RCNews July 14

Roy & Phyllis Conrad along with Albert and Louise Zordel , Ransom attended the Rocky Mountain BBQ Festival at Castle Rock, Colo. Chris and Rhonda Zordel of Spearville, Kansas was one of the 39 who competed there.  Four teams were from Kansas and one of teams was Four Legs Up from Great Bend, Kansas.  Chris this time only placed 25th in overall.  On Saturday after the competition we were guest of John & Jennifer and little Sam Droste the daughter, son-in-law and grandson of Chris & Rhonda Zordel of Spearville, Kansas.
 
 Roy & Phyllis Conrad spent the 4th of July evening with Mike, Mary Beth, Zack and Brendon Peach of LaCrosse.  Other guests where Don & Helen and Ron Peach of which he is from the Kansas area.
 
Rodeo weekend guests of Shirley were Leslie, Tammy, Kayla, Dominic, John, Chuck, Jerry, Brady, Danton, Zach, Tanner, Ryan, Kyra, Bryant, Bailey, Jessica, Lindsey and Nicole. We missed Cameron, he was ill.
 
Leslie Underwood, Lancaster, California, was a Wednesday – Wednesday guest of Shirley Higgins. She enjoys Kansas, the rodeo and the people.
 
There were 117 golfers at the Alumni golf tournament this year! Those who golfed were George Sommers, Allan Hill, Casey Grimme, Dale Whitton, Mike & Sharon Legleiter, Hayden Buhr, Allen Henderson, Diz & Wilma Washaliski, Mike Keith, Mark Baus, Don, Chris, Chad Irvin and Beau Riedel, Les Diehl,  Bruce Davis, Pat Salisbury, Bob Fear, Ronnie Rein, Dennis Peters, Robert Rein, Bennie McCaskey, Arky McNair, Amanda Showalter, Curt McNair, Cliff McNair, Jason Showalter, Todd Basgall, Melissa & Jessica Berg, Sean Peterson, Allen Morgan, Michael Morgan, Jaden Jacobs, David & Brittany Dais, Al Hugh, Rick Nuckolls, Roger McNair, Norma McNair, Chris Delman, Cody Hamilton, Ryan Webs, Zach Stejaskal, Scott Irvin, Dustin Matal, Shelby Burke, Mitch Conner, Mitch Keeley, Scott Randa, Chad Foust, Crystal Ryan, Dewayne Feldman, Lance Ficken, Dylan Gross, Corey Weber, Dustin Bain, Zach Caresio, Trent Wittum, Preston Pfannenstiel, Jared Stevens, Shane Corsair, Steve & Jolene Morgan, Kyle & Debbie Wherry, Heath Morgan, Kevin Woods, Lonnie & Teresa Morgan, Luke & Whitney Seltman, Mike & Shane Miller, Bret Corsair, Brad Erb, Aaron & David Kyehn, Gene Erb, Larry Kraft, Matt Kraft, Nick Snodgrass, Seth Albers, Neil Wilson, Bethany Trogstad, Wolfgang Jacobs, Scott Keener, Cody James, Nate Tuzicka, Jarred Sanders, Martin & Joe Higgins, Ken Kampling, Lance McCormick, Dennis Shell, Brent Tuzicka, Ed ?, Dominic & Kayla Weskamp, Phil Phischal, Joe & Adrian Higgins, Jerry Higgins, Chad Oberhelman, Tracy Klaustan, Brent Anderson, Louie Young, Danton Reidel, Brady Demel, Zach Higgins, Ryan Bierble, Joe Conner, Mike Conner, Shelly & Carly Derr.
Championship flight: 1st Jason Showalter, Todd Basgall, Melissa Berg, Jessica Berg; 2nd David & Brittney Dennis, Al Hugh, Rick Nuckolls; 3rd Dylan Gross, Corey Webber, Dustrin Bain, Zach Caresio; 1st flight: 1st Robert & Ronnie Rein, Bennie McCaskey, Dennis Peters; 2nd Les Diehl, Pat Salisbury, Bruce Davis, Bob Fear; 3rd Norma & Roger McNair, Chris Delman, Cody Hamilton; 2nd flight: 1st Diz & Wilma Washaliski, Mike Keith; 2nd Joe Conner, Mike Conner, Shelly & Carly Derr; 3rd Steven & Jolene Morgan, Kyle & Debbie Wherry: 3rd flight: 1st  Danton Riedel, Brady Demel, Zach Higgins, Ryan Bieberle; 2nd Luke & Whitney Seltman, Mike & Shane Miller; 3rd Trent Wittum, Preston Pfannenstiel, Jerod Stevens & Shane Corsair.  Apologies to those names that are spelled incorrectly…….can’t read Jerry’s writing……. The alumni association would especially like to thank, Luke, Whitney, Mike & Shane!!!
 
