2020 Fall Edition Newsletter

The 2020 Summer, Fall “COVID 19” Edition Newsletter of the

E-Mail: micomuseum@gmail.com

Web Page: https://micomuseum.org Price $2.00

Contents

Officers and Directors 2020

President- Vice President- Wes Cole Secretary- LuAnne Debrick Treasurer- Vincent Thorpe

Gift Corner

Pg 3 Pg 4 Pg 5 Pg 6

913-731-3193 816-392-0605 913-294-5436 913-406-3243 913-335-2657 816-392-0605 913-731-3009 913-406-1508 785-869-3246 913-731-7869 913-731-3193 913-294-5436 913-294-2779 913-731-3917 913-710-1767 913-849-3278 913-259-9839 913-449-5153 913-731-8150

Executive Board News Queries- Mini Minutes, Volunteers report logo Contest & Quiz

Board of Directors

Pg 7 Early Residents Miami Co. Pg 8 - 9 Edith Williams Pg 10 - 11 Flint Knappers Pg 12-13 Brewer Lady, Leah Bond Pg 14-16 A Christmas Story Pg 17 Wanted Poster Pg 18 1891 Photo Album Pg 19-21 Publications for sale Pg 22 Heritage Walk Bricks Pg 23 Christmas Art Painting Back Cover

Louisburg - Aggie Dillard Marysville Township - Jana Barcus Member at Large - LuAnne Debrick Miami Township - Nina Gerken Middle Creek Township - Kristin Graue Mound Township - Donna Darner Paola City - Elsie Cordle Paola Township - Mike Hursey Richland Township - LeAnne Shields Stanton Township - Lloyd Peckman Sugar Creek Township - Ann Benton Ten Mile Township -Gorden Geldhof Valley Township - Colleen Ewan Osage Township - Ann Davis Osawatomie City- Wes Cole Osawatomie Township - Vicent Thorpe

Wea Township - Genealogy Society Coordinator- LeAnne Shields 913-710-1767 Newsletter - Roger Shipman 913-259-9219

BE SAFE AND WEAR YOUR MASKS

A Newsletter of the Miami County Historical Museum & Genealogy Society Fall 2020 Volume 35- No.2 Miami County Historical Museum 12 E. Peoria, Paola, Kansas 66071 Phone: 913-294-4940 E-Mail: micomuseum@gmail.com. Web address; https://micomuseum.org Museum Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Financial The Miami County Historical Museum is a Non-Profit Organization with a tax exempt status allowed by the Internal Rev enue Dept. Gift and donations received by the Societies are deductible for Income Tax purposes. For additional informa tion or questions regarding Endowments, Trusts, etc., Please contact us at 913-294-4940

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Visit our gift corner We have books, out of print museum books on DVD, brochures of local attractions, numerous historical Paola photos suitable for framing, tee-shirts, hats and some free stuff

Hours for the Museum Open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Closed Saturday with the exception of special occasions For appointments call: QCD Qualified Charitable Distributions Donations from an IRA fund to meet your IRA Annual Required Distribution to a Charity. Any Donation with QCD are 100% untaxed by the IRS. Normal distributions are subject to federal and state income taxes. Requirements: To Avoid Taxes on Distributions 1. Age 70 1/2 or older 2. Donations made directly by IRA Custodians to 501 charitable group 3. Limit of $100,000 per year per person with IRA 4. Donation made by Dec. 31 of each year given by Custodian Thus, you can give to our museum up to $100,000 per year per person from your IRA as a distribution and pay no taxes on that gift---normal distributions are taxed as a part of your adjusted gross income. The custodian provides a 1099-R form to report on your income tax return. Example: Have your custodian of your IRA give to our museum $2,500(any sum up to $100,000) from your IRA. Will be part of your required distribution but would be exempt from normal taxes that year. A WIN-WIN FOR YOU AND YOUR CHARITY CHOICE Give to Charity---Pay Less Taxes. QCD—for the Endowment or Regular Museum Donation. Timely Tax Information 816-392-0605 913-294-9769

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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD This has been a very trying time for all of us. Many changes have taken place related to the Virus. Even with these challenges, we have been able to fulfill the mission we have been charged with in enhancing our county history. During the year we lost two important members, Betty Bendorf and Larry Lybarger. We also lost 11 volunteers. Because of the Pandemic it was decided by the Board we would hold our elections in January instead of November. We look forward to filling the President and Secretary positions as well of a number of township representatives. A committee is working on this. The board has also established a Public Information Officer position. There are plans to do a strategic plan for the museum next year and putting together a vol unteer orientation plan. Many thanks to the volunteers who have stepped for ward to fill in during this time. We wish all a Merry Christmas and look forward to a great next year.

