Newsletter - Fall 2025
Pickin’ Pork, Pie, and the Pub all Popular with Patrons
Songs filled the air, drinks flowed, good food was enjoyed, and most importantly friends spent time together. It was the seventh of September, and the scene was Ladybird Brewing, the event was Pick-in’, Pork, and Pie at the Pub put on by the Cowley County Historical Society. More than one hundred-twenty-five people showed up to listen to music provided by Mandolin Monroe, the Friendly Strings and MC Seth Bate.
The fundraiser for the Cowley County Historical Society Museum was a tremendous success, raising two thousand dollars for the museum. Participants not only got to enjoy the wonderful entertainment but also were provided a meal consisting of a pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw, baked beans, and a slice of one of the more than twenty pies provided by museum friends.
The whole event was made possible by a host of volunteers at the museum. From those who served, to those who cooked, and even the pair of wonderful ladies who sold tickets at the entrance to the venue, everyone came together to make a memorable event. A special thanks also go out to Lady Bird Brewing for opening up their space and their hearts for the museum, as well as providing all the beverages for the event.
Cowley Citizens Return to Tell Their Tales
On October 12th a bustling scene could be found at Highland Cemetery. The Museum’s Voices of the Past presentation was well attended, as re-enactors presented histories of seven different former citizens of the area. Thanks go to Brad Beeson, Bill Mueller, Mary Jarvis, Dr. Chris Wilson, Greg Thompson, and Rich Veatch for presenting our historical citizens. Corinne Hinson, and LeAnne Lauffer also were on hand to act as tour guides to varied historic graves. It was a wonderful event with great attendance.
Memorial Park Rededication
On November 11th at eleven o’clock, one-hundred years to the day and hour, Memorial Park in Winfield was rededicated. Citizens filled the park to watch the ceremony including students from several local schools. The museum had representatives on hand to receive a plaque commemorating the event.
As part of the event, Ark City citizen, Cliff Gottlob was recognized and presented with a group of awards honoring his service to his country in Vietnam. He had earned the honors 60 years previously and was surprised to receive them in front of the crowd.
Geuda Springs, EHU’s, and Island Park: Oh My!
September
“Remembering Geuda Springs in its Heyday” presented by Gary Learned. Gary shared pictures, maps, and fascinating stories of Geuda Springs from the early 1880’s when it received nationwide publicity for “healing springs” through the 1920’s.
October
“Remembering the EHU (Extension Homemakers Units) of Cowley County” presented by Cindy Goertz. Cindy shared the history of the Cowley County Extension units from the 1920’s through the 1990’s with pictures and stories of the many active units in the county. She also shared many of the memories and pictures of Margaret Neal, former Cowley County Home Demonstration Agent. Following her presentation former members of several of the units shared their stories and some of their favorite memories.
November
“Memories of Island Park” presented by Mary Hartley. Mary shared her memories of Island Park and those of her family from the 1920’s and the Chautauqua through the 50’s with many pictures. She fondly remembered all the unique playground equipment and the joys of playing there as a child and a teenager. Following her presentation others shared their favorite memories of the park.
New Board Members for New Year
Every October comes with a bit of a shake up at the museum. It is at that time that Board of Directors revolve. Some finish there three year terms and move on, or in some cases they are required to take a year off after several terms of service. As this happens new board members step up to help steer the ship that is Cowley County Historical Society Museum.
This October one board member stepped down, feeling like she was too busy to continue with the museum, and Lindsey Rice will be missed. In her place two people have joined the board. One to replace Lindsey and another to step into an empty seat and fill the board to its twelve members.
Becky Winblad of Winfield joins the Board of Directors as a new member. You might recognize her from as a member of The Loose Ends band, or from her time with First American Title. We are happy to welcome a new face and new ideas to the board.
Becky Winblad
Bill Mueller is a returning Emeritus Board Member, having served multiple times on the board previously. You can still find Bill serving the community in the uniform of Cowley County Sheriff’s Department. Bill represents continuity for the board, already being familiar with the boards work and goals.
Bill Mueller
A Tradition Continues
The Southwestern Lady Builders Basketball Team prepared the CCHSM membership packets that were sent out in late September. This is the 6th year the team has helped with this big project. Without their help this task would have taken much longer than an hour! Thank you, SC Lady Builders, for your help!
Recognition Dinner
On November 6 CCHS hosted the annual Fall Volunteer/Member Appreciation Dinner at Baden Square. A slideshow high-lighting the volunteers and activities of the museum during the past year was presented. Volunteers and sponsors for the dinner were recognized, and a brief summary of the year’s activities was provided by Julie Mignone, president of the CCHS board of directors. She thanked all the volunteers and members for their support during the year. Without our dedicated volunteers the museum would not be able to hold the many events and provide the services that we are able to provide for the community. A big thank you to our members as well for their continued support that enables us to do the many things we are able to do.
