New:

• Old Elsmore School
  Eric Munson contributed a picture of Old Elsmore School in Allen County, Kansas.
• The Old Wooden Trunk (and other selections) by Debbie Berges
  Pages of poetry and prose showing a Kansas pioneer family of the 1850's and the progress of its descendants onward to the 21st century.
• Links page
  History links have been updated.
• Search KanColl!
  At last, KanColl has a site-specific search engine! You can search all of KanColl (and only KanColl), or narrow your search to a specific area, such as Cutler's History of the State of Kansas or the Kansas Historical Quarterlies. Includes all standard search engine features, including wildards.
• The Perry Home Cook Book
  This 1920 cookbook brings back memories of long ago days with its advertisements for the Mercantile and its advice on table etiquette ("Do not tuck your napkin under your chin; put it across your lap"). Other pleasant (and often very practical!) surprises are tucked in this collection of favorite recipes. Those recipes include by the way Quail on Toast, "Always Sure" Baking Powder Biscuits, Cocoanut Pie, and mustard plasters (in the medicinal section).
• The Pioneer History of Kansas by Adolph Roenigk
  Ann Bowler has generously contributed a copy of her great granduncle's collection of first-person accounts (including his own) of life in early Kansas. U. S. Army Surgeon D. B. Long shares his story of crossing the Great Plains of Kansas in 1866; W. G. Cone tells his eyewitness account of Quantrill's Raid on Lawrence; and Mr. Roenigk relates his own stories about the history of Kansas when she was still young. Ann and Ray Bowler transcribed this work very carefully, to preserve the original book as it was printed, and Ray contributed the HTML coding and web design. Whether you're researching or simply interested in history or Kansas, you'll find this book hard to stop reading once you start.
• The Rath Trail by Ida Ellen Rath
  Ida Ellen Rath relates in her Preface to this book, "On a day while looking at photographs in Beeson Museum in Dodge City, Kansas, Merritt Beeson, the owner, pointed to a man sitting on a rick of forty thousand buffalo hides. He said, 'There is a man who has never had his just due in Kansas - Charles Rath.'" This is when Ms. Rath began thinking about a biography of Charles Rath, and here you have the result. You'll find Ms. Rath a pleasant companion as she tells Charles Rath's story, full of detailed information but with an eye to the small things that make her subject come to life.
• Auld and Moore Families, Marshall County
  Esther Mott has provided us with additional information about D. C. Ault and Alexander and Martin L. Moore, of Marshall County, Kansas. This information is noted in Cutler's Connections, an area of KanColl reserved for recording corrections and more information about people mentioned in William G. Cutler's Histories.
• The Buffalow Hunt, by R. O. Blain
  R. O. Blain spins a story about a hunt in 1863 that puts you right in the middle of the fellows heading out to find buffalo -- and reminds you of what life was like for the early settlers.
• Sod Jerusalems: Jewish Agricultural Communities in Frontier Kansas, by L. David Harris
  Lloyd David Harris wrote this thesis at the University of Oklahoma, to study the Jewish settlements in Kansas back in pioneer days. In these brief chapters, Mr. Harris uses powerful narrative mixed with quotations, stories, and newspaper reports to tell a compelling story of a driving need for freedom and survival. As Mr. Harris writes in the Introduction, "The house was a brown chunk of a building, its sides held together by tough, dried matted grass, weeds sticking from its pores, sitting alone on a dismal prairie that seemed to stretch and roll forever .... Mrs. Brownstein saw it all. And, as she later told her children and grandchildren, the first time she saw it she got down on her hands and knees and kissed the earth and said her prayers. The Brownsteins were Russian Jews. God had saved them. God had brought them to Kansas."
• History of The 353rd Infantry Regiment, by Captain Charles F. Dienst and others
  In 1921, the Regimental Society of the 353rd Infantry published this chronicle of the Regiment's work in World War I. In fact, the regiment was born on September 5, 1917, and served at places whose names echo the grim history of the Great War -- Rimoucourt, St. Mihiel, the Meuse-Argonne, among others. Then the Regiment took part in Germany's occupation before demobilizing and at long last returning home. Our thanks to Pam Reitsch for donating the book and Connie Snyder for her superb job in transcribing this first-hand account for KanColl ... and, of course, to the authors: Capt. Charles F. Dienst, Historian 353rd Infantry; First Lieut. Clifford Chalmer, Historian First Battalion; First Lieut. Francis M. Morgan, Historian Second Battalion; First Lieut. Charles O. Gallenkamp, Historian Third Battalion; First Lieut. Lloyd H. Benning, Historian Headquarters Company; First Lieut. Harold F. Brown, Historian Supply Company; and First Lieut. Morton S. Bailey and Second Lieut. William J. Lee, Historians Machine Gun Company.
