Newsletter - Spring 2019
Our new exhibit “Stitching Memories-Piece by Piece,” has opened. This beautiful exhibit will be up until December 2019. It’s a collection of handmade pieces from many local artists as well as pieces passed down through the years. History in every piece!
Celebrate Cowley County History 2019
Our history event was a huge success! Every seat was filled and many came for the first time! Four wonderful papers were presented: "W. C. Robinson" by Jerry Wallace, "The Poor Farm" by Jane Sandbulte, "City Band of Arkansas City- 100 Plus Years" by Foss Farrar and Terry Naden, and "Winfield Opera House" by Roland Mueller. There are a few 2019 history day issues of the papers left- buy your copy
now!
Custer- The Man, The Leader
Jim Vanek gave an informative and enlightening presentation February 24th on Custer. There was standing room only!! The audience was engaged and asked great questions!
High School Volunteers!
Historical Museum appreciate those who partner with us in our efforts to share the past with the future. A portable podium had been needed at the museum for some time.
Three students in the carpentry class at Winfield High School taught by Justin Hogan recently constructed this podium. The students worked under the direction of George Lowe, retired teacher and current paraprofessional. Their efforts are greatly appreciated and the podium has already been used on several occasions.
Pictured left to right are Cole Finney, Alexander Butters, George Lowe, and Adam Moore.
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.
Museum Friends
January 2019 – Carolea Hower’s presentation included memories of growing up on a Kansas dairy farm. She also discussed the reasons for writing her books and the process involved.
Museum Friends is a group who enjoy local history. The group's goals are to support the historical society in its efforts to share the past with the future and to become more knowledgeable about Cowley County's history. They meet the third Monday of the month at 4:30.
Everyone is welcome!
February 2019 – Diane Okeson presented the program on quilts. She discussed the techniques used in their construction, provided names of the blocks or patterns, and gave a brief history of quilting.
March 2019 – “Writing Family History One Recipe at a Time” was the program presented by Mary Hartley and her niece, Ann Robison. They discussed writing their family’s cookbook, Beyond Golden Salad: Recipes and Remembrances of the Carttar Family, and shared family stories and photos.
Edna Carttar, Mary’s mother and Ann’s grandmother, demonstrated soap making at the museum for many years; the formula for making the soap is in the family cookbook. In this photo, Ann and Mary use the pitcher, spoon, and basin that Edna used when she made soap.
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!
We are also in need of formal china, glassware, utensils, and furniture for a future formal dining exhibit. Please call or email if you have anything to donate! Thank you!
UPCOMING EVENTS, FUNDRAISERS, AND EXHIBITS IN 2019
New exhibit: “Stitching Memories – Piece by Piece” – in place through December
Saturday, May 4, “Head ‘Em Up and Move ‘Em Out”
Barn 6, Cowley County Fairgrounds. 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Experience the authentic Old West with activities for all ages.
4:30-5:30 – Authentic chuck-wagon with food prep, stories, songs, live music, “Old West” activities for all ages.
5:30 – BBQ catered dinner
Program presented by Jim Gray (Humanities Kansas) and Jeff Davidson, cowboy music and poetry.
Tickets: $20, adults; $12, children 10 & under. Includes dinner, activities and program.
Tickets are on sale NOW at Graves in Winfield, the CCHSM, as well as on our website. All tickets must be purchased by May 2nd.
Sunday, June 23, Quilt Turning, Quilt Show, and Tea
Barns at Timber Creek, 3:00 p.m.
Enjoy an elegant tea, a quilt show and a quilt turning program. This will be a wonderful way to share Cowley County’s history when amazing “behind the scenes” stories are shared by folks portraying the quilts’ creators. As each story is told, another quilt will appear on the “historic bed” and a new story will be shared. The quilt show will feature beautiful quilts from Cowley County.
Tickets are $20 and will be available after May 6th at Graves in Winfield, the CCHSM, and our website.
Sunday, August 24, “Etzanoa”
Cowley County Historical Museum, 2:00 p.m.
This fascinating story of Etzanoa will be shared by archaeologist Donald Blakeslee.
October - “Voices from the Past” – a walking tour
Date and details will be provided soon.