July - August 2004 Vol. 25, No. 4 KansasKansas PreservationPreservation

Newsletter of the Cultural Resources Division Kansas State Historical Society

Topeka’s historic Monroe School–rescued from possible demolition–was dedicated on May 17, 2004, as the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site by President George W. Bush.

Article on page 11 2005 Historic Preservation Fund Grant Applications Now Available Application materials for the fiscal other Kansas communities, surveys in year 2005 round of the Historic Pres- areas facing development pressures, ervation Fund (HPF) grant program are and projects that have the potential now available from the Kansas Historic for increasing knowledge and aware- Contents Preservation Office (KHPO). ness of historic resources concerning The Historic Preservation Fund is minority populations in Kansas. a federal grant program from the Because the statewide preservation 3 National Park Service (NPS), Depart- conference for 2006 will be hosted by Walgreens Targets Historic ment of the Interior. The NPS passes the City of Lawrence, additional Kansas Properties funds through state preservation applications are not being solicited for offices to assist local organizations conferences. and governments in implementing Proposed HPF projects are 7 activities that will contribute to evaluated according to several criteria. planning for the preservation of our These include the need for the project Prairie Style Homes built environment and archeological resources. Historic Preservation Fund grants Eligible activities include 11 surveys of historic struc- are awarded to organizations such Brown v. Board of Education tures and archeological sites, the production of as historical societies, universities, National Historic Site nominations to the National regional planning commissions, Register of Historic Places, the development of historic nonprofit corporations, Certified 13 - 22 preservation plans, and Kansas Archeology Training historic preservation-related Local Governments (CLG), and educational programs. Program Field School Activities financed by the city and county governments. HPF should be directed toward to address historic preservation issues providing individuals and organiza- in the state, the soundness of the KANSAS PRESERVATION tions with the information and means proposed project, the administrative Published bimonthly by the Cultural Resources Division, Kansas State Historical Society, 6425 S.W. to support preservation efforts in their ability of the applicant, and the Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS 66615-1099. own communities. educational potential of the project. Historic Preservation Fund grants Well-developed grant proposals that Please send change of address information to the above address or e-mail are awarded to organizations such as address priorities established by the [email protected]. historical societies, universities, KHPO will have a competitive

Third-class postage paid at Topeka, Kansas regional planning commissions, advantage in the evaluation process. Terry W. Marmet, nonprofit corporations, Certified Local Potential applicants may submit Interim State Historic Preservation Officer Governments (CLG), and city and preliminary applications for staff Richard Pankratz, Editor Virginia Wulfkuhle, Associate Editor county governments. Up to 60 percent review. The preliminary application Tracy Campbell, Editorial & Design Services of the project costs may be financed deadline is October 1, 2004. by the HPF. The other 40 percent must Applications for the HPF grants Partial funding for this publication is provided by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. be furnished by the project sponsor must be postmarked no later than The contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect and can be provided in cash or in-kind November 15, 2004, or delivered in the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or services and materials. person to the KHPO in its offices at commercial products constitute an endorsement or The KHPO expects to have 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, by recommendation by the Department of the Interior. approximately $100,000 to award for 4:30 p.m. on that date. This program receives federal funds from the projects in 2005. A minimum of For more information on this National Park Service. Regulations of the U.S. approximately $60,000 is reserved for program, please contact the grants Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful projects proposed by CLGs. In fiscal manager at (785) 272-8681 Ext. 216 or discrimination in departmental federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, year 2005 applications for the follow- [email protected]. age, or handicap. Any person who believes he or ing activities will be given a higher she has been discriminated against in any program, This article was prepared by Teresa Kiss, activity, or facility operated by a recipient of federal priority: surveys in downtown assistance should write to: Office of Equal business districts in designated grants manager in the Cultural Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street Mainstreet Partnership Cities and Resources Division. NW, Washington, DC 20240.

1 Use of Federal Tax Incentives in Kansas Increases

(Right) The Midland Hotel in Wilson was rehabilitated and reopened as a hotel in 2003.

