Airplane rides over Jefferson County and conversations about old tractors were only two of the many activities Saturday at the 43rd annual Steam Engine Show and Threshing Bee in McLouth. Visiting near a line-up of John Deere tractors are Wendell Terry, Lawrence, far left, and, to his right, Bill Jones of Atchison. The threshing bee continues today.

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August 6, 2000
By Mike Belt

Steam-engine fans thresh it out in McLouth

For the first time in several years Rodney Kunard found himself Saturday back in McLouth walking among old wooden threshing machines, steam engines and tractors.

"I haven't been here for about eight years, but I really enjoy looking at the old farm equipment," the 30-year-old Manhattan resident said. "My dad used to tell me stories about what it was like for him working on a farm."

Kunard was among many from throughout the area who stopped off at McLouth's 43rd annual Steam Engine Show and Threshing Bee this weekend. The event began Friday and continues today until midnight.

Some pieces of machinery were fired up for demonstrations, such as the 1910 Advent steam engine owned by Doug McQuitty of McLouth. The massive engine's power was used to operate a nearby threshing machine. The power was relayed through a series of conveyor-type belts connecting the machines.

"Keeping the right pressure in the engine is one of the most taxing jobs there is," said McQuitty, who has owned the rebuilt engine for 25 years.

Maintenance on the engine, which fits into a frame that looks like a giant, old-fashioned tractor, is time-consuming and labor-intensive, McQuitty said.

"If anything breaks you have to find a friendly machinist who doesn't mind making a part for you," he said. "You can't get parts for them anymore."

McQuitty, 66, who worked on a farm as a boy, enjoys reliving farm history.

"I enjoy going back to the way it used to be done on a farm, although we never had a steam engine," he said.

Charles Luse, 54, Easton, turned his interest in farming to collecting old tractors and fixing them up. Several of his Farmall Cub tractors from the 1950s are on display. So is a 1930 Rumley Six, one of only about 800 ever built, he said.

"I've just farmed all my life and I've always liked doing something different," he said of his hobby.

Among the other activities Saturday was a children's tractor pull contest. Instead of horsepower they used old-fashioned pedal power.

Jordan Karr, 12, Paola, took first place in the 11-12 year-old category. He pulled 150 pounds.

"I think I could have pulled more," he said.

Among the events today is a draft-horse pull at 5 p.m. Visitors also can enjoy a flea market, petting zoo and blacksmith shop, as well as machine displays.

 

Helen M. Sample

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Harold E. Royer 1918 - 2007 Valley Falls

Valley Falls - A funeral service for Harold E. Royer, 88, Valley Falls, will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Burial with military honors by Grahem-Herbers Post No. 3084 of Veterans of Foreign Wars will be at Valley Falls Cemetery.Mr. Royer died Thursday, May 31, 2007, at Westwood Manor in Topeka.He was born Sept. 29, 1918, in Shenandoah, Iowa, the son of Clark S. and Orpha Dickey Royer. He moved with his family to Valley Falls when he was 2 years old.Mr. Royer served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was part of the Allied Invasion Force on Omaha Beach at Normandy. He received a Purple Heart medal. He worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in Topeka for 30 years and was a blacksmith in Valley Falls.Mr. Royer was a member of the McLouth and Meriden Antique Tractor Associations, VFW Grahem-Herbers Post No. 3084 in Valley Falls, American Legion Bicentennial Post No. 255 in Ozawkie and Local 307 of United Steel Workers. He attended St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Valley Falls.He married Lois Allen on June 2, 1951, in Valley Falls. They later divorced.Survivors include two sons, Clark, Valley Falls, and Gary, McLouth; a daughter, Tracy Harrington, Valley Falls; two brothers, Milton, Valley Falls, and Don, Carbondale; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

1931 - 2012

Bill "B.J." Robinson, 81, McLouth, KS, passed away Tuesday November 6, 2012 at the Tonganoxie Nursing Center. Funeral service was 11am Friday, November 9, 2012 at the Quisenberry Funeral Home, Tonganoxie, with burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, KC,KS.

Bill was born March 21, 1931 in Harris, MO, the son of Joseph and Wilma (Staats) Robinson. He was a 1950 graduate of Wyandotte High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army. He was a Farmer, and retired from Associated Grocers after 26 years as fleet maintenance supervisor. He was a member of American Legion Post #225 Ozawkie, KS, the Summunduwat Odd Fellow Lodge and the McLouth Threshing Bee. He was a private pilot. On June 21, 1953 in Kansas City, KS, he was united in marriage to Charlotte Wells. She survives of the home. Other survivors include; one son, Bill Robinson Jr., Andover, KS; two daughters, Karen Bailey, McLouth, KS, Melinda Coleman, Gladstone, MO; one brother, Earl Robinson, Lansing, KS; two grandchildren; and one great- grandson. A brother, John Robinson, preceded him in death.

