Looking Backward to Go Forward • It’s Wednesday, October 29, 1930, at Sprout Ranch, 12 miles south of Mullinville, Kansas. Carolyn “Carrie” Norman Sprout, 49, and her husband, Walter “Scott” Sprout, 55, are moving into their son’s house. A week earlier, on October 22, Carrie and Scott’s daughter-in-law, Thelma Barrick Sprout, 23, gave birth to a second child, Thelma Lorraine Sprout. But the euphoria of a baby was soon countered with grief. Mother Thelma died three days later from an … [Read more...] about Reno County: Looking Backward to Go Forward
Archives for July 2021
Reno County: The Corps and the Cannons
The Corps and the Cannons • It’s Saturday, October 10, 1942, at Ethel and Tom McGinn’s house, 726 E. 6th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas. Twin sisters, Ethel Rose Sames and Effie Kate Sames Chandler, 56, are talking about no-win situations, specifically the dilemma Ethel has encountered for the past week as President of the Joe Hooker Women’s Relief Corps. * “I hated doing it,” said Ethel, “but after a vote yesterday, I announced that our Women’s Relief Corps decided to donate our two … [Read more...] about Reno County: The Corps and the Cannons
Reno County: Death Ditch
Death Ditch • It’s Thursday, July 22, 1920, at the home of Harriet “Hattie” Moore Jennings, 220 Sherman East Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas. Living with widowed Hattie, 52, are three of her five children: Don, 31; Mack, 29; and Beulah, 20. Hattie’s still holding a $3,500 check when Beulah enters the room carrying a cup of coffee. * “Is it hot in here?” asked Hattie. Before Beulah could reply, Hattie placed the check on her desk and began unfastening the top button of her … [Read more...] about Reno County: Death Ditch
Reno County: Who Wants a Baby?
"Who Wants a Baby?" • It’s Friday night August 8, 1913, at Riverside Park’s airdome outdoor theater in Hutchinson Kansas. Alta June Barnes Beck, 35, is watching her husband, Konrad Christopher Beck, 37, on stage, stirring up the crowd. He couldn’t be happier. * "When will this heat wave ever end?" Alta overheard a man ask his wife, or a woman she presumed was his wife. "We might as well stay out late," she responded as she waved a hand fan in front of her face. "With this humidity, it … [Read more...] about Reno County: Who Wants a Baby?
