Newsletter

As we begin the New Year we welcome Ed Slawson, George Anton, and June Hagenbuch as new members of the Board of Directors. We also wish to recognize Jenny Alden as the new Board Secretary. The new Board Chairman will be selected at the January 20 Board meeting.

It seems as if Old Man Winter has been doing more than his usual share of presenting problems; however, there is always work to be done around the Site. Even though the weather prevents any outside work being done, the Wednesday volunteers still gather to make the plans for this season’s improvements and repairs to the buildings at the Site (and still have time for a morning coffee break!). The museum volunteers continue their work with acquisitions and donations, and they are making plans and preparations for our season opening in early April.

As we examine the activities around TCHS for the coming months, 2010 has some exciting programs and events planned. We hope you will watch for announcements about our upcoming monthly programs, and that you’ll plan to come out to the Site to see what’s new.

We wish you a very Happy New Year.

Our sincere sympathy goes to the family and the many, many friends of Fred Leimkuhler, who passed away on January 6th. A long-time member of and contributor to TCHS, Fred’s influence and impact on our organization and on the Tonganoxie community, will long be remembered.

The host/hostess list for the entire year is posted on the bulletin board in the church basement. If you cannot serve your assigned time, please contact Jean Pearson at 845-3228.

God visited my garden today;
No one saw Him, no footprints.
But yes; a new flower was blooming there.
I knew He was there.

God visited my garden today.
No one saw Him, no footprints.
But yes; I picked a rose, the fragrance told me,
I knew He was there.

God visited my garden today.
No one saw Him, no footprints.
But yes; I heard Him in the sound of the turtle dove.
I knew He was there.

God visited my garden today.
No one saw Him, no footprints.
A friend came by; we sat together on the garden bench.
But yes; I found Him in the heart of a friend.
I knew He was there.

As we begin 2010, we have a lot to look forward to at the historical society. One thing we try to do at the beginning of each year is to urge our members to return their membership forms and dues for the upcoming year. These forms were included in the December newsletter. If you did not receive a form, they are available at the museum, or by calling 913-369-3835.

To determine if your dues are current, check the mailing label on your newsletter. If you have “(10)” following your name, your dues are paid through the end of 2010. If you find “(09)” after your name, your dues are paid for the year 2009, and you should submit the membership form and your dues payment for the year 2010 in order to remain current. If you have “(L)” following your name, this indicates that you are a Life Member and that you owe no dues. These same forms may also be used to send your tax-deductible donations or memorial donations to TCHS.

We would like to thank all those who gave Memorial contributions in memory of Nadine Holton and in memory of Jerry Baker. We also thank the following members for their generous donations to TCHS:
Dan and Caryle Carr
Billie Marshall
Clara Vanderstaay

We appreciate all of our members, and hope that you will join us for our monthly programs, plan to attend the events held at the site, and come visit the museum during this year – and bring your friends and guests with you. Also, you may want to check out our website for all the latest information about TCHS (www.tonganoxiehistoricalsociety.org). The website service is provided by one of our members, Website Developer CarolAnn Williams of CAS Web Works ( www.caswebworks.com).

Jim and Janet Stuke have been members of TCHS for three years. During those three years, they have become indispensible to our organization, volunteering for duty at the annual Chili Supper, baseball concession stand, labeling, and many other areas. Jim also serves as a Board Member, and Janet organizes the annual TCHS/Sacred Heart Quilt Show.

Both Jim and Janet are lifetime Kansas residents. Jim was born in Seneca and Janet was born in Clay Center. The high school sweethearts are both graduates of Wetmore High School in Wetmore, Kansas (their home town), and both graduated from Washburn University with Education degrees. They began their teaching careers in Marysville, Kansas, before moving back to Topeka, where Jim began a career in the insurance industry. Janet was a stay-at-home mom until their four boys were in school, then spent 16 years as Program Director at a retirement community in Topeka. They moved to Tonganoxie in 2000 so Jim could have a shorter commute to his work in Kansas City. Janet taught at Genesis Christian Academy for three years. Both are now retired.

The Stukes have been married for 42 years; they have four adult sons and 11 grandchildren. They are very active at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and also volunteer at Good Shepherd Thrift Store and Food Pantry. They enjoy spending time with their family, gardening, and occasional travel. Janet enjoys cooking, sewing, and quilting. Jim likes outdoor projects, watching athletic events, and has started working on his family genealogy.

January 26 – 7:00pm: History as a Hobby - William Peak, M.A., American History, will discuss American history as his hobby. He will share some of the highlights of his journeys across America in search of our country’s history. His historical collection will be on display during the presentation.

February 23 – 7:00pm – What is going on in Education Today?Dr. Malinda Daniel, author of Fallacy or Truth; the State of American Education Today, is a cross categorical teacher at Northview Elementary. She has a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Walden University, a master’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Missouri Western State University. She has certification in special education, reading, elementary education, and is working on her certification for educational leadership. She is married with two children, and lives on a small farm in McLouth.

March 23 – 7:00pm – The History of Photography presented by Lesia Winters. Lesia Winters has been immersed in photography for the past 30 years as a professional, amateur, and hobbyist photographer; she now refers to herself as “an image artist.” She has presented her work to audiences of various organizations, and is a Civil War re-enactor. Her program is geared toward the five types of photography used during the Civil War. She will explain the difference in the types of photography and how they are made. Winters lives in Tonganoxie, she is married with three children, and is currently attempting to master glass and tintype images along with a combination of Photoshop.

Don’t forget to save your “Best Choice” labels and give them to Gladys Walters. Gladys collects the labels and submits them for cash refund, which benefits TCHS. You may also bring the labels to the museum or to the monthly meetings.

Jan 30 – 1-4pm. “Winter Social” Games, food, silent auction and fun for the whole family. Basehor Historical Museum, 2812 N. 155th St, 913-724-4022 for information.

Jan 30 – 1-4pm. Kansas Day Celebration at Lansing Historical Museum. Cake decorating contest, kid crafts & story time. Also, “Kansas and Kansans through the Lens of FM Steele,” sponsored by the Kansas Humanities Council. 913-250-0203 for information.

Feb 13 – 11:30am-1:00pm. Annual Valentine’s Day Luncheon at the Carousel Museum. Cost is $12.50 per person; includes carousel rides. Reservations required. Contact Pauline at 913-682-4514 or the museum 913-682-1331.

March - This month’s exhibit: “What Mother Did, I Did Too” – Kansas Quilt Traditions. Basehor Historical Museum, 2812 N. 155th St. For further information 913-724-4022.

- that our Museum started a Family History Video Interview project in 2005? The interviews are taped and posted to our website, or they may be viewed at TCHS. They are also available for purchase. For further information go to www.tonganoxiehistoricalsociety.org, or contact Susy Ross at the Museum.