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10 years ago: Aug. 7, 1996

Threshing Bee draws 7,000: It's the way it used to be. It's a part of agricultural heritage. It's a loud hot steam-blowing blowout. It's amazing farmers who actually used the machinery got as much work done with the contraptions as they did. The McLouth Threshing Bee threw its steam engines in high gear on Friday, as the 39th annual celebration took place. Other attractions such as carnival rides, a mud volleyball tournament, an antique tractor pull, a draft horse pull were also featured. Between the patio dance on Friday night and a concert given by Double Trouble on Saturday evening, there was plenty of evening entertainment to keep a Threshing Bee patron buzzing.

Parade of Power
at the Annual McLouth Threshing Bee.
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Katlyn Ruoff, 5, Savannah, Mo.,
sits on the lap of her grandfather,
Bob Ruoff, Stewartsville, Mo.,
in front of a 1933
International pickup truck at the
annual McLouth Threshing Bee.
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2009
at the Annual McLouth Threshing Bee.
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See more at our Gallery

 

'Lefty' last Pan American Boeing 314 flying boat pilot still flying.

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August 11, 2010

Imagine it is 1944. Four radial engines growl as your giant Pan American Boeing 314 flying boat makes its way from San Francisco to Hawaii. Twelve crew members are required for the 16-hour flight—18.5 hours if the winds are bad. You’re the first officer—or, at least, one of them.

Somewhere below the flight deck an admiral relaxes in deluxe quarters, waiting for an elegant meal. There are no passenger seats on this cargo flight for the Naval Air Transport Service, but quarters for the crew are plush. Admirals and State Department employees make the best of it. Tonight’s flight is cargo but sometimes there are emergency evacuations from Pacific Islands as a result of the war.

A navigator drops a combined flare-and-smoke bomb from the aircraft. Watching it through a grid from an observation window, he can determine the aircraft’s drift. Sun lines and stars, viewed with an octant first developed for ships in the 1700s, help determine the aircraft’s course to Honolulu. Smoke is used for daytime observations while the flare can be observed at night.

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A.J. Leftwich, known better as Jack or “Lefty,” piloted such flights from 1942 to 1945.

Once he arrived in Hawaii there was a day or two off, then a flight in a Martin Mariner PBM–3R twin-engine flying boat to deliver supplies throughout the Pacific, starting with a 900-nautical-mile run to Palmyra Island Naval Air Station.

Leftwich first got a pilot certificate on his own in 1940 flying a Piper Cub in Indiana. His love of flying survived a midair collision when he was a teenager. When he was six years old, his mother died and he was sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Kansas City. They lived close to the downtown airport, and he spent most of his free time watching the airplanes take off and land. When he was 15, the only thing he wanted for his birthday was an airplane ride, and after much begging, was granted that wish by his reluctant aunt, who made all decisions concerning her nephew. On the evening of Aug. 7, 1932, as he and his pilot were taking off, Mildred Kaufman and her passenger were coming in to land, with the sun setting in front of her plane. As the aunt and uncle watched in terror, the two planes collided over the runway. His pilot pulled him out of the wreckage and all he had was a cut on his forehead. Unfortunately for Mildred, who held the women’s record for continuous loop-the-loops, she died later that night from head injuries. Her passenger survived. He still carries the scar on his forehead from his very first airplane ride, and still has the newspaper article from that day.

After getting his private certificate he joined the Civilian Pilot Training program, repeating much of his earlier training and progressing through aerobatic training in a Waco UPF-7. The flying boat, a term used by its crews, was magical compared to the Waco, he said. One day a letter arrived that started, “Now it is time to redeem your pledge to your country.” It said the airlines needed pilots to replace those headed for the war, and offered a spot for Leftwich at American Airlines. He felt Pan American sounded more glamorous and was allowed to switch. His first assignment was in unglamorous Brownsville, Texas, for training.

Thirty of the students were later sent by Pan Am to San Francisco for flying boat training. “The transition from the DC-3 to boat operations was astounding. It’s just a different world entirely. The transition to flying boats was announced in the office of the pilot in charge of flight training. There were 15 pilots in the office that day. He said, gentlemen, we are going to go down to the dock and we are going to board a Martin PBM-3R. We had no idea whether the Martin PBM-3R was a submarine or a blimp. The purpose was to give an evaluation of a pilot’s performance in an aircraft he had never seen before in his life. We were asked to do a 45-degree bank, and in the process you could be assured the inboard engine would be cut. It was traumatic for some of the boys. Two were discharged as a result of that flight.”

Since Pan American was part of the military service, Leftwich has military medals from his service to the country. The route extended to Brisbane, Australia, and New Zealand.