(Below) The old Lincoln School in Newton was rehabilitated for senior housing in 2002.

in historic preservation and rehabilitation projects in Kansas. With the addition of a state income tax credit equal to 25 percent of qualifying project expenses, property owners could recoup up to 45 percent of their projects’ expenses in the form of tax credits. For the first time this made rehabilitation projects for many historic properties financially feasible. As developers and property owners submitted applications for these programs and began to complete projects, the statistics for Kansas rose. In fiscal year 2003 seventeen projects were completed in Kansas utilizing the federal tax credit More than 31,000 historic buildings years have seen its use grow. In federal program. These projects represented a across the United States have been fiscal year 2000 there was only one total private investment of more than $27 revitalized through a program started in rehabilitation project completed through million. The increase in projects and total 1976 to offer federal income tax incentives this program with a private investment of investments put Kansas in the middle of to property owners who rehabilitate $37,000. Kansas was among the states the state rankings. As the number of new historic buildings for an income-produc- with the fewest projects and ranked forty- projects in Kansas continues to rise, the ing purpose. Those rehabilitations seventh in private investments. By fiscal number of historic buildings being saved represent a private investment in historic year 2002 completed projects in the state from demolition and neglect also in- properties of more than $31 billion since grew to three with a total private invest- creases. 1977. Property owners receive federal ment of $2.8 million. However, this still For more information on tax incen- income tax credit equal to 20 percent of a left Kansas toward the bottom of the tives for rehabilitation of historic build- qualifying project’s expenses if the ranking of states utilizing the program. ings, including private residences and rehabilitation is completed according to Oklahoma had seven completed projects other non-income producing properties, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards in 2002 with a total investment of $7.5 please contact the Cultural Resources for Rehabilitation. The program is million while Missouri ranked much Division of the Kansas State Historical administered by the National Park Service higher with forty-five completed projects Society at (785) 272-8681 Ext. 240 or in coordination with the Internal Revenue totaling more than $87.5 million in private [email protected]. Service and the State Historic Preserva- investment. tion Offices in each state. The added incentive of a state This article was prepared by Katrina L. This tax credit has been available to income tax credit signed into law in 2001 Klingaman, tax credits coordinator in the Kansans since its inception, but recent has gradually attracted more investment Cultural Resources Division. 2 The Alf Landon House in Independence, Kansas, was the home of the Kansas governor and 1936 U.S. presidential candidate from 1915 to the late 1930s.

3 Walgreens Chain Targets Historic Kansas

This Walgreens store replaced the Fleming Mansion at the southwest corner of 10th Properties and Gage in Topeka.

he Walgreen Company has plans to century, preservationists and community of the nation. He urged national clear a block of buildings near leaders have banded together to protect drugstore chains to follow the lead of Tdowntown Independence, Kansas, historic buildings from the corner- other national retailers, which retrofit to make room for a new drive-thru pharmacy onslaught. existing buildings for their stores. pharmacy. Among the historic buildings Residents of Buffalo, New York’s threatened by the proposed action is the Elmwood neighborhood fought the Saving the Fleming Mansion Independence home of famed Kansas demolition of nine homes for the con- Historic Kansas buildings have not governor and 1936 presidential candidate struction of a 14,000 square-foot store in been immune to drugstore development. Alfred (Alf) Landon. Despite the obvious 1995. In 2000, Walgreens razed the famed The state’s first high-profile case in- historical significance of the volved plans to remove the property, it has never been Fleming Mansion at the corner listed on the National Register Despite the obvious historical significance of of 10th and Gage in Topeka to of Historic Places. The make way for a 14,500 square- absence of such a designation the Landon property, it has never been listed foot Walgreens. may make the home more The historic home was built difficult to protect. on the National Register of Historic Places. in 1926 by George Godfrey The Landon Home at 300 Moore, president of Topeka’s West Maple was constructed The absence of such a designation may make National Reserve Life Insurance in 1901 by Dr. J. T. Davis. Alf Company. When Ned Fleming, Landon’s father, John Landon, the home more difficult to protect. who joined his father’s Fleming purchased the house in 1915 Mercantile Company in 1921, for Alf and his new bride. After he Kahiki Supper Club in Columbus, Ohio. purchased the property, the home became returned from World War I, Alf lived in the The company targeted the First National known as the Fleming Mansion. In 1982, house until he was elected governor in Bank and Trust Company in East Chicago the large estate–with the mansion 1932. Landon used images of the house for demolition in late 2003; the 1918 anchoring the northeast corner–was in campaign materials for his 1936 structure was famous for being robbed in converted into the Fleming Place shop- presidential bid. 1934 by John Dillinger. ping center. The Walgreen Company’s pro- Although at the time of the shopping Walgreens Threatens posed demolition of two Victorian center’s construction, the developers “Corner of Main & Main” houses in Rockland, Massachusetts, in vowed they would not build on the corner 1999 captured the attention of the where the historic mansion stood, If the Walgreen Company proceeds National Trust for Historic Preservation difficulties leasing the building for with its current plans, the home of this (Trust), which named the “Corner of commercial uses caused them to change significant politician will be lost. Unfortu- Main and Main,” threatened by chain their plans. They first floated the idea of nately, this threat to a significant property drugstores, to its annual eleven most rezoning the property for a new corner by big-box pharmacy retailers is not endangered properties list. In a 1999 Walgreens in 1997. At that time, the unique. Since Walgreens announced interview with Katie Couric on NBC’s Topeka Planning Commission denied the plans to open 6,000 more stores nation- Today Show, Trust President Richard zoning to replace the home with a new wide in the first decade of the twenty-first Moe brought the threat to the attention pharmacy. After the business that 4 The Fleming Mansion was saved from demolition when a buyer offered to move it to a location northwest of Sixth and Wanamaker in Topeka; however, moving the structure took it out of its historic context and disqualified it for listing on the National Register.