• "Voices" summer issue
  Our online magazine returns. In this issue: Gail Martin writes about Myra Lockwood Brown in "Triumphs of a Country Woman" ... Robert Collins tells the tale of a train robbery in Andover, Kansas, in "An Error in Timing" ... James Gregory presents a biographical sketch of "Henry Stephens Clubb," the man who helped found the vegetarian colony in Kansas that Miriam Davis Colt wrote about in Went to Kansas. Other features: another major Kancoll project, Andreas/Cutler's History of the State of Nebraska, is finally complete! while another, transcription of five decades of the "Kansas Historical Quarterly" gets underway.
• Netawaka Postcard
  David Rhoades has contributed a copy of this early postcard, depicting the German Lutheran church at Netawaka, Kansas. The small church building seems to tell us something of the folks who built and worshipped in it. David dates the postcard to before April 1912, although the exact date cannot be determined.
• KanColl Holiday Pages
  KanColl again wishes you happiness and a bright New Year in our Holiday Pages. The buffet is back (ahhh, that cheese ball!), along with a story from 1996 and Christmas cards sending Season's Greetings from all of us to all of you. Happy holidays!
• The Kansas Poems of John Greenleaf Whittier
  Lynn Nelson contributes these, a famous poet's tributes to Kansas. One of these, "The Kansas Emigrants," was reportedly sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne" as the first of the New Englad emigrants embarked for their new home in Lawrence. The poem had been written for the occasion and was printed on cards to pass out to folks at the train station.
• Susan Evans' "Coffey County News Items"
  Susan Evans has contributed and edited this collection of newspaper articles from the turn of the 20th century. The stories show a harsher side to life back then, though Kansans appeared equal to it -- one article describes a terrible accident in which a teacher nearly drowned when her buggy overturned in a raging river. The writer notes, "A little thing like that don’t bother a genuine Kansas school ma’am."
• A Prairie Wedding: Alonzo and Stella, October 21 1906 by Vern F. Turner
  Author Vern F. Turner contributed this story of Alonzo and Stella Thompson, and their courtship and marriage in the early days of the last century. Very well-written, with vivid images and revealing detail. Includes illustrations of the bride and groom, a salad plate, and one of the envelopes Alonzo used to write Stella which is decorated with a picture of the falls at Cheyenne Canon.
• Life with the Santa Fe
  Jim Blanton contributed these photographs and stories about his great-grandfather, A. C. Blanton, and grandfather, Clyde A. Blanton, for whom the Santa Fe was a way of life. An interesting glimpse of what that was like.
• Happy Father's Day!
  KanColl sends special wishes to fathers everywhere with this holiday card.
• "Precious Memories: West Liberty Church" by Gail L. Martin
  Gail Martin shares the inspiring story of West Liberty Church in Bourbon County, Kansas, and its almost 130 years of history. Exceptonally well-written, this is a warm and affectionate look at life in West Liberty Church, and includes a scrapbook of memories in photographs to complement the story, as well as a centennial poem by Alice Flanner written to celebrate the church's 100th anniversary.
• The Indian War of 1864 by Eugene F. Ware
  Eugene Ware describes his Army service on the frontier in the early 1860s, based on journals and letters that he wrote at the time. He and his regiment travelled through Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado and Kansas, encountering harsh conditions, Indians, and many unusual people and circumstances. Illustrated with maps; includes the sad story of Shan-tag-a-lisk's daughter and an obituary of Jim Bridger.
• New Holidays page
  KanColl honors Memorial Day in this special Holidays page. Memorial Day began as a way of remembering soldiers who died in the service of their country, and has now broadened to a day of remembering all those who we have lost, and honoring their memory. With this page, KanColl honors the voices of the past, and the people who, though they are now lost to us, still continue to teach us and help us understand our past.
• The Early Years Scrapbook
  Don Dale has added a scrapbook of photographs to go with his book, Do Tell: The Early Years. For those who have read and enjoyed Don's book about growing up in western Kansas and his travels since, these photographs are an extra treat. Included are family, classmates and friends, and significant places and events -- such as the school article with a picture of Don demonstrating the use of a retort for his (infamous) science project ....
• Mother's Day wishes from KanColl
  KanColl sends best wishes to moms everywhere on their special day.
• John Brown's Birthday
  May 9, 2000 marks the 200th anniversary of John Brown's birth. To honor the occasion, we've put together a list of KanColl selections about "Old John Brown" -- who fought and died in the cause of ending slavery in this country.
