Newsletter - Summer 2022

NOTES FROM THE PRESIDENT

Warm (and VERY warm as this is being written) greetings to all the CCHS members and Museum Friends. Although it has been a while since the last newsletter, it's not as though nothing has been going on at the museum. In fact, as you will see with the length of this report and the total newsletter, a lot is happening. With the resignations of Janet and Cheri as President and Vice-President, respectively, Madison and I were asked to assume those positions on an Interim basis pending new elections in the Fall. We are endeavoring to do so with the help of the entire Board. To recognize the significant contributions of Janet and Cheri to the Museum, the Board immediately voted to purchase commemorative bricks in their honor to be placed in the brick walk in the front of the Museum. As many of you know, Nancy was going to leave the Museum Coordinator position for a job with the Winfield Public Library but was planning to stay until we could hire a replacement. Due to an emergency situation that developed at the library she needed to leave us effective July 1st. However, she has graciously volunteered to continue assisting us as much as she can and agreed to help orient our new Administrator to the job once we get one hired. We are also planning a reception for Nancy, but with all her new responsibilities, have yet to find a time when she is available. So, stay tuned—we will certainly let you all know when it is so you can all attend to thank her and wish her well in her new position. You may have noted that I referred to the new “Administrator.” The Board voted to change the title from Coordinator to Administrator as the position requires much more than coordination, and the Board felt that Administrator more accurately describes the duties of the position as intended. Madison has taken the leadership role in the effort to recruit and hire a new Administrator. The job description is available on our Facebook page or can be obtained by contacting anyone at the Museum. If any of you are interested or know of anyone interested, please contact Madison or me and we will be happy to discuss the position and/or provide an application.

In other news, as observed on this newsletter, the Board has adopted a new logo, generously designed by Lauren Lewis, and for the sixth consecutive year the Museum was voted Best Museum in Cowley County in the Courier- Traveler Best in Cowley County voting. As many of you know, for some time the roof has been in dire need of replacement and the chimney was found to be in equally dire need of repair. After much consideration and planning both are now starting to be accomplished at, of course, considerable expense to the Museum. On top of all that, the HVAC system went out in the main floor and
that air conditioner had to be replaced. The joys and challenges of maintaining
an aging building.

Some recent events that you will see highlighted in this newsletter include: History Alive held the last week of April and the first week of May. Over 200 third graders from eight Cowley County schools attended and was reputed to be one of the best we ever had. On May 21st the Cowley County Law Enforcement Memorial designed and built by and under the direction of Mark Thompson (Cindy's grandson) as his Eagle Scout project was dedicated and was attended by 70 people including active and retired law enforcement officers from all of Cowley County. On June 14 and 15 numerous CCHS members were treated by the Etzanoa Conservancy to tours of the Etzanoa archaeological dig and battlefield in and near Arkansas City. Most notably, Lou and Bill Tharp continue their fabulous research work for the CCHS. I am astounded at the number of research questions that we receive each month and typically pass on to them to be researched and answered. It has also been heartwarming to hear how appreciative some people have been for this help in finding information relating to family histories that may have previously been unknown or sought for years. A big thank you as well to Becky Metz who comes in three afternoons a week to help with the archives.

Forthcoming events include a “Cheers to the Walnut Valley Festival” fundraiser to be held at Ladybird Brewing at 523 Main, Winfield, from 7:00-9:00 pm Sunday, August 7th. Admission is by donation only and will include a preview of the musical, “Winfield A Bluegrass Musical” and other folk music and prizes. Everyone is invited. Another Voices From the Past, with a wild west theme, will be held in October at Union-Graham Cemetery. The Event Committee's 150th Celebration sub-committee is actively working with the City of Winfield's 150th Celebration Committee to plan events for next year to celebrate Winfield's official 150th Year. Year long events are planned, but especially the big celebration scheduled for June 2, 3 & 4, 2023. Lots of fun things are already planned by the city and our committee is actively adding to them. One of the things our committee is actively seeking are people, especially, shall we say “more mature “people, who can remember and be willing to let us record their remembrances of events or other things of interest in Winfield in past years, and they don't have to have be as far back as 1873! If you have anything at all that you consider of interest and would be willing to talk about it, please contact Cindy.