There were 39 riders on the Trail Ride this year, unfortunately Brenda Boese turned in the waivers before I asked her for the list. There are 8 riders missing. I apologize! If there are any names misspelled, apologies there also.
John and Deannne Ficken-Bison, Terry Conard-Rush Center, Paulette Orr - Larned
Karen Pelton-Zurich, Rob and Lori Disney-Hays, Pam Welsh-Bison, Allie Pakkebier –Bison,Tamara Reeves-LaCrosse, Lynn Kochenouer-LaCrosse, Lynnette Doornbos-McCracken, Robert Jacobs-Hays, Summer Leiby-Hanston, Laura Pechanec-McCracken
Amorette Windholz-Victoria, Jamie Weeks-Brownell, Meredith Keller-Ellis, Larry Korf-Burdett, Ron ,Kami, Kamryn, Karsyn Smith-Wakeeney, Dustin, Bailey, and Allie Mattke-Ogallah, Ethan James-LaCrosse, Clinton  Kershner-Rush Center, Tomi Rues-McCracken, Mike and Nathan Felder-Brownell, RC Jordon-Hays, Brenda Boese-Brownell, Brad, Kristen, Blake and Katie Schmidt-Hays.
 
 The old church bell rang at St. Mary's Saturday evening for the rodeo mass with Father Kraus presiding.  Even though it was very hot, we had a large crowd. We say "ThankYou" to the following people for making mass possible, Deanna Bergquist leading the rosary and being lecture; Marge Moran and Carolyn Thompson communion; Susan Keith organist and Michele Moran leading the singing; Wilfred & Twila Higgins gifts; Bet McCormick & Wilfrid Higgins ushers; Roy Conrad, server and Marge Moran for her help in setting up before mass. The mass was dedicated to Father Rene Labrador for his 5 years of service to the parishioners and citizens of Rush County.
 
The Alumni golf has t-shirts left and is selling them for $5 at Charlie’s Station. Thanks.
 
Ray and Marilyn Slemp, Lawton, OK were Saturday afternoon visitors of Shirley Higgins. Carolyn Thompson joined them for visiting.
 
Shirley’s daughter, Tammy Irvin, won the rodeo t-shirt made by Laura North Martin
 
Lynette Kieffer, Chi Chi Myers, Susan Schuster, Richard and Nancy Baker were guests of Rose and Les Diehl and a fabulous time was had by all. Thanks Shirley, Rose and Les!!! ”Please stop snoring in the tent, Cathy or Rose”??
 
Cathy Casey and John were Sunday supper guests of John and Melanie Zeller.
 
Madison Davis was a weekend guest of her grandparents Bruce and Susan Davis and enjoyed the rodeo.
 
Curly Juvenal, Dothan, Alabama was a rodeo weekend guest of Joann Micheli.
 
Guests and visitors of Gladys & Wendell Hinman during the Rodeo week were Lynne & Fred Reckling, Las Vegas, Nevada.Lynne was here for her 40th class reunion; Wade & Zac Hinman, Ks.City,Ks., Wade enjoyed his 30th class reunion; Ellen & Larry Hinman & Sarah, Lenexa,Ks.; Laura & Ray Wierman, Jerod & Jennifer, Bennington,Ks; Jill & Joey Herschbach, Hailey & Brayden, Ks.City, Mo.; Sheila & Greg Hinman, Lewis, Ks.; Jeannie & Casey Grimme, Connor & Claire, Spring ,Tx.; Cindy & Steve Hinman, Castle Rock, Co. & Signe Barns.
 
