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I N S I D E
T H E J O U R N A L O F T H E R E N O C O U N T Y H I S T O R I C A L S O C I E T Y
28barton saltparaphernalia…from booksto pin-ups
24blasting
port-a-potsright out
of the mine
LEGACY
WINTER 2012
FOCUS ON
SALT
early resident often mentioned “the barton” in his diaries…page 4
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HISTORICAL SOCIETY STAFF (full-time)
Linda Schmitt, executive director, rchs [email protected]
Jamin Landavazo, chief curator, rchs [email protected]
Gayle Ferrell, director of operations, kusm [email protected] Tonya Gehring, docent supervisor, kusm [email protected]
Mike Allen, fi nance manager, rchs [email protected]
Dave Unruh, maintenance supervisor, kusm [email protected]
Lynn Ledeboer, curatorial assistant, rcm [email protected]
Tina Moore, administrative assistant, rcm [email protected]
Kourtney Krehbiel, visitor services, kusm [email protected]
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michael Armour, president • Charles Studt, treasurer
Shannon Holmberg, secretary • Richard Shank, president-
elect • Nan Hawver • Barbara Withrow • John Doswell
Tim Davies • Todd Laffoon • Sherry Mundhenke • Patty Foss
Elaine Fallon • Billy Klug • Mary Wilson • Conrad Koehler
Myron Marcotte, ex-officio • Lee Spence, ex-officio
Mike Carey, ex-officio
4 the foster diaries – part 2...insight into daily reno county life
21 association’s new rep from rchs...jamin landavazo selected
22 looking ahead 100 years...when the 2012 time capsule is opened
24 blasting out the port-a-pots ...bringing “necessities” up to snuff
27 a big thanks to our 2011 members ...and welcome to new board members
28 spotlight on barton paraphernalia ...persevering through good and bad times
30 mark your calendars ...everything from murder to masons
Volume 24, No. 1Legacy is published quarterly by The Reno County Historical Society, Inc. 100 S. Walnut St., P.O. Box 664, Hutchinson, Kansas 67504-0664For advertising or membership information, call 620-662-1184.
© 2012 The Reno County Historical Society, Inc. ISSN 1045-3423All rights reserved. The RCHS disclaims responsibility for statements
of fact or opinion made by contributors.
THE JOURNAL OF THE RENO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
LEGACY
I
4
the foster family gathers in 1943 for francis’s 82nd birthday. in front row are francis, cen-ter, and daughter, helen, and wife, ella, on the right. directly behind francis is son leon. above right in 1944 are ella, left, and helen; and near right, are son jim and ella in center, fl anked by two of ella’s sisters, circa 1920. a
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The Diaries of Francis Marion FosterBy Lynn Ledeboer, RCM Curatorial Assistant
ella parcell fos- ter with daughter, helen, and stepsons, lester in wwi uniform, and either leon, kenneth or jim. ca. 1918.
(1993.10.124)
Francis Marion Foster. Born in Ohio on May 23, 1861…died in Hutchinson on October 8, 1953… buried in Hutchinson’s Eastside Cemetery.
n this issue we catch up with early Hutchinson resident Francis Mari-on Foster where we left off in 1904. If you recall from the Fall Legacy issue, he has been married to his sec-ond wife, Ella Parcell, for one year and is now working for Barton Salt. Because “The Barton,” as Marion often called it, played such a large role in his life, here is a little background on the company. Brothers E.E. Barton, Frank Barton and William Barton organized the Barton Salt
Company in 1892. They leased the Toby & Booth Packing Plant and buildings located at the east end of Campbell Street for their salt operation.
After brothers Frank and William died, E.E. ran the company until his death
in 1912. C.H. Humphreys and E.T. Guymon purchased stock in the company in 1913 at which time E.M. Barton became Vice President. Mrs. Barton, E.E.’s widow,
remained on the board until a pur-chase by Humphreys and Guymon was
complete. Modernization of the Barton plant began immediately in 1913 with the addition of vacuum pans, rotary vacuum fi lter wheels, dryers, grainer pans, packaging machinery
PART 2
Because “The Barton,” as Marion often
After brothers Frank and William died, E.E. ran the company until his death
in 1912. C.H. Humphreys and E.T. Guymon purchased stock in the company in 1913 at which time E.M. Barton became Vice President. Mrs. Barton, E.E.’s widow,
remained on the board until a pur-chase by Humphreys and Guymon was
complete.
foster worked on and off for “the barton”for more than
40 years
5
(See ELLA, page 6)
at the same party in 1943, francis, below, faced a daunting number of candles. whether or not he extin-guished them all in one puff is lost in the mists of history. at this time, the family was living at 208 park in hutchinson.
in the dairy salt depart-ment, and creation and installation of salt block presses. In 1913, daily salt pro-duction at the Barton Salt Company was about 43 tons with approximately 21 employees. By 1951, daily salt production was 240 tons with 155 em-ployees. The company continued in operation as the Barton Salt Company until it was purchased in 1973 by Cargill Salt. The first mention of Marion’s contact with Bar-ton Salt is in 1902. He continued to work on and off for the company until 1945 when he was 84 years old. His sparse jottings in his diaries paint a reveal-ing picture of the frustrat-ing mechanical and op-erational battles that the Barton Company faced in its early days. Let’s return once again to see what is happen-ing in 43-year-old Marion Foster’s life. (His spelling and punctuation have been preserved.)
1905 Saturday, January 7 – Went to town in after-noon. Scaled #3. Sidewall fell in North boiler
Sunday, January 22 – Mother, Pa over to din-ner. Had music
Tuesday, January 24 – scaled #2. Cold, frosty in pan room.
[For the remainder of his time at Barton, Francis Marion works the stoker, scales pans, and works on the boilers and pumps. He also helps load and unload salt or “makes salt” from time to time. He continues to play for dances.]
Monday, November 13 – Ella got new coat nice.
1906Tuesday, March 20 – Bull wheel belt broke twice
Wednesday, March 21 – #3 and #4 down in morning. Got #4 started. Pinon on #3 broke. #1 boiler down
Monday, April 23 – Repairing lag rails. Char-ley Brice Nash got his leg broke by a fall of salt.
Wednesday, April 25 – Leon out fishing til 10 oclock. We was uneasy.
Wednesday, May 2 – Run brine pumps some.
Monday, May 7 – Went got Brice Nash home from hospital
Monday, May 14 – Going to work with Lem Huston in morning at Carey’s
Tuesday, May 22 – Got new 100 H.P. dynamo direct current
Sunday, June 10 – Got through at Carey’s so that leaves me out at present I guess.
Thursday, June 14 – still loafing. Work scarce
Friday, June 15 – Brung tools home from Barton Block
francis’s daughter,
helen, is pictured
below with her son,
lester rucker. photo
is circa 1930.
(Continued from page 5)
6
an ad from a 1909
edition of the local
newspaper, left
“Ella got her hat from Sears Robuck”
boy. What do you think of that?
Saturday, November 16 – Got all the scaffolding down from building. Okla-homa admitted as a state today at 9 oclock a.m. All the whistles blown throughout.
1908[Throughout 1908, Marion looks for work in Hutchin-son. He once again fi nally fi nds work at “the Barton.”]
