79 10 1900 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/ecaf506f07e52961412c100f1108e657.mp3 1c4f5ae4d1b1c1fdf846b68ce9e6fdf9 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/1e32c892f945c5a47edb8922ab4514c3.mp3 dcb934525e5b8ed5ab8e1b47b2e0e7c1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Recollections of Republic County History Subject The topic of the resource "Preserving Our Past: Oral Histories of Republic County Kansas" Description An account of the resource Oral History Interviews with Republic County Residents Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Belleville Public Library Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Belleville Public Library Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Sound file (wav) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Oral History Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Frank J. Jehlik Interview, Side A Subject The topic of the resource Oral History of Republic County, Kansas Description An account of the resource Republic County, Kansas, citizens were asked to tell stories of their lives as they lived and remembered them. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Belleville Public Library Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Belleville Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Recorded on June 1, 1973 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgia Griffith Kenyon, Interviewer Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Attribution (required) Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource MP3 File (.mp3) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Oral History Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context BPL75-60.sideA http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/5b5e909b24ebc008295df3701ee0c621.mp3 b99c2f49aea4f110f8db1695cd6d41ce http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/a810edb03e7daf08005a0e0263eafb1f.mp3 8bb9f0ab8de1b1a2b2c465517626011c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Recollections of Republic County History Subject The topic of the resource "Preserving Our Past: Oral Histories of Republic County Kansas" Description An account of the resource Oral History Interviews with Republic County Residents Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Belleville Public Library Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Belleville Public Library Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Sound file (wav) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Oral History Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Frank McNealy & Al Fleming Interview Subject The topic of the resource Oral History of Republic County, Kansas Description An account of the resource Republic County, Kansas, citizens were asked to tell stories of their lives as they lived and remembered them. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Belleville Public Library Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Belleville Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Recorded on July 3, 1973 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgia Griffith Kenyon, Interviewer Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Attribution (required) Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Mp3 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Oral History Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context BPL76-178.SideA BPL76-178.SideB Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Baldwin City Public Library Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Frank Messinger 1103 8th Baldwin Cit, Ks 66006 Subject The topic of the resource This tract was unimproved in 1890. By 1894, the property was valued at $650.00 indicating the construction of this house. Frank Messinger was the owner. J.H. Allerdice acquired the property c. 1906 and it was illustrated as his residence in the Souvenir. Description An account of the resource Detached residence, irregular plan with side entrance, two stories, wood frame construction with asbestos shingles first floor and ornamental wood shingles second floor, coursed rough-cut stone foundation, main hipped roof with pent gable bays. Hipped ell porch on columns, open railing, pedimented corner entrance, 1/1 double-hung wooden windows, glazed wooden entrance door with ornamental transom, central interior brick chimney. Decorative shaped returns on gable bays, ornamental round-arched front second floor window. Modern concrete block addition SSE. