May 9, 2008: Hi Folks... had an interesting email with a plea for some old Meade County photographs... thought I would pass this along to see if anyone out there could comply:

May 2, 2008: May is starting out with a bang on Old Meade County... I have two new entries today. First, Alma Regier has shared with us a story from a clipping in the Meade County Press in 1949, about the graduating class of the Meade Bible Academy. No credit is given, but this story must have been written by one of the graduates... good stuff. We are looking for articles, photos, stories, etc. about the Meade Bible Academy.. if you have any to share, please let me know... tap that "COMMENT" button above.

Alma also put me in touch with a lady who was the first nurses aide at the Fowler Hospital! I have emailed her and asked for a story. Alma said she told several delightful stories about that hospital over the weekend. Keep your fingers crossed.

I also posted my report on the spring history tour, "The Silica Mines of Old Meade County." We had such a good time! Any ideas for next year? Catch you later!

April 30, 2008:  Well folks, if you didn't make the History Tour last Saturday you missed a great day. We toured the silica mines of Meade County. First the Cudahy mine north of Meade, then two of the Midland mines west and south of there before coming back to the park for lunch. After lunch we toured the Midland mine south of town and the "die-hards" went to the mine east of Fowler after that. I was finding new history on the mines right up to the last minute so that story is still a work in progress. A big THANK YOU to Brian Hantla for helping with the tour and giving us very interesting facts about how our volcanic ash deposits were formed. Brian's great uncle, Albert Hantla, managed the Midland mines... Brian came all the way from Pennsylvania to help with the tour. Everyone who took the tour said they enjoyed themselves and learned a lot. That's what the Historical Society tours are all about!

Now maybe I can get back to business on the site. Stay tuned.

March 14, 2008: Well.. looks like a MONTH since I've posted. Sorry, folks... busy busy busy.

Alma Regier has shared a photo... this has been great fun for Alma, she acquired the photo then went on the hunt for who was in it... emailing all over the place. It's a photo of a HUGE tractor moving a house down in the settlement in 1916. Go to the Meade County Farming page and scroll to the bottom of the page to take a look.

Lots going on in Old Meade County... Spring History Tour April 26th in Meade so mark your calendars!! This year we are touring the Silica Mines. I'm busy getting the legals and permissions... it will be a fun day. We'll post times, etc on the Museum page when we have them.

Three great new photos of Meade High School in 1920 and 21. Check them out on the Meade Schools page. These were sent in by Amy Parry who wrote:

You are welcome to all the pictures, as I hope others might find some of their relations in them. My grandmother, Pearl Runkle, graduated from Meade High in 1921 (class of 17 students), went to college in Wichita, then returned and taught school (town unknown) and married Glen Battin in 1925. She had really bright red hair. The other pictures are (I guess) other cubs at Meade High. Pearl attended Meade High in 1920 & 1921. I only saw these photos after Pearl died, so I do not know what clubs they were. I really enjoyed seeing the photos of Fowler online, as I've been working on the Mendenhalls in my family. You are doing a wonderful service. Thank you, Amy

Thanks, Amy... we just happened to have an old photocopy of the 1921 class picture in our alumni picture book, so I found all the names on that photo. It's sure to be found by lots of searches. Thanks so much for your contribution!!

February 14, 2008: HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to all my readers. I LOVE you guys!!

A recent comment to OMC:

Hi Nancy-It was so fun to read about the old hospital at Fowler. I was born there in 1957, my sister, Janet, was born at that hospital in 1959 and my husband James was born at Fowler in 1966. My little sister Margie however, was born in Meade in 1962.  This may add more to the puzzle, but these are the dates that I know about.  I remember going to the "hospital" when it was a nursing home, as a Kayette in High School, to visit some of the residents. I graduated from Fowler in 1975.  Thanks for making me smile. Brenda (Mahieu) Reimer
 

February 10, 2008: Ok.. Last new post before the Newsletter! Check out the new additions to the bottom of the Index of Photos | Farming In Old Meade County page for some new photos submitted by Brian Hantla. It was handed down through his family that his grandfather, Willis Hantla, brought the first steam tractor to Meade County. Brian submitted some great photos for us to enjoy. Thanks Brian!!

