. J. PALLISTER WORKED, (CIRCA 1930S.)

the machine. The noise was deafening and Benny put his hands over his ears as he watched. “What’s the matter kid? Too loud for ya’?” the foreman asked. “You’ll get hardened to it after a while.” Again they walked to the entry, and this time they walked across to the other side of the panel where there were more rooms. They followed the rail into a room where two more men were working. “These are the powder men,” the foreman indicated. “Never come into a room where these men are

(See THE NOISE , page 10) BENNY J. PALLISTER, TOP ROW FAR RIGHT, PARTICIPATES IN A FIRST-AID SAFETY CLASS GIVEN IN 1952. NOTE THE EXTRA WORK CLOTHES HANGING ABOVE THE MINERS, SIMILAR TO THOSE OUR FICTIONAL BENNY DISCOVERS ON HIS FIRST DAY ON THE JOB.

“The noise scare ya?” WHEN THE FOREMAN WARNS BENNY NOT TO COME INTO THE ROOM WHEN “… THESE MEN ARE WORKING…,” HE IS REFERRING TO A POWDERMAN, ABOVE, WHO IS LOADING A FACE WITH DYNAMITE. THE ELECTRIC CAP LINES CAN BE SEEN COMING OUT OF THE ALREADY LOADED DRILL HOLES. THE ROD IN HIS HAND IS A TAMPING POLE USED TO GENTLY COMPACT THE DYNAMITE IN THE HOLE. THE POWDERMAN’S CARBIDE LAMP IS EASILY VISIBLE ATTACHED TO HIS BASEBALLSTYLE HAT.

(Continued from page 9) working,” the foreman warned. Benny watched as the men split sticks of dynamite with a knife and shoved them into holes. On the third stick, they stuck a cap into it and wrapped the wires around it. Every two sticks they stuck a long wooden pole into the hole and pounded it down against the dynamite. Benny flinched as if expecting the sticks to go off with each pounding action. Once finished loading the sticks into the holes, the men wired all the holes together in a series. They then ran two wires out to the entry and around where they shunted the wires together. “We will shoot it at quitting time,” the powder man said. “I think it’s time to get you back to the crew,” the foreman told Benny.

DAY’S END

When Benny got back to Tom and Joe he saw they had loaded two more cars. “Done with your tour?” Joe asked. “We could sure use some

benny flinched as if expecting the dynamite to go off with all the pounding.

them, and then counted them again. He asked Tom, “How many chips should I have?” Joe answered with a question of his own, “How many you got?” “Well, I think I have nine, is that right?” “I can’t believe it myself but we loaded 11 cars today ourselves. It’s because you helped us,” said Tom. “Thanks,” agreed Joe. “We don’t usually do this good with a new guy.”

FIRE IN THE HOLE! help,” Tom added. Benny put his back into loading cars and they filled cars at a feverish pace. Soon the foreman came by and yelled, “Quitting time!” Tom, Joe and Benny dropped their tools and walked towards the mantrip. Benny reached into his pocket to see how many chips he had. He counted

As they waited in the mantrip Benny heard a faint “Fire in the hole!” yelled three times. Then he heard the loud roar of the first room going off. Benny nearly jumped out of his skin. The other men around him paid little, if any, attention to the blast. “What’s the matter, kid?” Joe laughed. “The noise scare ya’?”

MYRLE D. MONTGOMERY, BELOW, MADE THESE WOODEN LUNCH BUCKETS BY HAND IN THE ‘50S. THE LUNCH BUCKET PLAYED A BIG ROLE IN THE DAY OF A MINER.

About then he heard another “Fire in the hole!,” then again a blast. He saw the smoke from Tom’s cigarette jump side to side in a peculiar motion. “Well, I never seen smoke move like that!” Benny thought aloud while Tom and Joe laughed. Back at the shaft, they waited in line at the foreman’s office to get credit for their chips. Benny was first and handed the foreman his nine chips. The foreman raised an eyebrow and looked at Tom and Joe. They were both grinning. “Well, you did good, son!” he exclaimed. Then Tom and Joe handed in their chips. The foreman started to say something when Tom said, “The boy is that good, boss!”