Four bicyclists from Yorktown, Virginia left for San Francisco June 13 and plan to arrive August 1. They are biking for MS and are certified by a non-profit organization. The bikers are Matthew Shenk, Cameron Swengel, Stehl Taylor and Tyler Gettel. Cameron’s mother Pam was co-driving a Penske truck which held bicycle repairs, clothing, etc. Tyler’s father Alan Gettel has MS as did his grandfather. They both served as an inspiration for this ride. They enjoyed Kansas because the people are very polite and friendly and not in a hurry. Matthew is a senior and graduated in June. This coming year he is going to teach English in Thailand. Matthew has a web-site, shenk.matthew@gmail.com where you may make a donation for this worthy cause.
 
I thank the McCracken Alumni for the wonderful flowers, the picture arrangement of my family, and the gift certificate to Hastings. It was a wonderful surprise and meant a lot to me. It has been a pleasure working with my alumni all these years and I know I leave it all in good hands. Thank you again, Shirley
 
Birthdays:  July 14, Travis Elias, Dean Gilbert, Roy Conrad, Bryan Yohe, Anna Taylor, Zachary Moran; July 15, George Sommers, Cassandra Karlin, Brianna Casey, Keiden Mills, Kelden Mills; July 16, Shelly Sewell, Kelly Walker, Mike Conner, Lee Legleiter, Lance Legleiter, Elizabeth Ohmes; July 17, LeRoy Herdman, Jordan Taylor, Zachary Peach; July 18, Mary Anne Taylor, Dennis Elias, Sean Peters; July 19, Stacy Rues, Gail Keady, Donald Casey; July 20, Cecilia Gilbert, Peggy Janke, Craig Stull, Lisa Legleiter, Joann Micheli.
 
Anniversaries:  July 16, John and Rosy Elmore; July 18, Dale and Celeste Davis.
 
The 25th annual Rodeo was a huge success.  Our thanks to the rodeo committee and the volunteers for sharing their expertise in making this a fantastic rodeo.
The weather cooperated and the crowds were the best we have seen.
 
I apologize for not putting Harley Clancy's birthday in the birthday list last week.  Hope you had a happy day.  If you know others I am missing, please let me know so I can add them.
 
David Zaitz, Los Angeles, was here on Sunday and visited Smokey Hill Traders and visited with Bruce Davis and Les Diehl.  He then went to the museum as he was interested in Paper Moon. He was sorry the buildings in Paper Moon have been torn down or burned.  He is a photographer and travels all over the country to visit areas that are of interest.  He recently went to the Salt Mine and Cosmo sphere in Hutchinson.  If you are interested in his website, it is David Zaitz.com
 
Dorothy Bemis and her daughter Amy were here last week.  They donated five ceramic canning jars, one brown jug, two china bowls and a china plate owned by her Grandmother Wilson.  It was nice to see her and her family all here on Friday night for the rodeo.
 
Les Diehl has loaned the brass fire house nozzle from the old Fire Department that was housed in the jail to the museum.  We got one of the 25th anniversary rodeo 2011 pens from Charlies; a mass booklet of Micheal Helms Thanksgiving Mass on May 27, 1990 from James K. Wierman, a cozy from Midland Marketing in honor of the 25th rodeo and some tokens (blue and red with letters OPA and l point) and a copy of her graduation announcement from 1969 from Kathy Huddleston Coen and her husband; notebook binders and tabbed pages for genealogical material from Marilyn Sommers.
 
Here is the word on OPA stands for Office of Price Administration.  Rationing was first started in 1942. Items that were rationed include canned
goods, meats, sugar, coffee, tires, gas and more. The Office of Price Administration used OPA stamps, coins and chits for
rationing. OPA coins (commonly called OPAs) were used for change for food. OPAs were used by retailers to give change back for food bought with ration
stamps. Blue tokens were used for processed foods; red tokens for meats and fats. OPAs were first issued in 1944.  They stopped being issued in 1945
Nobody has found a true reason for the letters on the OPA's. Theories include, they are random; demographics; and prevention of counterfeiting.
Red letter combinations known. HC, HT, MV, MM, TH, TY, UC, UH, UT, UV, UX, UY, VC, VH, VT, VU, VX, VY, XC, XH, XT, XU, XV, XY, YC, YH, YT, YU, YV, YX.
Blue letter combinations known. CC, CH, CT, CV, CX, HH, HU, HV, HX, HY, TC, TT, TU, TV, TX, UU, VV, WC, WH, WT, WU, WW, XX, YY The rarest is the red MV. The next rarest are the red MM and the blue WW, WC, WH. Then blue WU, HX and red YC, XC. The rest are fairly easy to find. Reds are a lot more common than blues.
Error OPAs are worth a little more.  Tokens used for rationing during World War II   There are 30 different red tokens and 24 blue ones. They are all vulacanized fiber (celluloid) and 16mm in size. Blue ones read: OPA Blue Point 1 (with two different letters).  Red ones read: OPA Red Point 1 (with two different letters).
 