Alma Regier is gathering information on a great old tractor photo and we  hope to have permission to post that one soon. Keep these submissions coming folks! Just think of this site as a central location for sharing all your history with your family and the world. Thanks for all those hits.... that's what keeps me going!!

February 7, 2008: Thank goodness for deadlines! It's time for me to get my newsletter out and I had to have something to write about so I quickly added some things that I've neglected to get on the site.

I have added two family stories that were submitted... in fact I added a new category to the Index of Stories page... that of "Family Stories and Genealogy." I hope that folks will submit more family information as it is a great place for others... not only strangers, but family members to access the information.... AND not to mention... people are the most important element to our history. That said, consider this... if a person is searching the Internet for their family name... say on Google or Yahoo... and our site has an article on that family name... they will find it. This could lead to other family members adding to the history... how cool is that?

Check out the two new stories, John Cristopher Kern Family and Stewart McLung Butt II Family. And, please folks, keep those stories coming!

Also check out the Dalton Hideout Page... Dalton Days. In getting ready for this year's celebration I've added photos of last year. Watch this page for news about the 2008 Celebration scheduled for June  7& 8.

January 22, 2008: Wow... it's been awhile. I just received a comment post from Suzanne Reese. Seems she just now got around to reading the post about their house and sent in this correction:

Nancy,
Just now got back on to check comments about the Fowler Hospital. I need to clarify something. Jack and I (and kids) are not living in it yet...it's still a major labor of love. In addition, the correct address is 417 Walnut. The address you mention is our current house. I hope no one has driven by this one, as they might think we've certainly "downsized" it, and not done it justice....LOL

Thanks, Suzanne... to tell the truth I myself have not gone over to take a picture like I said I would. Ah so much to do... so little time.

December 22, 2007: Just got another comment on the Fowler Hospital. Folks this place certainly has a place in our county's history. Keep those comments coming!

We have a picture with mom and 4 of us siblings around  my dad's bedside in the Fowler Hospital. I came home from Tabor College to visit the weekend of my birthday in Feb. This was in 1953. Dad was not doing well at the time.  He died Mar 4 in a Wichita hospital. Alma Regier
 

December 18, 2007: Well... I got a post I just couldn't keep to myself... it's on the Fowler hospital and good stuff:

Fowler Hospital was officially opened Easter Sunday 1946 with Dr J.C.
Robb long time physician in charge. Mrs Linn Frazier donated her home
for hospital use. She left the community to make her home elsewhere.
This is the house that Jack & Suzanne Reese are now living in. The
hospital was shut down sometime after 1967, probably '68 or '69. This
information is from "Pioneer Stories of Meade County" date: 1950. I hope
this helps a little on clearing up some of the unknown on this building.
After the hospital shut down, the building was used for a nursing home
till the present nursing home was built in 1976.

Before Doc Olson came to Fowler, there was a Dr Pfundt that was here (not sure if that is spelled correctly) for several yrs. He must have not
liked it here as he didn't stay very long. He did build a new house in
Fowler, that being across from my Grandparents. This being just a block
North of the Catholic Church. There is a brick home on the corner now, the frame home being moved to Church St in Fowler.

Bill Bergkamp
Fowler

Well, thanks, Bill for that good info. I guess it's about time to start a page on the Fowler Hospital. Keep those comments coming folks!

I just posted information about the Meade County Historical Society annual banquet on the Museum page, as well as information about joining the Society. If you love Meade County History, this is a great way to support it. We maintain an excellent museum, the Dalton Hideout, annual history tours and more. Join us!

December 9, 2007: Just got through posting my Newsletter! There probably won't be much else happening around here until January... busy, busy, busy... as I am sure you all are too. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from Old Meade County!

November 19, 1007: Just got an interesting comment:

Was browsing through your website. Interesting site. Lots of fascinating pictures. One item stood out though. The picture of the "New 1918 John Deere D" bought by Earl and Al has the wrong tractor year in the title. John Deere did not make the Model D in 1918. In fact, John Deere acquired The Waterloo Boy Tractor Company in 1918 so that they could get into the tractor market. The Waterloo Boy Model R and N were the products offered by John Deere at that time. The first Model D was manufactured on March 13, 1923. Subsequent years had several changes, and it is with these changes that we can somewhat pin down what year the tractor in the picture is.

