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Springdale, Leavenworth County
The author describes the life of an early Irish Catholic settlement in eastern Kansas. Originally a Quaker community, Irish immigration "exploded" there just after the Civil War, eventually stamping the town with a particular religious culture. After…
Webster, Rooks County
Webster was a failed railroad town that, despite its unity and perseverance, was sacrificed to the creation of Webster Reservoir. This case study includes photographs, maps, and interviews from Mrs. Jean Lindsey, local historian, and Mrs. Patty…
Mahaska, Washington County
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.
Orion, Gove County
This study of the slowly-vanishing town of Orion explores the western Kansas environment and the founding of a community in 1886. Wheat farmers claimed large farms in this area. Named for a schoolteacher, Orion had a vital life through World War II,…
Swamp Angel, Pottawatomie County
The author theorizes the name of "Swamp Angel" and its possible settlement by its remaining un-incorporated houses, grain silo and railroad tracks located on the floodplain of the Kansas River.
Pence, Scott County
In northwest Scott County, where wind is plentiful and trees are few and far between, sits the disappearing small town of Pence, Kansas. Platted on October 27, 1886, Pence is located in Beaver Township, which is in the most northwestern corner of…
Winkler, Riley County
The decay of Winkler was the loss of not having a railroad run through the town site. A railroad running through a town almost guarantees growth and survival for small towns in Kansas. Glen Stockwell, a local resident near Winkler during the 1930s,…
Atchison, Atchison County
This study contains information about the first settlement called Atchison, Atchison County, in the year 1855. It includes historical accounts, both told by historians and in primary sources, and shows the earliest illustrations of the town. The…
Gypsum, Saline County
This paper is a study of the closure of Gypsum Rural High school in Gypsum, Saline County, Kansas, and how its closure affected the community surrounding and supporting it. The study includes census data, historical newspaper articles, and web…
White City, Morris County
At the ridge of the Flint Hills in Morris County lies the rural community of White City, Kansas. Today, with 618 people, White City is still a viable community, but it bears little relation today to the regional consumer and mercantile center it…
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Goff, Nemaha County
This study illustrates the founding, growth, and decline of the small town of Goff, Kansas in Nemaha County. Originally located at the crossroads of…