Landon Home on the Line Like the Fleming Mansion, the Alf Landon home in Independence has long been the subject of local debate. The home was first threatened with demolition (Above) The Fleming in 1986 when the Independence Zoning Mansion is shown at its Commission voted to approve a rezoning historic location at of the property from residential to comm- 10th and Gage in ercial. However, the City Commission was Topeka. not able to garner the unanimous vote (Right) The mansion in needed to proceed with the rezoning in route to its new light of the neighbors’ petition to prevent it. location northwest of Landon’s Independence home is not Sixth and Wanamaker listed on the National Register of Historic in Topeka, near the Places (neither is the home Landon Kansas History Center. constructed in Topeka following his failed presidential bid), a designation that would Photos courtesy of provide an added layer of protection from Topeka Capital-Journal. the threat of chain drugstore develop- ment. Since identifying the threat of chain drugstores to historic neighbor- hoods, the Trust has obtained written commitments from four nationwide drugstore chains, including Walgreens, that they will not demolish properties individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Like the Fleming Mansion, the Alf Landon House does have some protec- tion under the state preservation statute occupied the building was closed down the SHPO determined that the demolition because it happens to be located within in 2000, developers failed to find a new would negatively impact the environs of the environs of several listed properties. tenant. In late 2002, they once again the listed property, the Topeka City However, as in the case of the Fleming proposed a zoning change, removal of the Commission, after a six-hour debate in Mansion, the determination can be building, and new construction. The January 2003, voted to overturn the appealed to the local governing body. If project was reviewed by the State Historic SHPO’s comments, deciding that there the local governing body determines that Preservation Office (SHPO). Although were no “feasible and prudent alterna- there are no feasible and prudent alterna- the property was not itself protected tives” to removing the property. Devel- tives to the project and no one sues in under the state preservation statute, it opers were able to save the building from district court, the project may proceed. was located within the environs of the demolition when a buyer offered to move If the Landon Home is demolished, historic Anton-Woodring House. After it to a location northwest of Sixth and the home of one of the state’s most Wanamaker in Topeka; however, moving significant national figures will be lost. This article was prepared by the structure took it out of its historic Furthermore, the historic context of the Christy Davis, assistant director of context and disqualified it for listing on the Cultural Resources Division. the National Register. Cont. on page 10 5 Sold on eBay! Kansans Find Success in Marketing Threatened Buildings to the World