The election of new Directors to the CCHS Board occurs in September. We will have at least three vacancies to fill. If you are interested in being a member of the CCHS Board of Directors or just want to know what it entails, please contact any current Board member. Watch your mail for the annual CCHS membership packets that will be mailed out the week of September 19. We encourage your prompt response as memberships are the primary funding source for the Museum, and as I'm sure you know, we do have expenses. And finally—the required Annual Meeting, this year designated as a Fall Gathering has a Halloween theme and will be held on the grounds, or at the fairgrounds in case of inclement weather, Sunday afternoon, 4:00 – 5:30 pm, October 30th. Please mark your calendars accordingly and more information will follow.

As you can see, a lot of things are happening and have happened, but, as most of you already know, they cannot be done without your help. Our Friends and Volunteers are the literal life blood of this Museum as the Administrator and Board can't do it all. While I'm sure we don't say it enough, the Board does sincerely appreciate all of you who are so willing to step up and help with the planning and implementation of these events. If you see or hear of something being suggested or planned that you think you would like to help with, please just contact any Board member.

Thanks again,
Bill Mueller, Interim President

Annual CCHSM membership drive

The annual CCHSM membership drive will begin the week of September 19.
Please watch for the membership packets to arrive in your mail! - Cindy Goertz

Thank you SC Lady Moundbuilders Basketball team for your help with the drive!

History Alive

History Alive was held for all county 3rd grade students the last week of April and the first week of May. Over 200 students participated from 8 schools. During the half-day the students spent at the museum they experienced interactive centers moving from one to another each 20 minutes in small groups. They enjoyed doing old time laundry, woodworking with hand tools, butter making, rag rug making, making aprons, exploring a tractor and hearing about farm life, playing old time games, and, of course, experiencing a one room school environment! - Cindy Goertz

Museum Friends

Museum Friends ended the year with two interesting programs. On April 18, Winfield Fire Chief Vincent Warren shared pictures of the new safety center and gave update on the construction progress. On May 16, Kounh Luis and Monh Kingsada shared Lao culture and traditions with the Friends group. They discussed their arrival to Winfield over forty years ago and the challenge of acclimating to a new country. — Cindy Goertz

Etzanoa Dig Tours

On June 14th and 15th, CCHSM sponsored tours to the Etzanoa Conservancy archaeological dig and battlefield, east of Arkansas City. Tourgoers were able to watch 2 archeologists, 6 graduate assistants, and others participating in the dig. The archeologists were available to describe what was happening and answer questions for the 50 people on the tours.– Cindy Goertz

Dedication of the Cowley County Law Enforcement Memorial

On Saturday, May 21, the Cowley County Law Enforcement Memorial was dedicated. The memorial honors seven law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty while protecting the citizens of Cowley County.

This memorial was created using memorial stones returned to the museum from the Topeka Law Enforcement Memorial. It was an Eagle Scout project by Mark Thompson. Seventy people attended, including 18 current and retired law enforcement officers of Cowley County and the cities of Winfield and Arkansas City. Troop #318 of Boy Scouts of America led the opening flag ceremony.- Cindy Goertz

Cheers to 50 years of the Walnut Valley Festival

Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 7th, from 7-9 pm, for a very special evening celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Walnut Valley Festival (WVF). This event will be hosted at the family friendly Ladybird Brewery, located at 523 Main Street in Winfield. The entertainment for the evening is a preview performance of Winfield, A Bluegrass Musical and the trio version of the Wichita folk group, Brutal Bear. Drawings will be held during the evening for WVF prizes! This is a fundraiser for the museum and admission is by donation.– Cindy Goertz

