Newsletter - Winter 2025
Dear CCHSM members and history fans:
It is with great pleasure (and relief) to let you know that the 2025 Annual Exhibit is ready for viewing in the main display room. (What a big job!) 2024’s “Planes, Trains and Automobiles of Cowley County” exhibit has been put away and “Gone but not Forgotten” is here! We tried to focus on things in Cowley that were around in the ‘50’s, ‘60‘s and 70’s that our county residents can remember participating in but that are no longer here. We hope to inspire some fun and cherished memories. With other generous artifact contributions, we have added to some of our displays in the many other rooms, too. We want to cover all of Cowley County and are always excited to accept donations of things of historical significance from all areas of the county.
Also new to the museum, is a lovely statue. It is in memory of Thomas Morgan and was displayed on the corner of the WHS Industrial Arts building property. When that area was demolished to provide space for the new Fire/Ems and Police buildings, it was put in storage. The city recently donated it to CCHSM and installed it on the north end of our grounds in February. We will soon have a new city bike rack donated by the Winfield Chamber of Commerce installed near our building entrance. We are so grateful for these donations.
We continue to plan many events throughout the year and are always delighted to share in the presentations of Museum Friends each month. We want to make you feel welcome to plan to use the museum for your other organizations’ meetings. Just call and arrange a date and time. We have the space and facilities to accommodate most requests.
In 2024, the roof replacement was complete. Now it has become necessary to make additional repairs/reconstruction on the north wall of windows on the first floor. The windows have begun to lean into the room! We have contracted with MidAmerica to have that done. It has been a major application process as our Building (Bryant School) is a historical building and requires specifications appropriate to the historical building regulations. We believe the work will be done by late spring or summer. Our budget has taken quite a hit and we rely even more on contributions to come. We also have in development, some long-range plans to grow and improve the museum.
We have some new faces and wonderful personalities added to our board as you can see with our newest board picture. We all hope to make the CCHSM a great place to visit, learn and reminisce. I hope to soon see you at the museum!
Julie Mignone
President, CCHSM Board of Directors
A “Polar Express Adventure” children’s party was held December 15. Children were given their reserved golden ticket pass as they arrived and then ushered into the boarding room to begin the adventure. There were 4 station stops along the way throughout the museum with exciting activities at each stop. Refreshments were waiting for them back in the boarding room as they finished the adventure and then the final stop was baggage claim where each received a small bag of goodies. What a fun afternoon!
New Exhibit Opens!
“Gone but Not Forgotten—Remembering the Places and Events We Once Cherished”
The new annual exhibit opened in the Main Room at the end of February.
It will remain in place until Dec 31. Be sure to visit and take a walk down memory lane.
Celebrate Cowley County History Day
The annual Celebrate Cowley County History Day was celebrated at Baden Square on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Interesting topics were presented by three presenters..
Robert E. Hartley shared the fascinating way outstanding Arkansas City and Winfield basketball players had their paths cross in various ways as players. He related how they contributed to their individual teams and then played with those rival players at various collegiate levels. His presentation was entitled: “Crosshairs and Crossroads—Ark City and Winfield Men Who Made Basketball History Together, 1916-1955”.
Beverly Bergdall Johnson brought to life farm life in the Liberty, Sheridan and Tisdale townships during the 1920-1940’s Using family life stories and diaries and “Pappa’s” farm account book as well as additional photos and newspaper clippings she told the story of farm life and the rural community life enjoyed during those years.
Adam Caplin related how the impact of the tragic Udall tornado nearly 70 years ago changed the way early warnings and the weather forecast and spotter systems operate today. He recounted the day the tornado hit and the immediate aftermath and then rebuilding the town and the resilience of the citizens of Udall.
The stories of Winfield 50 years of Art in the Park and the Arkansas City Art Festival were included in the book that was available for sale. That book can be purchased at CCHSM or at cchsm.com
Presenters and authors:
Robert E Hartley
Beverly Bergdall Johnson
Adam Catlin
Authors Martha Fitzwater (created exhibit) & Cheri Gonzales (author)—Winfield Art in the Park Celebrates 50 years.
Foss Farrar—Ark City Art Festival
Foss shown with his new book for sale.
A large crowd enjoyed the February Museum Friends program held in the meeting room at the Winfield Public Library.
Paul Schirmer presented the fascinating history of Observatory Hill in Winfield. Observatory Hill has been a Winfield landmark since the early 1900’s. Many fond memories and experiences were shared at the close of the presentation. Paul indicated that he is planning a tour of Observatory Hill later in the spring. Watch for details!
Kansas Day Celebrated at Whittier
Julie Mignone dressed as a pioneer women presented a “Load Your Wagon” experience for Whit- tier students grades K-5 on Kansas Day. Many props from the museum and careful descriptions made it a fun learning experience. Volunteer Mary Jarvis assisted Julie with the presentation.
Volunteer Delaney Herlocker helps label artifacts in the Tech Room.
Delaney is a taking classes at Cowley College and is volunteering as a requirement for one of her classes. CCHSM welcomes volunteers at the museum as they learn more about Cowley County history.
Thank you Delaney!
Future 2025 Events
- Monday, March 17, 1:00 “Fun Hub School’s Out "event with WPL, WRC, WAHC, Marquee, K-State Extension
- Monday, March 17, 4:30 Museum Friends Program: “Winfield High School—1972-74—No Building” JoAnn Parsons and panel
- Thursday, March 20, 7;00 “Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War” camp mtg at CCHSM
- Thursday, April 3, 4:00 CCHSM Hosts Doc Walk
- Thursday, April 17, 7:00 “Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War’ camp mtg at CCHSM
- Monday, April 21, 5:30 Museum Friends Program: “Community Theatre at the Barn” In Community Room at Winfield Public library (Note change of time AND location)
- Thursday, May 15, 7:00 “Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War” camp mtg at CCHSM
- Monday, May 19, 4:30 Museum Friends “Remembering the Udall Tornado” JoAnn Parsons, Glenda Schmidt, Julie Mignone and others. (Watch for a possible field trip to Udall May 24 for their anniversary remembrance)
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
Celebrate Cowley County History 2025 $20.00
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
Credit Cards and PayPal are accepted.
You may also send a check or money order with a list of books to:
CCHSM
1011 Mansfield St
Winfield, KS 67156
CCHSM 2025 Board Members
Top Row: Jo Chrisman, Chris Jarvis, Graham Donals
Next Rows: John Baker, Jonathan Leeper, Karen Vann Young
Lindsey Rice, Sharon Taylor, Julie Mignone
Front Row: Cindy Goertz and Jody Lawrence
Commemorative Bricks
We partner with Dawson Monument to engrave bricks, which are for sale, and make great memorials and also 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 call 620-221-4811.
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 characters -$100 donation.
A contrasting brick with 12 characters-$500 donation.
Fewer letters may be used if you wish.
Established in 1931 and revitalized in 1967 with a relocation to our current home on Mansfield Street in the historic Bryant School building, the Cowley County Historical Society is dedicated to safeguarding and sharing the vibrant stories of our county’s past.
We are committed to fostering and promoting endeavors that celebrate local history. We take pride in our extensive archive of historical documents and treasured photographic memories.
Come visit and see what’s new (or old) at the museum!
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.
New members:
Premier: Arkansas City Public Library
120 E 5th, Arkansas City, KS, 67005
620-442-1280
Gold: Barnett Ranch,
26930 261st Rd, Dexter, KS, 67038
Winfield Veterinary Hospital,
1920 E 9thWinfield, KS,
620-221-9505