Larkinburg is a small, unincorporated hamlet that straddles the county line between Jackson County and Atchison County, Kansas. In its prime, Larkinburg had a population of about 200. The town was named after M.E. Larkin, who owned 160 acres of land…
This study will focus on Lasita, Fancy Creek Township, Riley County, Kansas. Lasita is an example of a typical turn of the 20th century rural town where the railroad influenced the establishment and prosperity of the town, and the automobile and…
This is a brief sketch of the town of Lebanon in Smith County.
Two towns located five miles apart make for instant rivals. Located in Riley County, the towns of Leonardville and Riley competed to establish a post office and attract the attention of a railroad. Leonardville won the first battle and boomed while…
This paper seeks to explore the socioeconomic conditions among Mexican immigrants and emphasize the factors that have bred the rise of immigrant entrepreneurship--despite the political and economic system being against their favor. It will do so via…
A study connecting the story of where the name of Liberal, Kansas came from to the factors that impacted town survival in Seward County during the late 1880’s and early 1890’s. Seymour Rogers, the figure who is credited with inspiring the name of “…
This exhibition covers the history of The Clay Center Library Club, based out of Clay Center in Clay County Kansas. The Club was a charter of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and were responsible for many efforts to promote education, service…
Jacob Herrman founded the land in Rush County, Kansas that came to be known as Liebenthal. The village of Liebenthal still stands today as the proud religious community ithas always been, but it has gotten considerably smaller. It is most likely…
This study of an Irish settlement area that included parts of two counties is based on fieldwork, photographs, original church sources, and an investigation of cultural traditions.
This project provides a snapshot of the history of Lincolnville, Kansas.
The town of Log Chain played an important role in one of the most famous mail carrying passages in the United States; however, when national factors such as the railroads were developed and the Pony Express died, Log Chain followed in close pursuit.
This is a study of the currently viable small town of Longford, Kansas, in Clay County. It traces the history of the town from its founding as a railroad community on the ATSF line heading west through its survival today. Sources include interviews…
This study of Ludell, Kansas and the lack of name continuity in Rawlins County includes a map analysis, a printed memoir-history by a resident, photographs of the town site, and an author’s firsthand accounts of interviews conducted with those who…
The western Kansas town of Iuka survives today as a small farm community with a COOP. It was established as an early Pratt County settlement in 1877 by Reverend Andrew Axline. The town thrived until the county boundaries changed and it lost its bid…
The story of one missionary’s journey around the world, eventually ending in Kansas and the founding of a town, incorporates biographies, census data, genealogical research, photographs, plat maps, and personal interviews.
The lost community of Magic, located in Riley County, Kansas, was settled by immigrants from Germany in a process of chain migration. The community’s population steadily began to decline in the 1930s and was eventually consumed by the expansion of…
The Mahaffie Stagecoach and farm was founded by Mr. and Mrs. Mahaffie, in the year 1858. Upon arrival to Kansas from Indiana, the family established their carrying trade business in Olathe, Kansas, located in Johnson County. Throughout the paper,…
The author uses newspaper articles and historic documents to retell the history of the once bustling town of Mahaska. He also connects larger national events to the causes of Mahaska's decline.
Using the case study of Jeremiah "Jerry" Mitchell, this study documents the early history of Manhattan Bottoms and the African American community located there.
This is a paper about Manning, Kansas. Manning is located in Keystone Township in Scott County, Kansas. It existed from 1887 to 1955. The Manning Jayhawkers 4-H Club served as a factor of persistence in Manning. It now serves as Manning’s primary…
This is a short history of Maple City in Spring Creek Township, Cowley County. Only four miles from the Oklahoma border, this small post-village never had access to a railway. The hilly, rolling terrain made horses and ranching a way of life, but…
Mariadahl, named after the Swedish founder's mother, meaning "Valley of Mary" grew on the cornerstone of the Swedish Lutheran church that called parishers to worship every Sunday by the sound of its beautiful bell.
The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. is immortalized in Junction City, Kansas, by the grassroots efforts of both individuals and the community, in an annual celebration, marches, and a memorial park. This study was made possible using sources from…
This study covers the material culture of five selected artifacts and a brief history of the migration of Barbara Booth’s ancestors to Kansas. Each artifact has a story attached to it that gives a glimpse into the amazing history and craftsmanship…
This study is about the small town of May Day, Riley County, Kansas. It includes interviews, early maps of the town site, and photographs of how the town stands right now.