BACK TO THE TOP

The men were eager to go back topside. Again they squeezed onto the skip. Benny heard the now familiar bells. Up they went in a jerk. Benny’s ears popped as they rose. Soon they were on the surface. The sun seemed brighter than before, the air sweeter, and the sky bluer. “I’m a miner,” Benny thought.

Although this scenario is fiction, B. J. Pallister, upon whom the story is based, worked for the Carey Salt Company for 40 years from about 1931. His experiences began in a similar fashion to Benny’s – loading cars with a Number 2 shovel. By the time Pallister

800-760-5315

retired 40 years later, he had risen to the position of Mine Manager. Pallister compiled memories of his career in an essay entitled, “40 Years of Salt Mining.” It is available for further research in the Vaden Stroud Research Library of the Reno County Museum.

620-662-5315

INTO THE DARK

By Gayle Ferrell, KUSM Director of Operations

ADVENTURESOME TRIAL RUN BIKERS

he weather outside is frightful, but underground is so delightful.... New attractions are coming to STRATACA in 2015! Over the past few years we have added a lot of new things, both large and small. The Salt Mine Express, our underground train, was huge, and finishing the underground restroom complex was awesome! And there’s more: A video about the work life of current miners … movie memorabilia from “The Monuments Men” … a temporary exhibit about

World War II … a Salt Safari Adventure Hike into virtually untouched areas of the mine … an interactive app about the underground geology displayed on tablets in the Permian Room … changing our name … the Attic, a small topside gift shop. But we are not done! We will not stop growing and changing! So what is next? n The Safari Shuttle: Visitors will be able to take a 90-minute ride, rather than a three-hour hike, out into a virtually untouched area

of the mine to see natural salt beauty never before available to the public. A maximum of 12 guests will depart twice a day for this unique Strataca adventure that will offer some handicapped-accessible features, and allow visitors as young as 10 to participate. This offers a less challenging alternative to the three-hour Salt Safari Hike. Fee for the shuttle ride is in addition to the Strataca admission charge. n Tour de Salt: Not a race or obstacle course, this is the ultimate underground bike ride! It’s a leisurely ride through spectacular salt tunnels

THESE BIKING PHOTOS WERE TAKEN DURING A “TRIAL RUN” OF THE TOUR DE SALT IN OCTOBER. PARTICIPANTS – RCHS BOARD MEMBER MICHAEL ARMOUR, ADVENTURE MONKEY ERIC BENJAMIN, AND JIM CUMMINS AND LELAN DAINES FROM DIRTY KANZA PROMOTIONS – EXPLORED THE GALLERIES ON THEIR BIKES AND EXPERIMENTED BIKING ON VARIOUS SURFACES THROUGHOUT STRATACA.

and past massive salt walls – all in the dark! And all on rough, raw, mined salt paths! Riders must bring their own helmet light, knee pads, elbow pads and fattire bike (or similar). Details are forthcoming this event, October 10-11. Registration is limited as riders and bikes must be transported down and back up in the hoist. We’re still deciding if we’ll offer an overnight get-acquainted event with fellow riders and/or a family tour. We hope the Tour de Salt, a fundraiser for Strataca, will become an annual event with an ever-increasing group of interested riders. n Boom Room: Still coming is the opportunity for visitors to hear a REAL

mine-face BLAST! Actual video and sound from the mine face will be replayed in a soundproof room. Installed in the Mining Gallery, the experience will be free with Strataca admission! n More Murders in the Mine: We have hosted 24 Murder in the Mine shows since 2007.