• Excerpt from Dr. R. C. McClymonds' Pocket Physician's Account Book
  This is an interesting look at the cost of medicine in 1911. The introduction contains a brief biographical sketch of Dr. McClymonds, a "true horse and buggy doctor." The image of one page from the book is presented, along with a transcription of the handwritten charges to the patient's account. Also included is a helpful list of acceptable fees published in the book, and a list of patients who were treated by Dr. McClymonds.
• Company M
  This photograph of Company M, in front of the Marion County Court House, appears to have been taken in 1916 or 1917. Contributed by Leon Fundenberger, whose grandfather William Dodge was likely in this picture, the photograph seems to capture a bit of the American Expedtionary Force's resolve and determination on the brink of war.
• Mark Dunn's Flint Hills
  Mark Dunn is a gifted photographer and he aims his camera with love on Kansas and the Flint Hills, one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth. We are very grateful to Mark for giving us permission to include these exquisite pictures in KanColl. Along with views of the Flint Hills, Mark has included some breathtaking photographs of August stormclouds. You will not want to miss this!
• Voices, Spring Issue
  The Spring issue of Voices has arrived! This is a big issue, featuring new columnist Gail Martin with her story, "The Remarkable Young Woman from Turkey Creek." In "Faces of Kansas," we introduce you to the latest graphics contributions from Mark Dunn and Faith James (don't forget the special treat at the bottom of this story!). And we also highlight the new Kansas website, "Kansas Gateway." But there's much more -- an article about our new gallery, "Reminiscing: Memoirs"; a new story from the 1930s magazine, Progress in Kansas, about "The Rise and Fall of the Most Famous Ghost Town In Kansas"; a spotlight on one of our latest additions, courtesy of volunteer Rosana Whitenight and contributor Rick Pittaway, Rev. Richard Cordley's classic History of Lawrence, Kansas; and Faith James' story of "The Pet Bullsnake Saga." Well, we said it was a big issue! Also in this issue: a new regular feature, "News about KanColl." Here you will find information about projects in progress at KanColl, news about our volunteers and contributors, feedback from you, how you can participate in bringing stories and pictures of Kansas life and history to the web, and a brief history of KanColl. In "News about KanColl," we'll also introduce you to one of our contributors, Dick Belt, whose name you may have seen scattered around KanColl. He's also been instrumental in helping others contribute to KanColl, such as Bus Cornelius who is sharing his wonderful stories and drawings of Lane, Kansas.
• Wheat Field, 1940
  It's hard to believe that Florence Betz took this photograph of a Kansas wheat field with a little Brownie camera in 1940 or 1941, but that's what she did. We believe that this beautiful picture captures a little bit of the soul of Kansas, with its timeless quality and changeless Kansas landscape. Many thanks to Faith James for allowing us to include a copy of this photograph in KanColl!
• Reflections from the Prairie by George W. Schiller
  George Schiller writes wonderful stories about growing up in Marshall County, Kansas, in this 1994 collection of essays. His gentle humor and quiet common sense mix with a sharp eye for detail to produce stories that will both entertain you and make you think. We can think of nothing more pleasant than curling up with George's book and letting him spin a few tales for us of days gone by. We very much appreciate George's generosity in contributing a copy of his book to KanColl so we can all enjoy it here.
• New Gallery -- Reminscing: Memoirs
  Our new gallery collects a sampler of reminiscences about Kansas for you. Featuring George Schiller's book, Reflections from the Prairie, and Winton Slagle Sipe's autobiography, Memories of a Kansas Farm Boy, this gallery also highlights a number of other memoirs and reminiscences, such as Watson Stewart's "Personal Memoirs," Nancy Wisener's "Recollections of Pioneer Life," and E. T. McFarland's "Memories of Kansas Settlement."
• The Remarkable Young Woman From Turkey Creek by Gail Martin
  Gail Martin wrote this inspiring biographical sketch of Miss Cronk, a poet and a teacher in a one-room Kansas schoolhouse. We found ourselves simply feeling good after hearing Miss Cronk's story. We look forward to more of Gail's stories in the future about Kansas women!
• The Pet Snake Saga by Faith James
  This little story really captured our imagination. This tale has been handed down in Faith's family and she recounts it here -- with quite a surprise ending! But love conquers all ... even bullsnakes.
• Kansas Gateway link
  The Heritage Group is a community of websites either founded or fostered by Lynn Nelson, and cover such diverse subjects as Kansas life and history, World War I, Nebraska history, genealogy, and even a page that includes links around the globe on just about every subject in history that you can imagine. We hope you will take a moment to visit Kansas Gateway, the portal to all these sites. At Kansas Gateway, you will find not only a list of the Heritage Group websites, but a description and an assortment of links to various pages within each site. Be sure to check back once you've visited: the main page features a short article about topics of interest, such as the history of the Fifth Avenue Hotel in Topeka, a brief biographical sketch of Buffalo Bill Cody, and the story of Walter Chrysler -- a Kansan who was "born to be a builder." We know you will enjoy your visit! You might even want to make this the page that comes up first in your browser, so that you'll always have history at your fingertips. Here's how: click on the link above to go to Kansas Gateway. Then, in Netscape, simply select Edit and then Preferences, and in the "Home Page" section of Navigator, click on the button that says "Use Current Page." In Internet Explorer, select Tools then Internet Options, and in that Home Page section, click on "Use Current." You'll be all set!
