Newsletter - Summer 2024

The Fairytale Tea, hosted on June 1 at Marsha Granberry' s historic 1905 home, offered guests a delightful journey back in time. Sponsored by the Cowley County Historical Society Museum, the event featured a multi-course tea with an array of savories, sweets, and special favors. The beautifully preserved home provided an ideal setting, enhancing the experience with its early 20th-century charm and fairy tale decor. Several of our ambassadors and volunteers helped make this event a success, by ensuring that guests, dressed in their finest, enjoyed an afternoon reminiscent of the formal teas of the early 1900’s.

In June, the Museum welcomed 3rd and 4th graders out of Ark City for an engaging archaeology class. It was led by our dedicated volunteer (and retired teacher), Cindy Goertz, and organized by their teacher, Mrs. Nikki Kirk. Over the course of the program, the students explored real artifacts and learned about museum practices, ending in a student-curated exhibit.
This event highlighted the museum’s commitment to educational out-reach and community involvement.

The Cowley County Historical Society Museum plays a crucial role in preserving and sharing the rich history of our community. Recently, we collaborated with Cowley County by providing copies of neat historical artifacts, like County Fair Posters, to help decorate their newly remodeled space. This collaboration reflects our commitment to making history accessible and relevant to everyone. The county also generously donated valuable items, such as a 1921 Keuffel and Esser Company surveying instrument called a Transit, and a 1909 Gurley Surveyor's Transit, further strengthening our shared mission to celebrate and preserve local heritage.
Come to the museum to check out our new accessions!

On Sunday, June 23, the Museum hosted the "Feed Your Need for Speed" event, drawing approximately 110 visitors for an afternoon of excitement and community engagement. This free event, inspired by our "Planes, Trains, and Cars of Cowley County" exhibit, featured a variety of interactive activities for all ages. Local businesses and community groups collaborated with us to offer slot car racing, drone demonstrations, an RC obstacle course, a blender bike, ice cones and more. The event not only provided a thrilling experience but also brought the community together in a celebration of our shared history and love for speed. Thank you so much to the numerous volunteers and Board Members who helped put this event together. We couldn’t do it without
you!

We are excited to announce the installation of a Zoll AED 3 defibrillator at our museum, made possible by the generous support of the H.L. Snyder Foundation, which covered the cost of over $2,100.

Thomas Langer Sr. from the City-Cowley County Health Department visited to install the AED cabinet, sign, and defibrillator near the entrance for maximum accessibility. He also registered the device, ensuring paramedics are aware of its presence and that it is properly maintained.

This initiative shows our commitment to visitor safety, especially during our large events. We extend our deepest thanks to the H.L. Snyder Foundation and the City-Cowley County Health Department for their vital contributions. Together, we are making our museum a safer place for everyone.

On August 21, 2024, we enjoyed hosting a group from the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel (KARSP) for their coffee meeting at the museum. The event brought together nine dedicated members, to discuss how both of our organizations share a commitment to community enrichment and education.

During the meeting, we shared insights into the museum’s mission, upcoming events, and ways members of the community can get involved. We also explored potential collaboration opportunities between KARSP and our museum to further benefit the Cowley County community.

It was a wonderful morning filled with engaging conversation and shared goals. We look forward to continued collaboration and thank KARSP for their support.

On August 21, we had the pleasure of attending the Chamber Coffee event hosted by the Winfield Public Library. This gathering was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our community and explore ways to enhance collaboration between the museum and the library.

One exciting initiative we’re supporting is the library’s effort to digitize their microfilm archives. Specifically, the years 1923-2012. Currently, researching historical newspapers on microfilm can be a complex process, requiring manual searches and specific date ranges. By digitizing these archives, the library aims to make it easier for researchers to access information through keyword searches on their website. This project will significantly enhance access to historical records and benefit all who seek to explore Winfield’s past.

Our museum is enthusiastic about supporting this endeavor, as it aligns with our mission to preserve and share local history. Collaborating with the library not only strengthens our community ties but also advances our shared goal of making historical information more accessible to everyone.

On August 27, Cindy Goertz, spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed bridge replacement on 162nd Road, east of the Dexter Y, over Grouse Creek. This event celebrated the completion of Bridge No. 99 and Bridge No. 100, crucial links in our region’s transportation network since their construction in 1941.