Characters have included Columbo, Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, the Brady Bunch, Indiana Jones, Santa Claud (aka Claus), characters from the board game, “Clue,” and many others. Interactive dinner theatres scheduled for 2015 include: Saturday, March 7: “Burying the Mob” (a Mafia spoof) Saturday, August 22: Show title to be announced Friday, Dec, 11, and Sunday, Dec. 13: Show title to be announced These shows have been selling out! Cost is $55/person or a table of eight for $400. The fee includes dinner, entertainment and admission to the

(See MORE, page 15)

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE INTERACTIVE APP ON THE GEOLOGY LAYERS UNDERGROUND, SEE PAGE 15. AND DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE CALENDAR ON PAGE 22 FOR MORE STRATACA EVENTS. EXHIBITS ARE LISTED ON THE BACK COVER, PAGE 24.

Calling AudioMan...

Y MITCHELL PASSED AWAY IN 2001. HER ENTIRE COLLECTION OF HUTCHINSON- AND RENO COUNTY-RELATED MEMORABILIA AND INFORMATION WAS DONATED TO THE MUSEUM. INCLUDED IN THE COLLECTION WAS A SET OF 20 CASSETTE TAPE RECORDINGS OF MITCHELL’S RADIO SHOW, “HISTORICALLY SPEAKING,” WHICH AIRED ON KWBW IN 1987.

AARON TO THE RESCUE

ou can just call him “AudioMan!” RCM’s newest volunteer, Aaron Wooldridge, is working on a large digitization project, and it all involves audio files. Aaron will be playing a significant role in producing our next exhibit based on the life and collection of Pat Mitchell, poet, historian, artist and author of the two-volume postcard books, “The Fair City.”

AUDIO TO DIGITAL

With a wealth of knowledge and the ability to hear Pat Mitchell’s actual voice, our intent is to use clippings of the recordings in the upcoming exhibit. To accomplish this, cassette tape recordings will be converted to digital audio files. AudioMan to the rescue! Enter Aaron Wooldridge with his vast experience converting and utilizing audio files. A newcomer to Hutchinson, Aaron has enjoyed

living in vastly different areas of the United States. Raised in Ridgecrest, Calif., Aaron joined the Navy at age 23 and was stationed in Norfolk, Va., where he repaired aircraft electronics. “I liked the work … I miss the work and the people I worked with,” Aaron said of his two-year stint. After the Navy, Aaron

aaron has written and recorded his own music … a big part of his life.

spent two years in Ohio with his sister, then moved to Quincy, Ill., where “You could see the Mississippi from my backyard.” He went to work for a company that built television transmitters, followed by a stint in retail. After five years in Quincy and at the encouragement of his friend, Ashley Maready, Reno County Museum Chief Curator, Aaron made the move to Hutchinson. He’s currently working for Home Depot … and putting his audio and recording skills

to good use at RCM. Music has long been a big part of Aaron’s life. He taught himself to play guitar at age 15, and has written and recorded his own music, much of it hard rock and heavy metal.

ONE FOOT IN MUSIC

He worked continuously on his music and recording until he slowed down while living in Illinois but “I always kept one foot in there,” he added. While in Illinois, he recorded and edited sermons from the Unitarian church to be used in podcasts. He also assisted his girlfriend’s father in his semi-professional karaoke jockey business. Aaron admits to always wanting to be a professional musician, playing guitar and singing in his own band. However, he added, he’d enjoy producing music or recording audio books just to be part of the music industry in some way.

INTERESTS VARIED

When not working on music, Aaron spends time reading history, science, religious scholarship and science-fiction books. He also owns a dog and two ferrets. “I spend more time grooming my beard,” he confesses, “than most women spend on their hair.” RCM is certainly glad that Aaron has generously volunteered to digitize the Pat Mitchell tapes. Thank you, AudioMan!