• A History of Lawrence, Kansas by Richard Cordley
  Rev. Richard Cordley was at the heart of the troubles in Lawrence during the Bleeding Kansas days, and an eyewitness to the Quantrill Raid in Lawrence. This is his history of that town, including a lengthy and detailed account of the morning Quantrill and his band rode into Lawrence. The book, published in 1895, includes many portraits of prominent figures of the time and residents of Lawrence, two maps of the early town, and other illustrations.
• The Story of a Kansas Pioneer by Melissa Genett Anderson
  In March 1857, when Melissa Anderson was still a young girl, her family moved to a new life in Kansas. This is Melissa's story of her life, there and in Indiana where she spent her early childhood ... a story full of warmth, humor and gentle wisdom. She notes: "The first letters I wrote bore the date 1854. But it was only a short time until Mother said, 'Now, Melissa, you must make the date 1855.' 1 thought it was funny the year changed so soon. But years have been changing faster and faster ever since." Melissa (later Mrs. Philip Moore) wrote these memoirs in 1924, when she was 78 years old; but her memories of Coffey, Woodson, and Allen county, and other places, are sharp and clear.
• Andreas Histories: Cutler's Connections
  Two new additions have been made to this area, which was set up to provide more information about the people featured in the Andreas/Cutler's History of the State of Kansas and History of the State of Nebraska. David and June Oyer have contributed old photographs related to W. W. P. Clement; "People of Great Bend, Kansas: A Photographic Album" includes two photographs of Mr. Clement, who is described in the Barton county chapter of the Kansas history. Barbara Hill has contributed a biographical sketch she wrote about "Abraham Rothrock," a gentleman who is mentioned in the Douglas county chapter of the Kansas history.
• KanColl Holiday Pages
  The KanColl holiday pages are back! We invite you again this year to sample our buffet (not a single calorie in any byte!), browse the Christmas cards we've prepared for you, and relax with special selections from KanColl: Lynn Nelson's story "For Bonnie Annie Laurie," Ironquill's "Shadow," Roscoe Fleming's "Kansas: 'Ad Astra Per Aspera'"; and a new photograph of the Flint Hills from Mark Dunn. Don't forget to sign the guestbook!
• A Soldier's Diary and Views of War
  On Christmas Day, 1917, Benjamin Edgar Cruzan began a diary to chronicle his life in the Army. He was 22 years old. Continued through June 8, 1919, when he came back home from the War in Europe, these entries provide a very personal view of a soldier's life in wartime. Marv Cruzan, Benjamin Edgar's son, also has contributed a number of photographs of wartime scenes which complement the diary entries.
• Kansas Exhibits in the World Columbian Exposition of 1893
  What did Kansans want to show the world about their state in 1893? This guide to Kansas exhibits in the 1893 World Columbian Exposition provides the answer. All exhibits are listed, but this guide focuses on those by the Kansas State Historical Society, which even then -- over 100 years ago -- was thriving in its mission to preserve Kansas history. The historical exhibits include portraits of well-known Kansans, books, and newspapers. (By the way, several of the books listed in this guide are found in KanColl if you want to read further, with others planned or in progress.) Many thanks to volunteer Rosana Whitenight for her work in typing and coding this work!
• Voices, KanColl's Online Magazine: Autumn 1999
  The Autumn issue of Voices is full of stories. There's a collection of reminiscences about the 1951 Flood in Kansas (with illustrations) and a sampler of four memoirs recently added to KanColl, written by Watson Stewart, Rosie Clem Maxton, Winton Slagle Snipe, and Robert Condon Stone. You'll also find a number of selections from the November 1935 issue of Progress in Kansas, magazine of the then Kansas Chamber of Commerce, and an editorial on our children today. And we've included a humorous 1935 article listing some of the explanations kids back then gave in their school examination papers ("The best part of wind is fresh air"). We hope you have enjoy reading!
• The Last One by Rosie Clem Maxton (1932)
  Gary Entz both contributed and transcribed this little book by Rosie Maxton, which he describes as the story of her life starting in 1861 as one of thirteen settlers heading for Cherokee County, Kansas, and ending in 1932 as she laments being the last surviving member of her pioneer band. The book is full of interesting glimpses into life in early-day Kansas, mixed with stories of travels beyond the State, family anecdotes, and notes on the growth and economic development of the area.
