Heritage The newsletter of the Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives Spring 2014 Murder Mystery Sells Out; 2nd Event Planned for October

A sell-out crowd of 19 costumed participants enjoyed the Murder at the Manor Mystery Night during the evening of February 21. Games, riddles and food highlighted the evening as the crowd, portraying their characters, shared clues about themselves (and each other) in hilarious fashion. The unfortunate murder of a highly unpopular character perplexed the crowd, but all was revealed in the end. The Leaf Tea Lounge generously sponsored the event, providing appetizers, desserts and beverages throughout the evening. Treats included crab cups (pictured at left, photo by Wendy Nugent); chicken, beef chorizo and green olive empanadas; deviled eggs with caviar; bread pudding cups; Killer Brownies; and more. A second murder mystery event has been scheduled for Saturday, October 18 at 7:00. Gravestone: A Wild West Murder Mystery finds the good citizens of Duck City, meeting at the saloon to decide how to deal with the town bully-boys. Fun characters like Bella Starry, Wylie Arp and Doc Galaday may have a lot of personal history, but end up working together to solve the unfortunate murder that occurs at the meeting. Smarmy defense attorney Ms. Crimson (portrayed by Cynthia Wilson) slumps in Appetizers, beverages and desserts are again an important “death” against hairdresser Kara Tinn part of the evening. Paid registration is required, and spaces (portrayed by Melody Kuhlman) during a will fill quickly. The cost is $35 per person, or $25 for HCHM game of Catch Me If You Can. Librarian Rita Bookaday (portrayed by Tina Younts) members. (More event photos on page 2.) watches the fun. Photo by Wendy Nugent. Celebrate with Us on May 3!! What: A 110th Birthday Party for the museum building! When: Saturday, May 3 from 2:00—4:00 (come and go) What: Cake, ice cream, indoor games and yard games for all ages. Who: EVERYONE! Free and open to the public! Where: Harvey County Historical Museum, 203 N. Main, Newton Questions? Debra at (316) 283-2221 or [email protected] Heritage Spring 2014 Page 2 New Website Promotes Museum; On-line Registration for Programs Now Live

HCHM will soon have a new website to promote activities, assist researchers and provide on-line registration for programs and memberships. The new site will make it possible to keep the information more current, with changes to the calendar of events made regularly, including last- minute cancelations due to weather. Changes to the research library page will also be easier to navigate, allowing archivist Jane Jones to meet the needs of researchers in a responsive way. Photo collections continue to be added to the HCHM page of the Forsyth Library site, which is linked through our website. Plans to add maps and other information are under discussion, but funding for equipment would need to be secured to make this a reality. The new site will also make it possible to add on-line exhibits, such as highlighting the USO piano and allowing visitors worldwide to search the signatures. HCHM continues to seek “outside of our walls” opportunities to serve our community and promote the stories of the people of Harvey County!

More fun shots from Murder at the Manor on February 21! (All photos courtesy of Wendy Nugent.) Heritage Spring 2014 Page 3 A Guy Who Loved to Draw: Reed R. Crandall By Kris Schmucker, curator