Fact #1 - Late in 1928, the Model D tractors adopted the 'deep' hood, a lip vs bead rear fender, and 20 spoke rear wheels. Result of Fact #1 - The tractor in the picture has all of the above, so it is at least a late 1928 or newer.

Fact #2 - In 1931, the Model D tractors had two stacks instead of one. A round fuel cap was added as well. The radiator guard and curtain should be on the 1931 tractors. Result of Fact #2 - This model was made prior to 1931. There is only one stack, and the fuel cap is the bail type, meaning 1930 or earlier. The lack of a radiator guard and curtain substantiate this.

At this point, it appears that the tractor could be a late 1928 through a 1930 model.

Last thought. The rear wheels appear to be what are called JD1 200R wheels. These wheels were first put on the Model D tractor in 1930. Based upon this last bit of information, I would say that the tractor that Earl and Al bought, was a 1930 John Deere Model D.

Seems like a lot of words just to say that the date is incorrect, but as a museum, I thought you might like to display the more accurate date of the tractor in the title. If I can be of any further help in this area, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you, Greg Schilling

It does my heart good when readers respond to OMC like this... it helps us maintain correct information... SO important with history! Thanks Greg. I have updated the title to read "1930 John Deere D."

November 12, 2007: A note from a new subscriber:

It occurred to me someone reading about Old Meade County might
have some information or interesting stories about the "Palace Hotel"
which we now own. I keep thinking if the walls could talk there would
be stories to tell. It seems I have not crossed paths with the people
who can tell them and I would truly love to hear any information on
the building or the occupants over the years since it was built in
1922.    Ann Classen

So... anyone out there know about the Palace. The building still stands and serves as a on-going project for Ann. She had a business on the ground floor for a time.. which is still in good shape... still has the old tin ceiling in immaculate condition...  and the most beautiful oak trim. The second floor has one complete modern apartment and number of distressed tiny hotel rooms. If you'd like to see it today follow this link: Palace Hotel and scroll down until you find it.
November 11, 2007: Well, folks if you're not tired of reading about the old Silica Mines of Meade County, I have some more for you. Pat Smith recently took me out to the Cudahay mine and the West Hantla mine. I have added lots of photos to the story... it just grows and grows.

I recently was elected to the Board of Directors of the Meade County Historical Society. I'm glad to serve in this capacity and think I will have a lot to contribute. Lucky for my readers I will be attending the meetings and keeping you informed as to what's happening.

Keep those comments and subscriptions coming! It really helps to know that someone out there is logging on.

November 2, 2007: Well.. the comments on the Fowler Hospital just keep getting more interesting. Got this today:

Just now saw these postings about the Fowler Hospital. My husband (Jack Reese) and I purchased this 10 years ago and have been restoring it ever since....a BIG labor of love. We would LOVE to know more history, and more than that, would love if anyone has pictures to share. We know that the ground it sits on was purchased in 1876 by Lyn Frazer, and that sometime in the 40's (I think) it was made into a hospital. The only pictures we have are from the plat book and don't show the south side. I don't get on the net very often, but will try to check back for any info. Thanks !  Suzanne

So... this tells us it's still in existence. A quick look at the phone book tells us it's at 411 Kansas (that's in Fowler, of course). Sorry, Suzanne, if you notice an increase of folks driving by and rubber-necking your house. LOL

Keep those comments coming folks!
 

October 26, 2007: Another comment posted about the Fowler hospital:

My daughter was born at the Fowler Community Hospital Aug. 1948. Dr Robb,& Dr Olsen were the resident doctors in Fowler at that time. My sister worked at the hospital then. She has a lot of stories to talk about. She remembers the names of many babes born there.- Pete Doerksen
 

Good stuff, Pete. Anyone else remember Dr. Olsen?

October 14, 2007: A comment posted about the Fowler Hospital:

The Fowler Community Hospital was a big house converted into a clinic/hospital.  According to my mom (Ruth Hantla) the Hospital was run by another doctor (she can't remember his name) who shared his practice with Doctor Robert Dougherty in Meade.  Doctor Dougherty delivered me in 1950.  The Hospital was about 2 blocks to the east of where the Fowler rest home is today.  She did not know if the house was still there.  The Fowler facility was closed in 1952 as a hospital when the Meade Hosptial opened; although that Fowler doctor still had his practice in that building.  Mom blieves that the Fowler Community Hospital was around for about 10 years.  My oldest sister Beverly was born out on the Lockart family farm north of Meade in 1935. At that time the closest hospital was in Dodge City.  My mom will do some more asking around about the hospital. Brian Hantla

Thanks Brian!