The family history of O.B. Wise reunited with his descendant
Finding Homes for Wayward Artifacts
As you probably already know all our artifacts and archival materials come from our community, and it is wonderful. Occasionally, it presents an issue. From time to time someone has an object or document that they know is worth preserving, but either does not truly link to the museum’s mission of preserving Cowley County history or is of such a personal nature that it is not appropriate to the museum. What do we do with those items? We help find them a home. Our effort to relocate these items is often overlooked. One recent example saw us reuniting a massive amount of personal family documents and genealogy research that had been found by the purchaser of a home in the area, with the family it belonged with. Another effort was made recently when a local Mason, Robert Ward, had some memorabilia of his father’s time in with the organization, the problem was that the father had been involved in Texas branches of the organization. After some research and outreach the museum was able to act as a go between for Robert and the Grand Lodge of Texas. It was discovered that James, Robert’s father, had held a high position in the Texas Lodge and they were happy to take in memorabilia of his time in the Lodge and plan on including it in one of their own historical displays. Whether it is yearbooks, or family histories, or artifacts of peoples and places outside our county, we count it as part of our mission to help keep those items preserved. All of it is part of what we do at the Cowley County Historical Society Museum.
Local Mason sends artifacts to Texas Grand lodge for display.
Masonic Artefacts with the Grand Secretary of Texas
More than Halloween for Museum and Community in October
October every year brings to mind ghosts, goblins, and other creepies and crawlies. Hopefully it also suggests community. With several local events focused on bringing the local community together in Cowley County. From Arkalalah, Halloween celebrations, to Community Night Out in Winfield.
The museum was lucky enough to participate for the first time in the Winfield Community Night Out at Island Park. The event is held and organized by the police department and acts as a venue for many organizations in the area to showcase what they bring to the community. There are live demonstrations, and booths where anyone can get to know their Cowley County organizations better.
The museum had both a booth where folks could learn about the museum as well as see and hear about a small piece recently acquired by the museum, as well as having a selection of our reenactors preview the upcoming cemetery tour. Also, the museum provided a gift basket that one lucky participant could win that included tickets to the cemetery tour, a museum t-shirt, and other museum goodies.
Overall, it was a great experience for both the town and the museum, and we look forward to participating again in the future.
Future 2026 Events
- Saturday, January 31: 9:00 Baden Square--"Celebrate Cowley County History”
- February 15: New annual exhibit opens “Celebrating Youth Programs of Cowley County through the Years”
- Monday, February 16: 4:30 CCHSM Museum Friends Program: “250 years—Cowley County Patriotic Celebrations through the Years”
- Friday, March 13: VICTORIAN TEA—adults only Watch for details.
- Monday, March 16: 4:30 CCHSM Museum Friends Program: “Robert Docking—businessman and politician”
BOOKS FOR SALE AT THE MUSEUM OR ONLINE:
Celebrate Winfield History Books 2001-2011 $15.00
Celebrate Winfield History Books 2012-2015 $15.00
Celebrate Cowley County History 2016-2024 $15.00
Celebrate Cowley County History 2025 $20.00
Winfield’s Golden Era of Sports $15.00
History of CC KS. The Indians Vol. II $33.00
Southwestern College $21.99
Winfield – Postcard History $21.99
Penrose Hills Albright $10.00
Kansas Mural’s $15.00
Prices include Sales Tax
Shipping/handling is an additional $6.00
To purchase please stop by the museum or check out our website www.cchsm.com.
Credit Cards and PayPal are accepted.
You may also send a check or money order with a list of books to:
CCHSM
1011 Mansfield St, Winfield, KS 67156
CCHSM Board of Directors
Joe Chrisman, Chris Jarvis, Graham Donals, John Baker, Jonathan Leeper, Karen Vann Young, Sharon Taylor, Julie Mignone, Cindy Goertz, Jody Lawrence, Bill Mueller, Becky Winblad
Commemorative Bricks
We partner with Dawson Monument to engrave bricks, which are for sale, and make great memorials and also support the museum. The bricks border the walkway from the parking lot to the front steps. To purchase, forms can be found on the table by the books for sale or call 620-221-4811.
There are three levels of donations: Flat red brick with 2 lines of 12 characters -$75 donation. Flat red brick with 3 lines of 12 characters -$100 donation.
A contrasting brick with 12 characters-$500 donation.
Fewer letters may be used if you wish.
Established in 1931 and revitalized in 1967 with a relocation to our current home on Mansfield Street in the historic Bryant School building, the Cowley County Historical Society is dedicated to safeguarding and sharing the vibrant stories of our county’s past.
We are committed to fostering and promoting endeavors that celebrate local history. We take pride in our extensive archive of historical documents and treasured photographic memories.
Come visit and see what’s new (or old) at the museum!
All donations, both monetary and historical artifacts, are greatly appreciated. Our building is over 140 years old and requires significant ongoing maintenance in addition to operating costs. We continue to be a no fee museum and we have no plans to change that.
Your continued support will allow us to best serve the community.
We are especially seeking anything from diverse ethnic groups to add to our displays.
These businesses support us—won't you support them?
(We hope to add more during the coming months.)
Cowley County
Historical Society Museum
1011 Mansfield St.
Winfield, KS 67156
620.221.4811
Email: museumcchsm@gmail.com
Website– www.cchsm.com
Instagram: @CowleyCountyHistorical
Facebook:
Cowley County Historical Society Museum