He continued flying for Pan Am, transitioning through the DC–4 to the DC–6, and ending his career in Germany flying inter-country routes. During that time pilots of the Soviet Union occasionally escorted him with a fighter if he deviated outside 10-mile-wide air corridors because of weather. After such an incident there was endless paperwork to fill out, assuring the Soviets that the deviation was necessary. When not busy harassing civilian airliners, Soviet pilots were busy creating sonic booms to rattle the citizens of West Berlin.

Lefty meets Lord Mayor Willy Brandt in Berlin, 1961.
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Lefty meets Lord Mayor Willy Brandt in Berlin, 1961.

A photo from that time shows him shaking hands with then Lord Mayor of Berlin Willy Brandt at the start of DC–6 service in 1961. In 1977, Lefty retired from Pan Am as a Boeing 727 captain and remained in Germany for three more years.

He later moved to McLouth, Kan., near Kansas City, and bought a Cessna 172. He calls his private air strip “Threshing Bee Airport” because there is an old-fashioned threshing bee next door on the local fairgrounds.

A.J. “Lefty” Leftwich
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Lefty, on his 93rd birthday, flies with his grandson in a two-seat Quicksilver Sprint.

In August 2010, he announced he was going to “hang it up” and celebrated his ninety-third birthday flying his 34-year-old grandson in a two-seat Quicksilver Sprint assembled by his son. His son is Bill Leftwich, a senior airworthiness inspector for Gulfstream in Savannah, Ga. Leftwich once worked with Phil Lockwood in Sebring, Fla., on the design and manufacture of the twin-engine Air Cam. One of the Air Cams he helped to build was on the July 2009 cover of AOPA Pilot.

Did Lefty really “hang it up” on his ninety-third birthday? After his final flight with his grandson aboard, Lefty reversed his decision to hang it up. There’s still some flying to do.

By: Alton K. Marsh

 

Local icon John Bower passes away at age 100

by Dennis Sharkey

John Bower, a Jefferson County icon and idol to many, has died.

Bower passed away at home on June 18. He celebrated his 100th birthday this past December.

He is most known for his decades of service in the Kansas House of Representatives and leading the charge against liquor by the drink during the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

Bower was married twice but never had children of his own. He has two adopted children, Ruth Edmonds, McLouth, and Ronald Bower, Portland, Ore.

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Most of John Bower’s years on Earth were spent as a farmer and a preacher.

Most of Bower’s years on Earth were spent as a farmer and a preacher. Bower returned to the farm after college and continued farming until the early 1990s.

Bower got his start in politics when he ran for the local school board and never had the intention of making a career of policy making. His career in the Kansas Statehouse almost never happened.

When it came time in 1952 to make a run at the Statehouse, Bower admitted that he was reluctant and it took a lot of consulting. After filing for the seat a Jefferson County commissioner also filed for the seat. Bower said had he known before, that probably would have discouraged him from running.

Bower would be re-elected 11 more times and spent a total of 24 years in the Statehouse representing Jefferson and parts of Leavenworth counties.

Bower made most of his impact in his community of McLouth where he lived most of his life. Bower died in his home about a mile north of town. McLouth City Administrator Carl Chalfant said Bower and his family have been a pillar of the city for decades.

Chalfant said Bower was known for giving sermons and leading prayers at the Threshing Bee or other community events.

“He has been such a community leader for so long,” Chalfant said. “Up until just a few years ago he was still at all the events.”

Kansas Senate candidate Ron Ellis, Meriden, remembers Bower’s final years in the legislature but had most of his interactions with him at the Jefferson County Historical Society.

Ellis said Bower was a kind man but would also take on a challenge.

“He was a very honest man and he didn’t have a mean spirit,” Ellis said. “Number one he was a good Christian. You could always tell that. But he didn’t hold back.”

Ellis said Bower was a man that anyone could turn to for advice.

“It was amazing all the subjects he could speak on,” Ellis said.

Ellis, who just retired from 37 years of teaching history and civics from Oskaloosa, said Bower’s politics and personality were perfect for Jefferson County and Kansas.

“He worked well in Kansas,” Ellis said. “I don’t know about New York or Chicago.”

When interviewed in December Bower attributed his long stay in the Statehouse to his ability to connect with other people and he always sought the support of local newspaper editors.

“I went out of my way to cultivate support,” Bower said.

Valley Falls Vindicator Editor and Publisher Clarke Davis said many times he disagreed with stances Bower took on different issues. But Bower had a charismatic way about himself.

“You couldn’t help but like the guy,” Davis said.

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Bower was most known for successfully keeping intoxicating liquors by the drink out of Kansas until its full repeal in 1987.

Bower introduced several bills in the 1950s and ‘60s to battle liquor by the drink. In the late 1950s Bower advocated for voting rights for rural areas. When the 1948 amendment was approved by voters it allowed for communities to put the question to a vote. Bower believed it was unfair to not allow those living outside the city limits to vote.

“When the people of Kansas voted for the return of legal liquor, they also voted to respect the wishes of the people in local areas not to have liquor sold in their communities,” Bower told the House floor in a 1957 statement.

