Ellsworth County Historical Society

01/25/2025

DID YOU KNOW that the Ellsworth County Historical Society holds an annual meeting for our supporters, members and Ellsworth County Citizens? The meeting will be held Sunday, February 2nd in the JH Robbins Memorial Library's meeting room. Attendees will hear of our year in review and will learn of the 2024 Historian of the Year. A brief program will highlight the History of the Green Garden Angus Ranch. Please plan to attend.

01/18/2025

DID YOU KNOW that wood was so scarce on the prairie when settlers first arrived that they'd use buffalo chips (also known as Kansas Coal) to throw in the fireplace or potbellied stove? If a home had a kitchen stove with a woodburning cavity, buffalo chips or corn cobs were the best source of heat there also. Stay warm these next few days and enjoy your wood, gas or electric heat!

01/11/2025

DID YOU KNOW that both the Fort Harker Complex and the Hodgden House Complex function as a result of its supporters. The Ellsworth County Historical Society began in 1961 and opened the Hodgden House in 1963. The Fort was opened as a City of Kanopolis museum and now opens under the umbrella of the Society. The livery, the school, the church and the Terra Cotta Depot/caboose have been added in Ellsworth, while the Commanding Officers' Quarters, Juniors Officers' Quarters and Kanopolis Depot became part of the Fort Harker Complex. Your support would provide for continued maintenance and care for these historic buildings. Please become a supporter (and visitor) of our Complexes.

01/02/2025

DID YOU KNOW that Ellsworth's first Courthouse was next to the Jail (now newly remodeled) in the 200 Block of Court Street? In the mid-1940's, a fire that destroyed much of the interior of the building. The County Commissioners at the time decided not to repair the building, but to build new. Thus, the "new" Courthouse was built on the SW corner of First and Kansas Ave and opened in the early 1950's. The old building was torn down and a skating rink was built on the site. That building still exists today.

12/27/2024

DID YOU KNOW that flood waters in 1938 reached the 100 block of N. Douglas? In the photo, one can see the insurance building (and the water), but other buildings that are no longer standing are the Dickinson Theater on the west side of the street. That space is now the parking lot for Elle/Paden's Restaurants. On the east side of the street, both the buildings where Kevin's Barber Shop and the Post Rock Water District Office currently stand have been razed with those new structures taking their place.

12/19/2024

DID YOU KNOW that this drug store was in Holyrood (then it was known as Hollyrood) at the turn of the century? It is the J.H. Haska Drug Store and Mr. Haska was the druggist.

12/12/2024

DID YOU KNOW that the north side of East North Main Street between Douglas Avenue and Lincoln Street had multiple businesses? Those seen in the picture had been located on the site of the current Senior Center and its parking lot. The business on the left of the picture was Bornchein's Bakery. The Bakery began in 1872 and remained in business at least 65 years. On a daily basis, bread from the bakery was loaded into large baskets and taken by train (which stopped for passengers across the street to the south) to both Kanopolis and Wilson.

12/06/2024

DID YOU KNOW that this picture shows the 1882 Ellsworth Methodist Church and parsonage? These buildings were located on the site of the current church on Douglas Ave. Both the church and parsonage were razed in 1946, then the current structure was built and completed in 1953.

A reminder: Get those Christmas gifts beautifully wrapped at the Historical Society Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser from now to Dec 24. Drop off is 10-4, Tuesday - Saturday. Fees depend upon gift size.

11/26/2024