Memberships to the museum were renewed by Bill and Barbara Baus, LeeRoy Schuckman, Tammy Irvin, Wendell and Gladys Hinman, Francis and Roberta Wierman; Pat Derr, Juanita Caviness, George Hunter, Tim Rues, Maddie Rues, Lilly Rues, Mike, Susan and Shannon Keith; James and Kathy Coen, Dean Gilbert, Lorraine Ryan, Jean Schutte, Stephanie Stephens, Bill Lovitt, Adelaide Mills, Don and DeAnna Bergquist, Bob and Marlene Funk, Arlyn and Jan North, Tom Rues, Rich Conrad, Fran Work, Carolyn Thompson
 
Memorials were given in memory of Liz Conner from Bill and Barbara Baus; Joyce Hunter from George Hunter; Norma Lawrence and Kenneth Wagner from Wendell and Gladys Hinman; Vic Higgins from Tammy Irvin; Elmore Ryan from Lorraine Ryan; Al Rues from Arline Rues; Augie Schutte and Alvina Cole from Jean Schutte; Kathryn and Bard Stephens and Ruth and Claude Stephens from Stephanie Stephens; Erik and Joy Mills Gifford from Adelaide Mills; Paul and Tot Wilson from Bob and Marlene Funk; Muriel Conrad from Rich Conrad; Velma Whipple Wancura from Frank Work.  Fran Work shares that Velma Whipple Wancura was the daughter of Henry and Martha Jane Whipple and granddaughter of Thomas and Sarah Neal.  Velma died April 8, 2011 at the age of 103.  She stayed with Thomas and Sarah Neal during the school year so she could attend high school in McCracken until Beeler High School was built.  She was a member of its first graduation class.  Velma was a fourth cousin of Fran's.
 
Donations were given by Tim, Maddie and Lilly Rues, Pat Derr; Mike, Susan and Shannon Keith; Dean Gilbert; Don and DeAnna Bergquist; Arlyn and Jan North; Tom Rues.
 
Winners of the drawing at the Jail/Museum for the third McCracken History Book were Tim Rues and Gary Schuckman.  If you haven't purchased your copy, please send $25.00 plus $5.00 for priority mailing to Carolyn Thompson, P. O. Box 342, McCracken, KS 67556-0342 and I will send you a copy.
 
Kansas History Notes
If you would like to have a 150th commemorative Kansas map and a visitors guide for Kansas, we have them at the museum.  The maps are also at Charlie’s.
 
McCracken History Notes
July 1911
Harley Ryan and Glenn Stock are making a tennis court on the vacant lot near the C. G. Ryan's residence.
 
All Rural schools of Kansas are to have seven month terms under the 1911 laws, and F. T. Fairchild, State Superintendent, is to arrange for all to open the same day.  He suggests September 11 as the opening date.
 
July 1941
The assessed valuation of Rush County for 1941 is $15,355,715 a decrease of $26,509 under the 1940 assessed valuation.
 
Mrs. Joe Zeller, Jr., who has been clerk in the post office at Brownell for the past several years, has resigned her position and Mrs. Raymond Havlovitz will take her place.
 
July 1961
Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Dugan and family, formerly of Wichita, are moving this week into the Fred Webster property which they have purchased.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Clark, Syracuse, are the parents of a son, Brad Alan, born June 29 at the Syracuse hospital.  He weighed six pounds and 10-l/2 ounces.  Mrs. Clark is the former Karen Walker.
 
July 1981
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Scott Kershner, a daughter, Shara Danese, July 5 in Great Bend
 
Born to Mr. and Mrs. William Wetzel, a son, Daniel Thomas, July 6 in Hays.