Perhaps you walked past it as a student at Newton High School or remember when it hung above the Art Room door. Today, students travel up and down the stairs in front of the painting at Santa Fe Middle School. The bright, colorful three panel wall mural of Native Americans engaged in traditional crafts has been a part of the building for nearly 80 years, since NHS sophomore Reed Crandall completed it in 1933. Crandall is best known for his work as an American illustrator of comic books and magazines, but his talent is also apparent in the pieces he created as a student at Newton High and School of Art. Reed L. Crandall was born on February 22, 1917 to Rayburn L. and Delia Crandall in Winslow, . In 1932, the family moved to Newton, Kansas, and thirteen year old Reed Crandall enrolled at Newton High School as a freshman. The art teacher at the time was Miss Marie Orr and she encouraged Reed's talent. During his high school years, he completed the Native American wall mural at Newton High (later Santa Fe Middle School) and many other projects. In 1935, when Crandall was a senior, Miss Orr encouraged him to mount his own show in Newton before going to art school in Cleveland. The work he exhibited was diverse and included thirty-one canvases with subjects ranging from scenery, Native American life and still life in water colors and oil. He also had a dozen pieces of sculpture. In the fall of 1935, Crandall entered the Cleveland School of Art, , which even today has a reputation of being one of the best design schools. His dream was to find work as an illustrator for magazines. Crandall graduated from the Cleveland School of Art in 1940, and was awarded a $400 prize and voted " the best illustrator in the school." In June 1939, Crandall undertook his first professional illustration project for a fee of $150. However, the role of magazine illustrator was gradually being phased out due to new advances in photography. Crandall heard about a new, growing field that was paying artists well - illustrating for comic books. Beginning in 1938 through 1950, comic books became more and more mainstream. Many historians consider this period to be the 'Golden Age' of American comic books. Stories filled with superheroes and villains gained readers and fans. During this time, publishing comic books became a major industry and provided jobs for artists and writers. Crandall began working in the Shop, an early supplier of stories and art for various comic book publishers, in approximately 1940. Igler turned out comic art quickly and cheaply in a production assembly line. Crandall could draw quite fast, so he quickly became a popular artist with Igler. Crandall earned a salary of $30 a week. He also took jobs on the side. In 1941, one of his side jobs led him to his " debut in the world of four-color comics" when he inked a fifteen page story for Timely Publication's " #2" (April 1941, photo at right). In late 1941, he began working for and Everett 'Busy' Arnold. His salary was $1000 a month. While at Quality Comics he worked on the popular comic, Blackhawk. Originally created by Will Eisner and Charles Cuidera, the comic first appeared in Military Comics #1 (August 1941). Blackhawk was a "military strip with grim mercenary characters" (photo at left) produced during the height of the Second World War. Comics during this period reflected "not only the positive attributes of patriotism, courage, and honor . . . but also a darker view of the American dream, including racism, nationalistic (Continued on page 4) Heritage Spring Winter 2014 2012 Page Page 4 4

Museum Support (Crandall, continued from page 3) (November 2013 - January 2014) chauvinism and sexism." His concern for detail and realism apparent, Members Reed's work was more realistic than many working at that time, Mark & Andrea Andres Paul & Beverley Buller reflecting his interest in illustration and not cartooning. He Rose Campbell Nancy Christensen authentically depicted the planes, tanks and weapons of the period. Roland Claassen His last appearance as a Blackhawk artist is in the August 1953 issue. Helen Collins Daryl Cooper After he left Quality he went to work at Entertaining Comics Dr. Charles & Nancy Craig JoAnn Funk Publications (EC) and publisher William M. Gaines. Then, in 1964, Mary Ann Gertsen James Warren, publisher of Famous Monsters , contacted Crandall to Matt & Jill Harms Richard & Rebecca Hege work on a new, black and white horror comic magazine. One of the Lori Hein projects Warren was working on featured adaptations of Edgar Jane Hershberger Courtney & Beverly Hiebert Allan Poe stories for Creepy . Crandall drew for "The Cask of Keven, Debra & Lauren Hiebert HWM, dba Hardwood Supply Amontillado" ( Creepy #6 ) and many consider it one of his greatest Ted & Sue Ice achievements. His attention to detail was again evident, as he was Richard Janzen Jarrell & Mary Jones able to capture the dark, dank underground catacombs perfectly, Lanny & Jane Jones Susan Koehn drawing every brick, spider web and rat that created the dark Dean & Linda Koppes setting for the tale. One comic book historian noted that "Crandall Margaret Lambert Nancy McFarlane was an immensely gifted illustrator, a master of anatomy whose figures Karen Monroe were full of grace, character and realism." Crandall also worked on Helen Pauls Evelyn Quiring another Poe classic, "The Tell-Tale Heart" for Creepy #3. Jim & Katie Reese Tom & Mary Sandwell In 1967, Reed began drawing for the comic book. Robert & Betty Schmidt Over three years, he produced four issues. At the same time he was Blake & Kris Schmucker Javen & Beth Schmucker drawing for Treasure Chest . Crandall had started to draw for Treasure Ken & Irene Shaw Chest, an educational Catholic publication, in the late 1950s. For Alma Shelly Joe Smiley twelve years, the Treasure Chest contract would be his " bread and Pandea Smith Somers, Robb and Robb butter" providing him with a steady income. Clifford & Irene Sommerfeld Although Reed Crandall is best known for his work as a Brian Stucky Dennis Walker comic book illustrator, he worked in a variety of mediums including John & Mary Jane Waltner Byron & Marge Warta watercolor, painting and scratch board. In all of his work, his skill is Eugene Wendling evident. By the 1960s, Crandall was living in Wichita with family Naomi Wenger Carolyn Williams members. Crandall experienced difficulties with his health in the Donors early 1970s, and his last published story, "This Graveyard is Not Anonymous Nancy Christensen Deserted" in Creepy #54, appeared in 1973. In 1974, he took a job as a Roland Claassen Dr. Milton Claassen night watchman and janitor at a Wichita . He suffered a Dr. Charles & Nancy Craig stroke late in 1974 and spent the last eight years of his life in a care Mary Ann Gertsen Jim & Shirley Goering home. Even while in the care home, Crandall Matt & Jill Harms Richard & Rebecca Hege kept busy creating portraits and other small Keven & Debra Hiebert projects for family and friends. Reed Crandall Richard Janzen Charles & Susan Koehn Family Fund died of a heart attack on September 13, 1982. He Cleland & Irene McBurney was 65 years old, and left a legacy of work that Karen Monroe Terry & Nancy Oursler will be enjoyed by friends and family for years. Robert Puckett Dwight Scofield Roger Hill wrote of Crandall: " In the annals of Joe Smiley comic art illustration, . . . he is remembered as one of Keith & Aldine Sprunger John Torline the greatest talents who ever worked in the Chris Van Sickle genre." Reed L. Crandall was inducted into the Karl & Diana Wenzel John Whitlock Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2009. Heritage Spring 2014 Page 5