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lance Rider, photographer Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Baldwin City Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Winter, 1988 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Douglas County assessment rolls, 1890-1928 Baldwin Souvenir, (1908) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Baldwin City Public Library Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Frank Rhoades farm NW4 16-15-21 Subject The topic of the resource This farmhouse was built in 1882 and the barn was eredted two years later by the grandfather of present resident, Frank Rhoades. Description An account of the resource Detached residence, ell plan with central entrance in each block, 2/3 front bays, wood frame and weatherboard construction with stone foundation, gable roof. Shed porch in ell, one story rear hipped addition, cellar entrance W end, 1/1 wooden double-hung windows, one paneled entrance door and one glazed paneled door in ell, interior brick chimney E. Metal storm windows installed. Timber frame center section with vertical tongue and grooved sheathing, stone foundations; one shed addition N and two S with concrete foundations. Hipped addition W end. End aisles in additions. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dale Nimz, photographer Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Baldwin City Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 1988 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Interview: Frank Rhoades 11-1-1988 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Baldwin City Public Library Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Frank Sheppard House 1305 10th Street Baldwin City, Ks 66006 Subject The topic of the resource Frank Sheppard purchased a twenty acre tract in this location south of Jersey Street and west of Tenth Street in 1899. The assessed value was only $200.00. Sheppard and his wife Emma were listed as residing on Tenth Street at the corner of Monroe in 1902. This indicated that the existing buildings were constructed by that time. However, Sheppard sold to Samuel J. Molby in 1902. The property's assessed value increased to $275.00 in 1905 and to $350.00 in 1906 suggesting some improvement. Sheppard was again recorded as the owner in 1909; Walter Kennedy owned a reduced tract of 13.3 acres in this location in 1921. Description An account of the resource Detached residence, ell plan with two front entrances, two stories with one-story rear hipped wing, wood frame and weatherboard, coursed rough-cut stone foundation, main roof gable. Ell porch on turned posts, projecting paired windows NE, front gable wall dormer. Decorative elements--window brackets and hipped hood, pierced porch friezeboard. Alterations--steel siding, modern windows and doors. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lance Rider, photographer Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Baldwin City Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Winter, 1988 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource County assessment rolls, 1898-1908 City directory, 1902-03 Standard Atlas of Douglas County 1902, 1921 Plat-book & Survey of Douglas County, 1909 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Language A language of the resource English http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/932093ec843de5142ce61c12fb6d9e87.JPG 68a103f98860b1b95e6a986a4f92db08 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Bob McEnulty Photo A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data black & white photo Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image 8" x 10" Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Franklin Employees Subject The topic of the resource Franklin Employees Description An account of the resource Franklin Employees lined up on the loading ramp south of the Franklin Ice Cream plant which was located at approximately 850 East First St. Standing L to R: Mr Quigley from Kansas City plant, Ed Hunt, ??, Leo Kramer, Chancy Angell, Charley Castell, Ed Campbell, Bill Woods, Leonard Deaton, ?? , Bob Campbell, Red Davis, ??, Mary Ann Landau, ??, ??, Hack McEnulty, ?? Front Row L to R: Chan Redding, Bert Grems, Bill Cox, Urel Harding, Alton Grems, ??, ??, ??, ??, ?? Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Unknown Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tonganoxie Public Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 8, 1935 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Bob McEnulty Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Never Copyrighted Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Scanned 8" x 10" black and white photograph -- .jpg Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context TPL 4-0100 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Baldwin City Public Library Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Frederick Breithaupt farm Subject The topic of the resource Frederick Breithaupt, an emigrant from Baden, Germany, married Salome Weber in Illinois in 1854. The couple arrived in Kansas on April 15, 1856. Breithaupt served in the union Army. After he returned, this house was constructed c. 1870 for the family which included eleven children. Breithaupt's son, Martin, later operated the farm. It was sold out of the family in 1955. Description An account of the resource Farm residence, T-plan with central entrance E., two stories, wood frame and weather board construction, rubble stone foundation (parged), gable roff. Rear shed enclosed porch, SW and hipped enclosed porch NW. 4/4 and 6/6 wooden double-hung windows, wooden entrance doors. Interior altered--partially demolished and remodeled . Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dale Nimz, photographer Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Baldwin City Public Library Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Eudora Community Heritage (1977) Atlas of Douglas County (1873) Standard Atlas of Douglas County (1902, 1921) http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/7758c80a1bef308b6638e99297da4be9.jpg 1f4a45c8f4a6ba3dce3a14197fe0ff26 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Businesses Photo A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource French Trucking, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource Two men haul a load for French Trucking in Rossville, Kansas. Howard French is on the left. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Unknown Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource ca. 1940-1965 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public domain due to copyright expiration Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource photograph Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0224 French Trucking History Mystery Kansas Memory Project http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/ee21f6ac85267a71660a343571171e15.jpg 7cb1ee6371ea71c71eb223b564b60d9d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Churches History Subject The topic of the resource Churches in the Rossville, Kansas, area. Description An account of the resource Among the various cultural developments in Rossville none was more important than the establishment and growth of organized religions. Shortly after the village of Rossville was started in 1871, some of the settlers felt the need for a church. The first known organized church was the Baptist Church started in August 1871 with nine members. A newspaper account, dated May 1879, about the school house in town says, “…at this time the building is used on Sunday by various church denominations as they are not supplied with church buildings. Six denominations have organized: The Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian, Methodist, Episcopal, Methodist Southern and Advent. The Baptist have begun to erect a neat frame church building.” The Baptists built a small church on the approximate site of the Joe Navarre home on Spruce Street and dedicated this church on February 29, 1880. For a few years after that the Baptist, Christian, Presbyterian and Methodist shared this building—each having the use of it one Sunday a month, morning and evening. The Baptist church disbanded in 1910 and was torn down soon afterwards. Organization of the United Brethren was soon followed by the United Brethren Church, also known as the Olive Branch Church. The first church building in the community was built by its members in about 1877. The old landmark, five miles north of Rossville, was torn down about 1952. Some of the farm folk responsible for its organization and erection were Mr. and Mrs. Joe Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Lasswell, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert James and their sons, Robert and James, Mr. and Mrs. W.V. Hook, who donated land for the church. A decline in membership prompted the church officials to sell the building to the Czech Christian organization and it served as a worship center for many years. Other denominations organized early, which have little recorded history, including the Colored Baptist, also called Second Baptist. A news clipping shows the Colored Baptist Church was in existence in 1885 and meetings were held at the old school house. At that time they were endeavoring to raise funds for a structure of their own. It was later erected in the southeast part of town on Orange Street. Their building was repaired in December 1904, but soon after the church disbanded. The only information available about the Cambellites, followers of Alexander Cambell, shows that they gathered regularly early in the city’s history. The Cambellites here and in other localities were the forerunners of the early Christian Church. A church was organized with the name Church of Christ in 1872 with Bennet Swearingen, an elder. In 1879 a group was meeting in the school. Between 1880 and when it was decided to build a church, it is believed the members met in the Baptist Church. A deed was recorded on June 29, 1887, for three lots for which they paid $50.00. The exact date of the erection of the present church is not known. Revered Alex Montgomery was a stone mason and laid the church foundation. Charles Bixby, father of the late Albert Bixby, was a carpenter and supervised the building of the church. Lumber was hauled from Topeka by Alex Nadeau and others. The supplies were purchased from the Thomas Lumber Company at Topeka. The first funeral held in the church was for William Lacock, grandfather of the late Albert Bixby. The oldest Sunday School record is dated September 7, 1884, with May Parker its first secretary. Due to an increase in the Christian Church's membership, in 1949 a large room was added to the north side of the building. Other improvements included new