What lies beneath??!!

trataca visitors can now get a sneak preview of our future geology exhibit! This sneak peek comes in the form of a brand new tablet program that shows what lies beneath the surface of Hutchinson … and even beneath the underground salt museum. The special app was created exclusively for Strataca by Reflective Group, of Baldwin City, Kansas, using grant money gra-

ciously provided by Shell Oil for the development of our future geology exhibit. But before the full exhibit opens, visitors will get an up-close and personal view of what lies beneath. When visitors exit the hoist underground, they can enter the adjacent Permian Room to find three iPads dedicated exclusively to the program. On the iPads visitors can watch an animated

More in the hopper (Continued from page 13) Mining Gallery and movie costume exhibit. (See page 22 for details.) n Gift cards: We are goin’ plastic! Gift cards will be available both online and at the ticket window and

can be loaded with whatever amount you want to give! They can be used for any tour or event at Strataca. We still have more in the hopper! But I don’t want to tell you EVERYTHING!

hoist descend one mile into the Earth, far deeper than 650 feet where Strataca is located. As the hoist descends, the interactive program provides information about the aquifer, the different types of rocks to be found, the oil reservoirs, and, of course, the salt itself.

TABLETS BIG HIT

The tablets have been a very engaging attraction for visitors so far, and they are a perfect way to introduce them to the geology of salt and surrounding substances. Currently under development, the future geology exhibit will bring an expansion of the information presented on the iPads as well as other interactive features to engage and inform our visitors. Come visit Strataca to check out the tablets!

WITH JUST A TOUCH ON THE SCREEN OF ANY OF THE THREE IPADS (ONE SHOWN ABOVE), THE NEW APP TAKES VISITORS ON A “DESCENT” FAR UNDERGROUND TO ONE MILE BENEATH THE SURFACE. VISITORS CAN “DISEMBARK” AT VARIOUS DEPTHS ALONG THE WAY TO DISCOVER MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS ON THE WAY DOWN.

Legacy The legacy of...

“W Linda Schmitt Executive Director, Reno County Historical Society

elcome to LEGACY, the quarterly journal of the Reno County Historical Society. Inside this issue you will find a variety of articles and columns pertaining to history, the Reno County Historical Society, and other historical institutions throughout Kansas. I hope that you enjoy reading through all of these.” – Michael Knecht Fall 1989 Volume 1, Number 1 For 25 years the Legacy quarterly magazine has been part of the Reno County Historical Society. Mainly available for members, it has provided high quality articles and photos illustrating the many aspects of life in Reno County spanning

140 years. Often scholarly with articles by guest authors, Legacy educated, entertained and informed members of the historical society and the community about upcoming programs and events and even happenings at our two museums. The main article in the first Legacy was “Who Was Jesse Reno?” written by Mary Lynn Baker. The cover of the magazine was a line drawing of Jesse Reno by Pat Mitchell who was also the author of another article entitled, “The Bisonte.” In 2011, due the high cost of mailing and decreased advertising, the magazine went digital and became accessible to all

with Internet access via the RCM and Strataca websites where they are now archived for easy accessibility. In looking over the 94 hard-copy issues and the 17 online issues that exist, many stories stand out. Here are a few of my favorites: n Fall 2002: “Hometown Boy Gone Bad,” written by Pat Garwood, tells how Hutchinson resident Dick Broadwell met his fate as a member of the infamous Dalton Gang. n Summer 2002: “The Enduring Legacy of Delos V. Smith” by John Eberly n Summer 2010: “Tales talk of things that go … Bump in the Mine” by Myron Marcotte n Spring 2011: “KID

(See KIDNAPPINGS, page 18)

FALL 2002

SUMMER 2002

FALL 1989

FALL 1990

FALL 2011

FALL 2013

FALL 1990

SUMMER 2014

SPRING 2013

FALL 2012

Kidnappings, Bold Ben and more

SUMMER 2010

(Continued from page 16)

PAST ISSUES OF THE LEGACY ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT THE RENO COUNTY MUSEUM IN OUR RESEARCH ROOM FOR YOUR CONTINUED ENJOYMENT AND STUDY. HARD COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE HUTCHINSON PUBLIC LIBRARY.