Harvey County Historical Museum Events,

Upcoming Events, 2013-2014 For updates please access future newsletters,Facebook, www.hchm.org or (316) 283-2221.

March 2014 March 15, 7:00-9:00—Event. Things That Go Bump in the Night. Join the Ghost Investigation Crew for an explanation and display of their specialized equipment and see and hear the results of their search for paranormal activity in our 110-year-old building. A time for questions will follow the presentation. PAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED $15 ($10 for HCHM members). For those brave souls who would like to top off their evening going on a real ghost hunt, register for the combination Things That Go Bump in the Night and Night Ghost Hunt (from 11:00—12:30 on March 15) for a total of $35 ($25 for HCHM members). Please call or stop by the museum or access our website to reserve your spot. April 2014 April 12, 1:00-4:00—Event. Volunteer Appreciation Reception and Farewell Party for Linda Koppes. All HCHM volunteers are encouraged to stop by and enjoy punch and cookies with friends and family as we say a simple “thank-you” for the invaluable service they provide. The public is invited to the party to help thank long-time volunteer photo registrar Linda Koppes for her decade of service as she retires from the museum. Come and go event. Free and open to the public. April 13, 2:00—Event. Hucksters, Barkers and Sideshows. See and hear how the hucksters, barkers and sideshows workers of Kansas plied their craft. From the carnival and sideshow culture of Kinsley (Midway, USA) to the infamous “goat gland doctor” John R. Brinkley of Milford, you’ll be amazed and awed at their inventiveness and chutzpah. Presented by Erika Nelson thanks to the Kansas Humanities Council Speakers Bureau. Free. May 2014 May 3, 2:00-4:00—BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!! Enjoy yard games, indoor games, pictures and memories from past decades, and cake and ice cream. Free and open to the public. May 3, 7:00—Event. Night Ghost Hunt Reveal. Follow-up program for participants in the March 15 Night Ghost Hunt . June 2014 June 22, 2:00—Event. Behind the Scenes, All-Access Building Tour. Have you ever wondered what secrets the museum building holds? Join museum staff and volunteers for a small-group tour of the good, the bad and the mysterious. Why is the ceiling in the boiler room arched? What IS under the stairs? No door left unopened! $5 OR a jar of peanut butter for the Salvation Army Harvest of Love food pantry (lots of hungry kids home over the summer!) Caution: Lots of steps involved in the tour! July 2014 July 4—Holiday Closure. Happy Birthday, America! July 19—Exhibit Opening. Stuff We Love: Staff, Board and Volunteer Favorites from Our Collections opens in the Schroeder Gallery. Free general admission. July 20, 2:00—Event. A “Stuff We Love” Sharing Party. What items do you have that you love? Do you have a special story about it, or do you just love it without knowing why? Bring your favorite object from home (it doesn’t have to be antique!) and take your turn to share about it with the other program participants. $5 (HCHM members admitted for free). Heritage Winter Spring 2009/2010 2014 Page Page 5 6