Saturday, July 18 – Going to take the pan room day time.
Monday, August 31 – Edward E. Barton back. Folks got moved today.
Saturday, November 28 – The Block went down this morning. No gas. They say the line blowed up, East. I went to town in evening. Ella got her hat from Sears Robuckson. He once again fi nally
fi nds work at “the Barton.”]
Friday, December 7 – Layed us all off at noon. Over to Morton.
Monday, December 24 – Started two jobs today
1907[In 1907 Foster often trav-els to Oklahoma where he works cutting wheat and doing general farm chores.]
Tuesday, August 27 – Myrtle and Dave got 9#
7(See UP TO, page 8)
1909Wednesday, February 3 – Scaled #2 pan. Fixed elevator head sprockets.
Tuesday, May 4 – Hot in pan room. Got summoned to court tomorrow. Brice Nash VS. Barton Salt Co.
Wednesday, May 5 – At Court most of day.
Wednesday, May 19 – Pa got a lot of medicine. Green’s sasparilla. The Block is about full of salt
Friday, September 10 – Barnum and Baylie Circus here. Edward E. Barton took his buggy out today.
Tuesday, October 5 – Went with Edward E. to Morton Plant to look at engine.
Friday, October 29 – Got engine couple of days ago. Got gear today to fi x min-ing machine.
1910Wednesday, May 18 – The earth is supposed to pass through the tail of the great Halley Comet
Saturday, May 21 – Scaled #1. Got it fi tted. Steam on it. Edward E. here.
Monday, May 23 – Saw the comet. Don’t amount to much.
Saturday, May 28 – Went down to fi x pan room roof. I am painting Edward E.’s buggy
Tuesday, June 7 – Finished buggy.
Thursday, November 17 – Went to Carey’s and took a look at their new pans. I run a nail in my foot. Awful sore.
Monday, November 21 – Run dairy mill while. Got to run elevator faster.
Monday, December 19 – The arm on #2 nearly off. Discovered it in time to avert a (w)reck. Got the stakes all set for the foun-dation of #1 pan.
1911Sunday, April 9 – Brice Nash case comes up to-morrow again
Monday, April 10 – At courthouse most of day
Tuesday, April 11 – They compromised the Nash case
Thursday, April 27 – I went on day time today. Run the dairy mill. Had 5 girls sewing sacks
1912Thursday, February 22 – Edward E. (Barton) has a sore foot.
Friday, February 23 – Edward E. out today on account of his foot.
Monday, February 26 – Edward E. died this eve-ning at 5 oclock of Diabe-tes. Only sick a few days.
Friday, March 1 – Mrs. Edward E. Barton got here early this morning.
Saturday, March 2 – I went to funeral of Ed-ward E. Barton. They will take him to Tarrahaut, Indiana this evening.
Thursday, May 9 – Mrs. Barton held the fort today.
1913[The Foster family goes to concerts most Sundays at
the area beneath the
barton pan room was
most unpleasant,
as is evident in this
glass plate negative.
(1992.145)
throughout his
diary, foster refers
to “scaling pans”
in the barton mine.
the process involved
removing calcium
build-up from open-top
grainer pans. these
steam-heated pans
were used to reduce
the brine to a thicker
solution that was
later refi ned in a
fi lter wheel.
8
ella, at right, isperhaps dressedfor church in herbeautiful longdress and stylishhat.
ed barton’s death was reported
in the february 27, 1912, issue
of the local newspaper.
“Up to Police Station. All Right.”(Continued from page 7)
Convention Hall or to ball games in Carey Park dur-ing the summer.]
Wednesday, January 29 – Tacked up no smoking cards in building.
Tuesday, March 4 – I took inventory of stock-cooper-age, bags salt, etc.
Monday, March 24 – The Barton plant will change management first of month. Our manager out to plant afternoon. Wants to start up soon.
Monday, March 31 – Invoicing the bags. It is a big job. Going to start plant in the morning.
Wednesday, November 5 – Getting smoke stacks from the Morton
Monday, November 10 – They got the old stacks down. Got some pictures of the block
1914[Marion works on vacuum pumps, mining machine, and often with numbers 1, 2 & 3 “efects” (triple effect) and boilers during his time at Barton this year.]
Friday, April 17 – Shaved my mustache off
Sunday, June 14 – I guess I am out at Bartons
Friday, June 19 – I am thinking of going west harvesting.
Wednesday, July 29 – Up to Block afternoon. Go-ing to work in morning [Barton]
Sunday, November 29 – Uncle Bill and Aunty here for supper. Had pos-sum.
1915[Each year Marion and Ella plant a small garden of beans, peas, spuds and lettuce. They also raise chickens. Marion struggles with boils on his knees and legs; calls it “a gathering” on his leg. His writing becomes quite beautiful, flowing and flowery. He is 54.]
Monday, January 15 – Mill in crippled condition to-day. Piston to engine that runs vacuum machinery broke this morning. Got big engine going this after-noon.
Tuesday, January 26 – Ella went with care to colored church.
Friday, February 12 – We moved today in to Brice Nash’s house #129.
Monday, February 22 – Little Lester inlisted in the Malitia.
Saturday, May 22 – Up to Police Station. All Right.
[A May 24, 1915, Hutchin-son News article reports that the police picked up Marion’s son, Lester, on suspicion of breaking into a freight car. He was released due to having an alibi. Did Francis Marion perhaps vouch for his young son’s whereabouts since things ended up being “All Right?]
Friday, June 18 – Mrs. Barton over at plant this afternoon.
1916[Francis Marion and Ella go often to see the mov-ies, with Charlie Chaplin being a favorite. He ceases to include as many details about his work at Barton
9
(See TRAGEDY, page 10)
for the rest of the diaries. Watching baseball and listening to boxing on the radio become a passion, often listing the outcomes of many matches in his diaries. Both Ella and Marion become involved with fraternal-type organi-zations such as the Royal Neighbors and several others. Ella goes “lodging” each Tuesday and Thurs-day evening for many years.]
Monday, March 27 – Went to hear Blind Boon
[John William “Blind Boone” was a famous American pianist, whose eyes were removed by doctors at an early age in an effort to relieve brain fever. Marion would have seen him at Convention Hall when Blind Boone came to give a concert.]
Monday, July 24 – The boys are writing pretty regular
Thursday, November 2 – Pa Foster died early this morning. He will be buried here at 2 tomorrow. Ella went to Nickerson today with the WRC.
Friday, November 3 – Pa Foster buried. Folks all went home this evening.
Saturday, December 23 – Went to town in evening. Bought some trinkets. We got $5 gold piece from the Company.
1917Monday, March 19 – They called the R.R. strike off. I guess we are in it with Germany.
Thursday, March 29 – Most of the men at the plant are asking for more money.
Monday, April 2 – Things looking grim.
Friday, April 6 – War was declared on Germany
800-760-5315 620-662-5315
today. There was a big parade.
Thursday, May 3 – We got increase in wages. I am getting 25¢ per – hour.
Wednesday, July 4 – Lester with Company E.
Thursday, August 16 – I see by the paper Leon and Florence are married. They haven’t said.
Saturday, August 18 – Went to Convention Hall and up town. This was Soldiers Night at Hall.