colored glass in the windows, and pews from the old United Brethren Church. In December 1960, another addition to the building was completed. As more settlers moved to this community, those who were of the Presbyterian faith organized their group in 1878 and met in the school in town. Reverend E.P. Sempel was the first pastor. A.C. Sherman, Richard Binns, Daniel Wilt, J.C. Bradley, William Bond, Henry Kassebaum, W.M. Mitchner, Sam Kerr, Dr. H.H. Miller and Isaac Trostle were the founders of the church. Later the Presbyterians met in the Baptist Church. In 1883, the Presbyterian group purchased the land on which the present church stands and began to build. The first church was built of red bricks which were made at a brick kiln located at the east edge of town. As the years passed a crack appeared between the bricks in the east end of the building. This fault was used as the reason for tearing town the old building. The present structure was constructed in 1917. The Reverend J.H. Naismith, the originator of the game of basketball, served as pastor in 1922 and 1923. Mr. Gus Kassebaum served as a Trustee for 39 years, from 1915 to 1954. His wife, Mrs. Lula Kassebaum served most of these years as president of the Ladies Missionary Society. The Rossville Charge was organized in the James School House, three miles west of Rossville in the year 1872 under the leadership of Mr. Paul Strimple, a local lay preacher. Shortly afterwards, another group of Methodists (Southern Methodists) met in Rossville and had services at the school in town. These two groups joined in planning construction of a church. Since the Baptists were the first to build a church, the two Methodist groups shared the building. The Methodist Church was chartered and registered with the Secretary of State, June 13, 1881. The first trustees and signers of the charter were: W.G. Gilbert, Isaac Larrance, Joseph Andrews, J.W. Miller, A.E. Strimple, J.T. Heslet, and T.M. Attebury. Building of the new church began in 1884, and it was dedicated on March 1, 1885. Nine years later the south room was added, and it was used as a dining room and meeting room. The Sunday School addition was added in 1960. The name was changed from Methodist Episcopal to Methodist, October 11, 1939. It was again changed in 1968 to United Methodist when the United Brethren and Methodist merged. The Election Day dinner was first served in 1882 and has become an established tradition. Dinner and supper were served to over 175 persons at a cost of 25 cents per person. Some of the men who took an active part in the life of the church were C.E. Gresser, E.G. Griswold and Frank Strimple. Before St. Stanislaus became a reality, according to Ellen Leonhardt of St. Marys, Kansas, Mass was held monthly sometime before 1894 in the Fritz Hall. She remembers accompanying Father Krier, a Jesuit priest, from St. Marys to Rossville along with other girls to sing in the choir. The first St. Stanislaus Church was built under the auspices of Father John B. Kokenge, S.J., who collected about eleven hundred dollars to procure the ground and put up the structure. It measured 42 x 30 feet with a sanctuary that added twelve feet to its length. The corner stone of this mission church was laid by Bishop Fink on June 18, 1899. Many notables from the St. Marys College were present as well as Reverend H.A. Schapman, S.J., former president of Detroit College. The document placed in the stone contained the following: “Leo XIII being Pope, William McKinley being President of the United States, W.E. Stanley being the Governor of Kansas, Joseph Calvin Bradley being Mayor of the city of Rossville, this church to be erected to the honor of God under the invocation of St. Stanislaus Kastka was begun today when the corner stone was laid this the eighteenth day of June in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and ninety-nine.” The dedication of the completed church took place on October 29, 1899. In 1967, the parish purchased the home across the street from the church, so that the expanding catechetical classes would have a better place to meet. A $20,000 renovation project in 1975-1976 added a brick extension to the front of the church and a full basement. In 1998 Dekat Hall was dedicated and the mortgage was paid off. By 2009 the parish, which encompassed Rossville, Silver Lake, Willard, and Maple Hill, was in need of a bigger building so Don & Kathleen Damon donated a $1.1 million gift for the building of a new church. After raising the additional needed funds, the new worship space for 400 people was built in 2012 near the former church. In the early 1950s a group of believers who met together for weekly Bible Study grew in number so that they were encouraged to secure a property, call a pastor and organize a church. The Stewart property on the corner of Main and Pottawatomie was purchased in June 1952. After renovation, the first services of the Rossville Bible Church were held on September 7, 1952, with Reverend Clarence Swihart as pastor. Reverend Floyd Gee became the second pastor in June 1954. The church purchased a building site from the Hesse family that adjoins the Grade School in August 1960. Reverend Hugh Gardner, Wichita, superintended the construction of a basement to be used for an auditorium. A building was moved from Forbes Air Force Base and set on the basement. June 7, 1970, was a day of rejoicing for the congregation as they had a mortgage-burning service with Reverend Joe Arnedd, Des Moines, Iowa, evangelist, as speaker. Thus is the history of the early churches which no longer exist in the community and the churches which continue to function--though in somewhat different roles than in the early years. Once, the church, as well as the school, was the center of most family activities. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Photo A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Friendly Circle Class quilters, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource The quilters in the back row are (left to right) Minnie Ellis, Grace Hartzell, Daisy Crow, Amy Meade, Ethelyn Fergeson, Myrtle Lillard, Seba Baird, Stella Page, and Edith Word. Pictured sitting down left to right are Vida Whitney, Ella Whearty, Comella Stevens, and Lulu James. We believe this picture is the Friendly Circle Class. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Unknown Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource ca. 1955-1970 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public domain due to copyright expiration Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource photograph Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0230 Kansas Memory Project Rossville United Methodist Church http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/b713a03cefe32491a79879b67e9f27ca.jpg e163678a97baada3a47af3e7618a8a50 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Churches History Subject The topic of the resource Churches in the Rossville, Kansas, area. Description An account of the resource Among the various cultural developments in Rossville none was more important than the establishment and growth of organized religions. Shortly after the village of Rossville was started in 1871, some of the settlers felt the need for a church. The first known organized church was the Baptist Church started in August 1871 with nine members. A newspaper account, dated May 1879, about the school house in town says, “…at this time the building is used on Sunday by various church denominations as they are not supplied with church buildings. Six denominations have organized: The Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian, Methodist, Episcopal, Methodist Southern and Advent. The Baptist have begun to erect a neat frame church building.” The Baptists built a small church on the approximate site of the Joe Navarre home on Spruce Street and dedicated this church on February 29, 1880. For a few years after that the Baptist, Christian, Presbyterian and Methodist shared this building—each having the use of it one Sunday a month, morning and evening. The Baptist church disbanded in 1910 and was torn down soon afterwards. Organization of the United Brethren was soon followed by the United Brethren Church, also known as the Olive Branch Church. The first church building in the community was built by its members in about 1877. The old landmark, five miles north of Rossville, was torn down about 1952. Some of the farm folk responsible for its organization and erection were Mr. and Mrs. Joe Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Lasswell, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert James and their sons, Robert and James, Mr. and Mrs. W.V. Hook, who donated land for the church. A decline in membership prompted the church officials to sell the building to the Czech Christian organization and it served as a worship center for many years. Other denominations organized early, which have little recorded history, including the Colored Baptist, also called Second Baptist. A news clipping shows the Colored Baptist Church was in existence in 1885 and meetings were held at the old school house. At that time they were endeavoring to raise funds for a structure of their own. It was later erected in the southeast part of town on Orange Street. Their building was repaired in December 1904, but soon after the church disbanded. The only information available about the Cambellites, followers of Alexander Cambell, shows that they gathered regularly early in the city’s history. The Cambellites here and in other localities were the forerunners of the early Christian Church. A church was organized with the name Church of Christ in 1872 with Bennet Swearingen, an elder. In 1879 a group was meeting in the school. Between 1880 and when it was decided to build a church, it is believed the members met in the Baptist Church. A deed was recorded on June 29, 1887, for three lots for which they paid $50.00. The exact date of the erection of the present church is not known. Revered Alex Montgomery was a stone mason and laid the church foundation. Charles Bixby, father of the late Albert Bixby, was a carpenter and supervised the building of the church. Lumber was hauled from Topeka