According to an article in a January 1960 issue of the Pratt Tribune, the Pratt County Historical Society was organized that month by a group of Coats citizens, headed by Klon Shriver and Dr. Warren Jacks. The organization was to compile histories of the families and of the towns of Pratt County. Plans were to organize such societies throughout Kansas to coincide with the state’s centennial in 1961.
While looking through the notebooks of the Society’s past, I could find nothings else on this particular group. I came to the conclusion that they attempted to get together, but just didn’t get it done. From the article in 1960, it skipped seven years ahead to 1967.
It was in that year that Lt. Col. Kenneth K. Elder returned to Pratt, with the idea and enthusiasm that Pratt County needed a museum to house all the artifacts of its history. Under his leadership, the first meeting of the newly formed historical society was held on February 27, 1967. It wasn’t until a year later that the society was officially incorporated.
The activities and functions of a local historical society are as varied as they are important. A historical society collects and preserves the written records of the communities—letters, journals, newspapers and archival materials. It collects and preserves in its museum the countless items our ancestors made and used in their everyday living.
With that in mind, the Pratt County Historical Society would for many years, have their meetings in the different towns of Pratt County, discussing the rich history and the necessity to preserve it, through a museum. They put the word out amongst their own communities, that they would be the “keepers of your family’s heirlooms” in order to communicate the heritage of the past to the present and to the future generations.
At the end of the first year of existence, there were 58 members of the historical society. Of those original members, there are three who are still members today—Carter Barker, Gary Curtis and Lu Jean Rosenbaum.
Through the forty-plus years of the society, there have only been eight presidents—nine, if you count the “un-official” society in 1960. Those presidents are: Kenneth Elder 1967-1969, Warren Taylor 1970-1975, Quenten Hannawald, holding the office the longest from 1976-1985, Gloyd Shaw 1986-1994, Nathan Schepmann 1995-1999, Gene Rose 2000-2004, Thad Henry 2005-2006 and Marvin Proctor 2006-2009.
It’s been said many times, that it’s a “Man’s World” in which we live. And, up until now, it HAS been with the historical society. But, no more! At the March board meeting, Marjorie Taylor Buck became the new president. And, yes, she is the daughter of Warren Taylor, the second president of the society.
Marji’s roots run deep in Pratt County’s history. Her great-grandfather, Seneca White Taylor came to Pratt County in 1878 and homesteaded near Iuka. Her grandfather, Earl Warren Taylor was born in Iuka, as was her father, Warren Taylor. So, if you see Marji around town, congratulate her on becoming the first woman president of the historical society!
The Pratt County Historical Society is one of the more important groups in the county, in relationship to the history of the county. It deserves the interest and support of every person who has lived, or now lives in Pratt County. Why not support it by becoming a member today? Annual dues are just $ 15.00 per individual or $ 100.00 for a lifetime.
Oh, and by the way, the term of the incorporation is a hundred years… So, those of you who will be around in 2068, please renew the articles of incorporation, OK?
Next time: The Society has a museum!