Monday, September 17 – Kenneth went out to Yaggy to work picking apples.
at far left, francis, about 65 years old, holds his grandson, lester “leck” rucker. (scrapbook 1993.10.151) near left, ella is with grandson leck, circa 1930. above,this photo finds a rather unhappy young helen.
these excerpts are
taken from the 28
diaries, dating from
1874 to 1949, in the
museum’s collection.
the years 1874 to 1904
were covered in the
fall, 2011, issue of
legacy.
10
above left, brothers
lester, left, and Leon
flank their aunt
florence in this
1918 photo.
above right, lester
appears optimistic
in his world war i
uniform before he was
shipped off to war.
(Continued from page 9) Friday, September 28 – Lester at home tonight. They entrain for Ft. Sill tomorrow about 2 p.m.
Friday, October 5 – From the first I get 27 1⁄2 cents per [hour]
Sunday, November 4 – Leon went hunting. Got big jack rabbit
Tuesday, November 6 – Ella joined the Royal Neighbors.
1918Wednesday, January 16 – Got letter from Lester. He thinks they will be go-ing to France soon.
Sunday, February 3 – Leon and Florence flew the coop to parts un-known as yet.
Wednesday, March 6 – Got letter from Lester. He gets a furlough last of week.
Thursday, March 14 – Moved to 306 E. Car-penter
Friday, March 15 – Get-ting things straightened
up some. We have lots of junk.
Wednesday, April 3 – Les-ter left this evening to join the regiment.
Monday, June 3 – Kenneth enlisted in Army today.
Saturday, July 13 – Got letter from Lester. Some-where in France.
Friday, September 27 – Helen is 14 today. Mother
got her a Codak. [Possibly a Kodak camera?]
Monday, September 30 – Got letters from Lester and Kenneth.
Saturday, November 2 – Clear most of day. Cloudy while in evening. South-erly wind. We first heard Lester was wounded then heard he was killed but no official report yet.
Monday, November 11 – Armistice was signed at 1:45 a.m. (our time) so the war must be over.
Tuesday, November 26 – We got a telegram last evening stating Lester died November 30 [see below]. Ma Parcell came this evening.
[Marion writes “November 30” as the day Lester died, but he meant “Septem-ber” because he writes this entry on November 26. Corporal Lester O. Foster of Company E was shot on September 28, 1918, while leading his squad in battle in Char-pentry, France, during the Battle of the Argonne.
Tragedy…
at right, this photo of
lester, taken by a com-
rade in his camp, was
published in “reno’s
response” book that
featured reno county
residents who served
in world war I.
11
brothers, kenneth, left, and lester, are pictured in “reno’s response, reno county in the world war, 1917-1919,” compiled by fred henney, and published by hutchinson offi ce supply & printing co.
(See A SON, page 12)
He died on September 30. A stone monument, one of 11 in Hutchinson, can be seen on the Second Street bridge over Cow Creek honoring Lester O. Foster’s sacrifi ce. Lester was also awarded the Dis-tinguished Service Cross posthumously, and in 1932 a Hutchinson chap-ter of the Disabled Ameri-can War Veterans was named after him. Lester was Francis’ second-born son.]
Saturday, December 28 – Kenneth got home this morning.
1919[Francis Marion and family begin to “motor around” or drive around many evenings.]
Friday, May 9 – Harry came in evening to show Ella more about driv-ing and found a bearing burned out.
Sunday, May 18 – To ball game afternoon. Barton vs. Carey. Out driving in the evening.
Friday, June 13 – Saw air-plane demonstration over East of Plant on Reforma-tory Land.
Saturday, August 23 – Mother died this evening at 9:40.
Monday, August 25 – We buried mother this eve-ning. All the children here
but Beckie, didn’t get through.
Sunday, December 7 – Went over to see Leon’s new talking machine.
Monday, December 8 – Not working. I went over to
Twin Wheel and Foundry afternoon
[Twin Wheel was a Hutchinson manufacturer that made a novel twin- wheel windmill.]
1920Saturday, January 10 – Helped move. We are now at 208 Park St.
Thursday, March 4 – The wind blew our outhouse over last night.
1921Friday, May 6 – Out to Twin Wheel plant in after-noon.
Monday, June 20 – We drove out the Medora road. It’s a heck of a road.
Sunday, October 16 – Lester’s body arrived this evening. Will be bur-ied next Sunday. Folks coming back.
Sunday, October 23 – Folks up from Wichita. Lester was buried this
this stone monument honoring lester stands at the second street bridge over cow creek. one newspaper account states that lester was shot in the arm “...as the 35th division went ‘over the top’ and into the barbed wire forest. he (lester) kept on, was shot (again) while leading his squad at charpentry sept. 28, and died of wounds two days later.”
12
(Continued from page 11) afternoon. Stant and Lou here while.
1922[Beginning this year, Mari-on and his family struggle with son Jim’s drunken-ness. It is unclear if Jim and Kenneth are one and the same, as in Kenneth James “Jim” Foster, born approximately 1900 or 1901. As Francis’s diary reveals, Jim struggled with alcoholism for most of his life. He worked with poultry and was a long- time Hutchinson chicken farmer. The Fosters move quite often; whether this is due to Marion’s lack of job consistency, Jim’s alcoholism, or other rea-sons, is unknown.]
Saturday, July 15 – Doc-tor came – pronounced it muscular rheumatism and said that my teeth were bad.
Monday, July 17 – Doc came in morning. Brung Dentist. Made date for 2:30pm. Pulled 10 teeth [unable to read] In awful pain.
Wednesday, August 16 – Jim came home in eve-ning crazy drunk. He went back to town.
1923[Francis begins putting fi ve percent of his pay into a savings account with Barton Salt.]
Sunday, December 9 – Ella went to Jim and Eads. Jim’s on a toot. Ella gave him a little money this morning for his birthday.
1924Tuesday, February 5 – Ella to lodge. A couple of boys over with guitar and accordion. Had little music.
Tuesday, March 25 – Ella got her hair bobbed. She’s gone to Lodge.
1925Sunday, June 21 – Helen married this evening. [Daughter Helen’s mar-riage to Lyroenza “Bus” Rucker was her fi rst.]
Saturday, December 12 – They layed Jim off at poultry house.
Monday, December 21 – Ella and Helen gone to get their hair Barbicured. [Barbequed? Does he mean permed?]
A son struggles…
this photograph of jim foster is printed
on the reverse of a hutchinson police
form. jim’s long-time alcoholism often
bought him a stay in the local jail.
(1993.10.49)
at right is a news
clipping of jim foster
and a chick with a
fully developed third
leg. foster’s son, jim,
who battled alcohol-
ism, was a long-time
chicken farmer who
was residing at 405
carpenter. (from
helen’s scrapbook…
1993.10.15)
13
(See GOT RADIO, page 14)
1926Monday, March 22 – Helen to Hospital. Ella up there.
Tuesday, March 23 – Brung Helen home. She has a big boy. Bus over a while.
[Baby is Lester Rucker, sometimes affectionately known as “Leck” through-out Foster’s diaries and in photos.]
Saturday, August 7 – Jim’s in hock. [By this, Francis means “in jail.”]
Monday, August 16 – Jim’s gone to Wichita.