Larry Lybarger, our president, has retired and moved south. Citing health issues with his wife, Sharon, and himself Larry chose to move close to his son Dr. Lonny Lybarger who lives in to Tucson AZ The museum is going to miss his leadership ability and cordial demeanor. We wish him well in the future. Wes Cole presenting Larry a certificate for his many years of dedicated service

BE SAFE AND WEAR YOUR MASKS

MEMBERSHIP DUES CHANGE FOR THE MUSEUM Our Miami County Historical Society dues are currently collected throughout the year according to the date the member has joined. To improve our accounting method, we wish to change the due date of all dues to a single annual date which will be the same for all members. The annual date for all membership dues will be October 1. Currently, those who pay between now and October 1, 2020 will not be billed for another year until October 2021. We hope this will not be too confusing for members, but it will make the accounting system more efficient. We cherish our members for their very generous gifts and donations. This support is vital for our continuation and improvement of our museum and genealogy library. Again, thank you for your consideration and we welcome your concerns and questions.

The Executive Board Phone: 913-731-3193 816-392-0605

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Front Desk (1/2 or full day), computer input, arrang ing displays, moving help, grant writers, interviewers, history researchers

The Museum has reprints of past Newsletters for sale at $2.00 an issue.

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QUERIES Stacy Kelly wanted info on Isaac Applegate and his wife Eliza Jane Morgan Lee Wadsworth is looking Henry Corey and Mary Davis Corey and family Gary Marsden wants to know about James and Maude Brown and Charles and Clare O’Conner Christopher Burnett wants to know about George Jackson, his grandfather. Gary Clendening wants to know if we have any info on the Clendenning Family Kathy Noltensmeyer is looking for a marriage record for Laura French and John Lynnfrom of Spring Hill Sherry Mitchell needs info on New Jersey settlers in Somer set in 1860’s Margaret Lindsey wants info on John W Lindsey who died in Paola Shirley Jack would like info on Estella Dagenette, was she married to Lloyd W Kern Marsha Farmer wants a photo of Rev. William Thomas Russell, early Baptist pastor Nathan wants obit for George W Farrar who died 1 Sep 1928 Shelly White is looking for birth records for Arthur B Stowe Nancy Garrow is trying to locate a business run by Ezra W Christie and his wife Victoria or his daughter ,Henrietta Rex Stacie Gonzalez want to know about William H McMillan who performed in the Patterson Circus Frank Jastrezembski wantS info on Colonel John Wesley Horner who died in the Osawatomie State Hospital 16 Aug 1874

MINI MINUTES September through November The museum is enjoying new carpet that was installed recently in building one Larry Lybarger, President of the Miami Co. Historical Museum has resigned effective Sept., 9. He and his wife Sharon are moving to Arizona. Larry will be greatly missed. Vince Thorpe announced that the museum now has Pay Pal. Mike and LeAnne Shields have been appointed to the Executive Board. Election of officers has been post poned until 2021. Wes Cole is presiding as President until the next election. Locks have been purchased for all the display cabinets. Vince Thorpe has suggested the museum develop a Museum Logo. Mike Hursey arranged for several men who are Flint Knappers to give a demonstration on making arrow heads. The event was held October 10th in front of the muse um There were over 70 persons watching arrowheads being made.

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The following are new members to the museum Ken Bingman, Leah Bond, Tina Chrisjohn, Katie Conley, Justin Elmers, Steve Finch, Gordon Geldhof, Robert Heaton, B. A. Heid, Stacy Miles,

VOLUNTEER AND VISITOR REPORT AUGUST 2020 THRU MID NOVEMBER 2020 VOLUNTEERS - 21 HOURS - 2,023 BOARD MEETINGS - 4 AVERAGE ATTENDANCE - 10 VISITORS - 152 STATES REPRESENTED - 19 VOLUNTEERS: Betty Bendorf, Ann Benton, Ann Davis, Patsy Bortner, Jim Bousman, Kaylen Butler, Wes Cole, Elsie Cordle, Luanne Debrick, Agnes Dillard, Gorden Geldhof, Nina Gerken, Mike Hursey, Iris Kluber, Larry Lybarger, Lloyd Peckman, Leanne Shields, Roger Ship man, Vince Thorpe, Ellen Welch, Beth Wilson. STATES REPRESENTED: Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Ohio, Utah, Washington, Colorado, Idaho, Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, Florida, Maryland, South Dakota, California, Louisiana, Minne sota, Iowa, Washington Those old dark “Tin Type” images can be revealed to show a sharp image that can be printed or saved onto computer files. I can copy all sizes of negatives color or black & white from the small 110, 35 mm, all 120 and up to a 4 x 5 inches. Color slides can be copied and made into color prints or copied onto CDs or USB memory stick to view on your computer. The photo of a couple below on the right had been washed in a pair of jeans and it was pulling off the backing. The owner was heartbroken as it was the only photo of her fa ther. I removed the wrinkled image off the card base by soaking it in water. It was stretched and glued down on new backing and copied. Using Photoshop I was able to remove at the customer’s request the stepmother and create a new portrait of her father.