• Bus Cornelius: Lane, Kansas History
  Bus Cornelius has been collecting Lane, Kansas history for years. He has written stories, created wonderful drawings and illustrations, and preserved works by others, including his mother, that tell the story of Lane and the people who have lived there. Bus' files are a historical treasure trove, and we are very grateful indeed to Bus for making all of this available in KanColl. A small portion is already online here, with more to come!
• The "People’s Reveille" Souvenir: Hill City, Graham County, Kansas
  Lori Laird has contributed a significant history of Hill City and Graham County to KanColl. Billed as a "Writer and Engraver's Picture of Graham County's Progress," the publisher notes that this 1906 book "was begun with the hope of giving a conservative and true history of Graham county, the growth, development, and present condition in a permanent form for preservation .... In years to come it will be of priceless value to every citizen. The faces of the men and women who made and are making the material history of Graham county are fast passing from our view and this seems a most fitting time for the undertaking .... While we have been in Graham county since 1879, we find much early history which we had entirely forgotten. Miss Chance has done the interview work, compiled and written the matter, and the work bears the impress of her studious care. Mr. Lee, of whose artistic talent the country is justly proud, has taken all the views, from which the engravings were made." Our deepest thanks to Ms. Laird, who scanned, proofed, and designed the many pages and illustrations in this book.
• Autobiography of Mary Beeson
  Mary Beeson's story of growing up in territorial Kansas durig the Bloody Kansas days allows us to see the violence and terror of homesteading during those times through a child's eyes. This selection includes a letter from her mother, Mary Jones, to future husband James Warfield, imploring him to "write if you have to write it on the anvil in the shop" about their getting married, and ending with a romantic poem.
• Memories of Kansas Farm Boy, by Winton Slagle Sipe
  In this remarkable memoir, Winton Sipe recalls his early life in Kansas. Rich in detail and extraordinarily well-written, this story contributed by Wint Sipe's son Kerry will transport you back in time. "It was August 23, 1918, about the middle of 'dog days,' the time of the constant hot winds across the plains of Kansas. The leaves on the osage orange hedges along the road, and the two big cottonwoods in the cornfield were turning yellow-brown. They were dry enough that they rattled together in the hot winds passing...."
• Photographs of Camp Funston and Kansas City High School, Kansas
  Lori Laird has contributed three photographs of Camp Funston in the early 1900s, including two striking aerial photographs, and a picture postcard of the nationally-known Kansas City High School, Kansas, from the same period.
• "Reminiscences of the Past" by Robert Condon Stone
  John McDermid contributed this set of articles written by Robert Condon Stone, the Osage Muse, about his life in Kansas. This engaging memoir, which includes some of Mr. Stone's poems, he provides an extensive section on the Civil War and also on Ironquill (Eugene Ware): "I wish I could convey to your minds a little of the emotions of honor and respect which I have felt for the memory of that noble man, a character so lofty giving out to all about him, an inspiration of loyalty, encouragement and good will to all with whom he came in contact." John McDermid has included notes about Mr. Stone and the events mentioned in the reminiscences, as weill as a photograph of the school Mr. Stone both attended and taught in, and an 1878 map of Freedom Township, identifying many of the places mentioned in the memoir.
• "Nick Names of Lane, Kansas" by Dolly Belt
  Dolly Belt, whom historian Homer White credited with giving him a love of history, wrote this light poem about the many (sometimes a bit odd!) nicknames of Lane residents. The point she makes at the end of the poem appears to be very well-taken!
• High Hills School Report Card (1911-12) and Independence Public Schools Diploma (1914)
  John Abbott provided us with this old report card and diploma, which were his father's. The report card lists all the subjects that students were graded on, and includes a couple of (evidently carefully chosen) motivational quotations beneath the area for the parents' signatures. The diploma has a simple background but ornate lettering and a beautiful illustration suitable for a graduate. John provides interesting information about these documents and the schools along with the pictures.
• "Rules of the Road: Adopted by the Farmers' Anti-Automobile Society"
  Gary Presson contributed this newspaper item to KanColl, printed in the Latham Mirror in August 1913 -- farmers didn't seem to take to those new-fangled machines too kindly!
• Christian Ridge School, Lane, Kansas
  This photograph, contributed by Dick Belt, features a single-room schoolhouse in a wide open area, with snow covering the ground and frosting the eaves of the school. There is something at once lonely and indominatible about the school in this haunting photograph.