Bower also introduced bills that raised the drinking age and had other restrictions on how liquor could be sold.

Up until his final days in the House he believed that most Kansans were in favor of prohibition and if given the chance would vote to repeal legal liquor.

He pointed to voting figures in his own county. In a 1963 hearing Bower said that out of 619 incorporated towns only 228 had liquor stores. He said since 1948 only one town voted in favor of bringing a liquor store to town while six others kicked retailers out of town.

“I believe this reflects an awakening of the people,” Bower said during the hearing.

When liquor by the drink forces mounted a heavy campaign across the state in 1970 Bower pulled a political stunt when he introduced a bill that would put a constitutional amendment question back to voters that would bring prohibition back to the state.

The pro-liquor forces campaigned on a right for Kansans to vote on the issue. Bower preached to the legislature and anyone else who would listen that it was propaganda.

“Let’s see how many of those bleeding hearts who talk about denying the right to vote on liquor by the drink will be just as willing to give the people the right to vote on prohibition,” Bower told the Kansas City Star in 1969.

The pro forces argued that it would raise more revenues for the state. Bower illustrated that the social and economic costs of dealing with alcoholism far outweighed any tax revenues.

“When alcohol is more readily available, more is used,” Bower told the entire house in a March 13, 1969, address. “Money spent for alcohol is money more than wasted.”

Bower later admitted that he knew the ploy had no chance but believed that it would get a dialogue started.

“My resolution for prohibition was a calculated move to point to the real issue,” Bower told radio station KOFO in 1970. “It was the best way I could think of to show that the issue is the open saloon and not the right to vote.”

The ability for Jefferson County to have six school districts that are more community centered can partly be attributed to Bower. He spent many years as the chairman of the education committee and helped steer the state through the consolidation process along with reforming the way schools were structured.

Bower also took on issues that were not popular with his constituents but would stand his ground. Bower was a leader in fighting for equal rights for minorities and fought the death penalty.

“I believe God rules the universe and put men here and for whatever reason over years they developed different races because of different locations and different environments,” Bower said in December about his fight for civil rights. “You are a Christian first. You’ve got to do what you know is right no matter what it costs.”

Bower will be buried on Monday at the McLouth Cemetery. Services will begin at 11 a.m. at the McLouth First Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m.

Memorials can be made to the McLouth First Baptist Church and sent in care of the Barnett Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, 66066.

Short URL: http://www.jeffcountynews.com/?p=13390

 

Antique tractors put through paces

McLouth Threshing Bee again features saw mill demonstrations

Photo By: Shawn Linenberger
Jim Noll, Nortonville, works at a saw mill demonstration Friday during the McLouth Threshing Bee. The bee continues today and Sunday in McLouth. Enlarge photo

August 7, 2010

Trailers carrying antique tractors - one even dating back to 1917 - made their way Friday to the McLouth Threshing Bee grounds.

It’s the first weekend of August, which means plenty of threshing, tractor pulls and other activities at the annual McLouth Threshing Bee.

“A lot of them have been in people’s families for generations,” said Pam Petree, secretary for the event.

Friday, once in the morning and again in the afternoon, hay went through a steam-powered thresher, demonstrations that will take place again at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. today and Sunday.

The threshing demonstrations have been a mainstay at the annual event, which started in the 1950s. After a couple years’ hiatus, saw mill demonstrations have returned. In addition, a Baker’s fan, which tests the horsepower of the older tractors, is a new attraction this year. A tractor teeter-totter, as Mike Moore of Oskaloosa calls it, is situated next to the Baker’s fan. Moore said tractors roll up on to the platform and the key is to have the tractor be balanced on the platform.

“It’s just one more thing to tinker with,” Moore said.

Moore, who originally is from McLouth, says he has participated in other activities, such as drag racing and mud runs. But nothing compares with the threshing bee. He noted that other activities are very competitive, while at the threshing bee, everyone’s friendly.

“Everyone wants to help each other out,” he said.

Friday afternoon, Moore was involved with the saw mill. He said the mill hasn’t been in operation the last two years because funding wasn’t available for a saw, which measures about 52 inches. This year, however, the saw mill was back in operation. Wood cut at the mill will be used for siding inside the museum on the threshing bee grounds, Moore said.

The Heart of America Antique Steam Engine and Model Association of McLouth, which funds the threshing bee, is a nonprofit organization.

“It costs a lot of money to keep these old machines running,” said Angie Cammack, the organization’s treasurer.

A bounce house and other games for youths are at this year’s festival and there are more vendors this year, Cammack said. Also new this summer — a horse and carriage that offers rides making the rounds of the nearly 80-acre grounds.

The threshing bee attracts older people who may have once used the various antique equipment and young enthusiasts alike.