Bill & Debbie Mize, Hugh Poland, Amiozier and Jean Richardson, Shelly Schierman, Mary Ann Thornton

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Front Desk (1/2 or full day), Computer input, Arranging displays, Moving help, Grant writers, Interviewers, History researchers Newsletter Accessions Manager Call the Museum at 913-294-4940 Our e-mail address is: micomuseum@gmail.com Another new service at the Museum, We can now digitize 8mm & Super 8 mm movie film which can be transfered to DVDs or viewed on your computer. This is in addition to restoration of photos and video transfer to DVD format

I can also duplicate printed material like old cookbooks and turn them into digital files that can be viewed on computer screen or printed out in a booklet.. Using a digital process the museum now has the ability to provide the service to restore your precious images. We can fix damaged pictures, add a person to a group photo or take someone out. Faded out prints can be brought back and made to look like new. Old negatives, color or black & white can be copied and made into prints. Drag those old films out of the closet and turn them into gifts.

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FUN QUIZ Miami County Historical Museum Trivia. Where was Fort Paola located? What was the headline on the Wednesday August 13th Los Angeles Times Newspaper? Who donated their Great Grandfathers Civil War Uni form? What year was North School built? Who Awarded the Paul Harris award to L.W.Baehr? Samuel Hertha what was he the first of in Miami Coun ty? Mary Ann Isaacs who was she and who was her first husband? Which ran through Paola Trail of Death or Trail of Tears? Please like Miami County Historical Museum on face book. Please become a member of the Miami County Histor ical Museum for as low as $25. The museum is funded on donations of visitors like

LOGO CONTEST Miami County Historical Museum is in need of a logo. Something that represents us as an organization and the county. We have a rich heritage in this county dating back to the civil war and on back to the early days of the Indian settlements. A logo for the museum that represents our past would be great. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. The contest will go on until the end of Jan uary 2021. The winner will be chosen by the board of directors of the museum and it will be announced in February. The winner will receive a one year free membership to the museum. This allows them to do family history study in our genealogical library at half price and they will receive the museum newsletter for free. Please submit your logos by email, mail, or dropping them off at the museum. Our email address is: mico museum@gmail.com Our address is: Miami County Historical Museum 12 East Peoria St. Paola, Kansas 66071 GOOD LUCK

you, please add to the jug at front desk. Thanks from the Miami County Museum.

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EARLY RESIDENTS OF PAOLA Samuel Shaw Giffin was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on October19, 1865. He was the sixteenth child of John and Margaret Giffin. At the age of four, his family moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri. They took up residents on a half-section of land that his father and two older brothers had earlier homesteaded for a year before their arrival. Sam’s father died in 1871 and he lost 2 brothers to a ty phoid epidemic. When Sam turned 18, his mother sold the farm and the family moved to a property northwest of Blue Mound, Kansas. Sam often made trips to Paola to visit his brother and on one occasion he met Delpha Lenora Goodrick. He courted her for a while and during that time he presented her with a folded paper heart. It was a marriage proposal and she said yes. Sam and Lenora were married on January 4, 1889 in Paola. Lenora was the daughter of Joel and Sara Goodrick. She was born in Miami County on January 28, 1870. She re ceived her early education in Paola public school and fin ished her studies at Ursaline school for girls. She excelled at elocution and rhetoric and also studied classical languages such as Greek and Latin. After she and Sam got married, they moved to a farm near Blue Mound. This is where their first two children were born. In Autumn of 1900, Sam and his nephew John went to check out Oklahoma as a new place to live. Sam loaded in supplies for his family to live on, hitched up the wagon, and he and his nephew, with each having $1000 in the pockets, headed off for Tulsa, Oklahoma. They made it to Bristow, Oklahoma and decided to camp for a week. They found 320 acres of land that they could split. They decided to talk it over, sleep on it, and decide in the morning. Their decision