October 11, 2007: A couple of comments about the Fowler Hospital:

Most of the (Meade) graduating class of 1968 was born in Fowler. Brian Hantla, Doug Davis, Danny Sneath, Teddy Winter, Larry Lemaster, Ronnie Novinger, David Golliher, Galen Friesen, Brian Clay, Sandra Friesen, Beverly Clay, etc. That's about the extent of my knowledge of the hospital. The one in Meade did not open until 51 or 52. I believe it closed when the one in Meade opened. - Brian Hantla

My cousin Arlen Zielke, was a patient there in the early 50's.  I recall going there to donate blood for him in 1952. Vern Zielke

Come on Folks.... where was it, who worked there... anyone have photos?
 

October 9, 2007: Recent comment to OMC:

Does anyone know anything about the Community Hospital that was in Fowler. My husband was born there in 1950. Can't find anything on the net about it.

Hmmmm... I guess if anyone knows they will have to post a comment here because she didn't leave an email address. If it was still going in 1950, there should be people still around who know about it. Let us know... hit that comment button above.
 

October 7, 2007: I just added some more to the "Cimarron Robbery" page.... I had looked up the articles in the old Meade County Globe for the decedents of the John Randolph family, so I thought I would add them to that story at the bottom. I guess I had never looked that up before... it was interesting that the robbers asked Randolph if he know John Whipple. I just LOVE this stuff!

October 5, 2007: Well, folks, stuff about the silica mines just keeps coming. I have received photos of the old Hantla mines in operation from Brian Hantla along with this interesting comment:

I also received a new photo from Doug Freeman of an interior shot of Charles Sourbier's store in the 1930's. Thanks Doug! I posted it at the end of the Sourbier story.

You wouldn't believe the hits this website gets.... we have Meade County history buffs all over the world checking us out. Please continue to share. The web for all it's faults is a wonderful thing.

September 24, 2007: I just got a comment that I have to share. I have added it to the Silica Mine story.... but this is just toooo good. If there is anyone who loves Meade County History as much as I do it's this guy:

I just now read your blog about the silica mines and have a little input. My granddad, Earl Rexford, worked for the Boraxo Soap Company in 1960/61 tearing out all the equipment at the Cudahay plant and disposing of it. All the trucks, wagons, tractors, plant equipment, and an old steam shovel. The houses, garages, and out buildings were sold (for near nothing) and moved. Two of these out buildings ended up at Charles Cook farm. The steam shovel was bought by Jenkenson bros. but after months of trying to get it going gave up and sold it for scrap. The railroad tracks were bought by Gillette Razor for razor blades. I helped tear everything out and we would haul most to grandpa's back yard and wait for bidder to pick up. There is still a lot of fire brick there (Rod Blehm residence). I remember hauling in at last count 14,000 of them. Just east of the plant and south of the tracks was the corrals where they kept horses and mules for pulling the wagons. When we finished there were still several horse drawn wagons, all the harnesses, and blacksmithing equipment still there, NO ONE WANTED IT THEN! I'd like to know what happened to it. My best memory of this era is when my grandpa and I were lowering a 32HP electric motor down from the crows nest it was sitting on. The rafter we had block and tackle tied to broke and the whole thing came down, The block and tackle hit me in the back, (I didn't know what happened, It was explained to me later). All I remember is waking up in the back of a 50 Chevy pickup going 60 to nothing for the Meade Hospital. I slammed on the cab and told grandpa to slow down. Went home, rested up and after a glass of ice water, went back to work. I have more but finger locked up. Pat Smith

I also posted Brian Hantla's note at the bottom of the Silica Mine page and all the current-day photos he has taken of the Hantla mines north and south of Meade. Great stuff, folks... check it out.

September 18, 2007: I just received some information I thought I would share... the Meade County Historical Society is having a fall "Roundup" which, it turns out, is just one big party with food (calf fries, hamburgers, etc), and music by local talent. This is your chance to come and support your Museum and the Hideout and have some fun at the same time. I have posted their poster on the Museum page. It's October 13th. Check it out.