Bob Klinkenberg is the only remaining charter member of the association. He was there for the purchase of the current grounds in the late 1950s. The threshing bee’s first years took place at the farm of Slim Watson before moving to the current grounds.

More than 50 years later, the threshing bee still is full steam ahead.

“It’s a continuation of the way things used to be,” Klinkenberg said.

Activities on tap for today at the threshing bee include a parade of power, drive-in car show, youth pedal tractor pull and a mini-rod tractor pull. A musical performance by Hazzard County will follow the tractor pull, which starts at 6:30 p.m.

On Sunday, another mini-rod tractor pull is to start at 2 p.m.

Each year a different make of tractor is featured. This year it is the Oliver tractor.

Originally published at: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/aug/07/antique-tractors-put-through-paces/

 

I must say Iam sorry If this is the wrong person. I ment no ill harm. The things you can find on the web.

TANK FOR HIRE

Airplane rides over Jefferson County
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Airplane rides over Jefferson County
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January/February 1986

Dick Burd of Canton, South Dakota spent some of this past summer attending steam shows around the country. Over this past Labor Day Week-end he was in Valley Center, Kansas attending Ternings annual steam show. Dick discovered a rather unique solution to the problem many shows have that being people parking in areas other than designated parking areas.

The MC for the entire show, Mr. Jim Thomas from Grafford, Texas, repeatedly asked for the owner of the vehicle to please remove it from the grounds and take it to the designated parking area. It seems the parade was about to begin and the car was in the way. Aaron Terning was to lead the parade with his restored Stuart M5 Al light tank (if you call 36,000 pounds light)!! Jim gave the command for the parade to begin and the pictures tell the rest of the story. Dough McQuitty from McLouth, Kansas was seen narrowly escaping the fatal blow. Someone was kind enough to give Doug a lift home after the show.

Aaron and his tank are for hire if any other shows have a similar problem to solve.

We have been assured by Tom and Lois Terning that their 14-year-old son Aaron war not being unduly aggressive with his tank the car you see was from the local salvage yard and was headed for the 'crusher' the next day anyway! Aaron owns and has restored several crawlers. To earn money for this restoration he restored several antique tractors and put in many long hours in the shop. Using his tanks, he has made several commercials for local car dealerships with the them 'we will blow away or crush the competition.'-ed.

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012 Doug McQuitty,
McLouth, plays the bagpipes while
honoring firemen. At the Old Settlers’
Reunion in Oskaloosa.
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All funniness aside Mr. McQuitty has been instramental in assisting the McLouth Threshing Bee conduct thier events for several years.

 

McLouth Threshing Bee: Historical Farm Equipment on Parade

Darin Edmonds, acting President of the
Heart of America Steam Engine Association
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On a wide-open stretch of land situated in the small town of McLouth, Kansas people like to gather for  what is known as the annual Threshing Bee. It is a time for celebrating farming as it was long ago and a time for bringing together the community for this summer celebration. It is a place where antique steam engines and gas-powered tractors bring a powerful presence to the countryside.  Individuals and families gather with lawn chairs, blankets and an excitement about seeing these rare and majestic beasts.

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Upon entering the fairgrounds visitors are greeted by the sound of an antique windmill still spinning in the wind and an awesome view of the well-recognized, McLouth Threshing Bee Water Tower. The dusty roadway  brings visitors onto an open  field where other cars are parked.  This once barren landscape now welcomes hundreds of guests with the aroma of hot dogs, pies and other all-American menu selections. Activities for children abound and provide an array of choices for all ages. Once dinner selections are made and children have been entertained it's on to the pit area that is surrounded by farm fencing. A parade of machines appear that were stored away awaiting this moment and the crowds delight in the sight of suchtreasurers.  

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Darin Edmonds is acting President of the Heart of America Steam Engine Association that works to put on the Threshing Bee every year. Darin describes the humble beginnings of this annual event as he remembers the story of how it began. "Slim Watson lived in the area in the 1950's and he had an idea to invite people out to his home, serve them some food, and give a little demonstration on how his farm equipment worked. It was a really big hit and it has continued since that time to become what it is now."  Today,the Threshing Bee brings together collectors, hobbyists and enthusiasts for a similar experience. "It's one of my hobbies; I grew up here in McLouth and my dad was involved prior to my becoming president," said Darin. The fairgrounds are used and maintained by a lot of people, but the Threshing Bee is the major attraction for the community and has been going on for more than 50 years. According to Darin, "We are a non-profit organization and every penny goes back into the Association to make the show fun for the community."

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All of the old farm equipment delights and impresses collectors, historians, and hobbyist, myself included.

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Those housed on the fairgrounds were available for viewing and I was thrilled to see them as Darin and I took a tour of the facility.

The most majestic by far was the Advance Rumely Steam Engine built in 1920. This 50-horse powered mammoth has the appearance of a locomotive train and I can?t imagine using it to farm my land.