Osage street in Paola ran east and west through that community called Oakwood. The Oakwood Methodist church was a cornerstone of the community. Lenora Giffin was a faithful member of the church. She taught Sunday school classes there for many years. Her husband, Samuel Giffin, joined the church in 1916. Lenora and Samuel had three sons, Earl, Clyde, and Luther. Earl was the oldest and at this time he and his wife were living in Colorado. Clyde was a soldier in the army and stationed in France. Their youngest son, Luther, was now 14 years old and lived at home to help run the family farm. Sam Giffin bought ad ditional farmland in 1917 in the Oakwood community to expand his homestead. A portion of the newly acquired land ran along what is now Osage street. in the 1920’s, all of the boys and their families had moved back home to the Oakwood community. Sam’s three sons helped him build a large barn and several other outbuild ings along Osage street. In 1927, Sam and his family de cided to build a new house. The boys helped Sam take the screened in porch off the old house and put it on the smokehouse. This is where they lived until the new house was built. The new house was a bungalow style with lap board siding, painted white and it had a large front porch. There were 2 bedrooms, living room, and a large kitchen. Sam and Lenora decided to buy a Model T automobile with a convertible top and then his sons built him a garage to put it in. They had many joyful rides in that car that they called a “hoopie”. In 1929, Sam’s oldest brother, Daniel, decided to sell his farm in Nebraska and move to the Oakwood community to live with Sam and Lenora. He had lost his wife a year earlier and he had no children. He was an elderly Southern gentleman with a mustache and a goatee. He had a good sense of humor and he was very proper in his manner isms. He joined the Oakwood Methodist church and was well versed in bible knowledge and other religious matters. Daniel Giffin died at his brother’s house on December 14, 1931. He was then moved to Pawnee, Nebraska for burial. In the following years, Sam fell ill and after never recover ing, he died on September3, 1941. He was buried at Blue Mound, Kansas. Lenora and her son Earle took care of the farm and family affairs until she fell ill and died on April 9, 1957 . She was buried by her husband at the Blue Mound cemetery. Their gravesites actually overlook the place they once lived when they were first married.

was that Kansas looked better so they packed up the wagon and come back home. In 1901 Sam moved the family to the Oakwood community in Paola. This is where their third son Luther was born. Sam and Lenora did well on the farm. Sam became a dealer in mules and even furnished several for use in World War I.

Vincent Thorpe

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AFTER THOUGHT The Giffin homeplace in Oakwood has since disappeared. The house was sold and moved off the property and all the other farm buildings were taken down. All that was left that has been found was one of Lenora’s canning jars, a broken chair leg, a board off the old smokehouse, and a harness ring where the old ban once stood. And a broken shovel from Sam’s old plow is all that remains of the Giffin that once lived there. It could be remembered of Lenora fixing meals in the kitch en for the farmhands at harvest time. She would get up early, get a fire started in the kitchen range, and start pre paring her meal. By noon the tables were all set with table cloths and dinnerware. She always had meats, vegetables, breads, and beverages. Some of her happiest moments of her life now were when she would go to the mailbox and find a “Round Robin” letter from all of her sisters. She enjoyed it so much that she would read all the letters many times. She would then write her letter, replace the one letter that she had written previously, and mail all of the letters to another sister. All

of the sisters maintained that custom until the last years of their lives. Lenora would sit at the table at the end of each day, fire up the kerosene lamp, and read her bible. She would write explanations of each verse in the margins. Her bible was a theological goldmine. She had many fine qualities and patience was her finest virtue. Vincent Thorpe

Gift Certificates for Christmas at Miami County Historical Museum. Looking for what to get that hard to buy for person on your Christmas list. If they are interested in Genealogy and want to do family tree , why not start at Miami County Historical Museum. We have a great Geneaology person in Iris Kluber that could help you learn and develop your family tree. We have gift certificates that you can buy for a amount of your choice. Buy a membership for that person for $25 and that gets the Genealogy done for half price. This would be something interesting to do this winter. We can do the research or you can learn. Also you will be supporting your local museum. Volunteer opportunities are possible too.

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The Edith Williams Story We would like to introduce Edith Williams, or Grandma Edith as she is affectionately known at Sunflower Elemen tary. The sun shone brightly February 18, 1928 in Sunkist, Okla homa. Jancy, a lovely young Choctaw woman, went into la bor and with the helped of her own mother brought little Edith into this world. She was born into the Choctaw tribe and had an older brother and sister. When she was three her mother past away and her Aunt Sissy Belvin filled the void. One day a social worker came to her home and helped the family fill out applications for school. Until this time her sib lings had attended public school. Edith was seven and had to leave home to attend Wheelock Academy, an all-girls school for Native Americans. She had only spoken Choc taw but now they expected her to speak and use English – she was not allowed to speak Choctaw any longer. She remembers that she did not like school, cried, and wanted to go home but her older sister kept telling her she would be fine and to make friends with the other girls her age. All the girls her age slept in a large room lined with bunk beds called a sleeping dorm. Older girls were able to live in smaller quarters with only a few to a room. She attended Wheelock through the eighth grade. After eighth grade she had a conversation with her father about going on to high school. She informed him that she wanted to go to Haskell in Kansas. Her father said it was okay to do what she wanted to do. So, Edith started high school in September of 1945 with five other girls from Wheelock. She wasn’t really sure where Haskell was but she soon found out. Some of her other classmates went to Chilocco Indian School in northern Oklahoma while oth ers went to Sequoyah in Chickasha, Oklahoma. At Haskell her English class was tough but the teacher, Ms. Crawgrass, was her favorite. She spent four years living in Winona Hall.

