Newsletter - Fall 2018
Hello Everyone! We have several new faces at the museum. We welcomed Gary Learned, Kent Melcher, and Gloria Ulbrich as new board members in October, and Janet Hostetter was elected president of the board. I became the museum director in September. It’s been an exciting fall for CCHS.
I just want to take a quick moment to introduce myself. My name is Stephanie (Decker) Humphries and I'm the new director. I'm not a native of Kansas, but I have lived here since 2002 when I moved here to go to grad school at Southwestern. I moved to my aunt Orvalee Phillips' farm on 132nd road in January of 2002, a stark contrast from my home of 32 years in Portland, Oregon. However, I loved visiting my family out here throughout the years (my dad is a '48 graduate of Dodge City), and I always held a special place in my heart for Winfield. Prior to moving, I was the Education Coordinator for the Oregon State Historical Society. I planned to return to Oregon and the museum there after I received my first master’s in education and curriculum, but, 10 months after I moved here, my aunt passed away and I met my future husband. So as the saying goes, the rest is history!!
We were married in 2005, I have two wonderful older step-children (one recently married) and two children of my own with my husband—an 11 year old daughter and 8 year old son. I have another master’s degree from Southwestern College in leadership. I'm in my second year as a para at Holy Name School where our children attend, and my mom has since moved out here so, we are not going anywhere!!
I have always loved history; in fact my bachelor's is in history. I'm very ex-cited for this opportunity to be part of this wonderful museum and to learn more about this great community we live in! Come in and say hello some time!
Thank you ALL for supporting Cowley County Historical Society and Museum!
Happy Holidays!
Stephanie Humphries
COWLEY COUNTY HERITAGE BOOK II
Volume II of the Cowley County heritage book arrived the second week of September after much anticipation,! Fewer than 30 books are available for purchase, so please contact the museum if you want a copy!
A copy of the Cowley County Historical Society’s new book, “Cowley County Heritage Vol. II”, was recently placed in the library at Cumbernauld Village in honor of CoNette Archer, Elaine Brennan and Ina Gray. These women spent many hours at the Cowley County Historical Museum working in the archives, preparing exhibits and volunteering in countless ways. The archives are a source of pride to those who work at the museum and invaluable to anyone who conducts research pertaining to Cowley County. The information contained in the archives was essential in compiling this new book, and it was presented to these ladies in grateful acknowledgment of their service. A limited number of the books is available for purchase at the museum. Pictured from left to right are Ina Gray, Elaine Brennan and CoNette Archer.
LARRY HATTEBERG SOLD OUT EVENT!
Larry Hatteberg spoke to a sold-out crowd at an event we sponsored in September. His wonderful presentation was enjoyed by all those in attendance. The historical society is grateful for his support.
BRYANT SCHOOL REUNION
The Bryant School celebration in October was a huge success even though we had to move the event to the auxiliary gym at Winfield High School due to inclement weather. Over 50 persons were in attendance and many great stories were shared. The afternoon’s activities concluded with the drawing for the beautiful sunflower quilt created by Janice Rhodes.
John McIver was the lucky winner of the sunflower quilt! We are very grateful for Janice Rhodes’ wonderful donation.
WE APPRECIATE OUR VOLUNTEERS!
Volunteers at the Cowley County Historical Muse-um showed their appreciation to their friends at Graves Drug by delivering treats Halloween after-noon. Graves is a great partner in helping the historical society achieve its goal of “Sharing the Past with the Future”. Pictured are Renee Price (left) and Kailey Gordon.
A wonderful group of volunteers from Leadership Cowley County came and helped decorate the museum for the holidays! We were so thankful to have them here! Thank you, ladies!
We appreciate everyone who helps us in our efforts. The Institutional Advancement department from Cowley College came and helped rake our grounds. That was a large task!! We are so thankful for their hard work here at CCHSM!
VOLUNTEERS!!
We appreciate the individuals, groups, and businesses which have helped us. These partnerships are invaluable. Remember that we are always in need of volunteers, so please contact us to see how you can be of help.
The Cowley County Historical Society dates from 1931 with a major reorganization and move to our present location in 1967. The CCHS’s mission is to preserve and make available the colorful history of our county. We also support and encourage activities pertaining to local history throughout the county. Our bookstore makes available an assortment of items dealing with local history, The historical society also maintains a fine collection of historical records and vintage photographs.
IMPORTANT NOTES!
Our membership drive has been in full swing and the response has been wonderful! We are still accepting memberships! Check our website for further details or call us!
We are in need of boys’ toys! We have many girls’ dolls and toys, but not enough boys’! If you have any you are willing to donate, please contact us! Thanks!
UPCOMING EVENTS, FUNDRAISERS, AND EXHIBITS IN 2019
Saturday, January 26, 9 a.m. to 12, at Baden Square, Celebrate Cowley County History. Four papers will be presented: “The Cowley County Poor Farm” by Jane Sandbulte; “W.C. Robinson” by Jerry Wallace; “The Arkansas City Community Band” by Foss Farrar and Terry Eaton-Naden; and Winfield’s Opera Houses” by Roland Muller.
February through December, at the museum. “Stitching Memories– Piece by Piece”, and exhibit of quilts and stitchery.
Sunday, February 24, 2:00 p.m., at the museum. “Custer– The Man, The Leader”, presented by Jim Vanek.
Sunday, March 24, 2:00 p.m., at the Winfield Public Library. “William Allen White and the KKK in Kansas: ‘A Real American Goes Hunting’” by Beverley Olson Buller, sponsored by the Humanities Kansas, the Winfield Public Library, and CCHS.
May 4. “Head ‘Em UP and Move ‘Em Out”, a chuckwagon dinner, entertainment, and a presentation by Jim Gray. Sponsored by Humanities Kansas. Time and place to be announced.
June 15. A museum fundraiser. Watch for details.
August 24, 2:00 at the museum. “Etzanoa” presented by Donald Blakeslee
October. “Voices From the Past”. The date and details will be announced.