Standing nearby were the 1909 Case, 1922 Minneapolis Engine, 1915 Aultman Taylor gas powered tractor and the 1915Wood Brothers Threshing Machine. In the back of the large roomstood the 1915 John Deere Wheat Thresher  that looked as if it had just come off the farm.

The most unusual steam engine is housed in a building of its own, the 1880?s Corliss Steam Engine. The city of Lawrence, Kansas donated the engine to McLouth after finding it in the basement of the old paper company. In its day, the engine had 8 inch line shaft attachments that were approximately one city block long with 300 belts that operated the entire factory. It is mostcertainly a magnificent representation of antique machinery.

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Although the steam engines are exciting to see, the tractor pull is by far the most popular event at the Threshing Bee. Participants from surrounding areas bring their own equipment to the event and compete in this muddy, noisy, display. Antique tractors, hot rod tractors and other greatest weights for the longest distance. This isa time in the show when the noise level gets intense. The sound of large farm equipment pulling so hard that the front wheels leave the ground canbe deafening.

I recommend visiting the McLouth Threshing Bee where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of this wonderful event. It?s a tradition that the community holds dear and visitors don?t soon forget. Once there you willmeet with others from across Kansas, the Midwest and the country. Remember to bring your camera on the first weekend of August. It?s a time for reflecting on our history as Kansans and people of rural America.

 

By Barbara Higgins-Dover, MS. Ed.

 

Jefferson County

Jefferson county was organized in 1855.

Originally the land was the home of the Kanza Indian tribe where buffalo roamed. In 1827 Major Daniel M. Boone, son of famous Kentucky pioneer Daniel Boone, established Kansas' first settlement in Jefferson County. The United States Government established a reservation there for the Delaware Indians who were relocated from Indiana and Ohio. The "Old Military Trail" route through the county was used by the cavalry between Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley.

Jefferson County is named in honor of former President Thomas Jefferson. It was Jefferson who acquired this parcel of land as a part of his famous Louisiana Purchase.

First settlements: Rock Creek township, 1854, by William B. Wade, Aaron Cook and Sidney Stewart; Kaw township, in the spring of 1854, R. P. Beeler, Jeff. Riddle, John Kuykendall and J. T. Wilson; Kentucky township, 1854, John Scaggs; Union township, March, 1855, Andrew Rice and family; Osawkie township, 1854, G. F. and Wm. Dyer; Jefferson township, 1854, T. Lamar and - Crobarger; Delaware township, December 25, 1854, Robert Riddle, James Frazer, A. L. Whitney and H. B. Jolly. - First church buildings erected: Rock Creek township, Meriden, 1877, Methodist; Kaw township, Grantville, 1868, Christian; Kentucky township, Rising Sun, 1858, Methodist; Osawkie township, German Baptist, date not given; Jefferson township, Winchester, 1866, Methodist; Delaware township, Valley Falls, formerly Grasshopper Falls, 1857, Lutheran - Rev. J. B. McAfee was the first pastor; in the townships where there are no church buildings the public school houses are used for religious worship. - First school houses: Rock Creek township, 1859, by district No. 19; Kaw township, 1863, district No. 37; Kentucky township, 1868, district No. 35; Union township, in the fall of 1856, built of logs, the citizens generally contributing in labor and material - it was located in what is now district No. 31; Osawkie township, 1865, districts Nos. 12 and 32; Jefferson township, by public subscription, near the site of the school house in the present district No. 20 - J. Hull taught the first school; Delaware township, 1857, Dr. L. Northrup - old claim house moved upon the town site of Grasshopper Falls, now Valley Falls; Sarcoxie township, 1869, districts Nos. 50, 51 and 70; Fairview township, 1869. - First marriages: Rock Creek township, Peter Stuart and Miss Dunn, 1856; Kaw township, James H. Jones and Martha H. Wilson, January 17, 1856; Kentucky township, J. Little, lady's name unknown, 1857; Union township, Austin Harvey and Miss Marshall, fall of 1856; Osawkie township, John Buzbee and Miss White, 1856; Delaware township, Alfred Corey and Martha Harvey, 1855. - First births: Kaw township, Ellen Morgan, December, 1855; Union township, Nancy E. Rice, December 4, 1855; Jefferson township, Ella Simmons, June 19, 1854; Delaware township, John Considine, Valley Falls, April, 1857. - First business established: Shields & Chubb, groceries, etc., Mt. Florence; Kaw township, general merchandise, J. S. Townsend; Kentucky township, Lutt & Shoner, grocery store, Rising Sun, 1858; Union township, Hugh Cameron, grocery store, 1856; Osawkie township, W. M. & G. Dyer, dry goods and groceries; Jefferson township, W. Reeboe, dry goods, Winchester; Delaware township, Wm. & R. H. Crosby. - First post offices: Mt. Florence, 1857, C. D. Shields, postmaster; Kaw township, Kaw City, James H. Jones, postmaster; Rural township, Williamstown, name since changed to Rural; Kentucky township, Rising Sun, L. Lutt, postmaster; Union township, Middletown, 1855, William Butler, postmaster; Osawkie township, Osawkie, 1854, G. Dyer, postmaster; Jefferson township, Scotland, 1854, - Butts, postmaster. - The first Territorial Legislature divided the Territory into counties, and appointed full sets of county officers. The officers for Jefferson county were O. B. Tebbs and N. B. Hopewell, County Commissioners; Franklin Finch, Probate Judge; W. F. Dyer, Treasurer; G. M. Dyer, Sheriff, and Marion Christison, Register. January 21, 1856, the County Board divided the county into townships. At the March meeting, same year, the first license was granted, that to Jefferson Riddle to maintain a ferry at Osawkie, paying for the privilege ten dollars a year. The first law suit in the county was in March, 1856, at Osawkie, before David R. Sprague, a justice of the peace. The following is an exact copy of the justice's docket entry.