We are so pleased she is with us here today.Growing up she remembers a favorite dish – hominy with pork. She said that it was nothing like today’s hominy. She recalls using an apparatus that would crack the dry corn before it was cooked along with the pork. Desserts were seldom except for the occasional cake.

Sunflower staff and students have had the privilege of seeing Edith’s traditional dress that is a beautiful turquois color. It is one that she has worn to several tribal events. One such event takes place in Tuskahoma, the Trail of Tears Walk. She says all of the dresses are so pretty and there are so many beautiful colors.

We have been blessed to have Grandma Edith help, love, and care for our students for the last 21 years at Sunflow er Elementary. Edith also helps at Lake Mary during times that Sunflower is not in session. During her lifetime Edith has worked in a sewing factory, at King Radio, and in a nurs ing home. She has informed me that next year will be her last year at Sunflower but she will continue to help at Lake Mary. She is an amazing and inspiring YOUNG 91 year old!!!

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Edith Williams being presenting an award from Jolene Pennington, who later escorted Edith on a tour of the Indian Room. Pictured left to right Ann Benton, Jolene Pen nington, Mike Hursey and Edith Williams

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Arrowhead Flint Knapping Draws Young and Old from Afar Miami County Museum’s first of three Native American tool making demonstrations was a huge success drawing scores of attendees of all ages from as far as Wichita, Lecompton, Independence, Shawnee and Mission. Held on October 10 at the Museum’s front sidewalk, master flint knappers Chris Yackle, a Paola native son, and Barry Carpenter demonstrated the art of crafting an arrowhead from a non-descript stone using special tools to skillfully chip away the stone’s exterior until creating the projectile point of an arrowhead! Chris and Barry followed techniques first perfected by Native Americans some 10,000 years ago. Steve Kaighen, a Native American historian and 1840’s battlefield expert, was also on hand fielding the many questions regarding Miami County Native Americans which then prompted attendees to visit inside focusing on the Museum’s Amer ican Indian Room which overflows with one of the largest collections of Native American Artifacts in the State of Kansas, ranking it as a regional gem. Many attendees immediately planned return visits to the museum with their Scouting Troops, students, and families. The museum encourages schools, educators, and parents to visit whenever possible with special events and tours lead by experts available upon request by calling (913) 731-3917. The final two demonstrations were held on November 7 and 14 from 10-2. November is Native American month. The November 7 demonstration focused on bow making and also include honoring 92 year old Native American Edith Williams by presenting her with a Proclamation announcing November 7th as Native American Day in Paola! Arrow making the final demonstration was held on November 14.

Flint Knappers Chris Yackle and Barry Carpenter demon strate the art of arrowhead making while Steve Kaighen fields questions regarding Native American history at the Miami County Museum in the first of three Native Ameri can tool making demonstrations.

Above are some bows that Chris Yackle has made.

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Chris Yackle demonstrates the art of attaching the flight feathers to the shaft of a new arrow

Rhona Amos from Peculiar Mo toured the museum

Steve Kaighen, a military metal detection expert was in attendance explains the history and uses of the ar tifacts that are on display in the Indian room.

Page 13 Volunteering at the Miami County Museum offers an in-depth view into a new world of history for young and old. If interested, please contact the museum via Facebook, our website (micomuseum.org), or calling (913) 731-3917.

A sample of Leah’s brewing talent. She has her own bottel label

Leah Bond, of the Johnson County Brewing Society, came to the muse um to harvest traces of bacteria on the museum’s old artifacts. She rubs the article with a cotton swab then scrapes the swab across the surface of the nutrient agar plate. Read the next 2 pages to understand what Leah is hoping to accomplish.

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Research Proposal - Expanding local heritage through Culture