• Howard Chase, Red Hill by Charles M. Sheldon (1918)
  This book was written over 80 years ago, but could have been written today. Charles Sheldon tells how a small Kansas town, filled with gossip, materialism, and lack of concern for each other -- a town in which young boys formed gangs, and movies were lurid and sensational -- was able to start building a truly strong community, in which children could thrive and be healthy, people cared about each other, and doing what was right was the most important thing. With humor and a keen sense of human nature, Dr. Sheldon tells how Red Hill was able to turn things around. Would what he describes work today? See for yourself!
• Some of the Rhymes of Ironquill (1896)
  Kansas' best poet, Ironquill wrote about everything and anything, from medieval history to modern-day politics to his opinion on moving a military cemetary. This 1896 edition of his poetry includes witty, sensitive, and breathtaking views of Kansas, the state he loved so much. (This work is presented in progress -- we wanted you to be able to read this wonderful poetry while work continues on transcribing the entire volume.)
• A Life of Strength by James E. Stafford
  The story of Margaret Young Stafford, a young woman who grew up on a Kansas farm, married, and then traveled alone to Chile in South America to join her new husband. This is a remarkable story about an even more remarkable woman, who was Kansas through and through. Illustrated.
• Women in the West: KanColl's Interactive Reading List
  KanColl offers an interactive reading list of selections keyed to Fort Hays State University's third annual "Home on the Range" conference. This year the conference's theme is "Women in the West."
• KanColl is searchable!
  Literally years of effort have gone into developing a search capability for KanColl, and at last it's here! You can now search throughout KanColl from the welcome page. Search forms are available at the Books list page, for searching only within KanColl's books; the Articles list page, for searching only within Articles; and the Graphics list page, for searching only within Graphics. We have also installed a search form in the Orphan Trains of Kansas gallery, for searches only within that area. A search form at the Andreas/Cutler History of the State of Nebraska has also been installed, and the form at the History of the State of Kansas contents page should be installed soon. Now you have an even greater choice of finding information at KanColl: the tour by type of material, the galleries by subject, our online magazine Voices, and a direct search using the KanColl search engine! Also provided: an Advanced Search page for more complex searches, and an excellent Search Help page, which provides great tips and explanations for using this search engine. Since the engine is powered by Alta Vista, however, you should find it very easy to use. Many thanks to Kendall Simmons (manager of the Carrie website), our founder Lynn Nelson, and the University of Kansas for providing us with this powerful tool!
• Diary of William Anderson Thornton: Military Expedition to New Mexico (1855-56)
  In this diary contributed by Stephen Clyde Blair, Major William Thornton describes his journeys to and around Santa Fe as Chief of Ordnance of the Dept. of New Mexico. Major (later General) Thornton's descriptions of both the country he traveled through and its dangers reveal the character of this man, as well as the risks of military campaigning in those days.
• Helen Boltz: Forgotten Topeka
  These photographs remind of us times long gone by in Topeka, the capitol city of Kansas, and of the people who walked her streets: the Topeka Aces, a women's basketball team which won the city championship in 1928; the Branner School class (about 1900); and the staff of Vinewood Amusement Park at what is now Lake Shawnee, just outside of Topeka.
• Dissertations and Theses Relating to Kansas History
  Lynn Nelson has contributed a list of dissertations and theses related to Kansas History, which are available through Interlibrary Loan from the University of Kansas library. This makesworks by authors such as James Malin on interesting topics in Kansas history easily available.
• The Andreas Histories: Cutler's Connections
  Did you ever want to know more about the people mentioned in the Andreas/Cutler's Histories, or wonder what happened to them after the History of the State of Kansas and the History of the State of Nebraska were published? This is the place! We've established an area for collecting notes, stories, corrections and other information about the people mentioned in the Histories. The material is organized in an alphabetical list, combining both states, and in a list by county in each state. In addition to the shorter notes and corrections we've received, the Cutler's Connections pages also include material such as Ray Downing's stories about J. C. Redfield of Allen County, Kansas, and Watson Stewart's personal memoirs (completed in 1904).
• Voices: KanColl's Online Magazine, Spring 1999 issue
  This issue of Voices features "Marvels!", a sampler of marvels described in KanColl -- passages about the growth of the State, "marvelous" stories of strange and fabulous events, and of course marvels of nature -- Kansas has more than its share of those! Also in this issue: the Andreas Histories: Cutler's Connections pages are introduced, and "The First Kansas Band" from the November 1936 issue of Progress in Kansas is featured. Our volunteer in the spotllight is mary ann thompson of the Hays Public Library -- one of our earliest volunteers and still very active in EKIS/KanColl -- thank heaven!