What’s the latest trend in marketing vacant buildings? The cessfully offering the building to forty charities, the LaCrosse popular internet auction site, eBay. unified school district took the advice of its district secretary eBay builds on the old-fashioned concept of expanding and placed the McCracken building on the eBay auction block. product markets, introducing local products to a global market- In the thirty days the building was featured on the web, the site place. Our state’s vacant buildings, many of them historic, fit had 22,000 hits and the district received approximately 1,700 well into the niche. Many creative Kansas communities strug- email inquiries. When the bidding came to a close, the ad had gling to find a buyer for significant buildings have successfully gleaned 200 offers from 23 states and many other countries attracted the attention of the international marketplace eBay including Japan. The successful bidders plan to move their eBay places at their fingertips. Businesses are attracted not only to business “enginepowered” to McCracken. One of the selling the state’s relatively low property values, but also to its friendly points was the friendly Kansas reception the business owners citizens. The result is a “win-win” for Kansas: communities received. save the buildings that represent their local history and new The Kansas communities of Gaylord and Morland have also businesses are attracted to the state. sold school buildings on eBay. The City of Gaylord sold its The citizens of McCracken, Kansas struck eBay gold when school for $25,000 to the Seattle owners of an internet-based their vacant 43,000-square-foot 1918 middle school was sold business. The building would have cost the city $100,000 to for $50,000 to a Phoenix-based company in 2003. After unsuc- demolish. Now it will be added to the community’s tax rolls. Early this year, the Morland Community Foundation sold a school building (headquarters for the 2002 Kansas Archeology Training Program) on eBay. Bison America, Inc. purchased the building for $125,000 to serve as the headquarters of the Bison Institute of the High Plains. This museum and educational cen- ter will eventually attract visitors to this small town (population 164). Communities are using eBay to save local busi- ness buildings as well. A 1904 bank in Hill City was posted on the site on May 19, 2004. At the close of bidding on June 19, 2004, the building sold for a successful bid of $73,100. In its short history as a tool for marketing his- toric buildings, eBay has successfully matched local communities with businesses and organizations seeking low-cost facilities in friendly Kansas commu- nities. This not only often saves these buildings from the wrecking ball, but also puts them to use in ways that economically benefit the state.

This article was prepared by Christy Davis, assistant director of the Cultural Resources Division.

6 The Wright Stuff Prairie Style Homes on the Prairie

Clarence Shepard’s design for the Gates House, located at 4146 Cambridge in Kansas City, comes late in the Prairie School lineage.

he Prairie style of regional archi Creators of Prairie Style designed his most famous Prairie style tecture was popularized by Frank house, the 1909 Robie House in Hyde TLloyd Wright (1867- 1959) in the It was in the Chicago studio of Louis Park, Illinois, he had left the Steinway Hall early part of the twentieth century. This Sullivan that Wright and others, including and formed his Oak Park atelier or studio. low-lying, horizontal planar form was a Marion Mahony and Dwight Perkins, These three designs show the style reaction to the massive, highly decorative worked on developing the designs that moving from a box to an extended series Victorian styling of the nineteenth became known as the Prairie School. of horizontal planes. century. Linked with the Arts and Crafts Known as the “Eighteen,” the group Although Wright is the most movement, the Prairie School was based practiced at Steinway Hall in Chicago influential of the Prairie School architects on the belief that form follows function, from 1894 until 1902. Wright became the and is most often associated with the i.e., the form of the building is determined dominant figure and left to establish his style, the Steinway Hall group was by its function. The defining characteris- home studio in Oak Park in 1902. influential in their own right. Among the tics of the style include an integrated Wright’s seminal designs were talented architects were Mahony, Perkins, relationship between the building and the generated during this time and include the Walter Burley Griffin, William Gray setting, low horizontal lines, and open 1893 Winslow House in River Forest and Purcell, Percy Dwight Bentley, and flowing floor plans. The style was the 1901 Willits House in Highland Park, William Drummond. Mahony was the residential in conception and application. both in Illinois. By the time Wright only woman among them, the first woman

Architectural Style in Kansas This is the fifth in the series of architectural style articles to be published in Kansas Preservation. The articles are designed to provide general background information about architectural style and may also be used as context statements for National Register nominations.

7 (Left) Builder examples of the Prairie style include window banks, horizontal massing, and deep eaves.

(Lower left and below) Japanese pagoda influences were incorporated into the Shepard and Belcher design for Mount Barbara in Salina. The geometric cut glass found in this Mount Barbara window is a classic example of the Wright tradition.