Stephen Harrod Buhner’s Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers is extremely thorough but again, that does not include any part of the Great Plains region. These seemingly thorough and in-depth studies do not cov er the greater area in which I live. I want to find out if strains of these bacteria are available through items that have been used in the past. I would like to document these findings. I would like to swab potential sources of local S. Cerevisiae so that a piece of localized culture and history may be add ed to our food and drink. 3. Rationale I want to know if fermented beverages containing alcohol were actually available to the Native population before the interference of European invaders and colonists. The knowledge that may potentially be gained here may serve to deteriorate derogatory and defamatory stereotypes. Was the Native populace in this region once capable of pro ducing a fermented alcoholic beverage or fermented prod ucts in general? The assumption that has been commonly promoted is that of a complete absence of alcohol. That is, until colonization presented itself and these items became available through trade routes or acts of war. If fermented beverages were commonly available before the presence of European invaders, how much bacterial culture might be able to be reclaimed through study and swabbing of various artifacts? How can this potential loss of bacterial cultures from Na tive culture by isolation and propagation - a resurrection of these microbiological organisms be reclaimed? If strains of S. Cerevisiae are found on primarily Native arti facts, it may show a presence of alcohol via either trade or generation through local sources. This data would place the commonly accepted narrative of Native Americans of the Great Plains “never having been exposed to alcohol before the presence of colonists and European invaders” theory into serious question. If I am unable to locate a concentration of S. Cerevisiae in Native artifacts either through swab or plate culture, then the current narrative remains unchallenged. 4. Method and Design Respecting NAGPRA and any Indigenous artifacts involved is a top priority for me if access to any Native or Indigenous artifacts are granted. Ideally, my intention is to collect a series of swabs from items that may hold cultural/historical significance. This would involve wiping the surface area on or inside an ar-

1. Introduction The purpose of this research is to address the lack of Sac charomyces Cerevisiae strains that have originated from points of cultural and historical significance in the Great Plains region of the United States and make them avail able for the user to ferment beverages, breads, and various foodstuffs. The Eastern Hemisphere of our globe touts many strains of well-established microbiota that perform the mundane task of processing our foods for us. These are often and regularly sourced from “common” strains, harvested from the air at their points of origin. These are, more often than not, located on the other side of the globe, and can trace their roots to the belongings of those that came here long before we were born. But what of those that were born here, that place their roots solely in this land? Not only genetic heritage, but a deeper sense of unity might be achieved through adding local, functional entries into our culture’s library of bene ficial bacterial organisms to serve purposes that are often ignored. The common narrative concludes that Native populations were not capable of such things, but Dr. Pat McGovern sug gests that recent archaeological findings provide evidence of fermented corn beverages among the Pueblo tribes dat ing to 800 years ago. “Just go to the store and get a packet of yeast.” Yes, you could do that, and easily so. It’s one of a few strains available. There is so much that we still have left to discover about this region. As both a home brewer and home fermentation enthusiast, I feel that we do not have enough entries in current yeast libraries available for either professional brewery or home use that cite a source in our local area. I am particularly interested in finding sources from historically and culturally relevant points of origin. Dr. Pat McGovern’s Ancient Brews covers South America and the Southwestern Region of the United States, but it does not include any part of the Great Plains region. 2. Background

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generate alcohol or ferment foods. If the presence of S. Cerevisiae were absent from the culture attempts of Native artifacts, the current narrative would re main unchallenged. A control plate would be left open to the air in a generalized vicinity no closer than 75’ where concentrated sampling would take place. To confirm my hypothesis, a higher concentration of S. Cer evisiae would be present in plates swabbed with ideal sam ples from artifacts that would have been used in the past vs. the control plate. To disconfirm: No significant S. Cerevisiae would be present in concentrations that vary from the control plate. Wouldn’t it be appealing to drink a beer that came from a strain of yeast that may have been enjoyed in beverag es past, or might have been responsible for leavening the same breads that just might have been eaten by local prede cessors? Or those of Native Ancestors whose cultural land scape has been rendered barren by vast swipes of coloniza tion, broad and brutal? Or, if you could literally just sample the flavor of the region where you currently reside or hold fond memories of? 5. Significance and Conclusion Buhner, S. H. 1998. Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers: The Secrets of Ancient Fermentation. Boulder, CO: Siris. McGovern, P. E. 2017. Ancient Brews: Rediscovered & Rec reated. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Co. Katz, S. 2014. The Art of Fermentation. White River Junc tion, VT: Chelsea Green. Kania, L. W. 2000. The Alaskan Bootlegger’s Bible: Makin’ beer, wine, liquers and moonshine whiskey; an old Alaskan tells how it’s done. Wasilla, AK: Happy Mountain Publica tions. 6. References

