Newsletter - Fall 2020
News from the President.
Due to Covid-19, the museum's annual meeting has been canceled for 2020, but let me take a moment to give an annual report. The past two years have been trying for the Board of Directors. The flooding in 2019 necessitated major changes to the building. We were successful in getting the office and archives moved to the main floor. In spring of 2020, we had planned an open house but then Covid-19 delayed those plans. Under Governor Kelly's "stay at home" order, the museum closed like the rest of the community. Even after the order was lifted, the Board decided to keep the museum closed. This was not an easy decision for the Board to make because our greatest hope is for the community to take part in the museum's motto of "Sharing the past with the future." The Board's decision was made using the following criteria: The museum is not an essential business and we do not charge admission, therefore we were not losing income during the closure. There is a large list of guidelines to follow regarding the cleaning and disinfecting of the museum that make it hard to follow due to only having volunteers doing the work. The last reason is our sense of responsibility in ensuring that our community stays as safe and well as possible.
That being said, I am pleased to say that Board members have continued to step up to the plate and are striving to improve things at the museum. Our museum was voted the "Reader's Choice Award" for the best museum in Cowley County for the 4th time. Our yearly display is called "Celebrate 150." It celebrates the 150th anniversary of the founding of Cowley County, which includes Arkansas City, Dexter, Winfield and Rock in 1870. This display will continue into 2021 when the museum reopens. New displays are being made as well as changes to current displays. Our coordinator, Nancy Cowlishaw, has continued to furnish members with newsletters to keep everyone appraised of our current activities. She has also put together a calendar for 2021 that is now available for purchase. Winfield Boy Scout Mark Thompson has asked to do a project for the museum as his Eagle Scout accomplishment. The museum had in storage seven concrete blocks honoring fallen law enforcement officers from Cowley County. His project is to display these blocks outside as a memorial garden and will list information about each officer. Membership packets have been sent out for the 2021 year. Those membership fees will continue o help with the financial needs of the museum. For those who remember the two stone lions that sat outside of all the homes Bill Caton built and lived in, they are now on display in front of the museum.
We currently have two Board member vacancies and are seeking nominees. If anyone would like to serve please contact the museum or a board member.
-Janet Hostetter
Longtime board member Bill Tharp retires
The Board would like to thank Bill Tharp for serving on the museum board for 18 years. He spent many hours researching numerous requests for families, homes, buildings and event histories of Cowley County.
He'll be honored by joining our plaque of emeritus board members at the museum. Bill and his wife Lou have graciously agreed to continue on as volunteers.
Special thanks to Blair Denny and Steve Bellew for having served as board members. They will be missed.
The Board is pleased to welcome Jody Lawrence as a new member.
Emeritus board member Bill Tharp
The Interurban presented by Board member Gary Learned
For the very first, virtual, CCHSM program, Gary Learned spoke about the Interurban Railway. Modern for it's time, this public transportation ran daily in Cowley County, between Winfield and Ark City, from 1909-1926. If you are still interested in hearing Gary's informative talk, it can be found on the museum's Facebook page.
Go Moundbuilders!
Thank you to the Southwestern College Women's Basketball team, and Coach Corley, who volunteered to help with the museum's annual membership drive. Your assistance on a Saturday morning was much appreciated.
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.
BOOKS:
Celebrate Winfield History Books 2001-2011 (SALE) $8.00
Celebrate Winfield History Books 2012, 2015 $15.00
Celebrate Cowley County History 2016-current $15.00
Winfield’s Golden Era of Sports: $15.00
History of CC KS. The Indians Vol. II: $33.00
Southwestern College: $21.99
Winfield – Postcard History: $21.99
Penrose Hills Albright $10.00
Prices include Sales Tax
Shipping/handling is an additional $4.00
To purchase please stop by the museum or check out our website
www.cchsm.com. Credit Cards and Paypal are accepted.
You may also send a check or money order with a list of books to:
CCHSM
1011 Mansfield
Winfield, KS 67156
Interested in learning more about Cowley County history? We still have the "Cowley County Heritage, Vol. II, book available for $65.
Commemorative Bricks
There are commemorative bricks for sale which make great memorials and support the museum. The bricks border the walkway from the parking lot to the front steps. To purchase, forms can be found on the table by the books for sale or contact Museum Board member Elaine Rankin.
The following are the levels of donations. Flat red bricks with 2 lines of 12 characters each for a $75 donation. Flat red bricks with 3 lines of 12 characters each for $100 donation. A contrasting brick with 12 characters each for a $500 donation. Fewer letters may be used if you wish, such as a significant year or initials.
AmazonSmile (www.smile.amazon.com) is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to our favorite charitable organization. Just choose the Cowley Count Historical Society Museum to support.
Caton Lions now guard the Museum
The lions, carved in 1888 by Harry Caton, the father of celebrated Winfield architect Bill Caton, sat for many years in front of the Caton family homes. We are grateful for all who worked to move the lions in front of the museum. Winfield City workers, Sam Tapia and Tim Nihart expertly placed them onto pads prepared by CCHSM volunteer Walt Nichols, Board member Gary Learned and museum worker Thomas Lee. Thank you!
Baden Square Event
CCHSM and Winfield Arts and Humanities sponsored a D.A. Millington and Stan Riemer reception and presentation at Baden Square. Karen Morell gave a history of Millington, one of Winfield's first residents and businessmen. Reimer displayed his fine photos of Winfield. The exhibit of Millington furniture and memorabilia will be displayed at the museum.
Gloria Ulbrich, Vice President of RCB Bank, presented a generous donation of $500 to CCHSM Board President Janet Hostetter and Vice President Cheri Nichols.
CCHSM Memorial Garden
We have a new project in the works, the CCHSM Memorial Garden project. Eagle Scout Mark Thompson of Troop 318 Winfield, is fundraising for his project to honor 7 fallen Cowley County law enforcement officers. The stone monuments will pay tribute so that they won't be forgotten. Donations accepted to Troop 318, Winfield.
FUTURE EVENTS
Events may change depending on Covid-19. Watch for any changes on our website.
2021
Monday, January 18, 4:30 at CCHSM-Museum Friends (Program to be announced)
Saturday, January 30, 9 a.m. at Baden Square-Celebrate Cowley County History
Voices from the Past Cemetery Tour at Highland Cemetery has been postponed until Sunday, April 25. ALL tickets purchased for the October 25th event will be honored for the April 25th tour. This includes ALL tickets purchased online. We hope you put this new date on your calendar. It will be the same program just a new date.
The Cowley County Historical Society dates from 1931 with major reorganization and a 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 county history. Our bookstore showcases an assortment of items and local history. The Society also has a fine collection of historical records and vintage photographs.
Sharing the Past with the Future