• Personal Memoirs of Watson Stewart
  In 1904, Watson Stewart completed his memoirs of a life filled with achievement, struggle, satisfaction, tragedy, and joy. From homesteading in Allen County, Kansas, during the Bleeding Kansas days, to acting as Major of the local Militia in the Civil War period, to being the oldest man at the time to climb Pike's Peak, Watson Stewart reveals a wealth of detail about both everyday life as well as the events that shaped a nation's history. He came to Kansas to help establish a vegetarian settlement on the banks of the Neosho, and his memoirs, contributed by Mitzi Bateman and edited by Roger Pyle, mention Miriam Colt, author of Went to Kansas (also in KanColl). Included is a letter that Watson and his wife Elizabeth wrote to her, after Mrs. Colt left the territory with her family under the tragic circumstances recounted in her book.
• Legends of the Kaw by Carrie De Voe (1904)
  Carrie De Voe describes the mythology of the Indian tribes of Kansas in this work edited by EKIS volunteer Jim Sumner. The book is fascinating not only for its insights into the different view of nature and the world that these people held, but also for the examples of where their mythology and beliefs match those of other peoples -- for example, the idea of a Great Flood which covered the world. Includes powerful drawings of the leaders and famous members of these tribes, such as Sitting Bull and Tecumseh.

Updated:

• Bus Cornelius' "Lane, Kansas"
  Four new pieces have been added to this collection of stories and pictures of Lane, Kansas, from Bus Cornelius: "Blacksmiths"; "Views of Lane, Kansas" (the Burner House); "The Old Rock House"; and "Picture of Lane, Kansas, about 1880" (Crowe & Co. Hardware Store, and the livery and harness shop next door). (29 June 2000)
• "A Soldier's Diary" and "Views of War"
  A number of new items have been added to these two selections, which were contributed by Marv Cruzan. Marv has added pictures of the diary cover and pages, more photographs, papers, views of the Official Army Songbook, maps, and much more. For a complete list of all the items in both areas, an Index has now been added, along with a search capability. (4 June 2000)
• Andreas/Cutler's History of the State of Nebraska
  Associate manager Connie Snyder has competed the Cass county chapter of this Cutler's/Andreas history. (22 May 2000)
• KanColl Welcome Page
  We've updated the KanColl Welcome Page with a new look and layout, to make the information in the Collection easier and faster to access. (2 May 2000)
• The Old Windmill by C. L. Edson
  An illustration of the old windmill, from an early postcard, has been added to this poem. A history of the windmill is included in the postcard -- interesting to compare the history with the poem! (25 April 2000)
• The Twin Hells by John Reynolds
  Twin Hells is complete! This remarkable book exposes conditions in the Kansas and Missoui Penitentiaries in the late nineteenth century, based on the author's personal experiences. John Reynolds was falsely accused of insurance fraud for political reasons, and was imprisoned in the Kansas Penitentiary at Lansing. The stories he tells are compelling and the writing is extraordinary -- you will find it hard to stop once you start reading! Many thanks to Rosana Whitenight for finishing the last chapters in this book. (16 April 2000)
• The History of Johnson County by Ed. Blair
  Keith Taylor has finished Chapter 13, which includes a description of the beginnings of Quantrill's band. (29 January 2000)
• Andreas Histories: Cutler's Connections
  The Andreas Histories: Cutler's Connections pages provide additional information and corrections about people and events mentioned in the Andreas/Cutler's histories of Nebraska and Kansas. We've added a name correction for Laura Alderson; she has reported that her great-grandfather, mentioned in the Boone county chapter of the History of the State of Nebraska as C. F. Deffenderfer, actually spelled his name "Diffenderfer." (28 January 2000)
• History Links
  A link to Kevin Roe's "Brainerd, Kansas: Time, Place and Memory on the Prairie Plains" has been added to the "Other Recommended Sites" section of the History Links page. This extraordinary history of a small town on the Kansas plains is extremely well-written, meticulously researched, and beautifully illustrated. Well worth a visit! The site also includes opportunities to interact not only with the author but other people interested in this area. (15 January 2000)
• The History of Johnson County by Ed. Blair
  Keith Taylor has finished seven more chapters in this extensive, illustrated history. (27 November 1999)
• Andreas History: History of the State of Nebraska, by William G. Cutler
  The following general history sections have been finished: Railroads, Population, and Society. And these counties are now complete: Adams, Boone, Fillmore, Greeley, Hall, Harlan, Howard, Merrick, and Valley. Also, the following names index pages have been installed: Adams, Boone, Fillmore, Greeley, Hall, Harlan, Howard, Merrick, Nemaha, Otoe, Phelps, Pierce, Polk, Railroads and Society sections in the general history part of the book, Red Willow, Saline, Sarpy, Seward, Sherman, Stanton, Thayer, Valley, Wayne and Webster. (29 October 1999)