Here is a comment I received lately from a person with deep Meade County roots:

Hi Nancy, I'm enjoying browsing all your Meade County research. I am a great-granddaughter of Andor & Helena Eliason and Oliver & Araminta Norman, both original homesteaders of Meade County. My grandparents were Howard Norman Sr & Julia Eliason and my parents were (are) William (Bill) and Gertrude Norman. I have been researching for the last few years certain lines of our family. I know of a story from the Eliason family of an encounter with a certain group of  men (later identified as the Dalton Gang) at their homestead that isn't recorded in any books, so far. I visited the both museums in Meade two years ago, and mentioned that there was a story and a picture to go along with it. I'm committed to finish gathering all the family oral history in regards to this story. Anyway, I feel that your newsletter would indeed be something of interest of me, so please include me on your mailing list. Sincerely and all the best to you,  Trudy Norman Kemper

Now... see... that's what it's all about! I also received lots of photos from Brian Hantla. He was so inspired by our Silica Mine story he came home to do some research himself.... he located them and shared his photos with us Watch for them to show up soon with that story. Thanks Brian!!!
 

August 30, 2007: Well, its cooled off in Old Meade County and Autumn is starting to show its promise! My favorite time of year!

I just today posted George Elmore's story about settling in Belle Meade. Folks, this is some good reading... enjoy. I have also posted my book review on the book, "In Dull Knife's Wake" a book I highly recommend for Meade County history buffs.

I have been in touch with a man who is writing a book about architecture. He is interested in the history of the Southwestern Bell building in Meade.. the one with the two buffalo heads on the front entrance. If anyone has information about this or remembers it being built, please let me know... we could be a part of an exciting new book! (just use the comment button above)

My newsletter is on it way soon so keep an eye out. Catch you later.

August 15, 2007: Boy! is it HOT in Southwest Kansas! We finally hit the "over 100" temps the first of August and have been cookin' ever since. I've been so busy this summer I feel I have kind of neglected my readers... sorry about that my friends, but a girls got to make a livin'.

I just finished a great book, "In Dull Knife's Wake" by Vernon R. Maddux. I wrote a review for it for the "Legend" magazine and I'll post it here after the issue comes out. I had heard a lot about this Cheyenne chief, but this book gives you the complete picture of what happened when he and his tribe escaped from the reservation in Indian Territory in 1878. Meade County was much a part of that... certainly recommended reading. I should have them soon on www.prairiebooks.com.

I recently got a new subscription from Brenda Majewski in Wisconsin and she included a note that said she and her grandmother were coming to Meade County to visit where her great-great grandfather, John Henry Randolph, homesteaded. I got to tell her about his involvement with the Dalton-Doolin gang when they robbed a train in Cimarron and forced the Randolph family at gunpoint to feed them as they traveled back to "No Man's Land." She hadn't heard the story so that was fun. You can find the story of the Cimarron robbery in my book, "The Dalton Gang and Their Family Ties."  The article was co-written by myself and Roger Meyers, another MHS alumni.

OH! and I finally got Joyce Knott's two books on Plains, Kansas history on my Prairie Books website as well. They are HUGE.... and full of great history.

I have also been corresponding with Renee Archambo who sent me the most delightful manuscript written by her great-grandfather, George Elmore, who settled in Belle Meade early in Meade County's history. I hope to have that keyed in soon!

So, STAY TUNED, history lovers.... summer's almost over! Later.

July 16, 2007: Greetings history lovers! I'm off on a week's vacation, but thought before I go I would post something. I just wrote a book review for "The Legend" Magazine on "Lost Trails of the Cimarron" a book by Harry Chrisman written many years ago. The book is timeless, however and still of keen interest to those of us who live in or study about this area. So...  I posted my review.

Got this interesting post today from an new subscriber:

I may have some interesting information for you. I was given a hand typed book that my great-grandpa had written. There are numerous pages from 1884 and there abouts. My great-grandfather's name was George Elmore. His parents were James and Sarah Elmore. They had a land claim during that time.

If you have ANY references to my family, I would be more than grateful to receive information. I can't seem to find anything on the internet regarding the government homestead lists.  There were several references to schools and churches and would be interested in finding some connection there.