CCHSM Hosted Researchers from KState’s Chapman Center for Rural Studies

In June, CCHSM hosted several researchers from the Chapman Center for Rural Studies at Kansas State University. They were collecting material from the Bill and Lou Tharp Archives about the Winfield State Hospital. They also collected stories from those who had worked there or had family members who resided.—Cindy Goertz

Grouse Creek Ladies Club

The Grouse Creek Ladies Club convened at the museum on Friday, July 15 for their monthly meeting. Cindy Goertz presented the program, The Sweetest Story in Cowley County—Henry’s Candies. Following the program many of the ladies enjoyed touring the museum.–Cindy Goertz

Camp Whereabouts

CCHSM partnered with the Winfield Recreation Center to contribute to the activities of Camp Whereabouts, held July 18-22nd for middle school students. Cindy Goertz started the mornings with Winfield history and trivia, including a If Buildings Could Talk walking tour on Tuesday. On the final afternoon of camp they toured the museum.– Cindy Goertz

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
Or email us at: museumcchsm@gmail.com

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 Board member Elaine Rankin at the museum.

There are the levels of donations. Flat red brick with 2 lines of 12 characters -$75 donation. Flat red brick with 3 lines of 12 characters -$100 donation. A contrasting brick with 12 characters-$500 donation. Fewer letters may be used if you wish.

All donations, both monetary and historical artifacts, are greatly appreciated. Our building is over 140 years old and requires significant ongoing maintenance in addition to operating costs. We continue to be a no fee museum and we have no plans to change that. Your continued support will allow us to best serve the community.

We are especially seeking anything from diverse ethnic groups to add to our displays.

These businesses support us—won’t you support them?

Premier:
Grouse Valley Equipment
115 N Main St
Dexter, KS 620-229-0210

RCB Bank
900 Main St.
Winfield, KS 620-221-1650

Gold:
A.C. Veterinary Clinic
2800 N. Summit
Arkansas City, KS 620-442-4990

Barnett Ranch
26930 261st Rd
Dexter, KS

Community National Bank & Trust
1112 Main St
Winfield, KS 620-221-1400

Daniels Ready Mix
2016 Country Club Rd
Winfield, KS 620-221-9060

Derick Earls
Earlsconsulting.com 620-218-3785

Family Wealth Management
106 W 9th
Winfield, KS 620-221-2853

Galaxie Business Equipment
913 Main St
Winfield, KS 620-221-3469

KPM Computer Solutions
1414 Main
Winfield, KS 620-229-8316

Miles Funeral Service
4001 9th Ave
Winfield, KS 620-221-1111

Moore Cut Tree & Lawn Care Service
21778 85th
Winfield, KS 620-229-3103

Webber Land Co
810 Loomis
Winfield, KS

Wilson Oil Company
1705 Menor
Winfield Ks 620-221-1639

Winfield Plumbing & Heating
1910 Wheat Rd
Winfield, KS 620-221-2210

Winfield Veterinary Hospital
1920 E 9th
Winfield, KS 620221-9505

Silver:
The Barns at Timber Creek B&B

Cowley Courier/Traveler

Dawson Monument Co.

Health Center Pharmacy

Home On the Range

Dr. David Parsons, DDSPA

Edw B Stephenson & Co., CPAs Chartered

Graves Drug

Christopher Rogers, Administrative attorney

Taylor & Krusor, LLC

Trunk N Treasures

Walnut Valley Association-WVF

Winfield Family Optometry

Winfield Convention/Tourism

FUTURE EVENTS
Sun, Aug, 7-9pm Cheers to the 50th Walnut Valley Festival at Ladybird Brewery, 523 N Main, Winfield.
Thurs, Aug 18,7 pm Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War camp meeting at CCHSM
Mon, Sept 19, 4:30pm Museum Friends at CCHSM
Sept 19-23 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE BEGINS
Thurs, Sept 22,7 pm Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War camp meeting at CCHSM

The Cowley County Historical Society Museum was voted Best Museum in the County for the 6th Year!

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 about local history. The Society also has a fine collection of historical records and vintage photographs.