A SMALL TOWN MUSEUM ON A MISSION!
SAVING LOCAL KANSAS HISTORY ONE STORY AT A TIME
The Towanda Area Historical Museum is located at 401 Main Street, Towanda, KS. The building previously housed the Towanda Masonic Lodge No. 30 A.F. & A.M. Our building was constructed in 1904 and on November 24, 2003 became listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Towanda Masonic Lodge #30 was organized in September of 1885 and met in the Towanda schoolhouse until they were able to build their own building.
Museum, current day.
In May 1903, the Towanda Masonic Lodge #30 purchased a lot on the southeast corner of Third and Main street in Towanda, Butler County, Kansas. It was purchased from Mr. A. Lancer for the sum of $50.00 plus $6.00 for an abstract and a $1.15 fee for recording of the deed. In June, a committee consisting of Andrew J. Ralston, chairman, William R Green, Micheal Orban, Jr., Peter Poorbaugh, and Daniel H. Cupp was appointed to prepare plans for the new building to house the Masonic Lodge and submit this plans to a contractor.
In the spring of 1904, bonds were sold to the members to raise money to pay for the construction of a new building. The cost of which was not to exceed $3,000.00.
The cornerstone laying ceremony was held on June 2, 1904, with Thomas G Fitch, Grand Master in charge. The lodge officers taking part were, Andrew J Ralston, Master; John C Straw, Senior Warden: Samuel Gl Huddleson, Junior Warden; Michael Orban, Jr., Treasurer; Charles Davis, Secretary; Daniel Cupp, Senior Deacon; S.E. Cornelius, Junor Deacon; John Cappas, Senior Steward; Claude Green, Junior Steward; and James N. Robinson, Tyler. The Methodist Church, The Christian Church, a band, and a choir all took part in the ceremony. A number of articles were deposited in the cornerstone, some of which are viewable at the Museum today.
In the spring of 1904, bonds were sold to the members to raise money to pay for the construction of a new building. The cost of which was not to exceed $3,000.00.
The cornerstone laying ceremony was held on June 2, 1904, with Thomas G Fitch, Grand Master in charge. The lodge officers taking part were, Andrew J Ralston, Master; John C Straw, Senior Warden: Samuel Gl Huddleson, Junior Warden; Michael Orban, Jr., Treasurer; Charles Davis, Secretary; Daniel Cupp, Senior Deacon; S.E. Cornelius, Junor Deacon; John Cappas, Senior Steward; Claude Green, Junior Steward; and James N. Robinson, Tyler. The Methodist Church, The Christian Church, a band, and a choir all took part in the ceremony. A number of articles were deposited in the cornerstone, some of which are viewable at the Museum today.
During 1909 and 1910, lamps were suspended by ropes from the ceiling and in 1911, electric lights were installed throughout the building. The average monthly bill being about $2.00.
In 1913, two trees were planted in the back lot.
In May 1917, a cement floor was installed in the basement.
Natural gas and a phone were installed in 1919, as well as running water and a sink.
During the early 1920's, several improvements were made and the basement was fixed up for a banquet room.
In those early years, the ground floor was rented to various businesses, such as an implement shop, a dry goods store and the post office which occupied the front part of the building until 1961. The Museum still holds the original postmasters sorting box. In 1947, a room behind the Post Office was petitioned off for the Towanda Library. On May 22, the Library Board first met to perfect its organization and on Saturday, July 12, the Library opened. The Post Office stayed in this building until they moved into their new building in 1961. At which time, the Library expanded and used the large area that later became the dining area on the first floor. In 1966, the Library moved out and a partition was removed from the first floor. An indoor stairway was built giving inside access to the second floor - after using the outdoor fire escape for all those years, in all kind of weather. It was a real joy to have indoor access!
In 1975, central air conditioning was installed, but in May the concrete slab for the air conditioner was vandalized so a fence was installed to protect it. And later in 1983, a fire escape was installed to the southeast corner of the building.