If anyone out there has information on the George Elmore family (they settled at Belle Meade) please let me know and I'll pass it on. By the way... for those of you who hesitate to send comments because of exposing your email... rest assured... if you use the "comment" button above the post just comes from my server and your email is not even evolved. I would love to hear from you!
 

July 2, 2007: I'm in LOVE with OCR software! It's not perfect, but WOW... it sure is making my life easier. I just today finished the story by C. Robert Haywood on the Meade County ghost town of Pearlette. This little gem was printed in 1976 in The Kansas Historical Quarterly and is a great look at some of our early settlers.  The "Pearlette Call" is still on file in our museum on microfilm... If you want to delve deeper... look it up!

June 11, 2007: Today I posted the story of the Frank Sourbier family written by their son, Charles. This was submitted to me months ago by Doug Freeman, a descendent, who has many ties to Old Meade County.  A recent correspondence from Doug reminded me of the story which had never been keyed into the computer. I decided to install and test some OCR software I have been wanting to try... and what do you know... it worked! I scanned the pages in and it turned them to text. You would think someone who deals with words as much as I do would have tried this long ago. Puts a whole new spin on getting stories onto this site. Doug, if you are watching... please let me know if I named all the children right on the family photo. Thanks.

June 10, 2007: My son, Jay, was home over the weekend and he told me how he used to go to the west Hantla mine when he was a kid to play... who knew? Anyway he took me there and I took photos and added this excursion to my Silica Mine history. Go to the bottom of the page a check out the new info.

June 2, 2007: Today I added the history of the Dalton Gang Hideout to my index of stories. That old place was developed as a tourist attraction in 1940 by a group of men who were "movers and shakers" in Meade at the time. I was inspired to add the story when I received in the mail a photo I won on Ebay... it is Walter and Martha Lou Dingess (Sneath) by the old covered wagon back in the 40s.

I continue to get feedback from the Silica Mine story... Marvin Woltje wrote me back and added this:

I meant to mention and forgot about the shipping. The finished product was shipped in hopper cars by rail.  On occasion, the product was bagged and shipped by boxcar. The railroad spur came out of Fowler.

Thanks for the additional info, Marvin! If ANYONE has photos of the mines back in the day I sure would like to scan them! You may use the "comment" button above to contact me.... be sure and give me an email address or something because this method just sends from my server and I don't have an email to respond to. Thanks.

May 31, 2007: I just received an interesting email from Marvin Woltje. He was responding to my recent article on the Silica Mines. I added his comments to the end of that story.

Hi Nancy,

I read with interest your story about the silica mine north of Meade. My
father Ted Woltje worked there for many years, from the 1920's until it
closed in the 1950's. He did have one respite from there for a few years.

George Clapper was the superintendent after Rothe. He had two children, Leon and Alice Faye. Alice Faye was a little younger than I, I graduated from Meade in 1959. His wife Georgia worked at Bisbee's dime store after George's death. He fell to his death at the mine in the 50's. The silica was used to make Old Dutch Cleanser which was made by Cudahy. A product like the bathroom cleansers we use today. It was also used as ballast in ships during WWII and it was a wartime industry and I believe they worked around the clock at that time at least for a period.

Cudahy sold the plant and all to Purex Corp in LA in the 50's and they closed it. Many other people lived out there including Dom Gillen. Ben Lampe and Ferd Frank families moved to Dodge City and worked for Fairmont Milk.  When the plant closed only my father and Joe Marcus from Dodge City were working there. I can't remember when it closed but I was in high school so it had to be 55 or so.  I have some pictures somewhere if I can find them although they are not good ones.

Today I ran into Leroy and Irene Lemaster and they told me that both of their fathers worked at the Cudahy mine as well as Irene's uncle Oscar Fletcher. Good Stuff!

May 22, 2007: Well... it's been a busy spring! I realize I have totally neglected my readers and I apologize. I agreed to help with publicity for Dalton Days here in Meade on June 2 & 3... I've done a really good job, but between that and having to get a JOB... time has flown by. You can read all my news releases here.

The Museum tour has come and gone and BOY was it a good one. Bill Barby did it again... since he has been in charge of these tours they have been excellent. We stood in the ruts of the Jones and Plummer Trail... we stood at the very spot where the surveyors placed their last marker before being attacked by the Indians in what is known as the Lone Tree Massacre. We had a great lunch at the old artesian well at Meade Lake and even went down to Beaver where Pauline Hodges gave us a great talk about the trail. We had folks from as far away as Littleton CO show up because they learned about it on OMC.com. Isn't that GREAT? I'll do a report with photos soon and post it on this site.

