Category Archives: History

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, History

Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Is October 3-6: A History of Rural American Culture

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Pioneer Harvest Fiesta began from an interest in rural American cultural history and some early members’ interest in steam power which they had experienced in railroad employment and farm use, according to Davin Reichard, Vice President of the PHF board.

“The PHF is an organization interested in equipment, machinery, and other technology characteristic of rural American culture particularly during the first half of the twentieth century, and in sharing this with others,” Reichard said. “Typical exhibits include steam engines, tractors and stationary engines, quilts, threshing machines and other farm equipment, hand tools, and other items used in rural life in the early to mid-1900s.”

The PHF organization began in 1956 and their first show was in 1957.

Visitors will experience educational and historic exhibits, refreshments, and live musical entertainment all weekend, according to https://pioneerharvestfiesta.com/

All three days are alive with Steam Engines, Blacksmiths, Food and Flea Market Vendors, Drag Saw Demonstrations, Tractors & Gas Engines on Display, Baker Fan Demonstrations, Tractor Pull, and a Garden Tractor Pull.  Quilt Show, Straw Bailing, Wheat Thrashing, Corn Husking/Shelling, Sorghum Making Demonstration, Rock Crushing, Saw Mill Operation, Car Show, and many more exciting events! It’s one great weekend to kick off Fall in the 4-state’s region! It’s the 68th annual Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds in Historic Fort Scott, Kansas.

New at the event this year is a demonstration of sorghum cane processing and cooking.

Sorghum is an ancient grain and pro-planet protein source packed with nutrients. Sorghum is a versatile crop that can be grown as a grain, forage, or sweet crop and is one of the top five cereal crops in the world, according to https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/sorghum-101/

Photo from Sorghum Checkoff.

This will be the second year of the car show at PHF.

The Bourbon County Fairgrounds are located at 2102 S Huntington Blvd., Fort Scott, KS 66701

The annual Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Parade is  Thursday, October 3 at 6 p.m. in downtown Fort Scott on Main Street.

The main fairground event is Friday through Sunday, Oct. 4 -6, 2024.

Admission

This year’s full weekend admission is only $5 per person and includes a collector button and the Friday Bean Feed at 5 PM. For children under age 12, admission is FREE, but admission does not include a button. Prior year collector buttons are available for $1.

Officers

Current officers of the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Board are  President Craig Shikles; Vice President Davin Reichard; Secretary Betsy Readinger; and Treasurer Delphine Parks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, History

Fort Scott Broadcasting Celebrates 70 Years In Business

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Tim and Deb McKenney at the KS Department of Commerce  2023 awards ceremony. The McKenney family has operated the radio station in Fort Scott for 70 years. Submitted photo.

Seventy years ago,  KMDO1600 Radio signed on the air in Fort Scott.

From October 7 through 11, the station will celebrate its 70th anniversary featuring the music of the 50s through the 90s.

The McKenney family has owned and operated the local radio business for the past 70 years, providing contemporary hit music, news, weather, sports, and public service announcements to the community.

Celebration Week at The Radio Station Oct. 7-11

In October 2024, music of the different decades will be featured, and some former disc jockeys will be on the air in the studios again.

During the week of October 7-11, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., the radio station will play special music from the different decades in which it has served the community.

On Monday, music from the 1950s will be featured, Tuesday will feature 60s music, Wednesday, 70s music, Thursday, 80s music and Friday, music from the 1990s.

The Trading Post is a daily program where one can buy, sale, trade or give away items.

Special Trading Post program for the anniversary celebration will be Tim  Mckenney and Ron Palmer on Monday, Oct. 7; Charlene Keating, Becky Allen, and Kirby Ham, on Tuesday Oct. 8; Gary Palmer and Deb Mckenney on Oct. 9th, and  Larry Gazaway and Pam Hutchison on Friday Oct. 11th.

The Beginning

Jim McKenney. Submitted photo.

Lloyd James (Jim) McKenney built several stations in the late 40s and early 50s, including the first stations in Carthage, Monnet, Cassville, and Branson, MO, and Iola, KS.

Jim McKenney built  KMDO-AM radio station in Fort Scott, signing on for the first time on Oct. 7, 1954, in the vicinity of where Tractor Supply is today, with six employees.

The old radio station. Submitted photo.