Monday, August 30 – (They got Jim)
Tuesday, September 28 – Ella to lodge. I went to hear Harry’s radio.
Sunday, October 10 – Heard the ballgame over the radio from New York, the Yanks and the Cardi-nals. 3 to 2 in favor Cards, St. Louis Nationals & New York Americans.
1927[Francis is quite taken with the radio and takes every opportunity to listen. He begins tak-ing young Lester to town with him most Satur-day evenings while Ella continues to go to Lodge meetings and becomes very involved with Hadley Church.]
Monday, January 24 – Helen got her divorce today.
Sunday, May 8 – Clearing off afternoon. Hard dirty south wind. Wind storm done lots of damage to 4th East Carey Hills and the Carey Salt Plant. 1 man killed. Several injured.
Wednesday, June 8 – Jim’s home and boozing.
Wednesday, Septem-ber 21 – Ella up at the Fairground with Hadley
people. Bus Rucker here while in evening to see Lester.
Thursday, December 15 – I got my savings account from the Company today. It was 57.50.
1928Sunday, February 26 – (Jim boozing)
Thursday, March 8 – Installing a Corliss engine at plant to drive the new salt drying machinery.
“brung helen home. she has a big boy.”
the big boy, lester rucker, is affec-
tionately known as “leck” throughout
foster’s diaries.
14
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(Continued from page 13)
Wednesday, May 23 – I am 67 young today.
Friday, June 8 – Ella 49 y.o. today.
Thursday, June 14 – The filter drier not doing good.
Saturday, June 16 – Running salt this after-noon through the filter drier.
Monday, June 18 – A gas explosion in #9 boiler at the Barton wrecking 4 and tearing front off 3.
Tuesday, June 26 – Run drier on new salt today. It is fine.
Wednesday, August 15 – Ella has the club tonight – a noisy bunch.
Sunday, September 30 – Jim and I moved the outhouse this morning.
Sunday, November 18 – Jim came this morning. Came home in evening stewed.
Monday, December 24 – Got radio on trial.
Saturday, December 29 – Radio rotten this evening.
1929Wednesday, January 2 – Jim in jail.
Thursday, January 17 – Ella and I to Hadley to hear the Negros sing.
Sunday, January 20 – Radio no good.
Saturday, February 23 – Jim out & in again
Wednesday, May 22 – Building fish pond for Lester.
“Got radio on trial...”
daughter helen
wears a chic hat in
this 1920s photo.
15 (See BANKS, page 16)
Thursday, May 23 – I am 68 today.
Tuesday, August 13 – Jim took us riding in his Ford.
Wednesday, August 14 – The plant’s business too big for our capacity.
Monday, August 26 – Jim burnt car up with booze last night.
Friday, August 30 – Jim better.
Wednesday, October 30 – Ella had a club – a homely bunch.
1930Thursday, February 27 – Blowed Corliss engine up this morning
Friday, February 28 – Put big motor on in place of Corliss.
Friday, April 18 – Jim drunk
Thursday, May 8 – Ella and I took Lester to Carni-val. He acted up.
Friday, May 23 – 69 years young today. I got shirt, pie and cake.
Sunday, May 25 – Jim still drunk.
Friday, June 6 – The airport opening. Lots of planes
Tuesday, September 2 – Starting a new low wage scale.
Wednesday, September 3 – I pulled out my savings account.
Sunday, September 7 – Jim soaked.
Saturday, November 1 – I to town in evening. A Brinkley blowout at Con-vention Hall. Some crowd.
[Dr. J. R. Brinkley was an Independent candidate who ran for governor. However, he was most famous for transplanting goat glands into men’s testicles in efforts to cure male impotence. He used radio programming very successfully to promote his bizarre practice.]
1931[Francis Marion’s hand-writing begins showing the fi rst signs of shaki-ness and perhaps aging this year. Ella continues to be very involved with the Hadley Church and various groups.]
Wednesday, February 18 – Ella gone to club. Jim drunk
Sunday, May 17 – Fixing to put in bath
Tuesday, May 26 – Got the bath in. Everybody bathing.
Wednesday, October 28 – Ella had a club tonight. Some ugly mugs.
Thursday, December 24 – Killed goose. Radio good.
dr. brinkley’s appear-
ance drew hundreds,
as reported in the
nov. 1, 1930, issue of
the local newspaper.
Whether one hour or a full shift, each time a volunteer works on behalf of the Kansas Under-ground Salt Museum or the Reno County Museum it is a pre-cious donation of time and energy. We couldn’t do many of the things we do around here without you. You tackle any and all tasks we ask of you, big or small. So, thank you to all our wonderful volunteers at RCHS.
If you would like to volunteer or know someone who might be interested, please contact Tina or Tonya. Whether your interests are general Reno County history or just salt, there are many rewarding opportunities that await!
Tina: [email protected]
Tonya: 620-662-1425
THANKS
TO OUR
VOLUNTEERS
16
(Continued from page 15)
“Banks all closed by order of federal government”
saturday, march 11
– long beach torn up
bad with a terrible
earthquake yester-
day evening about 5
A.M. we haven’t heard
from helen yet.
sunday, march 12 –
got telegram about
9:45 pm stating all
o.k. don’t worry.
helen.
1932Monday, April 4 – I went out to Carey’s plant today. It’s quite a plant.
Wednesday, May 4 – Ella gone to a Mother’s doings. (Jim soaked about all the time now.)
Sunday, May 22 – A surprise party on me! 71 years of age tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 27 – The street cars quit yes-terday noon.
[This was the last day for operation of the street cars in Hutchinson, signi-
fying the end of an era.]
1933Sunday, February 5 – I went to plant. No work. I had to scale.
Sunday, March 5 – Helen to California 10:20 am.
Monday, March 6 – Banks all closed by order of fed-eral government.
Saturday, March 11 – Long Beach torn up bad with a terrible earthquake yesterday evening about 5 A.M. We haven’t heard from Helen yet. Ella got card from her this morn-
ing saying she arrived all right. The folks met her.
Sunday, March 12 – Got telegram about 9:45 pm stating all o.k. Don’t worry. Helen.
Thursday, August 10 – Barton’s cooper shop afire in morning.
1934[In 1934 Francis is now working about six hours per day and writes mostly about weather. Ella continues to go to clubs, lodges, and ”doings” at Hadley. She begins to oc-casionally audit books as a part-time job.]
1935Wednesday, January 2 – Ella to Legion. Boys over with their music boxes.
Monday, February 4 – Caught my hand in con-veyor. Went to hospital. Took off one finger. Came home Saturday 9.
Tuesday, August 6 – Had fire at the Barton Plant. The vacuum room dam-aged the most, the dairy mill and dryer department not damaged.
Tuesday, September 24 – Joe Louis nocked Max Baer out in the 4th round
September 27 – Our new salt too fine to make blocks
17
(See page 18)
1936 Saturday, March 14 – Jim got hit with car and bruised up some. Doctor out.
Monday, March 16 – Jim some better
1938 Tuesday, January 18 – Lots of grief with a worn out sprocket wheel.
Sunday, February 27 – Jim tangled with a car. Got banged up some.
Monday, November 7 – Clear part cold. North-erly wind. My old teeth is giving me heck.