Today, the spirit of the pioneer continues in one of the most beautiful parts of Kansas. Come visit Jefferson County..for the fun of it.

 

UNION TOWNSHIP

This township is situated in the eastern part of the county, and contains forty-two and one-half square miles. It is a little more than four miles wide, and is ten miles in length from north to south.

This is a wealthy township, and is also one of the oldest settled. the first to settle there was Andrew Rice, with his family, in March 1855. During that year several families located and selected claims. Among them were I. Fowler and family, Dr. R. W. Hosford, W. C. Fowler, S. S. Dark and J. F. Willitts.

The first birth was that of Nancy E., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Rice, on December 4, 1855.

The first postoffice was established in 1855, and was called Middletown. William Butler was the first Postmaster.

The first store was a little grocery, kept in a log cabin, by Hugh Cameron, and opened in the spring of 1856.

The first school was one supported by a subscription from its patrons. The schoolhouse was built of logs, and the material was hauled and the house built by the citizens of the neighborhood, all the work being contributed. The first school was taught in the fall of the year 1856, and was in the locality now included in District No. 31.

The first marriage was in the fall of 1856, and was that of Austin Harvey and Miss Marshall.

From the date of the first settlement, what is now Union Township continued to flourish, and the settlement and improvement kept pace with other parts of the county.

Union Township was organized early in the spring of 1869, from territory which until then formed a pat of Oskaloosa Township. An election was held the following April, at which time Robert Davidson was elected Trustee, and S. S. Dark and W. C. Fowler, Justices of the Peace.

The township still continues to improve. There are now seven school districts within its limits The church societies are well represented.

There was no railroad with the township until the fall of 1881, when the Leavenworth, Topeka & Southwestern Railroad was built across it from east to west, and until that time it contained no village, and now has one. There are three post offices in the township - Grove City, Woodstock and McLouth.

 

City of MCLOUTH

This is a pleasant and thriving little village, situated on the line of the Leavenworth, Topeka & Southwestern Railroad, and not far from the eastern boundary of the county. Its location is an excellent one, being in the midst of a thickly settled and wealthy farming region.

The town was founded in 1881, and was so named from the original owner of the land, and who still owns a portion of the town site. Though so new, it already has a large country trade. Nearly all branches of trade are represented by the business houses, and there are already good grain shipping facilities. The population numbers about one hundred.

The town has a good school, which is liberally kept up by the public-spirited citizens.

The Grange Store of McLouth, I. Pearson, manager, was originally at Dimon, the store being moved when McLouth was laid out. The range was organized, November 16, 1878, and at once was incorporated. Commenced business February 6, 1879. Charter members, thirteen. Among of business done in 1882 was over $10,000. Present membership, forty.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of McLouth was organized December 13, 1882, with the following members: Larkin Rice, chairman; Phillip Cresse, secretary; T. P. Getchel, treasurer. The names enrolled were LArking Rice, Phillip Cresse, T. P. Getchel, C. E. Landon, Rollie Taylor, Dr. J. F. Wetzel, D. N. Daniel and J. W. McFarlane. Several of these were members of the first Methodist Episcopal society of this part, which was organized in September, 1857, in Alexandria Township, Leavenworth County. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Lovejoy. Services were afterwards held for a number of years in Round Grove schoolhouse. Larkin Rice was one of the leading members of this pioneer church society.

The Methodist Episcopal Church South, or what is known as the Plumb Grove Church, was built in 1871, at a cost of $2,000. the Methodist Episcopal society was organized in that locality in 1857, Rev. Mr. Jones being the first pastor. Among the original members were N. B. Hopewell, Jane C. Hopewell, Margaret Faubian, W. Merideth, Nancy Merideth, J. H. Hopewell and Mary J. Hopewell. The first enrollment numbered thirty-five members. It increased steadily until divided, and a portion merged into the Leverton class. Rev. A. J. Lawless is the present pastor (1883).