Glossary Casement window - a window having at least one window sash which swings open along its entire length; usually on hinges fixed to the sides of the opening into which it is fitted Eaves - the lower edge of a slop- ing roof; that part of a roof of a building which projects beyond the wall Stretcher bond - bricks laid hori- graduate of Massachusetts Institute of establish the Taliesin West studio in 1932; zontally with their length in the Technology’s architectural program, and it still serves as a school for architects. direction of the face of the wall the most talented delineator in the group. Many of Wright’s own designs as well as Her contributions include an extensive Wright-inspired designs can be pur- Usonian - small, affordable group of Prairie Style residences in chased from Taliesin, allowing modern houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright during the first half of the Mason City, Iowa. Many other lesser materials to be used for a Prairie School- 20th century featuring flat roofs, known architects were associated with inspired design. carports and open living spaces; the group over time, and by extension, the From Wright’s point of view, the (Usonia was Wright’s term for impact of the Steinway Hall studio had a Prairie School evolved because of his the United States of North significant ripple effect nationwide. interest in affordable housing for the America, with an i added for The concept of the atelier or studio is middle class. This was a theme he began pleasing sound.) one of fundamental importance in the field with and ended with later in his career of architecture, with apprentices working with Usonian houses. In between, under the master. The Prairie School grew however, the homes he designed and built out of such an atelier. Wright went on to were for the upper class. These are the 8 The Henry J. Allen House (255 North Roosevelt, Wichita) is the only Kansas residence for which Frank Lloyd Wright supervised the design and construction. homes, like the Robie House in Hyde Park concepts of the and the Henry J. Allen House in Wichita, design. Across the that are the landmark examples of the country there are style. examples of homes But in the beginning, the style grew with low-standing from the simple, regional four-square eaves, low walls, farmhouse with a hipped roof. Wright and window banks. transformed this basic form into a new Many of these architectural genre by lowering the designs were profile; emphasizing the horizontal; ordered from organizing horizontal, continuous window building catalogues bands; using stucco and stained wood; or were the work of and shifting the entrance to the side. Two local builders. prototypical designs were commissioned While the style was by and published in Ladies Home most popular from Journal in 1907. “A Fireproof House for 1905-1920, its $5000” became Wright’s most influential impact is still felt design, as it reached thousands and today. A close look introduced the style to the middle class. at the common Vernacular examples of the Prairie style were often built as The Prairie style was popularized by ranch style home Foursquares. builders who picked up elements or entire constructed from the 1950s to the present reveals anteced- banks were key design features that ents to the Prairie style in its geometry, placed the house within the landscape horizontal emphasis, and open simplicity rather than on it. With the number of The following publications may be helpful of floor plan. for determining and describing style: parts reduced and the extension of Publications such as the aforemen- horizontal planes, the house could be H. Allen Brooks. The Prairie School: Frank tioned Ladies Homes Journal, Architec- integrated naturally into the landscape. Lloyd Wright and His Midwest Contemporar- tural Record, and House Beautiful helped Typically Prairie style houses are ies. New York: Norton, 1972. to disseminate the style. William two-story, sometimes three. The tradi- Alan Gowans. The Comfortable House: Radford’s Chicago-based architectural tional basement is eliminated by raising North American Suburban Architecture and engineering publication company the house off the ground. The major 1890-1930. Cambridge, MA: MIT blended the Prairie style with twentieth living quarters were up one flight of stairs Press, 1986. century concrete building technology in a for a better view. The visual and func- 1909 publication for builders. Neil Levine. The Architecture of Frank Lloyd tional emphasis is placed on the top half Wright. Princeton, NJ: Princeton of the residence. University Press, 1996. Elements of Prairie Style Often built of masonry, either rough Organic in nature, the Prairie style stone or brick laid in stretcher bond, the James C. Massey and Shirley Maxwell. designers of Prairie style homes sought a House Styles in America: The Old-House used native building materials for its form. Journal Guide to the Architecture of American Throughout the long, low horizontal material that would blend naturally with Homes. New York: Penguin, 1996. planes, the subtle influence of Japanese its surroundings. Stucco and wood were architecture pervades. This horizontality also used frequently for lower end homes. William A. Radford. Radford’s Cement High style homes featured beautifully Houses and How to Build Them. Chicago: translated nicely into the suburban Radford Architectural Company, 1909. medium of residential architecture. finished interior woodwork. Heating, Conceived around a large hearth, the floor lighting, plumbing, and mechanical Marcus Whiffen and Frederick Koeper. plan was open and flowing, integrating systems were designed as architectural American Architecture, 1607-1976. features. Often the architect would Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1981. gardens and terraces with the interior of the house. Low sloping roofs, overhang- design the furniture and carpeting, to ing eaves, and tall casement window make the building as one. 9 Prairie Style in Kansas Although Kansas sits squarely on the prairie, the state boasts only one Walgreens Targets Historic Properties residential example of Frank Lloyd Cont. from page 5 Wright’s work. The Henry J. Allen House was built for the prominent Kansas Landon home will be lost if the Heslam, Jessica. “History Channel to statesman and his wife Elsie between 1917 surrounding buildings are destroyed recount fight against drugstore.” Patriot and 1919. While Wichita has many or if the home is moved. Local Ledger, 1999. vernacular examples of the style, some preservationists are working to see dating before the construction of the the building protected. Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. “Breaking the bank.” News Allen House, Wright’s mark stands clearly Story, December 2003. on this landmark example. Coming late in Bibliography the first phase of his residential designs, Anderson, Ric. “Commission votes Hooper, Michael. “Fleming finished in the house includes a courtyard, garden city.” Topeka Capital-Journal, August 23, teahouse, and massive brick wall. Its low against moving Fleming house.” Topeka Capital-Journal, November 18, 1997. 2003. horizontal sprawling yet palatial appear- National Trust for Historic Preservation. ance clearly shows the influence of Curtis, Wayne. “The Tiki Wars.” The “Issues and Initiatives: Chain Drug- Japanese design. Atlantic Monthly, February 2001. Kansas City-based architect Clarence stores.” Nationaltrust.org/issues/ drugstores/index.html. Shepard worked in the Prairie style, with Foster, Margaret. “Bank Survives landmark examples in Salina and Kansas Dillinger and Walgreens.” Preservation Sternberg, Hilary. “ ’ Ban the Box’ Move.” City. Shepard may have worked as a Online, June 24, 2003. nationaltrust.com/ Buffalo Preservation Report, June 1995. draftsman for Wright during the Oak Park archives/arc_news/063403.htm. preservationcoalition.org/bpr/9506bpr/ studio period, between 1902 and 1905. He banbox.html is said to have preferred the Prairie style Hall, Mike. “Developer wants new above all others, designing his own home Walgreens.” Topeka Capital-Journal, Stingl, Jim. “Let’s Everybody Drink to in that genre. Shepard had an extensive December 10, 2002. Historic Preservation.” Milwaukee residential practice in the Kansas City Journal Sentinel, March 21, 2003. metropolitan area and was associated Hall, Mike and Alicia Henrickson. with the J. C. Nichols Company. “Fleming Mansion evokes memories.” Today Show, June 17, 1999. Transcript Shepard collaborated with Hardborne Topeka Capital-Journal, January 9, 2003. on burrows.com/rocknews.html. Belcher to design a three-story, native Hartman, Carol. “Preservationists see Von Stroheim, Otto. “Kahiki vs. stone villa in Salina for Mr. and Mrs. trouble in town centers: chain drug- Walgreens.” Tikinews.com/mailarchive/ Daniel Albert “Bert” Nelson. Constructed stores.” Associated Press and Boston msg0035.html, April 27, 2000. between 1916 and 1918, Mount Barbara Globe, June 15, 1999. stands prominently overlooking the city of Salina, yet, because of its use of native stone, low hanging eaves, low horizontal lines, projecting eaves and window banks, the massive house blends naturally with its wooded surroundings. Heritage Trust Applications Available Several years later, Shepard designed The Kansas Historic Preservation comments on, must be submitted by 4:30 a straight-forward landmark example of Office (KHPO) announces the availability p.m., January 18, 2005. Preliminary appli- the Prairie style for Judge Louis Gates. of applications for the 2005 round of cations are not required but are highly Located on a small suburban lot in Heritage Trust Fund (HTF) grants in encouraged. Kansas City, the two-story stuccoed, early September. The HTF is a state HTF grant workshops will be held in frame house is surmounted by a hip roof program that provides matching funds locations around the state. The first will be with wide overhanging eaves. Con- for the preservation of properties listed held in Topeka at the Kansas History Cen- structed in 1922-1923, the Gates House is on the National Register of Historic ter, Potawatomi Mission, Potawatomi a late example of the style. Places or the Register of Historic Kansas Room (second floor), on Thursday, Sep- Places. This is a competitive grant pro- tember 16, 2004, at 2 p.m. Other dates Throughout the state stand other gram in which applications compete for and locations are included in the calendar landmark quality residences done in the the funds available for that year. on the back cover of this issue. Prairie style tradition. Additionally there The deadline for applications in this Additional information about the HTF are even more residences that stand as round of grants is March 1, 2005. Appli- grant program can be found on our web vernacular examples of the style. As a cations must be complete and post- site at kshs.org under “Preserve,” “Build- class of buildings, these are typically well marked by the March 1 deadline. If an ings,” “Find Funding.” built and stand the test of time. Many application is hand delivered, it must be To request an application packet, could be listed on the National Register received no later than 4:30 p.m. at the please contact the Kansas Historic Preser- because of their architectural significance Kansas Historic Preservation Office on vation Office at (785) 272-8681 Ext. 216 or as examples of the Prairie style. that date. Final selection of projects will [email protected] or write be made at the May 2005 meeting of the Heritage Trust Fund, Kansas Historic Pres- Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review. ervation Office, Kansas State Historical This article was written by Martha Preliminary applications, which the Society, 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, Hagedorn-Krass, architectural KHPO staff will review and provide Kansas, 66615-1099. historian with the Cultural Resources Division. 10 Brown v Culmina