In September of 1980, the back lot was leased to Brother Tom Pyle and a new roof was put on the building
In 1913, two trees were planted in the back lot.
In May 1917, a cement floor was installed in the basement.
Natural gas and a phone were installed in 1919, as well as running water and a sink.
During the early 1920's, several improvements were made and the basement was fixed up for a banquet room.
In those early years, the ground floor was rented to various businesses, such as an implement shop, a dry goods store and the post office which occupied the front part of the building until 1961. The Museum still holds the original postmasters sorting box. In 1947, a room behind the Post Office was petitioned off for the Towanda Library. On May 22, the Library Board first met to perfect its organization and on Saturday, July 12, the Library opened. The Post Office stayed in this building until they moved into their new building in 1961. At which time, the Library expanded and used the large area that later became the dining area on the first floor. In 1966, the Library moved out and a partition was removed from the first floor. An indoor stairway was built giving inside access to the second floor - after using the outdoor fire escape for all those years, in all kind of weather. It was a real joy to have indoor access!
In 1975, central air conditioning was installed, but in May the concrete slab for the air conditioner was vandalized so a fence was installed to protect it. And later in 1983, a fire escape was installed to the southeast corner of the building.
In September of 1980, the back lot was leased to Brother Tom Pyle and a new roof was put on the building
The Masons were very proud of their Lodge and their building. Over the years they added many improvements and was sure that regular maintenance was done in a timely manner. Due to the "times", membership declined and it became apparent that consolidation with another lodge was imminent. In December 1995, the Lodge consolidated with Mystic Tie Lodge #97 of Augusta. Over time, the windows were bricked up because of loss of heat and cooling, as well as glass breakage. In January 1996, the Towanda Lodge gave the building to the City of Towanda to be used as a Historical Museum. The deed was signed February 8, 1996 and recorded February 9, 1996. This historic building now houses the history, artifacts and other memorabilia of the area. Hank Burchard Margaret Wilson and Gene Thomas, among many other community members created the original museum. In the fall of 2017, a new board of volunteers formed to bring new life and style to the existing Museum. The decision was made to dismantle the existing museum to update the then 113 year old building which is listed on the Historical Register of Deeds. All contents were boxed up and the process of uncover-rediscover began. Three years later, this band of visioneers is proud to share this incredible gift with the community of Towanda and the surrounding towns in which we pay tribute to.
“This museum isn’t just a gift to our community, but a tribute to our heritage. A place we can continue education, and build a stronger sense of community together.” - Tricia Lee, president
A huge thank you to our team of incredible volunteers, Andy and Michelle Newbrey, Val Hind, Tricia Lee, and Marilyn Luszczak for the countless hours they volunteered and invested in research and building. For the thoughtful contributions from Brian Albert, Spencer Lee, Maurice Hind, and Sam Schwemmer. A special thank you to our young museum ambassadors for helping out when we needed them the most, Jenna Moore, Kyndal Lee, Leah Moore, Madison Nace and Drew Allen.
“This museum isn’t just a gift to our community, but a tribute to our heritage. A place we can continue education, and build a stronger sense of community together.” - Tricia Lee, president
A huge thank you to our team of incredible volunteers, Andy and Michelle Newbrey, Val Hind, Tricia Lee, and Marilyn Luszczak for the countless hours they volunteered and invested in research and building. For the thoughtful contributions from Brian Albert, Spencer Lee, Maurice Hind, and Sam Schwemmer. A special thank you to our young museum ambassadors for helping out when we needed them the most, Jenna Moore, Kyndal Lee, Leah Moore, Madison Nace and Drew Allen.
MEET THE TEAM
"Lets make this a place that the community can come gather together and celebrate our heritage. Keep it going, and let others know all the treasures that come from this place and why it began in the first place."