“Jim had five sons and a daughter,” Deb said.  “Several of the sons worked at KMDO in the early years, however, Tim, after starting on- air in 1969, worked there on and off until 1980, when he returned full-time and built 103.9FM (KOMB).  Tim has been manager of the radio stations since 1980 and owner since 1996.”

“The studios and transmitters were south of town on Hwy. 69 originally in the area of Tractor Supply,” Deb said.  “In 1990, we moved the studios and offices to the building we are now located in at 2 N. National and moved the tower and transmitters to a site where Walmart is presently located.  In 2006, we moved the towers from that site to two separate sites.  The KMDO tower is now located south of town in the industrial park and the 103.9FM tower is located about seven miles northwest of Fort Scott on 7 Highway.”

Deb started on the air at the station in the early 1980s and has worked with her husband in almost every function of the business since that time.

Serving the Public

They regularly broadcast city, county, and school talk shows in the Fort Scott area to keep people informed about current happenings in the area.

The radio station’s goal has been to serve the public interest, she said.

“We do that by broadcasting things of interest and/or service to our listeners,” she said.  These include local news, weather, sports, music and public service announcements.  We air weekly programs that inform listeners about what’s going on in our school systems, talks with our city manager about things going on in the city and talks with our county commissioners about what’s going on in the county. Broadcast Tiger games!  And of course, we play music for folks too!”

Through the years, technology has changed, “but our clients and staff have been faithful,” she said.

The rest of the current broadcast crew besides Deb and Tim is Darla Ramsey, the office manager;  Deana Wade, Angie King, and Angie Martin,  sales executives;  on-air personnel include “Downtown” Keith Brown, Charlene Bolinger, Carlos Muniz, and Jonah Cooke and they also have contract engineers.

Fort Scott Broadcasting is located at 2 N. National in Downtown Historic Fort Scott and can be reached at  620-223-4500.

State Recognition

In 2023, Fort Scott Broadcasting Co. Inc was recognized as the Southeast Kansas Regional Winner in Retail and Service by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards is an annual awards program that recognizes businesses across the state for the valuable contributions they make to the Kansas economy and to the well-being of their communities, according to https://www.kansascommerce.gov/kansasbusinessawards/.

 

Fort Scott Broadcasting is the parent company of KMDO-AM, and KOMB-FM and is located at 2 N. National Avenue.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Friends of the Fort Annual Meeting Tonight: Featured Speaker: All Are Welcome

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site…

The public is invited to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site (FSNHS) being held TONIGHT at the Herbert House located at 512 S. Judson.

This meeting will feature a program “The Greatest Test of Courage: A Story of WWII and the Philippines”, presented by Ronda Hassig. The program begins at 6pm. Light appetizer refreshments will be served.

Join us to learn about the Friends work on behalf of FSNHS and a little known WWII story in one of Fort Scott premier historic homes.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.

September 16, 2024

512 S. Judson St.

6pm
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, History, Youth

Lowell Milken Center Announces Discovery Awards Semi-Finalists

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August 12, 2024

Vol. 6

Announcing the

2024 Discovery Award Semi-Finalists

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is excited to announce the 2024 Discovery Award Semi-Finalists!

The Discovery Award celebrates students who shine a light on unsung heroes through documentaries, performances, or websites. These young researchers are making history by uncovering stories of role models who changed history.

LMC News

We welcomed enthusiastic visitors from the Burlington Recreation Center in Burlington, KS, on Friday. They received a program and explored the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes.
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Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Join Fort Scott NHS for the Sights and Sounds of American Independence

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Fort Scott, Kan. – Celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.

 

On Thursday, July 4th, we will fire artillery, lead Fort tours, and honor all those who have fought for our freedom with a 21 gun salute.

 

THURSDAY, JULY 4

9 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration

3 p.m. – Small Arms (musket) Demonstration/ 21 gun salute to our nation

 

Visitors and community members are reminded that fireworks are not permitted on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site.

 

Park buildings will be open from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. July 4th, but the bookstore will be closed. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

 

Government, History, Kansas

80th Anniversary Day of American Victory in WWII Observed

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Governor Kelly Commemorates
80th Anniversary of D-Day at
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum


ABILENE — Governor Laura Kelly today joined veterans of World War II, the Eisenhower Foundation, and local, state, and federal leaders at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum to observe the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“As we commemorate the 80 years since D-Day, we pay tribute to the men and women who bravely fought in World War II,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “General Eisenhower’s leadership and expertise were invaluable in carrying out this successful operation, which laid the foundation for the peace he championed throughout his lifetime. May we never forget the sacrifices and stories of those who served.”