Fifty years ago, T brought national segregation. No Brown v. Board Historic Site, M interpret the de future

Cheryl Brown Henderson of the Brown Foundation introduced President George W. Bush at the dedication of the Brown v. Board National Historic Site. Photo by Donna Rae Pearson.

n the first decades following its construction in 1926, Brown v. Board, African-American students began Topeka’s Monroe School was one of the city’s four enrolling in traditionally white schools; white students, Iall-black elementary schools. With the landmark 1954 however, did not enroll in the city’s traditionally black Supreme Court decision striking down the “Separate But schools. The trend resulted in a precipitous decline in Equal” doctrine, the school gained a place in American Monroe’s enrollment, which remained entirely African history. Parents of several Monroe students were American. In 1958, just four years following the landmark plaintiffs in one of the five school desegregation cases case, the school’s enrollment had fallen to 148, approxi- combined into Oliver L. Brown et al. v. Board of Educa- mately one-third its capacity. Faced with the sharp decline tion of Topeka, Kansas et al. in enrollment, the school district closed Monroe in 1975. Amid the changes that followed the Brown ruling, the From the time of its closure, the school’s future school building would have been lost had it not been for became progressively more uncertain. A 1970s rezoning of a group of dedicated volunteers. On May 17, 2004, the surrounding neighborhood from residential to light Monroe School once again received national attention industrial/commercial seemed to seal the neighborhood’s with its dedication as the Brown v. Board of Education fate, making it doubtful the building would ever again be National Historic Site. The dedication represented not used as a school. (Ironically, the school district then only a reflection on five decades of struggle toward constructed a new science magnet school just one block to equality, but also a celebration of the preservation of the the north in 1995.) historically significant Monroe School. The school district used the building for storage until In the school’s original design, Thomas Williamson, 1980 when it sold the building to Richard Appelhans. arguably Topeka’s best regarded twentieth-century Appelhans then sold the building in 1982 to Fairlawn architect, employed reinforced board-formed concrete Church of the Nazarene, which began remodeling the slabs, beams, and joists to create a structure that would building for use as a dental clinic, clothing bank, and a stand the test of time. However, the building nearly did halfway house. To accommodate the new use, the church not survive its first half-century. In the years following made many changes to the building’s interior, from

The background on pages 11 and 12 and the front cover image of Monroe School soon after its construction are provided courtesy of the National Park Service.