tifact that may have held liquid material at one point in time. The swab would be stored in a sealed environment until wiped across a nutrient agar plate, at which point any organisms that remained on the surface of the cotton swab would have an opportunity to grow and populate the sur face of the nutrient plate. At this time, the organism could be identified and allowed to multiply if so desired. Being able to say “I brewed this beer with the same strain that was found at this location?” I think a statement and experience like that would hold enormous benefit for both the creator of said item and the individuals that would consume it. I feel it would allow the relationship between user and the geographic area to deep en, furthering the relationship between the land and the person that lives upon it, supplying a sort of window or con nection into the past that otherwise would not exist. Even if the attempted swabs and nutrient cultures are not effective, we can state that an attempt has been made. I do not know if any similar research has been conducted before in this area. As previously stated, recognizing and respecting NAGPRA, any artifacts, history and tradition is a priority for me. The act of gently wiping a cotton swab across the surface area of an artifact, and in instances where that is not an option due to artifact fragility, placing an agar nutrient plate in close proximity to the artifact in question, in an attempt to capture any airborne remnants that may exist around the artifact would be ideal. I want to respect the honor and integrity of any and all that may be impacted by the actions that I have requested to complete this research. I would like to swab or place agar nutrient plates near arti facts of varying purpose, impact, and origin. My goal in this undertaking is to harvest a potential micro bial library of various strains of S. Cerevisiae. I intend to use these microbes in processing beverages and varied food stuffs. The greatest achievement would be having the abili ty and data to strongly suggest that Natives of the Plains re gions would have had access to and the ability to generate alcoholic or other fermented foodstuffs either on their own or through trade route practices prior to the intervention of European/Colonial invaders. If higher concentrations of like strains of S. Cerevisiae were to be cultivated via swab or nutrient plate exposure, this data would challenge the common narrative that the Great Plains Native populations lacked the knowledge or ability to

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‘A Story of Christmas’

By Bill Vaughan The Kansas City Star

Tell me a story of Christmas,” she said. The television mumbled faint inanities in the next room. From a few houses down the block came the sound of car doors slamming and guests being greeted with large cordiality. Her father thought awhile. His mind went back over the interminable parade of Christmas books he had read at the bedside of his children. “Well, “he started, tentatively, “Once upon a time, it was the week before Christmas, and all the little elves at the North Pole were sad. ” “I’m tired of elves,” she whispered. And he could tell she was tired, maybe almost as weary as he was himself after the last few fever ish days. OK,” he said. “There was once, in a city not very far from here, the cutest wriggly little puppy you ever saw. The snow was falling, and this little puppy didn’t have a home. As he walked along the streets, he saw a house that looked quite a bit like our house. And at the window …” “Was a little girl who looked quite a bit like me,” she said with a sigh. “I’m tired of puppies. I love Pinky, of course. I mean story puppies.” “OK,” he said. “No puppies. This narrows the field. ” “What?” “Nothing. I’ll think of something. Oh, sure. There was a forest, way up in the North, farther even than where Uncle Ed lives. And all the trees were talking about how each one was going to be the grandest Christmas tree of all. One said, ‘I am going to be a Christmas tree, too.’ And all the trees laughed and laughed and said: ‘A Christmas tree? You? Who would want you?’ ” “No trees, Daddy,” she said. “We have a tree at school and at Sunday school and at the supermarket and downstairs and a little one in my room. I am very tired of trees. ” “You are very spoiled,” he said. “Hmmm,” she replied. “Tell me a Christmas story. ” “Let’s see. All the reindeer up at the North Pole were looking forward to pulling Santa’s sleigh. All but one, and he felt sad because,” he began with a jolly ring in his voice but quickly realized that this wasn’t going to work either. His daughter didn’t say anything; she just looked at him reproachfully. Tired of reindeer, too?” he asked. “Frankly, so am I. How about Christmas on the farm when I was a little boy? Would you like to hear about how it was in the olden days, when my grandfather would heat up bricks and put them in the sleigh and we’d all go for a ride? ” “Yes, Daddy,” she said, obediently. “But not right now. Not tonight.” He was silent, thinking. His repertoire, he was afraid, was exhausted. She was quiet, too. Maybe, he thought, I’m home free. Maybe she has gone to sleep. “Daddy,” she murmured. “Tell me a story of Christmas.” Then it was as though he could read the words, so firmly were they in his memory. Still holding her hand, he leaned back: “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed …” Her hand tightened a bit in his, and he told her a story of Christmas.

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WHO: Miami County Historical Museum

WHAT: *Nominations for the open positions of:

•President •Secretary •Director – Wea Township Resident (or Representative) Nominee must BE A MUSEM MEMBER AND consent to accept THE position prior to nomination

WHEN: At December 8 Board Meeting OR Call Nominating Committee Chair noted Below PRIOR to December 8

WHERE: Miami County Historical Museum, 12 E. Peoria Street, Paola, KS

Nina Gerken – 913 594-7036 Ann Davis – 913 731-7869 Ann Benton – 913 259-9839

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The following pages are from an 1891 photo album of folks that were the elite members of Paola sociality in the late 1800s.