by Alex Nadeau and others. The supplies were purchased from the Thomas Lumber Company at Topeka. The first funeral held in the church was for William Lacock, grandfather of the late Albert Bixby. The oldest Sunday School record is dated September 7, 1884, with May Parker its first secretary. Due to an increase in the Christian Church's membership, in 1949 a large room was added to the north side of the building. Other improvements included new colored glass in the windows, and pews from the old United Brethren Church. In December 1960, another addition to the building was completed. As more settlers moved to this community, those who were of the Presbyterian faith organized their group in 1878 and met in the school in town. Reverend E.P. Sempel was the first pastor. A.C. Sherman, Richard Binns, Daniel Wilt, J.C. Bradley, William Bond, Henry Kassebaum, W.M. Mitchner, Sam Kerr, Dr. H.H. Miller and Isaac Trostle were the founders of the church. Later the Presbyterians met in the Baptist Church. In 1883, the Presbyterian group purchased the land on which the present church stands and began to build. The first church was built of red bricks which were made at a brick kiln located at the east edge of town. As the years passed a crack appeared between the bricks in the east end of the building. This fault was used as the reason for tearing town the old building. The present structure was constructed in 1917. The Reverend J.H. Naismith, the originator of the game of basketball, served as pastor in 1922 and 1923. Mr. Gus Kassebaum served as a Trustee for 39 years, from 1915 to 1954. His wife, Mrs. Lula Kassebaum served most of these years as president of the Ladies Missionary Society. The Rossville Charge was organized in the James School House, three miles west of Rossville in the year 1872 under the leadership of Mr. Paul Strimple, a local lay preacher. Shortly afterwards, another group of Methodists (Southern Methodists) met in Rossville and had services at the school in town. These two groups joined in planning construction of a church. Since the Baptists were the first to build a church, the two Methodist groups shared the building. The Methodist Church was chartered and registered with the Secretary of State, June 13, 1881. The first trustees and signers of the charter were: W.G. Gilbert, Isaac Larrance, Joseph Andrews, J.W. Miller, A.E. Strimple, J.T. Heslet, and T.M. Attebury. Building of the new church began in 1884, and it was dedicated on March 1, 1885. Nine years later the south room was added, and it was used as a dining room and meeting room. The Sunday School addition was added in 1960. The name was changed from Methodist Episcopal to Methodist, October 11, 1939. It was again changed in 1968 to United Methodist when the United Brethren and Methodist merged. The Election Day dinner was first served in 1882 and has become an established tradition. Dinner and supper were served to over 175 persons at a cost of 25 cents per person. Some of the men who took an active part in the life of the church were C.E. Gresser, E.G. Griswold and Frank Strimple. Before St. Stanislaus became a reality, according to Ellen Leonhardt of St. Marys, Kansas, Mass was held monthly sometime before 1894 in the Fritz Hall. She remembers accompanying Father Krier, a Jesuit priest, from St. Marys to Rossville along with other girls to sing in the choir. The first St. Stanislaus Church was built under the auspices of Father John B. Kokenge, S.J., who collected about eleven hundred dollars to procure the ground and put up the structure. It measured 42 x 30 feet with a sanctuary that added twelve feet to its length. The corner stone of this mission church was laid by Bishop Fink on June 18, 1899. Many notables from the St. Marys College were present as well as Reverend H.A. Schapman, S.J., former president of Detroit College. The document placed in the stone contained the following: “Leo XIII being Pope, William McKinley being President of the United States, W.E. Stanley being the Governor of Kansas, Joseph Calvin Bradley being Mayor of the city of Rossville, this church to be erected to the honor of God under the invocation of St. Stanislaus Kastka was begun today when the corner stone was laid this the eighteenth day of June in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and ninety-nine.” The dedication of the completed church took place on October 29, 1899. In 1967, the parish purchased the home across the street from the church, so that the expanding catechetical classes would have a better place to meet. A $20,000 renovation project in 1975-1976 added a brick extension to the front of the church and a full basement. In 1998 Dekat Hall was dedicated and the mortgage was paid off. By 2009 the parish, which encompassed Rossville, Silver Lake, Willard, and Maple Hill, was in need of a bigger building so Don & Kathleen Damon donated a $1.1 million gift for the building of a new church. After raising the additional needed funds, the new worship space for 400 people was built in 2012 near the former church. In the early 1950s a group of believers who met together for weekly