Valla Wilson Hind
Valla was born and raised in Towanda, Kansas as the daughter of a local ranching family. Her parents were Ann and Harry Wilson, Jr. Her grandparents were Vena and Harry Wilson, Sr, who settled here in 1921. Valla's extended family were also well known staples to the small town of Towanda. In her youth, you would probably catch her riding bareback through town on one of her beautiful horses.
Valla was a 1969 graduate of Circle High School, and attended KU and WSU. She has lived in several states through the US, which gave her great opportunity to explore the local culture and history of those places. This helped grow her passion for small town history!
Valla is married to Maurice Hind and has three children and three granddaughters. She enjoys shooting sports, bow hunting and other outdoor activities. But most of all being part of the Towanda Historical Museum!
Valla was a 1969 graduate of Circle High School, and attended KU and WSU. She has lived in several states through the US, which gave her great opportunity to explore the local culture and history of those places. This helped grow her passion for small town history!
Valla is married to Maurice Hind and has three children and three granddaughters. She enjoys shooting sports, bow hunting and other outdoor activities. But most of all being part of the Towanda Historical Museum!
Tricia Lee
Tricia is a native of Andover, Kansas and lived in Towanda for 15 years. During her residency she took pride in the community by helping re-create the Towanda Historical Museum, establishing the Towanda Hometown Action Commission and is currently helping preserve the Andover Historical Museum. Tricia is married to Spencer Lee and has three children. Entrepreneurs at heart, together they have started and ran multiple businesses which gives her time freedom to give back to her communities. Her Towanda family roots go back to her parents meeting at Circle High School and graduating together in 1977.
Tricia enjoys learning local history and finding ways to preserve it. She believes it is important to know where you come from, honor those who came before us and teach the next generation to do the same.
Tricia enjoys learning local history and finding ways to preserve it. She believes it is important to know where you come from, honor those who came before us and teach the next generation to do the same.
Marilyn Mclaughlin Luszczak
Marilyn is a 1973 graduate of Circle High School and retired teacher of 31 years. She taught at Circle Benton Elementary, Circle Oil Hill Elementary, Butler Community College and Salisbury Primary in Northern England. She loves to educate our community and students about its history!
Marilyn had initially joined the museum through interest in learning more about her family that homesteaded in Towanda in the late 1800's. She loved the mission behind the museum so much that she decided to volunteer and help grow the program. Marilyn takes pride in her heritage and wanted to help others do the same. She has four children and three grandchildren. She is an avid traveler and loves history!
Marilyn had initially joined the museum through interest in learning more about her family that homesteaded in Towanda in the late 1800's. She loved the mission behind the museum so much that she decided to volunteer and help grow the program. Marilyn takes pride in her heritage and wanted to help others do the same. She has four children and three grandchildren. She is an avid traveler and loves history!
We are always looking for new members to join the Museum.
There are serving opportunities of all kinds!
There are serving opportunities of all kinds!
Serving Opportunities
Student AmbassadorStudents who represent TAHM on a youth level. To help build and develop our presence within our community. These young volunteers can be of assistance during our events, and during scheduled work days. Different levels of service include research and development, organizing and routine cleaning of exhibits. These students have helped finish projects and exhibits in the museum in the past. Their service is used as credentials for other programs, including on the job experience, and National Honor Society.
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ResearcherWe are always looking for volunteers to help us discover our history!
There are so many resources out there for us to use, but our small team doesn't always have the time to invest in finding them. It is up to us to discover and document our fabulous history, so we can use it for new media posts, new exhibits, add to existing exhibits, or simply share with our visitors when they come. You can invest as little or as much time into researching our history, and we would be grateful either way! |
VolunteerWe are looking for community members who would like to volunteer full time or part time to help the mission. We take all levels of participation. From helping us plan, setup and run events, to restoring artifacts and building exhibits. We can guarantee there is something for everyone! TAHM isn't finished and we have lots of things people could help us complete. Don't hesitate to contact us to inquire how you can fit in to give back to our community and save our local history.
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