The D-Day operation brought together land, air, and sea armed forces on the beaches of Normandy in World War II. Under the leadership of Kansan and then-General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the operation resulted in France’s liberation and the Allied forces’ subsequent victory.

“Today, we honor those who served and those who gave their all to end the last World War,” said Meredith Sleichter, Executive Director of the Eisenhower Foundation. “As one of the first organizations formed to honor World War II veterans, the Eisenhower Foundation is honored to hold this event alongside the global commemoration of D-Day. We do this to ensure we do not forget the sacrifices made to ensure the freedoms we still hold dear today.”

The Eisenhower Foundation was formed in 1945 to honor President Eisenhower through programs and events that celebrate his legacy. The D-Day remembrance ceremony included a wreath-laying and certificates of honor for 21 World War II veterans.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Dance, Song and Storytelling: The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers At The Fort

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Carl Brenner, Fort Scott National Historic Site, introduces the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers to the audience on the fort’s grounds on June 1. To the right is the singer/drummer for the troupe.

As part of the Good Ol’ Days event, Native American dancers entertained the audience on the grounds of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers, a professional Native American dance troupe from Norman, displayed song, dance, and storytelling on June 1 at the site.
A young audience member converses during the dance troupe performance.

The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers are a group of powwow champions that formed a professional Native American dance troupe. All the dancers are enrolled tribal members, most full-blood, representing various tribes. The dance regalia worn by each dancer is brilliantly colorful, traditional, and representative of the dancer’s tribe and dance performed, according to:  https://www.arts.ok.gov/Oklahoma_Performing_Artists/Oklahoma_Fancy_Dancers.html?

The audience is asked to join the dance troupe in a social dance.

The dance show was educational, informational, and entertaining, showcasing various traditional American Indian tribal dances and storytelling.

The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers in their dance regalia.

 

The day also included an artillery demonstration/discussion, some ranger-guided site tours, the Windy Hollow Folk Music group, and the dancers.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, of the National Park Service, has exhibit areas and a visitor center currently open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To learn more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please get in touch with the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc. 

 
Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Learn About the ‘Good Ol’ Days’ at Fort Scott National Historic Site 

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Photo credit: NPS

 

Fort Scott, Kan. – Join a ranger for a walk back in time to the “Good’ Ol’ Days” Saturday, June 1, 2024. Programs and living history activities will be ongoing from 9:30 am – 3 pm. All activities are free and open to the public. To find out more, please contact the park at 620-223-0310.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

9:30 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration/Discussion

10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

10 a.m. – Windy Hollow Folk Music (10-2)

11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration/Discussion

1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

2 p.m. – Oklahoma Fancy Dancers (Native American Cultural Presentation)

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are currently open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, History, Youth