1939 [Foster’s handwriting continues to deteriorate and he is working less and less.]
Sunday, September 3 – Clear, wind variable to Northerly in evening. All Europe about in war to-day. Germany moving into Poland.
Monday, September 23 – The 42 hour week, 30 ct minimum in effect mid-night to midnight
Wednesday, September 25 – The boys are organizing a union at the plant.
Wednesday, November 29 – The Barton gave us 3 ducks, dress.
Monday, December 25 – Presents, nuts, candy, turk.
1940 [Foster’s handwriting has become very shaky and hard to read. He is 79 years old this year.]
Sunday, May 5 – Mae and Harry came and took Ella and I riding to Arlington, Plevna, Turon, Cunning-ham, Kingman. Wheat looks good.
Thursday, May 23 – Olla, Maggie, Becky, Mae and Harry here, rather sur-prise occasion. My birth-day.
Saturday, May 25 – Put-ting in new hoist at plant.
Sunday, June 16 – Mae and Harry took Ella and I for a ride out Nor. Plum to 50 North. Chase, Lyons, Ellinwood, Great Bend, Stafford, Sylvia, Partridge. About 150 miles.
Wednesday, October 16 – Today all men between ages 21 to 35 had to regis-ter for the army, an open-ing for the duck season.
above is a steam-
powered dynamo that
may have been used
in the barton salt
plant. foster would
have worked on this
type of machinery.
(glass plate negative
1992.145)
18
from this photo-
graph of a pan
room in the bar-
ton salt plant,
it’s clear why
foster often
describes working
in the pan room
as a “hell hole.”
this is where he
would scale pans
and repair side
walls that often
fell in.
(glass plate negative
1992.145)
Thursday, October 24 – Today starts 40 hour week.
Tuesday, October 29 – The folks look freakish going to masked partys.
1941 [At almost 80 years old, Foster goes back to work-ing a full eight-hour day for a short time. He often works on his pond while Ella “lodges” and goes to “penny suppers.”]
Sunday, May 25 – Had my birthday dinner at Myrtles today. I am 80 years old, the 23rd.
Tuesday, May 27 – Ma died this evening. [Prob-ably Ella’s mother.]
Friday, May 30 – Harry and Mae here in morn-ing. We out Fairlawn and Eastside. Myrtle and Dave there. I never saw such a display of fl owers.
Monday, December 8 – Japan bombed Hawaii and Manila yesterday. The U.S. decided war today on Japan.
Thursday, December 18 – Jim took Ella and I up-town to see pretty Christ-mas trimmings.
1942 Saturday, January 24 – We have quite a run on medicated blocks.
Tuesday, December 1 – I donated today’s work to the Community Chest.
Monday, December 14 – tonight at 10:00 p.m. we have a blackout.
1943[Foster’s writing is so bad now it has become hard to read. He still gardens and works on the lily pond. He notes his birthday each year.]
“japan bombed hawaii...the u.s. decided war today on japan.”
(Continued from page 17)
(See THE AIR, page 20)
at left is foster’s
grandson, lester
“leck” rucker. on
january 25, 1946,
foster and ella
received a japanese
sword sent home by
lester during his
service in world
war ii.
19
Friday, February 26 – Ella to the school house about this rations business.
Sunday, May 23 – My birthday 82 old. Kids all here. Lots of eats, good time, presents.
Saturday, July 17 – 10:00 a blackout.
Thursday, July 22 – Hav-ing a heck of a time with my feet
Saturday, August 7 – A hell hole in plant.
Saturday, November 20 – Ella & Lester killed a big possum. I dressed it.
Sunday, November 31 – Them possum is good. It’s up to me to eat it.
1944 Saturday, January 19 – Helen married this after-noon. [Daughter Helen marries Harley Sanders, her sec-ond marriage.]
Thursday, March 23 – Today is Lester’s birthday. He is 18 young.
Tuesday, June 6 – They started the invasion last night. The whistle blew early this morning.
Thursday, June 8 – Ella 65 today.
Thursday, June 22 – Lester started to the army this morning.
1945[Foster’s handwriting is close to illegible by now. His last day of work, very unceremoniously noted, as was his way, was April 14, 1945.]
Tuesday, February 27 – Got letter from Lester. Phillipines.
Thursday, April 12 – Presi-dent Roosevelt died Tues-day evening.
Saturday, April 14 – This is my last day on public works. [He is 84.]
Tuesday, April 17 – To town to see about my social security.
Friday, April 19 – Square with Barton.
Wednesday, April 25 – Ella & I signed up for our social security today.
Friday, April 27 – Got a
letter Lester. O.K.
Tuesday, May 8 – This is U.S. day. Germany all in.
Friday, August 19 – Japan about to throw up her tail.
Tuesday, August 14 – Japan unconditional surrender.
Thursday, September 27 – Got letter from Lester. He is in Japan.
1946 Thursday, January 17 – Ella to Jim’s. He’s on a toot.
Friday, January 25 – Les-ter sent home a Japanese sword. Got it today.
Wednesday, May 15 – Folks after ice cream & the Pow-Wow in full dress.
Tuesday, July 16 – Got telegram from Lester. He is in Camp Hood, Texas.
Friday, August 16 – I guess we’ll have to whip Russia yet.
1947Wednesday, August 13 – Ella, Hazel, Lilly making do-hickies.
Thursday, August 14 – They’re still making them do-hickies.
Wednesday, August 20 – Folks still making doo-dads.
“Germany all in…Japanabout to throw up her tail.”
20
…GO!!!
(Continued from page 19)
C
Wednesday, November 26 – Hazel over in evening. Got the old turkey cook-ing.
Tuesday, December 23 – All set for old Santy.
1948 [Throughout 1948 almost every day is a simply a weather report and Foster often writes, “Just another day.”]
Wednesday, August 18 – The air is full of mosqui-to dope. Putting it in with air planes.
Monday, September 13 – Air full of something to kill skeeters.
Sunday, September 26 – Wars and talk of wars.
Monday, October 25 – Clear cool South wind. Just another wash day.
[1949 is the last year that we have diaries from Foster and his fi nal legible entry is as follows]:
Friday, January 14 – Cloudy, part cool. North-erly wind. To new book.
Unfortunately for us, Fos-ter didn’t make it to that “new book,” or if he did, it is not in the museum’s collection.
Francis Marion (Myers) Foster died October 8, 1953. He led a fascinat-ing, perhaps uncommon, Reno County life here in Hutchinson. He hunted buffalo at age 13, surveyed land
with C.C. Hutchinson in his 20s, played the fi ddle, piano and organ in “kitch-en sweats,” battled early salt evaporation equip-ment at the Barton Salt plant and others, worked at Barton until he was 84, painted Edward Barton’s buggy, went to Barton’s funeral, married twice, raised six children, lost one child to WW I, worried as a grandchild went off to WW II, weathered the struggles of an alcoholic son, and – through all this – meticulously kept a daily diary for 75 years.
Foster’s life was clearly rich in family and experi-ences, both good and bad. Foster’s diaries provide us a rare glimpse into the life of a pioneer Reno County salt worker.
…GO!!!