NAPPED … editor nabbed in bizarre fiasco,” by William Rexroad, recounts the kidnapping of W.J. Turpin, editor of the Hutchinson Herald, as a result of a slanderous article published in the paper. n Winter 2011: “Bold Ben Blanchard ... the facts and the fiction” by Linda Schmitt. Yes, I’ll admit I’m partial to this one and remember the fun I had researching Ben, the discoverer of our salt deposit and founder of South Hutchinson. n Fall 1990: “The Kansas State Fair Buildings”

by Linda Laird and Pat Mitchell Since its beginning, Legacy has been produced in-house, by Catalyst Creative Services, and for many years by Jane Lee Communications, Ltd. with our own staff, presently and primarily Lynn Ledeboer, providing content and editing. Many sponsors over the years have made it possible for this high quality publication to exist. Now, Jane is cutting back, and Legacy, in its present award-winning format, will end. We are looking for ways to continue bringing the

FALL 2014

stories of Reno County to life for you and we’ll find them, whether through blogs, newsletters or collaborations with other entities. Right now, the RCHS is a regular contributor to “Hutchinson Magazine” and looks forward to a continuing relationship. Our deepest thanks to all those who have contributed articles, sponsorships, editing, wisdom and other support to Legacy over the past 25 years. We also thank and appreciate all of you who found insight, enjoyment and knowledge within its pages.

It’s been a great ride!

n this final issue of plied, “Probably the most the Legacy, we would satisfying experience has like to introduce you to not been with a particuthe creative wizard behind lar client or project, but the scenes who has made rather in performing the all the magic happen, background research, Jane Lee. creating a strategy or In 2005 Jane was asked materials, then seeing it to take over, redeall successfully sign and produce come together the Legacy for the for the client.” Reno County HisJane does torical Society. have a favorite As owner of issue of the the public relaLegacy, howevtions firm, Jane er. It is the very Lee Communicafirst issue she tions, Ltd., Jane’s worked on that experience was included an arperfectly suited to ticle about Soloproviding a more mon Butler, an Lee modern, profesAfrican-Amerisional look to the wellcan from Hutchinson who established Legacy. was an all-around worldJane had always liked class athlete. He failed to write, deciding on a to qualify for the 1920 career in journalism and Olympics when he was becoming a news-editorial injured. major at the University of Kansas. She worked FASCINATING & FUN as a reporter for about “The story of this six years at the Lawrence Hutchinson native and Journal-World newspaper. the fantastic photos from the Reno County MuseOPEN FOR BUSINESS um and other museums After a break for her made this one of the most children, Jane took a pubfascinating – and fun – lic relations job for a hosissues I’ve worked on,” pital in Hays. When her Jane explained. “I’ve never family moved to Hutchinfailed to be amazed at the son in 1984, Jane opened fascinating stories about her own business utilizing Hutchinson and Reno contacts she had made in County history and the inHays, gradually expandcredible store of photos in ing her base to include a the museum’s collection.” wide variety of clients. Jane’s background is When asked about her just as fascinating as the favorite projects throughstories she has worked out the years, Jane reon. Born in Kansas City,

but raised in New Jersey, Jane returned to go to college at KU, following in the footsteps of her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Her husband, John, is the retired CEO of Harris Enterprises in Hutchinson. The couple has two daughters. Their oldest, Erica, and her husband Bryan are the parents of Jane’s 14-month-old granddaughter, Iris. Erica does collection development for the Kansas City, Missouri library system. Jane’s younger daughter, Meredith, lives in Chicago where she is a vice president for LaSalle Investment Management.

FINDING BALANCE

When not crafting publications or materials for clients, Jane enjoys travel, reading, being with her granddaughter, and easing into the day with coffee and friends after a long walk. Jane is also active in her downtown Rotary club and has found a nice balance between leisure, book clubs, volunteer work and “real work.” Like that perfect summer night or the dreamy first dance, we wish the “spell” would go on forever. But like all good tales, there must be an ending. We thank Jane Lee for flourishing her wand to make the Legacy sparkle.