Shead Farm Homestead Festival: Learning To Produce What You Need AND More

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Since the pandemic, many people have been looking at a lifestyle that includes purchasing local products and growing their food, or at the least, knowing nearby local producers.
The fourth annual Shead Farm Homestead Festival event will happen on May 18, southeast of Fort Scott. This educational and family-fun event has attempted to help those people.
Photo opportunities will be available at the festival. Submitted photo.
Homesteading is moving towards food security by means of producing one’s own animals and gardens.
Larry and Vickie Shead and their extended family have provided people with an event where people can gather tips on gardening, homesteading,  grafting fruit trees, beekeeping,  orchard care, and soap-making, and many others.
Vickie and Larry Shead, 2020, from her Facebook page.
This year over 50 vendors related to homesteading, along with family activities are scheduled.
Besides new vendors and activities, there will be a speakers’ tent where people can listen to a question and answer time on various homestead topics.
“A chapel is provided for those who may need prayer or just want some  Biblical insight,” Vickie said.
Over 150 volunteers have been working to create a memorable time, on Saturday, May 18, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Tickets are $5.00 each or $25.00 for a family of five or more.
“There will be good old fashion and exciting, memory-making events that young and old will not want to miss,” Vickie said.  “There are plenty of places to sit down and relax for a good visit with old friends and neighbors while watching the exciting activities taking place.”
Historical demonstrations to view: blacksmithing, broom making, butter making, wooden spoon making, leather working, rock wall building, and a weaver who demonstrates on an 1864 old barn wood loom, as well as showing how to spin. There will be a Model T Ford and a Model A Ford for viewing with early 1900s music playing on a Victrola nearby.
Educational vendors will share information on growing microgreens, making butter, washing clothes without electricity, creating with macrame, making goat milk soap, milking a cow, making jams and jellies, and creating pictures with pastels.  One can also learn about making pottery, sourdough bread, and how to harvest maple syrup.  And many beautiful quilts will be on display, she said.
“Children can enjoy the Children’s Center’s huge tent full of new, fun, educational, and exciting activities,” Vickie said.  “The little children can gather bugs in their bag and turn them in for a prize.  Face painting and a Story Station give a moment of rest for children. New this year will be a huge sand pile with treasures to find.  New, also a Kids’ Corner Store with many farm and educational toys.”
An Animal Arena displays donkeys, goats, dogs, cows, sheep, and a pig. Poultry will be roaming the area with peacocks, chickens, guineas, ducks, turkeys, and quail. Children and adults can learn the techniques of roping along with other fun animal activities, and additionally, there will be kittens, rabbits, and quail.
The Food Court has expanded to include pulled pork sandwiches, as well as the festival’s famous Walking Tacos, she said. Snacks are in abundance with kettle corn and homemade potato chips, cotton candy, and bakery bargains. Snack Shack items are dried candy fruits, and many other snacks.
“A variety of refreshing drinks will be available such as hot and cold coffees, cocoa; lemonade, and homemade refreshing root beer,” she said.
“Hope to see you all for this wonderful family and friend’s event,” she said.
An aerial view of the Shead Farm Homestead Festival. Submitted photo.
Gordon Parks Museum, History

Gordon Parks Museum offers Hughes-Parks Traveling Exhibit Display

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Fort Scott, Kan. April. 15, 2024 – A panel-display exhibit featuring the collaborations and connections between Gordon Parks and Langston Hughes is now available for temporary loan-out to educational entities and organizations across the state of Kansas.

Titled “Harlem Renaissance and the Renaissance Man,” the display highlights and explores the history, journey and friendship of the two men, one a poet (Hughes) and the other a photographer (Parks), and their impact on the arts.

 

The museum has four identical versions of the panel display ready to travel to schools, colleges, universities, libraries, etc. The displays were made possible through an award grant with Humanities Kansas and support by Kansas Tourism.

 

“The exhibit display creates a great opportunity in helping to keep both of the legacies and triumphs of Langston Hughes and Gordon Parks alive,” said Kirk Sharp, museum, executive director.

 

The panels are 36-inches-by-91-inches and include graphics, photos and text information and a QR code. They come with a carrying case with wheels that can easily be moved for display at varying locations. There is no charge for renting the displays, but certain fees might apply for delivery, set-up, shipping, etc.

 

For more information, contact the museum by phone at (620) 223-2700, ext. 5850, or by email at [email protected].

 

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Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, History

CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE FEATURED THIS WEEKEND

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Dee Young along with Wayne and Barrett Young will provide the music and instruction for the Civil War Camp Dance to be held at Memorial Hall on April 20.

CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE FEATURED THIS WEEKEND

Dust off your dancing shoes and mark your calendar for the Civil War Camp Dance this Saturday, April 20.  The fun filled evening, hosted by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc., is being held at Memorial Hall 1 East 3rd Street in Fort Scott and will feature 19th century music, Victorian dance instruction and light refreshments.  Doors open at 6:30 pm with dancing to begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Period dress is encouraged but not required.

Dancing was a favorite form of entertainment during the Victorian era (1840s-1890s) and especially during the Civil War as it offered respite from the worries and horrors of a war that affected the entire nation. Come find some respite from your own busy schedule as you are transported to times past.  All ages are welcome and no prior dance experience is necessary to enjoy the evening.

This event is being offered in conjunction with Fort Scott National Historic Site’s (FSNHS) Civil War Encampment. For more information concerning FSNHS’s Civil War Encampment go www.nps.gov/fosc.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.