“The air is full of mosquito dope”
the photo above
shows what a
dynamo room
looked like in
the salt plants.
this one dates
from about 1906.
foster mentions
barton’s “new
100 h.p. dynamo”
in his may 22, 1906,
diary entry.
(glass plate
negative 1992.145)
21
C
J9525-1 Hutch Legacy Mag -Spring11-7.5 x 5 2c ad .indd 1 3/30/2011 10:24:39 AM
ongratulations are in order for our own Jamin Landavazo, RCHS Chief Curator, who has been se-lected to serve as the new Southwest Kansas Repre-sentative for the Kansas Museums Association (KMA). Her term, which began in November, will run for two years. Jamin was nominated by a peer on the KMA board and voted
By Lynn Ledeboer, RCM Curatorial Assistant
into the position by KMA members. She replaces outgoing representative Linda Schmitt, RCHS Executive Director, who served on the board for two consecutive terms. As representative, Ja-min will update the KMA board about program-ming, activities and gen-eral news from museums in her representative area, one of four in the state.
Jamin stated that she is excited to be involved with the strategic planning pro-cess that is on the KMA agenda for 2012. “The KMA has evolved in many ways through-out the years...and needs direction for the future,” she said. We are sure Jamin will have fresh ideas to bring to the table in 2012. Way to go, Jamin!
Museum groupselects Jamin
What to put in the box?T
Linda SchmittExecutive Director,
Reno County Historical
Society
he crowd’s anticipation is palpable as the mu-seum curator gently eases the silver stainless steel box from the cornerstone. As the sun strikes the box for the fi rst time in 100 years, everyone can see that it is intact and still shiny under a light layer of dust. Gingerly, the cura-tor hands the box to the mayor and she carries it up the steps into the re-cently restored Bicenten-nial Hall. As scores of excited spectators gather around, the lid of the box is loos-ened and gently lifted free by the great-great-great- great-granddaughter of Mayor Frank Vincent, who
placed the fi rst capsule in the cornerstone 200 years ago. The crowd, some wearing vintage base-ball caps, exclaims a collective “Ahh!” as the fi rst item is removed from the capsule and is found to be in amazing pristine condition. As more items are re-moved, the spectators are amazed at not only the condition of the items, but more importantly the sto-ries that they tell about a different time in Hutchin-son, and the people who sent their collective mes-sage into the future.
While this vision of the future will be dependent
on many unknown fac-tors, it is the hope and expectation that captures our imagination and inspires us to replace the 1911 time capsule in the Memorial Hall cornerstone on April 27, 2012. Now we begin the thoughtful process of identifying items for the new capsule that will be opened in 2111. What will be the fi rst item removed from the capsule? What messages will we send to our coun-terparts a hundred years from now? What stories will defi ne who we were as a people and what we deemed important about our town? What items will stand the test of time in terms of viability and functional-ity? What forms of media will be most easily ac-cessed and interpreted in a society far beyond ours in communication and technology?
this ticket allowed
hutchinson mayor
frank vincent to as-
cend the platform at
the convention hall
cornerstone laying
ceremony along with
president william h.
taft. (2011.25.01.10)
22
the residents of 1911 were proud of their
founder and namesake, c.c. hutchinson, as
shown by this photograph included in the
1911 time capsule. (2011.25.01.22)
23
We’re proud to share our hometown with you.How fortunate we are to live in a community with such diverse and high quality amenities -- including the Reno County Museum and Kansas Underground Salt Museum!
4 Hutchinson locations to serve you
Will a picture still be “worth a thousand words?” And if so, what pictures should we send into the future? What is the vision of Hutchinson
that we will put forward for them to compare to reality in 2111? Over the next few months, the Reno County Museum, the Landmarks Commission and the City of Hutchinson will be engaging in a community dialog to answer these questions. Decisions will be made as to not only what items will go into the time cap-sule but also the details of
the ceremony itself. Mayor Frank Vincent and company meticu-lously documented and passed down all details of the placing of the time capsule in 1911, and we will strive to do the same. It is my hope that those who open the capsule will fi nd the experience as awesome and illuminating as it has been for us. Please join us as we work with The Hutchinson News, students, busi-nesses and the commu-nity as we prepare to send a glimpse of Hutchinson 2012 into the future. Watch for details about how you can get involved in the discussion.
does this “shaver’s mason-
ic monitor,” describing cer-
emonies and traditions of
the masonic fraternities,
provide a small “glimpse”
into 1911 Hutchinson?
(2011.25.01.17)
among items in the 1911 capsule are: a chalmers hotel postcard, top (2011.25.01.20.2); an envelope and adhesive postage stamps, above (2011.25.01.20.2); and at left, an illustrated souvenir book with woman in fl owing gown pointing out hutchinson on the map (2011.25.01.12).
By Gayle Ferrell, KUSM Director of Operations
ere in the United States we really do live a privileged life. We have had access to some conveniences for so long that we no longer even consider them op-tions. Like electricity. And running water. And flush-ing toilets. Underground at the Salt Museum these “simple” conveniences are not so simple, nor do I take them for granted. I remember the day that the two toilets installed underground actually flushed. We celebrated! We high-fived each other! We flushed them again! No longer would we have to plan a trip topside to timely correspond with one of our most basic needs! Most of our visitors do not know that it was a complicated engineering
BLASTPOTS!
challenge to get water underground and sewage flowing back topside. They are not aware that flushing toilets are a
LUXURY when installed 650 feet underground. We learned fairly quickly that lines were forming at the bathrooms, which in turn limited the amount of time that visitors were willing to spend under-ground. And so we rented two Port-a-pots. I personally am not a fan of Port-a-pots. They serve the purpose, but they are still Bright . . . . Yellow . . . . Port-a-pots.
During our under-ground construction five years ago, architectural plans were drawn for an Event Center that in-cluded multiple toilets and sinks in a nearby men’s restroom, women’s restroom, and family bathroom. Also included were a janitor sink and storage, concession area, event kitchen, and small and large event areas. As the concrete floor was poured, the sewer pipes, vent pipes and floor drains were installed. Soon after, we were hit with the reality of what it was costing to install a water supply, sewer system, smoke detectors, fire alarm strobes, and electrical and communica-tion devices. Everything was different from the norm. Nothing was easy. Or reasonably priced. Construction came to a screeching halt in and around the Event Center. About half of the planned concrete was poured and numerous white PVC pipes were left sticking out of the floor. Five years later it is time to blast those Port-a-pots out of the mine!!! We need approximately $70,000 to construct bathrooms around those pipes that have been pa-
(See page 26)
visitors currently
see this sign and
donation box, above
right, urging them to
help blast the port-
a-pots out of the
mine.
a variety of plumb-
ing pipes, below,
stand ready for use
in the long and
eagerly awaited
restroom facilities.
H
THOSE
24
26
tiently waiting for fi xtures. We currently have $27,000 from donors, grants, an underground donation box, and two October fundraisers – the “Hunt for Red Rock-tober” and the “Train of Terror.” In January, we com-pleted Step #1: Install the water and sewer lines that will connect the new bath-rooms to the mechanical
room located near the hoist. Considering that those areas are 500-600 feet apart and the lines must hang from the rock hard salt ceiling, this is no small plumbing task! Step #2 is to frame the walls for the bathrooms with the labor provided by us. Step #3 involves run-ning individual supply lines to the sinks, urinals, and toilets. Our current funds will run out in the middle of Step #2. That’s where YOU can help – starting right now!