Cindy’s remarks highlighted the history of these bridges and their significant role in our community’s infrastructure. Her involvement in this event underscores the museum's commitment to preserving and sharing local history while actively engaging with important community milestones.

The collaboration between the museum and Cowley County exemplifies our shared dedication to honoring our past and supporting the future of our community’s infrastructure. It was a privilege to be part of this celebration, reflecting on how historical landmarks continue to shape and connect us.

Thank you Cindy for representing CCHSM!

Museum Friends Event: "Strother Field Reimagined after WWII"

Join us on Monday, September 9, at 4:30 and/or 6:30 p.m. for an engaging presentation by Shawn McGrew. He will explore the fascinating transformation of Strother Field from a WWII Army Air Force Base to its current role as an industrial park.

Remember! The museum houses a rich collection of photographs and our website features digitized newspaper articles detailing the history of the area. If you're interested in this topic, we encourage you to explore all that the museum has to offer.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Southwestern College girls' basketball team for their continued support with our membership drive this September. Their dedication and assistance with this time-intensive event are truly appreciated, and we are grateful for their ongoing commitment to our community. Thank you for being such an invaluable part of our efforts!

Congratulations, Julie! Winning the Yard of the Month from the Soroptimist of Winfield is such a well-deserved honor, especially given how challenging it is to keep a garden beautiful in the Kansas heat. Your dedication to both the community and our museum board is truly inspiring.

We're so proud to have you as part of our team!

Imagine spending a Sunday afternoon strolling through Winfield’s charming historic neighborhoods. On October 6, from 1:30-4:00 p.m., join us for the "Historic Home Porch Tour."
You’ll visit five beautiful homes where costumed reenactors bring the past to life, sharing the stories of the original families who once lived there. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with local history in a whole new way. Tickets are just $10 and go on sale September 18 at Graves Drug, the museum, or at any participating home on the day of the tour. Don't miss out!

Future 2024 Events

• SEPTEMBER 23-27, ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE BEGINS! WATCH FOR MEMBERSHIP PACKETS TO ARRIVE IN THE MAIL.
• Monday, September 9, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Museum Friends: "Strother Field Reimagined: After WWII Army Air Force Base to Industrial Park.” Shawn McGrew will present.
• Sunday, October 6, 1:30-4:00 p.m. "Historic Home Porch Tour” New stories, new porches to visit in Win-field, (Costumed reenactors on the porches of 5 homes telling the story of the original families that occu-pied the home.) Tickets: $10 available beginning September 18 at Graves Drug Winfield, CCHSM, or at any home involved on the day of the tour. No online tickets will be sold for this event.
• Monday, October 21, 4:00 p.m. Museum Friends "The Harvey Girls - Women's Roles in Railroads," by Dr. Chance-Reay is Professor Emeritus of Women Studies and Education at Kansas State University. (Note the time!)
• Thursday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. "Member & Volunteer Appreciation Dinner" Baden Square. By invitation only.

BOOKS FOR SALE AT THE MUSEUM OR ONLINE:
Celebrate Winfield History Books 2001-2011 $15.00
Celebrate Winfield History Books 2012-2015 $15.00
Celebrate Cowley County History 2016-2024 $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
Kansas Mural’s $15.00
Prices include Sales Tax
Shipping/handling is an additional $6.00
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

Commemorative Bricks
We partner with Dawson Monument to engrave bricks, which are for sale, and make great memorials and help support the museum. The bricks border the walkway from the parking lot to the front steps. To purchase, call 620-221-4811 and we can send you a form.
There are three levels of donations: Flat red brick with 2 lines of 12 characters -$75 donation. Flat red brick with 3 lines of 12 charac-ters -$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.

Founded in 1931 and revitalized in 1967 with our move to Mansfield Street, the Cowley County Historical Society is devoted to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of our county. We celebrate and promote local history through a range of activities and resources.

Our museum features a curated selection of local historical publications available in our bookstore, and we have a gift shop featuring “Whimsical Woodworks by Amy Jo.” We also take pride in our extensive archives, which include valuable historical documents and cherished photographs. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore our latest exhibits, there’s always something new and fascinating to discover. Come visit us and delve into the history that shapes our community!