THE PREMIER ISSUE IN THE NEW FORMAT, WINTER 2005, WAS A FAVORITE. IT FOCUSED ON SOLOMON BUTLER, HUTCHINSON’S WORLD-CLASS ATHLETE IN THE 1920S. THIS AND SOME SUBSEQUENT ISSUES WON A NUMBER OF STATE AND NATIONAL AWARDS.

By Lynn Ledeboer RCM Curatorial Assistant

f Thanks for your continued support

avid Gilmour, guitarist and vocalist for the rock band, Pink Floyd, has been quoted as saying, “I don't want to be a full-time member of Pink Floyd all my life.” Well, here’s to hoping that you, unlike Gilmour, will always want to be a member of Strataca and/or the Reno County Museum. Thank you for your generous support of the Reno County Historical Society. Below is our full membership list as of January 7.

RCM STORYKEEPERS Caretaker: Whitey & Shirley Alpers Ms. Gladys S. Bos Margaret & Elwin Cabbage Jim & Dianne Cannon Mary Janet & Bill Collins Steve Conard Herchel & K.T. Crainer Maurice & Melva Cummings Carolyn & Dick Dillon John & Jane Eriksen Frank & Bonnie Fee First National Bank of Hutchinson Barbara Frizell Ruth & Paul Dillon Donor Advised Fund Bill & JoAnn Drews E. Francis Habiger Jim & Sandra Haskell Heart of Kansas Quilt Guild Dena Hendershot Greg & Andrea Henne Melissa & Billy Klug Rita Lingg R. Wayne Lowe Donor Advised Fund R.M. & M.L. Lundquist Earl & Ticky McAdams Wally & Joan McKinney Judith Mielke Arlyn & Loretta Miller Dr. Robert T. Morrison Karen Hall Orr Gary & Sue Poltera

Vern & Aavon Powers Helen Rosenblad Lois Schlickau Cliff & Vicki Shank Laura Snyder Phyllis Snyder John & Peg Stephens Ruth Stiggins Charles & Patsy Studt Paul & Deb Waggoner Barry & Gale Wall R. Clark Wesley Gary & Nancy Witham Jack & Donna Wortman John & Barbara Withrow Richard & Lillian Young Cleyon & Laura Yowell

Mollie Mitchell & John Wilson Jerry & Joan Wray Guardian: Ed & Carol Berger Mae Boggs Dick & Marcia Cooper Tucker & Nation Meyer Bill & Linda Pfenninger Virginia Rayl Merl Sellers

STRATACA CITIZENS

Protector: Sally Holmes McPherson Allen & Ila Stone Restorer: M.E. Applegate Charleen Bauer Dennis & Jennalee Boggs Bob & Sharon DeVault Tremenda & Butch Dillon Donor Advised Fund DHRP Downtown Hutchinson Lew & Julane Ediger Gene Elliott Richard & Jane Falter Martha Fee Patty & Dan Foss Greater Hutchinson Convention & Visitor Bureau Elizabeth I. Hayes Lona Hinshaw Pam & Randy Johnston Ken & Barbara Keefer Judy Langley Dan & Georgia Maxwell Kim & Cindy Moore Rod Nash Dan & Brenda Pace Virginia Rexroad F.E. Schoepf (Shep) Bill & Jennifer Scofield Richard & Patti Shank SNB Bank of Kansas Larry & Sue Wagerle Michael Wesley