• Andreas History: History of the State of Nebraska, by William G. Cutler
  Ted and Carol Miller, together with Connie Snyder, have completed names index pages for a number of the Nebraska history chapters: Geology, Early History, and the following counties -- Blackbird, Butler, Cedar, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Custer, Dakota, Dawson, Dundy, Franklin, Frontier, Furnas, Gage, Hays, Hamilton, Hitchcock, Jefferson, Kearney, and Lincoln. In addition, the Gage county chapter has now been completed, and a full-size map of Nebraska in 1882 has been added (1 August 1999)
• Andreas/Cutler's History of the State of Nebraska
  EKIS associate manager Connie Snyder and EKIS volunteer Gary Martens have competed the "Physical and Natural Features" chapter of this classic 1882 reference for Nebraska history. (7 June 1999)
• Portrait Gallery of Eminent Kansans
  LLoyd Nichols has added two newly-restored portraits to the Gallery, F W. Read and Forest Savage. (7 June 1999)
• Kansas Fact and Fancy
  This collection of Kansas history trivia questions has been updated with forty new questions. The questions were originally asked -- and answered -- on the Internet mail list, Kansas-L. Can you do as well? (29 May 1999)
• Andreas History: History of the State of Nebraska, by William G. Cutler
  EKIS Associate Manager for this project, Connie Snyder, has completed the transcription of the Madison county chapter. (14 May 1999)
• Some of the Rhymes of Ironquill
  Three poems have been added to this in-progress work -- "Whist," "Ad Astra Per Aspera," and "Blaine of Maine." (13 May 1999)
• History Links
  Two links recommended to our readers have been added: Indian Raids of Lincoln County, 1864 and 1869, a 1910 book transcribed by Joan Stevenson, and a link to Bill Sowers' KSGenWeb Lincoln County website, which has several texts and references available online. (12 May 1999)
• Helen Boltz: Forgotten Topeka
  Helen has contributed a photograph of the old service station at 23rd and Virginia in Highland Park, Topeka, Kansas. The pump had a lever on the side for hand-pumping the gasoline. (9 May 1999)
• A Life of Strength by James E. Stafford
  We've added a letter written November 20, 1928, by Kansan Margaret Young Stafford, describing her visit to Bolivia. A photograph of her while in Chile, riding a horse, has also been included. Corrections and additions have been made as well to the photgraphs accompanying this biographical sketch. (9 May 1999)
• Portraits of Eminent Kansans
  LLoyd Nichols continues his exceptional work in renovating KanColl's older selections. This 1995 collection of portraits has been given a new look and easy navigation aids. (22 April 1999)
• Andreas Histories/Cutler's Connections
  Two corrections have been added to the Nebraska and Kansas sections: Alice Halderman reports that William Cutler mis-spelled her great-great aunt's name in the Wabaunsee county chapter of the History of the State of Kansas (the name is Ermina Halderman, not Armina Walderman). Also, Theresa Vlasnik wrote to tell us that John Vlasnik's name is mis-spelled as "Vtasnik" in the Knox county chapter of the History of the State of Nebraska. (7 April 1999)
• Honor Roll of Andreas/Cutler's Volunteers
  Updated to add Don Tharp's name; he has scanned approximately a dozen maps which were missing from Dick Taylor's "Old Kansas Area Maps" (the county maps are from the Andreas/Cutler's History of the State of Kansas). (7 April 1999)
• Lynn Nelson's Guestbook
  A new entry has been added, from Janet Higley Elliott. (31 March 1999)
• Dick Taylor's Old Kansas Area Maps
  Thanks to Don Tharp and Lloyd Nichols, the county maps are now complete. (31 March 1999)
• Andreas History: History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler
  John Matthews typed the last letter of text in this volume of over 1600 pages on 30 March 1999. This project has taken nearly four years of continual work by nearly 70 volunteers -- it was begin in May 1995. Some HTML work still needs to be done, but this book is at last complete. Many thanks to our associate managers for this project, Bonnie Bunce (who was responsible for starting this project), John Matthews and Bob Mills, and to our many volunteers who worked so hard in hand-typing each of the pages. Wahoo! (30 March 1999)
• Commerce of the Prairies by Josiah Gregg
  The original illustrations have now been included with the book, including two maps, one of New Mexico (circa 1844) and another large one of the Western territories. (29 March 1999)
• Helen Boltz: Forgotten Topeka
  A photograph of the Highland Park Grade School's first grade class has been added. (Helen Boltz is part of this class, a lovely little girl!) This photograph is also notable because of the black and white children mingled together, before school segregation. (21 March 1999)
• Commerce of the Prairies, by Josiah Gregg
  This work has finally been completed! Thanks to EKIS volunteer John Maier, the last of the chapters in this work have been finished, and the full volume is now available online in KanColl. (12 March 1999)