Bible Study grew in number so that they were encouraged to secure a property, call a pastor and organize a church. The Stewart property on the corner of Main and Pottawatomie was purchased in June 1952. After renovation, the first services of the Rossville Bible Church were held on September 7, 1952, with Reverend Clarence Swihart as pastor. Reverend Floyd Gee became the second pastor in June 1954. The church purchased a building site from the Hesse family that adjoins the Grade School in August 1960. Reverend Hugh Gardner, Wichita, superintended the construction of a basement to be used for an auditorium. A building was moved from Forbes Air Force Base and set on the basement. June 7, 1970, was a day of rejoicing for the congregation as they had a mortgage-burning service with Reverend Joe Arnedd, Des Moines, Iowa, evangelist, as speaker. Thus is the history of the early churches which no longer exist in the community and the churches which continue to function--though in somewhat different roles than in the early years. Once, the church, as well as the school, was the center of most family activities. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Friendly Circle/Women's Society of Christian Service (WSCS) minutes from 1959 Description An account of the resource January 29, 1959: WSCS met at the home of Mrs. Bill Larson Thursday, January 22. Lesson leaders were Elsie Rasch and Helen Queen, on “Rekindling the Gift of India.” Lovely refreshments were served to Esther Stickerod, Eleanor Jones, Elsie Rasch, Jean Lane, Stella Henderson, Amy Meade, Helen Queen, Ruth Larson, Greta Kelsey, Irene Parr, Mrs. Wehmeier, Betty Dick [sic], Vida Whitney. Hostesses were Irene Parr, Betty Dick [sic], Phyllis Keller, Irene Campbell. Greta and Fay Kelsey and Ella Whearty. ----------------------------- March 19, 1959: The WSCS met Thursday, February 26, at the home of Mrs. Walt Swenson. The meeting was called to order by the president, Mrs. Helen Queen. After the business meeting the lesson on Christian Frontier, Literacy and Literature was given by Evelyn Shannon and Amy Meade. It was a very interesting lesson. Hostesses were Ila Whitlock, Mildred Page, Myrtle Lillard, Helen Queen, and Mrs. Gardner. Refreshments of cherry pie alamode and coffee were served to Vina McCiod, Jean Lane and children, Stella Henderson, Grace Hartzell, Pauline Swenson, Evelyn Shannon, Vida Whitney, Mildred Irwin, Eleanor Jones, Amy Meade, Mrs. Gardner and daughter. ----------------------------- April 9, 1959: The WSCS of the Methodist church went to Topeka to spend the afternoon last Thursday at the Methodist Home for the Aged. Approximately 200 members of the Home enjoyed the program presented by the Rossville group. After a brief business meeting conducted by Helen Queen, the worship was led by Inez Richardson and Eleanor Jones. A program of music consisting of vocal trios and violin duets was presented by Irene Campbell. Marguerite Williams, Inez Richardson and Eleanor Jones. A social hour followed with cookies brought by the WSCS and punch supplied by the Home. Those in the group were Vina McCoid. Elsie Rasch, Stella Henderson, Mrs. Wood Rose, Grace Hartzell, Vida Whitney, Myrtle Lillard. Ila Whitlock, Helen Queen, Inez Richardson, Marguerite Williams, Irens Campbell, Eleanor Jones, and Jean Lane. ------------------------------ July 16, 1959: The WSCS met Thursday, June 25, at the home of Mrs. Vina McCoid. The meeting was called to order by the President, Helen Queen. The lesson was given by Esther Sebring and Marceil Lambert. The hostesses were Esther Sebring, Roxie Nadeau, Esther Stickerod, Ann Wade and Grace Hartzell. Lovely refreshments were served to Georgia Lambert, Marceil Lambert, Stella Henderson, Helen Queen, Rita Lou and baby, Evelyn Shannon, Amy Meade, Es-ther Stickerod, Roxie Nadeau, Velda O'Donnell, Grace Hartzell, Vida Whitney, Esther Sebring and Vina McCoid. ------------------------------- October 29, 1959: WSCS met Thursday, September 24, at the home of Mrs. Helen Queen. Worship and program leaders were Mrs. Grace Hartzell and Mrs. Jean Lane. Hostesses were Marjorie Hoobler, Edith McClain, Mildred Irwin, Stella Page and Velda Pardee. Since this was guest month, Belvue was invited. Guests were Mrs. Dean Henniberg, Mrs. Don Kurtz, Mrs. Frank Rischer, Mrs. Claude McCollough. Mrs. Wayne Shade, Mrs. Frank Weeks, Mrs. Arch Inskeep, Mrs. James Hiner Sr., and Mrs. George Most. Rossville members were happy to see so many as it was a rainy day. Rossville members present were Lila Bahner, Ethelyn Ferguson Vina McCoid, Betsy Hurley and Denise, Erma Hoobler, Inez Richardson, Eleanor Jones, Jean Lane, and children, Mildred Page and baby, Ruth Gresser. Evelyn Shannon, Grace Hartzell, Edith McClain, Marjorie Hoobler, Ila Whitlock, Velda Pardee, Amy Meade, Mildred Irwin, Bess Conley and Marguerite Williams. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Shawnee County Reporter, Rossville, Kansas Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1959 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newspaper clippings Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0541