Picker: Ms. Gladys S. Bos Margaret & Elwin Cabbage Jim & Dianne Cannon Mary Janet & Bill Collins First National Bank of Hutchinson Carolyn & Dick Dillon Ruth & Paul Dillon Donor Advised Fund Bill & JoAnn Drews John & Jane Eriksen Barbara Frizell Katherine Goodenberger E. Francis Habiger Melissa & Billy Klug R. Wayne Lowe Donor Advised Fund Mr. & Mrs. R. M. Lundquist Wally & Joan McKinney Arlyn & Loretta Miller Dr. & Mrs. Robert Morrison Karen Hall Orr Gary & Sue Poltera Helen Rosenblad Cliff & Vicki Shank Laura Snyder Jason Steele Charles & Patsy Studt Heath Webster Gary & Nancy Witham Jack & Donna Wortman Digger: Charles & Bonnie Benscheidt Jerry Blocher Dennis & Jennalee Boggs Larry & Marilyn Bolton

Ann & Gordon Brown Maurice & Melva Cummings Tremenda & Butch Dillon Donor Advised Fund Lew & Julane Ediger Gene Elliott Richard & Jane Falter First National Bank Jan & David Hickman Del & Carol Hueske Jack & Ginger Koelling Janice & Ron Moore Sam & Judy Ontjes Tom & Kyle Philbeck Virginia Rexroad Dr. & Mrs. David & Nancy Richman Lois Schlickau Richard & Patti Shank John & Peg Stephens Larry & Sue Wagerle Barry & Gale Wall Barbara Williams Driller:

Mae BoggsDONORS IN-KIND

John Caton Dick & Marcia Cooper Dr. William & Kristine Davis John & Kris Doswell Patty & Dan Foss SNB Bank of Kansas Mollie Mitchell & John Wilson Jerry & Joan Wray Blaster: Martha Fee Greater Hutchinson Convention & Visitor Bureau Roger & Judy Hawk Tucker & Nation Meyer Merl Sellers Miner: Boeing Company for Prevost Mr. & Mrs. David Kerr Stephen & DeAnna Marshall Donna Swanson

NEW OUTLOOK for MUSEUM

Like a fine wine needs time to age properly and reach its peak, it takes time to craft solid repairs to old wooden windows. As Wayne Morgan and his crew from Oakland Avenue Craftsmen in Wichita quickly discovered, no two windows in the Reno County Museum building were alike. Wayne began the first round of installation on a few RCM windows in mid-November. Already the bright white of the repaired windows has made a big difference in the outward appearance of the museum building. We look forward to the continued progress on the Adopt-A-Window repair project.

SOLOMON BUTLER “LOOKS ON” AS NEW WINDOWS WAIT TO BE INSTALLED.

WE WENT FROM THIS....

…TO THESE WINDOWS FACING AVENUE A

Murder in the Mine

Interactive Mystery Dinner Theatre “Burying the Mob”

STRATACA HOURS 9 am–5 pm Tues–Sat 1–5 pm Sunday closed Mondays last tour departs at 3 pm advance reservations strongly recommended allow about two hours for your adventure SALT BLAST PASS our best deal includes gallery tour, dark ride (both handicapped-accessible) and train ride: adults: $19 seniors (60+), AAA and active military: $17 children (4-12): $12.50 reno county residents: $14 strataca citizens: $8 children under 4 not admitted due to mine safety regulations. pricing available to add only dark ride or train ride to gallery admission.

Saturday, March 7 Start: 5 p.m. / End: 10 p.m. $55 per person / $400 for table of 8 Must be 18 years or older due to adult humor Bootlegging, embezzling, counterfeiting – mobsters! The DeLuca family Godfather is passing his reign of power to the most worthy criminal when someone winds up in the river with “cement shoes.” Help finger the killer! Includes buffet style dinner, interactive murder mystery entertainment, and access to the underground gallery and gift shop.

Salt Safari Mine Adventure Select Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Limit: 20 hikers Must be 13 years or older Advance online reservations required This challenging, rugged hike will explore raw areas of the mine, cover many miles, and last up to three hours. Hike is not handicapped-accessible.