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Miami County Publications--Inventory Clearance Sale TOMORROW IS ANOTHER TOWN The Anatomy of a Circus An autobiography by James R. Patterson A history of the Great Patterson Shows when the circus maintained winter quarters in Paola All the following publications will have sales tax, postage & handling added to the listed price Journies of Ursuline Academy & College, soft-back $35.00 History of Paola 1855-1955 by Bernice Wallace $9.50 Paola Accounts in Living Memory Last Half Century $5.00 Family Histories and Stories of Miami County, Kansas, 1987 VOL I Excess Inventory Sale $20.00 All cemetery books are available on a CD that must be read with a computer. The contents are in the PDF format that is search-able with Adobe reader. You can find a grave location in just a second. All CDs are $15.00 each Cemeteries of Miami County, Vol. I (rural south 2/3 of county)-CD ONLY Beagle, Block, Cashman, Daganett, Debrick, Fontana; Frank, Greenvalley, Herman, Highland, Hodges, Indianapolis, Jingo, Lessenden, Mannen, Miami, County Poor Farm, Mound Creek/Mount Nebo, New Hope, New Lancaster, Rockville, Settle, Spring Grove, Stanton, Whiteford and Wilson-Raymer Cemeteries of Miami County, Vol. II (north 1/3 of county ) CDONLY Antioch, Ayers, Bucyrus, Old Marysville, Hillsdale (old & new), Louisburg (old & new), Pleasant Valley, Rock Creek, Scott’s Valley, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Wagstaff, Wea, Holy Rosary, (Lane & Shively in Franklin Co.) Index of Taxpayers of Miami County, 1878 Lists of land owners or residents $3.00 The Story of Paola, 1857-1950 by McLachlin Softback Part 1 and Hardback Part 2 with Index to both parts Sold as a set $19.50 Softback Part 1 $5.00 index only for original book owners $5.00 Barns of Miami County, Kansas 457 old barns in full color 136 pages $20.00 Paola High School 150 years proud1857-2007 $25.00 Cliff Wright’s, World War II For One, $18.00 and Kansas Folklore $21.00 Lest We Forget (List of Osawatomie Alumni) $5.00 Paola High School Alumni 1888-1988 $5.00 Paola 150 Year Timeline on DVD $20.00 New Publication Tax included price $ 28.00 plus P&H New Publication Tax included price $ 28.00 plus P&H DVD now available Reduced Now only $20.00 Family Histories and Stories of Miami County, Kansas, 1998 VOL II Hardback

Please make checks to: Miami County museum 12 East Peoria, Paola, Kansas 66071-0123 Phone 913-294-4940

Lost Years -Miami Indians in Kansas $10.00 Our new e-mail: micomuseum@gmail.com Web site: https://micomuseum.org

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E-mail micomuseum@gmail.com Web site https://micomuseum.org

Mi. Co. History Museum 12 East Peoria

Paola, Kansas 66071 Phone 913-294-4940

Paving the Way to Heritage Walk A feeling of community spirit and support is growing in Paola . Paola's historic district, the downtown square and the park, is the focal point of Paola. The Heritage Walk is located in the center of the park near the gazebo; it provides a unique opportunity for you to memorialize a relative or a former/current resident of our communi ty with a brick engraved with their name added to the hundreds already placed in the Walk . The Park was given to the City of Paola by Baptiste Peoria when the town was founded . He specified that the Park must be used as a park forever. Over the years the Gazebo, the fountain, the sidewalks, and landscaping has been added to the park. Children's play equipment and benches were added so that families could enjoy spend ing time in the park. Engraved bricks may be placed individually, or may be grouped for family members,school classes, etc . Each brick may have two lines engraved with 14 letters and spaces on each line. Holidays and birthdays are the perfect times to order a brick for that 'hard to suit' person on your list or a way to assure that relative or friend will never be forgotten in Paola. You may request an application at www.info@thinkmiamicountyhistory.com or you may pick up an application at Miami County Historical Museum at 12 East Peoria Street (913) 294-4940 Please mail your completed application(s) along with a check for $40 for each brick requested to Miami County Historical Museum at 12 East Peoria Street Paola, KS 66071. We will notify you when your application(s) has been received, and the brick(s) will be installed as soon as pos sible . Each brick may have 2 lines with 14 letters and spaces. Brick 1 Brick __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Address__________________________________________________________ City_________________________________ State____ Zip _________ Phone_____________ Number of bricks ordered ______ @ $40 each Check enclosed $_______________ The Miami County Museum has partnered with the Miami County Veteran’s Memorial to be an information center for the history of veterans who live/lived in Miami County, Kansas. Veterans whose names are on the wall plus all veteran’s information are welcome. Individual files will be kept on each veteran from information received at the museum. The information can provide a glimpse into the life of the veteran, which will be available to family, relatives and others. Information can be used for genealogy purposes. Information as to service, rank, newspapers articles, pictures, war stories, parents, siblings, letters, schools at tended, marriage and children requested. Death and obit if applicable. Anything of interest can be submitted that the family would want their veteran to be remembered by. Information can be mailed or dropped off at the museum. New email address is micomuseum@gmail.com. Names for the memorial wall or bricks can be purchased at the Museum or Dengle and Son’s Mortuary in Paola, KS. Phone 913-294-2372. Name _____________________________ E-mail ______________________________

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