CLICK & CLICK AGAIN On our website is a logo like the ones shown above. By clicking on the logo, you are redirected to our online store where you can designate the amount of your donation, and BOOM, we take this proj-ect to the next level! For a donation of $1,000 or more, you become a member of our “Salt Circle.” You will be recognized in our topside lobby for a year, and your name will be included on a permanent donor board to be installed under-ground when the project is complete.
For as little as $100, you will receive recogni-tion on the permanent donor board to be located underground.
A BASIC NEED The Kansas Under-ground Salt Museum at-tracts visitors from across the nation and around the world. Providing additional toilets underground for those visitors is fulfi lling a basic need – one that has been ignored long enough. Imagine the delight of elementary students when they are able to fi nish their fi eld trip in com-fort rather than focusing on the choice between waddling like a duck and visiting a bright yellow enclosure. Or the relief felt by a visitor with a walker, cane, scooter or wheel-chair when there is no hurry to fi nish their tour, or plan their escape to the more accessible “fl ushing” toilets waaaaaaaay down by the hoist.
This is a problem I would LOVE to SOLVE:Take 9 toilets, add 7 sinks, plus 3 urinals.Then subtract 2 Port-a-pots.
(Continued from page 24)
by clicking on one
of these buttons
on our website,
you can choose
your giving level
to help complete
modern restroom
facilities 650 feet
underground.
other giving levels
are available.
www.undergroundmuseum.org
www.undergroundmuseum.org
hanks so much to every new and renewing member as of December 23, 2011. RCHS appreciates your sup-port in helping us provide thoughtful and entertaining exhibits and programming.
** = New member
Friend: Allen County LibraryWhitey & Shirley Alpers**Norma & Duane AnstineMildred ApplegateWilliam BallMike BenscheidtLarry & Bonnie BlackMr. & Mrs. Jerry BlocherAnthony & Connie BrauerStanley & Katherine BrownKiki CapponyJo Ann ColeBill & Mary Janet CollinsJane CooperMaurice & Melva Cummings**Dr. John & Linda DahmRuth & Paul Dillon Donor Advised Fund of the Hutchinson Community FoundationMary Alice DitgenEd DohertyRoy & Joan DunnLew & Julane EdigerTom & Carolyn ElliottPatricia FishbackBarbara FrizellCharlotte GallerEsther & Wilbur GoheenJohn H. HartfordHeart of Kansas Quilt GuildEdna HendershotGladys Heter-SargentGay HewittGary & Peggy HughesCharles HyterDiane & Chuck LeeBob & Charlene LindRita LinggMarian & Robert LundquistIrene MartindellLloyd & Ticky McAdamsDouglas McGovernSally Holmes McPhersonJudith MielkePeggy MillerNorma Mitchell
Serving on the board of any organization requires curiosity, commitment and generosity. The Reno County His-torical Society (RCHS) would like to thank all its board members and the following outgoing members for their dedi-cated service: LeAnn Cox, Francis Habiger and Jerry Wray. RCHS would also like to welcome new board members: Elaine Fallon, Mary Wilson, Billy Klug and Conrad Koehler. We look forward to an exciting and rewarding relationship!
William MorandNorman MorrayMax & Carol MurrayKaren OrrBill PfenningerVern & Aavon PowersDonna PyleRichard & Candace RoblTrish RoseDel RuffJim & LaVerna ShawBill & Beth SouthernRuth StigginsAllen & Ila StoneMr. & Mrs. J.B. StuckeyL.P. & Maxene ThurmanKen & Glenda VogelPaul & Deb WaggonerEarl & Julia WeidmanGene & Carlene WellsClark & Charlene WesleyVic & Jo WillemsRobert & June WinslowCleyon & Laura Yowell
Supporter:Dan & Ann AdamsFrank & Ardith AlexanderCharles & Bonnie BenscheidtDennis & Jennalee BoggsEd & Jan BoltLarry & Marilyn BoltonNorman & Gladys BosAnn & Gordon BrownMr. & Mrs. Richard BuzbeeMr. & Mrs. Elwin CabbageJim & Dianne CannonMabel CollinsCommerce BankFred & Barbara ConnerRichard & Marcia CooperBob & Sharon DeVaultCarolyn & Dick Dillon Donor Advised Fund of the Hutchinson Community FoundationWilliam & JoAnn DrewsGene & Rhonda ElliottJohn & Jane EriksenDick & Jane FalterFrank & Bonnie FeeE. Francis HabigerHelen HadleyJess & Mae HarderSandra & Jim HaskellJerry & Nan HawverElizabeth I. HayesDr. & Mrs. Ken Hedrick
Lona HinshawGreg HoeferEd & Vi HoffmanKyle and Shannon HolmbergEd & Marjory JohnsonPam & Randy JohnstonKenneth & Barbara KeeferMr. & Mrs. Ron LeslieDallas & Shirley MacklinDan & Georgia MaxwellWally & Joan McKinneyDr. & Mrs. Robert MorrisonDr. & Mrs. Jack MullRod & Bev NashRobert NicklinSam & Judy OntjesJim & Sharon PetersonTom & Kyle PhilbeckWilliam RexroadDr. David & Nancy RichmanHarold & Janet RyanArvy & Jack SampsonDr. Martha SandersLois SchlickauGerald & Judy SchraterJennifer & Bill Scofi eldDick SiegristRichard & Patti ShankPhil & Lorraine Simpson**Sirloin StockadeCharles & Patsy StudtLarry & Sue WagerleBarry & Gale WallMaurcena WellsMichael & Kelly WesleyGary & Nancy WithamJohn & Barbara WithrowCynda WrightMary Anne Wright
Backer:Bob & Ruth BarkerStan & Lisa BarkerEd & Carol BergerDr. Bill & Kris DavisDan & Sharon DemingFrank & Sally DepenbuschJohn & Kris DoswellMartha FeePatty & Dan FossJudy & Roger HawkTucker & Nation MeyerMolly Mitchell & John WilsonKim & Cindy MooreSherry & Gary MundhenkeGary & Sue PolteraVirginia RaylRobert Summers
James & Mary SunderlandBarbara WilliamsJerry & Joan Wray
Preserver:Merl Sellers
Visionary:Mae Boggs
CorporateDonor’s Circle:Advertising SpecialtiesBridgman OilCargill SaltCatalyst Creative ServicesDowntown Hutchinson Revitalization PartnershipKKB Properties, LLCRobert’s HutchlineShep Chevrolet, Inc.Simpson Capital, LLC
Director’s Circle:Bank of KansasFee Insurance AgencyGreater Hutchinson Convention/Visitor Bureau
T
To our loyal 2011 members, we say....
Thank you!