One new thing I have posted this week is a story about the Silica Mines in Meade County. Those of us who grew up here have heard about the silica mines all our lives... but there is very little written about them. I noticed recently that my birth certificate lists my father's occupation as "silica worker" so I approached my Dad about his story... he protested at first... then it just poured out of him and I got a great story. Check it out. And... as always... anyone having any information about these mines or photos, please let me know.

And... please stay tuned... I promise I will try to post more often!

PS: I now have the 1985 "Meade County Historical Society Museum" book for sale on my book site. If you are interested in Meade County History and don't have one of these books... check it out. Soon I will have both of the Plains History books on that site also.

April 10, 2007: I just got news about the Meade County Historical Society spring history tour... check out the Museum page to get caught up. This will be a very exciting tour!!

Following are some comments I received with newsletter sign-ups, thought you would like to hear who's interested in OMC.com!

I was just reading the Meade County News and saw your web site. I was born in Fowler in 1930 to Ralph and Margaret (Rice) Krisle. I am really enjoying reading the history of Meade County. Thanks a million for your efforts.  Bill Krisle

Just heard about this site--will be anxious to hear about Meade County--Fowler is where I was born. Flo Huelskamp Hampel
 

March 30, 2007: I can't believe it's been 25 days since my last post! Wow, I've been busy. I haven't even sent out my March newsletter... please bear with me... I'm working on it.

I got a great old photo from Alma Regier the other day... I posted it on the Meade County Farming section of the photo link Here is Alma's note:

I think this is neat!

Mrs. Nick Ediger's brother sent it to me. B H Doerksens were her parents. C F Classens are Don Classens parents. Geo T Classens did not have any children but he was my dad's cousins.

I also got an email from Chet Barney:

Hi,
I am interested in information about Meade. I am looking for information about Harry Reno Smith who was a city marshal in Meade Ks in the early 1900's. (This is my Grandfather.) I am interested in finding out the dates he held this position. My Aunt Lola Smith (Parker) and her twin sister Ola Smith (died as baby and buried in Meade) and my Mother, Margie Mildred Smith (Barney) were also born in Meade. I would like to start completing a family project and am looking for any information.

Thanks! I thought that perhaps you may be able to help me or know resources that might. Chet Barney talaskim@hotmail.com

I was unable to find anything for Chet, but if anyone out there can help him please give him an email.

March 5, 2007: Today I added some old state maps. I posted a comment I received from Ted Blaine below... Ted emailed me and told me that his great-grand parents lived in Lakeland and did I know where that was located. Well, I have wonderful old maps of the county and I just got one out and found it right away. The light bulb came on and I realized that old maps are something else I could share with my readers! (Come on, you've all had those "light bulb moments!")

I started with state maps that I already had in my computer, but if you view the Kansas map, you can zoom right in on Meade County and see what we looked like in 1895. I will add the others as I get them scanned. These are posted on the "Index of Photos" page under "maps." I included instructions to download the maps to your own computer.

Ted's comment:

Great work, Nancy. I'm researching my Great-Grand Parents, John Christopher Kern and Susan Catherine Allen who were married by a Justice of the Peace in Sand Creek Twp on November 17, 1886. Theodore Blaine

(if anyone knows anything about these folks, email me and I'll pass it on to Ted)
 

Look for my newsletter later this week and STAY TUNED!

February 20, 2007: I'm afraid I've added nothing new as far as stories, photos, etc. I've been busy helping with the planning for Dalton Days, Meade's town celebration that takes place in June. If you're interested I've added a link to the Dalton Hideout page for the event and will keep it updated with all the plans. If you are looking for an excuse to "come home" to Meade... you might check this out.... it's a fun time.

Got a nice note from Irene Lemaster:

Nancy, I enjoy your new website very much and do encourage you  to continue. My great-grandfather, Crocker Paul Fletcher came to Meade County in 1886. So I consider my self a true native. Dorothy Willard is also a granddaughter of Crocker Paul. I love to find old newspaper articles about them. Everyone should know that the historical museum has all the newspapers for Meade County on microfilm.  Irene Fletcher Lemaster