Don’t miss these upcoming “killer” productions in our Murder in the Mine Dinner Theatre series: n Saturday, August 22 n Friday, December 11 n Sunday, December 13 Tell your Scouts about the fabulous overnight salt adventures available in Strataca: Watch for details on overnight adventures underground for both Boy and Girl Scouts. Scouts can also earn merit badges through this program.

all prices include sales tax. special pricing for groups over 28 and school groups with arrangements made one week in advance. 3650 e. avenue g (at airport road) hutchinson, ks 67501

620-662-1425 toll-free 866-755-3450 underkansas.org

Strataca events fill up fast. Make your reservations for these special events soon! Don’t miss out! For details and reservations for all events: underkansas.org 620-662-1425 866-755-3450

CHECK OUT STRATACA ATTRACTIONS ON BACK COVER, PAGE 24.

RENO COUNTY MUSEUM

EXHIBITS & EVENTS RCM on the Road… Comes Home From 2011 to 2012, RCM travelled to 14 Reno County communities to display artifacts from those towns. The exhibits stayed up for six months. Now we are bringing this exhibit back to Hutchinson for all to see. Also we are accepting photographs of current and historical items relating to any of the Reno County cities. We’ll display them along with this exhibit.

Tough, Rough & Ready: Reno County Tools A-Z This tool-tally awesome exhibit displays an amazing variety of tools that built Reno County.

A Peek Inside Reno County’s Jewelry Box From rhinestones to fine gold, see what adornment Reno Countians have been wearing from the mid-1880s through the 1960s.

Transportation Gallery See the Schuttler wagon, an Amish

buggy, the Indian motorcycle, sidecar and much more.

Pat Mitchell and Her Fair City Coming soon – an exciting new exhibit on the life and collections of the late Pat Mitchell, local historian, artist and author of “The Fair City.” You’ll be able to not only see the collection but also hear Pat’s voice.

THE INDIAN MOTORCYCLE, ABOVE, THE LANTERN, AND OLD FORD, BELOW, ARE AMONG THE MANY ITEMS FEATURED IN THE MUSEUM’S ONGOING EXHIBITS.

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

Reno County Treasures: Talks, Tips, & Treats These fun, informal workshops will focus on education, creativity and treats: • March 31: Book repair • April 18: Toys • May 30: Dolls • August 18: Photography For more information: 620-662-1184

WHAT WAS A MINER’S LIFE REALLY LIKE? ANSWER ON 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.

STRATACA ATTRACTIONS The Shaft See this engineering marvel that houses the sixton double-decker hoist that transports visitors 650’ below ground. Stratadome Intriguing and palatial, experience the grandeur of this vaulted salt room. Play in the Permian Playground filled with a variety of hands-on salt. Salt secrets exposed! Mining Gallery See the Myron-mobile, a post-apocalyptic looking car driven by Mike Rowe, the host of the TV show “Dirty Jobs.” Discover modern day mining practices versus mining in the past. Find out what a day in the life of a miner is really like.

Harry’s Habitat (Dr. Vreeland’s Fluid Inclusion Exhibit) The world’s oldest living organism, nearly 250 million years old and once encapsulated inside a salt crystal, is a resident of Strataca. Learn about its discoverers, Dr. Russell Vreeland and his team.

GE Engine No. 2 One of only three such engines ever built, it is now on display outside of Strataca. Built in 1919, the train ran along a short railway line from 1928 to 1963 that provided switching services for the Carey plant and mine.

Salt Mine Express This 15-minute train ride is a narrated, guided tour through a part of the mine that was active in the 1940s and ‘50s.

The Iodine Deficiency and Disorder Story Explore the efforts of Kiwanis International and UNICEF in using salt to combat the devastating effects of iodine deficiency.

The Dark Ride Your personal guide delivers fascinating information on a 30-minute tram ride where you experience true “mining dark” and collect your souvenir piece of salt.

The Story of Underground Vaults & Storage View costumes and props from your favorite movies in this exhibit focusing on a unique underground storage business.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EXHIBITS AND EVENTS AT OUR MUSEUMS, SEE PAGES 20-21.