27
Thanks toour board
28
BARTON SALT…playing a big role in Foster’s life
Francis Marion Foster, the subject of our feature article in this issue, had a fascinating work history. While many settlers in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s were looking for places to put down roots, build houses, and own farms, Foster spent time survey-ing, camping from place to place, and caring for other people’s farms and animals. It was not until he took
a job at Barton Salt in 1902 that he settled down a bit and built a career, working for the plant through good times and bad for a total of 43 years. Barton played such a large part in Foster’s life and diary entries that we decided to feature some of the Barton
artifacts from our collections. The company survived many early
trials, but persevered and fostered a proud history that is still carried on today under the Cargill name.
through good times and bad for a total of 43 years.
today under the Cargill name.
foster kept this
bonus card, above,
for the years 1919
and 1920 and jot-
ted down his earn-
ings to determine
his yearly bonus.
(1993.10.05)
inset at right is
the barton salt
plant in 1902
with large wrap-
around porch.
(02.35.22.6a)
by 1937 barton had
grown to a vastly
expanded plant,
right. notice what
appear to be
delivery trucks
near the bottom.
(1990.22.04)
the date of this paperweight is unknown, but it shows a large factory that is likely the result of many additions. the company was proud of its “barton process.” “steam made” refers to evaporation mining. (1993.10.02)
FOCUS ON COLLECTIONS
29
mini salt shakers, far left, feature the company’s tag-line, “rain or shine, always fi ne.” (KUSM 2006.09.01-02)
this recognizable “3-B” logo (because barton’s best), near left, is seen on this promotional money clip from the 1950s. (2004.03.02)
“the fi ne art of seasoning,” a booklet from 1924, front and back at top, talks about the origins of the
use of salt, table etiquette, and uses for salt beyond cooking in hopes of increasing salt sales. (KUSM 2006.08.02 front and back). the trade card,
above, promoted a salt to rid stock of the fl y pest, but the back of the card, right, more likely caught
the eye of many a farmer. (2009.10.01 front and back)
30
KANSAS UNDERGROUNDSALT MUSEUM
9 am–5 pm Tues–Sat1–5 pm Sunday
closed Mondays
last tour departsat 3 pm
reservations strongly recommended
call us or check our website for holiday
hours.
NEW SALT BLAST PASSour best deal
includes gallery tour,dark ride (both handi-
capped-accessible) and new train ride.
adults: $18seniors (60+), aaa &
active military: $16.50children (4-12) & reno county residents: $12
children under 4 not admitted
due to mine safetyregulations.
pricing availableto add only dark ride
or train ride togallery admission.
all prices include sales tax.
special pricing forgroups over 28 and school groups witharrangements made
one week in advance.
3504 e. avenue g (at airport road)
hutchinson, ks 67501
620-662-1425toll-free 866-755-3450
EXHIBITS & EVENTS
SALT MINE EXPRESS
Hurry aboard to ride the thrilling new underground train.Experience the rustic side of the mine while traveling on original rails and ties used underground.
PERMIAN PLAYGROUND This new interactive display allows you to explore the incredible varieties of salt. First hand!
KANSAS UNDERGROUND SALT MUSEUM EVENTS
MINE CORRIDOR Explore the general history of salt mining in Hutchinson, including mining equipment.
SALT SECRETS Salt secrets fi nally exposed!
THE IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDER STORY Explore the efforts of Kiwanis International and UNICEF in using salt to combat IDD.
KUSM EXHIBITS
MURDER IN THE MINEInteractive Mystery Dinner Theater$50 per person / Table of 8: $360For details and reservations:620-662-1425 • 866-755-3450
“Who Killed the 80s?”February 18 SOLD OUT! Encore performance: Feb. 19, 4:30 p.m. Please arrive between 3 and 4 p.m.
“Once Upon a Murder”August 25Doors open at 5 p.m.Last trip underground: 6:15
These events fi ll up fast! Make your reservations now for these hilarious, tongue-in-cheek, adults-only mystery spoofs. After all, who wants to miss a murder?
OVERNIGHT SCOUTING ADVENTURE$30 per personTry an Overnight Scouting event for an exciting underground adventure. Scouts must be 10-18 years of age. Minimum one adult chaperone for each fi ve scouts.
Available dates:February 11 (girls only)
March 3 (25 spots available)Call Tonya Gehring or Gayle Ferrell
620-662-1425 • 866-755-3450__________________
Want to volunteer?If you’d like to volunteer in the Kansas Underground Salt Museum, please call:
Tonya Gehring620-662-1425 • 866-755-3450
TAKE IT WITH A GRAIN OF SALT Discover how live bacteria were extracted from ancient Permian salt.
MYRONMOBILE
Come see the “Myronmobile,” from TV’s “Dirty Jobs” fi lmed in the Hutchinson Salt mine.
THE STORY OF UNDER-GROUND VAULTS & STORAGE View costumes and props from your favorite movies.
spoofs. After all, who wants to miss a murder?
Tonya Gehring620-662-1425 • 866-755-3450
have a totally gnarly time at this murdermystery dinner theater. see below for details.
31
COMING IN APRIL:CONVENTION HALL AND THE TIME CAPSULE BOX This exhibit traces the history of Convention Hall and features items from the time capsule box that was recently extracted from the cornerstone. Marvel at the pristine con-dition of these 100-year-old items, such as 1911 newspapers, cherished Masonic books, postcards and much more.
BISONTE HOTEL:THE BEST IN THE WEST Visitors will have the opportunity to take a long-awaited look at one
of Hutchinson’s most beloved memories – the Bisonte Hotel. Experience the elegance and sparkle of the Bisonte in the early 1900s and its change to more modern times.
RCM ON THE ROAD…We’re establishing small, temporary exhibits high-lighting items unique to small communities in Reno County. See sched-ule below.
“86.121” Meet past Reno County resident Mildred Hobbs (donor #86.121) through the vast collection of arti-
facts she and her family generously donated to RCM. Follow the process of donating artifacts.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE
THINGS
The Reno County His-torical Society staff chose their favorite artifacts, most never before on exhibit.
TRANSPORTATION GALLERY Come enjoy the Schuttler wagon, an Amish buggy, the Indian motorcycle, sidecar and much more in this fascinating look at the past.
RENO COUNTY MUSEUM EXHIBITS
DON’T MISS RCM
EVENTS
NOTE NEW HOURS...for the kansas underground salt and reno county histori-cal society museums. details in margin boxes below.
RENO COUNTYMUSEUM HOURS
9 am–5 pm tues-Fri
11-5 saturday
closed sunday
and monday
free admission
unless
otherwise
noted
100 S. Walnut
620-662-1184
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
April 9This year’s meeting should be fascinating as the guest speaker is Marci Penner, author and Executive Director of the Kansas Sampler Founda-tion. Don’t miss it! Watch as more details become available.
CHALKFEST 2012May 17Time to get chalky! Bring the family to our fun, outdoor, signature event. Check with the Reno County Museum for more details.
“On the Road”Turon / Langdon: Turon Community Center & Library501 E. Price St., TuronTuesday through Thursday: 1–5 pm;Saturday: 9-noon620-497-6443
Arlington and Abbyville: Arlington Library900 W. Main, ArlingtonMon/Wed: 1-5 pm; Tues: 9-noon; Thur: 2-8 pm
Buhler and Medora: Farmers National Bank200 N. Main, BuhlerMon-Fri: 9 am-5 pm620-543-2211
March 2012: Nickerson and Partridge
Watch for details on Nickerson, Partridge and other upcoming exhibits!
limited time at the arlington library!