Harvey County Historical Museum Events,

Upcoming Events, 2013-2014 For updates please access future newsletters, Facebook, www.hchm.org or (316) 283-2221.

September 2014 September 21, 7:00—Event. Uno: Living Large. Join us for an “oversized” Uno game, played on your feet with 8-1/2” x 11” cards. HUGE fun! $3 (HCHM members admitted for free). October 2014 October 18, 7:00—Event. Gravestone: A Wild West Murder Mystery. By popular demand! The good citizens of Duck City, Kansas (including Abby Oakley, James Jesse and Doc Galaday) come together for a meeting at the saloon to decide how to deal with the town bully-boys. Unfortunately, a murder occurs during the meeting, forcing the townsfolk to work together to bring the dastardly villain to justice. Paid registration required. $35 ($25 for HCHM members), and includes appetizers, beverages and desserts. October 19, 2:00—Event. Jackalopes, Hodags, and Other Larger than Life Myths from the American Road. Johnny Kaw shaped Kansas’ landscape with his oversized scythe. Lonesome cowboys first sited the mythical Jackalope while riding the range. Explore roadside monuments from across America, the origins of the legends that led to them, and the stories of the people who crafted them. Presented by Erika Nelson thanks to the Kansas Humanities Council Speakers Bureau. Free. November 2014 November 16, 2:00—Event. Harvey County In Pictures: Postcards of Newton and Beyond. Explore antique and vintage postcards depicting familiar scenes, some long gone. Presented by Beth Schmucker. $5 (HCHM members admitted for free). November 27-29—Holiday Closure. Closed for Thanksgiving. December 2014 December 6, 10:00-4:00—Event. Five Places of Christmas. Our traditional Christmas open house in collaboration with Kauffman Museum, Bethel College Woman’s Association, Carriage Factory Gallery and Warkentin House. Free admission to all venues. December 14, 2:00—Event. A Captain’s Lady’s Victorian Christmas. First- person interpreter Marti MCCartney, portraying a young officer’s wife on the frontier, takes the audience back to Christmas in a Victorian parlor. Play games, sing carols, explore Victorian tree decorations, learn about traditions and share memories and stories. $5 (HCHM members admitted for free). Audience size limited to 45 on a first-come, first-seated basis. December 15, 7:00—Event. Holiday Social. The board members, volunteers and staff of HCHM, along with spouses, friends, and children, are invited to celebrate the season. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share; beverages are provided. December 24-25—Holiday Closure. Closed for Christmas. December 31-January 1—Holiday Closure. Closed for New Years. Mission : The Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives celebrates a common history and culturally diverse community by sharing stories from the past, experiences of the present and possibilities for the future through creative and dynamic exploration of objects, documents and photos.

Departmental Contacts 2014 Board of Directors Debra D. Hiebert, Director Carol Kirk, Chair ([email protected]) Ralph Malin, Vice-Chair Jane Jones, Archivist

([email protected]) Beth Schmucker, Treasurer

John Whitlock, Photo Registrar Daryl Cooper

([email protected]) Vere English Lana Myers, Office Manager Bob Everoski ([email protected]) Monty Graber Kris Schmucker, Curator

([email protected]) Jane Hershberger

Pandea Smith

Chris Van Sickle Contact Information Jim Yoder Address: 203 N. Main, Newton Mailing Address: PO Box 4, Newton, KS 67114 Phone: (316) 283-2221 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.hchm.org Blog: www.harveycountyvoices.blogspot.com Find us on Facebook!

Hours Tuesday—Friday 10:00 until 4:00, 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month 10:00 until 4:00, OR by appointment.

Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives PO Box 4 Newton, KS 67114

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