McLouth, one of the thriving towns of Jefferson county, is located near the east line of the county at the junction of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe and the Missouri Pacific railroads. It is in Union township 7 miles east of Oskaloosa, the county seat. McLouth is an incorporated town with a weekly newspaper (the Times), banking facilities, express and telegraph offices, and a money order postoffice with three rural routes. The population in 1910 was 775. The town was founded in 1881 and named after the original owner of the land. The grange store was moved from Dimon when McLouth was laid out and was kept by I. Pearson. The amount of business done in 1882 was over $20,000. At present all lines of business are represented and considerable produce is shipped.

 

McLouth, Ks

Founded in 1881

Founded by:
AMOS McLOUTH

My home town.

I grew up here and raised my childern here. It's a quiet little town that hosts a BBQ Blowout and Thershing Bee amoung other atteractions.

A bit of History

The town was founded in 1881, and was so named from the original owner of the land.

Read More about the history of the area.

Come visit or set down some roots in this quiet little town not far off the beaten path. Information about our school, houseing or the city please hop over to the City of McLouth website.

There are a lot of things to do in and around our town. Problem is the events are spread over internet and hard to find. I have brought them togather in one place to help make it easier.

The town has a good school, which is liberally kept up by the public-spirited citizens.

 

Ike "Stockin' cap" Theroff shows off a bass drum with a picture of Lake Tahoe,Nev papinted on it, candy cutter, a bayonette and a WW1 helmet, just a few of the thousands of items he will be selling to the highest bidder.

GIZMOS GALORE PUT UP FOR BID

April 30, 1999

Saying Ike "Stockin' Cap" Theroff has collected a few articles over the years would be like saying Kansas has a fair amount of sunflowers.

And for almost as far as the eye can see across the Leavenworth County Fairgrounds, Theroff has his wares on display.

Thousands of items owned by Theroff, ranging from old, rusty tools to a working 1905 alfalfa seed threshing machine, will go on the auction block this weekend.

This Jolt Meter, was a sales gimmick
used by car salesman
to demostrate how smooth a ride
the prospective buyer could expect.

"I think what got me interested in this stuff is I've always been interested in how things work," said Theroff, 65, who has been collecting just about everything he can get his hands on for decades.

It took Theroff and his family 10 weeks just to gather the items from his rural McLouth barn and other storage areas.

It took two 45-foot trucks and 24 loads on 15-foot trailers to get all the items to the fairgrounds. The items fill six judging buildings at the fairgrounds.

"Even if I get rid of it all, I'll probably just start again," he said.

His collection includes plowing equipment, washing machines, signs, belt buckles, stoves, car jacks, tools of all sorts, radios, tillers, mowers, car parts, chain saws and dental equipment.

And Theroff can tell you how nearly all of the mechanical items work -- whether it's a pedal-powered washing machine from the 1920s or a giant saw used for cutting ice from area lakes.

He said that, in addition to having an interest in older technologies, he has collected items for history's sake.

Many of his farm implements, tools and other items are more than 100 years old.

"This represents history," he said. "What some of these old birds did back then, we couldn't do today. It was an art."

John Shoemaker, a Tonganoxie auctioneer who will conduct the sale along with four other auctioneers, said he's never in 21 years seen anything like Theroff's collection.

"Most sales take three to four hours to sell out," he said. "We're probably looking Saturday at a minimum of eight hours."

Shoemaker said he's received calls from people in 16 different states asking about the sale.

He expects 500 to 600 people on Saturday and nearly that many on Sunday.

"Some of these guys are coming to stay for two days," he said. "It's going to be different. I've been selling 21 years and never really done a sale so rare as this."

And why is Theroff selling now?

"In 1985, I had a serious heart attack," he said. "I had another one in 1990 and I'm way past due on the next one. I figure I better sell it now while I'm still around."

The auction will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and at 10 a.m. Sunday. No ending time has been set for either day.

Three trailers laden with signs

10 years ago: May 5, 1999

LJWorld.com

Ivan "Ike'' 'Stocking Cap' Theroff has been collecting and storing stuff for more than 50 years. He started collecting just before he married his wife, Mary Ann, of 45 years. (An auction by Shoemaker?s Auction was held to sell the huge collection. It took 25 trips with a 16-foot trailer, a 45-foot transfer van and a 45-foot flatbed to haul the multitude of items from storage to the fairgrounds. More than 1,400 items were sold to 298 buyers. Ike's pink stocking cap went for $225.)

Jefferson County Fire District 9
Est. 1961
Ike also served as fire chief and later on the board 1981-

PATRIOTS DAY PARADE

2005 Grand Marshalls

Murphy & Joann Van Druff
Audean Kramer
Lillian Shrader
Ivan 'Ike' & Mary Theroff
Hubert & Mary Alice Kimberlin

Ivan and Mary Ann Theroff were married on June 20, 1953.