11 v. Board Dedication Marks ation of Preservation Effort

Topeka’s Monroe School attention to the issue of ow as the home of the of Education National Monroe School will esegregation story for generations. View of the Monroe School following its restoration. Photo courtesy of National Park Service.

installing partitions and closing in staircases to removing After obtaining title to Monroe School, the National classroom walls and wood wardrobes. In 1988, soon after Park Service (NPS) began planning for the building’s res- making irreversible changes, the church sold Monroe toration and rehabilitation. In 1996, the NPS published a School. The new owners, S/S Builders, Inc., made addi- General Management Plan that provided guidance on the tional interior changes to use the building for storage. interpretation of the site. The 1998 Historic Structures When S/S Builders’ owner Mark Stueve posted an Report provided a history of the building’s construction auction notice on the fence surrounding the building in and renovations and put forth recommendations regard- 1990, many in the community feared the building would be ing restoration work. Exterior construction, including demolished. A group of dedicated volunteers fought to repointing, stone cleaning, steel window repair, and ex- stop the auction. Among them was Cheryl Brown terior door repair/replacement began in 2001; interior work Henderson, a daughter of Brown v. Board plaintiff Oliver began the next year. In 2003-2004, the exhibits and audio- Brown. Henderson had formed the Brown Foundation just visual equipment to accommodate the building’s new two years earlier to carry on the effort toward educational interpretive visitors’ center function were installed. The equality. The group hoped to designate the building a State Historic Preservation Office reviewed the plans in National Historic Landmark that could serve to interpret accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic the story of school integration. Preservation Act. The Brown Foundation’s efforts bore fruit in 1991 Although Monroe School was saved, its context was when the Trust for Public Land purchased Monroe School compromised as neighborhood homes were condemned and the building was designated a National Historic and demolished. Once again, national attention would Landmark through an amendment to the National Historic play a part in the neighborhood’s rehabilitation. The Landmark nomination for Sumner School, an all-white Brown Foundation worked with Congress to establish a school that some of the children of Brown v. Board of Presidential Commission for the fiftieth anniversary of the Education plaintiffs would have attended had the schools Brown decision. This President-commissioned dedica- not been segregated. In 1992, the U. S. Congress passed tion would draw the media spotlight to the Monroe Public Law 102-525 establishing Monroe School as the neighborhood–a prospect that spurred the City of Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. Soon Topeka to allocate federal funds from the Department of after this designation, in December 1993, the property was transferred to the National Park Service. Cont. on back cover

This article was prepared by Christy Davis, assistant director of the Cultural Resources Division.

12 Laying the Groundwork The Geophysical Survey of 14MP407

The 2004 Kansas Archeology Training Program (KATP) field school held at site 14MP407 in McPherson County provided an opportunity to study an archeological site via remote sensing. While three visible mounds suggested the locations of probable house struc- tures, no other potential cultural features were readily apparent. Because one aspect of the excavations sought to investigate areas outside houses in hopes of identifying outdoor activity areas, it was felt that a geophysical survey would help direct the placement of units outside structures. Archaeo-Physics, LLC from Minneapolis, Minnesota, was contacted to conduct a shallow subsurface geo- physical survey of the site. The geophysical investigation in April 2004 included both electrical resistance and magnetic field gradient surveys. A total of 8,100 square meters were investigated in two separate areas of the site. In the pasture area, 6,300 square meters were surveyed by both methods. Due to rain during the latter portion of the This aerial view shows the approximate locations of the east and west survey areas at survey period, an area of the site located 14MP407. in an adjacent wheat field was subjected only to the magnetic survey. Moisture on tance. In a particular survey grid (here identified with this survey and can the wheat would have adversely affected established as 30 x 30-meter blocks), the adversely affect the interpretation of the the collection of resistance data. A total individual carrying the mobile unit moves data. The surveyor must take care not to of 1,800 square meters was surveyed in back and forth across the grid at 1-meter have any metal on himself while carrying the wheat field. intervals with two readings taken every the gradiometer during the survey, as the meter. A reading is taken when the instrument will read that as well. The Tools of Geophysical prongs on the mobile unit are pushed into Archeologically important features Investigation the soil, completing the electrical circuit can have varying degrees of remnant and created by the mobile probe and the sta- field magnetization. Examples of remnant The two forms of geophysical survey tionary probes. The collected data is then magnetization are hearths, burned used are described below in order to processed to allow for the best visibility structures and support posts, and familiarize the reader with the instruments of cultural features. One result of this pottery. Field magnetization can include and the basic principles behind each type processing is that natural variation is mini- anything that may have disturbed the of survey. In an electrical resistance mized through filtering, allowing subtle natural magnetic field present across the survey, an electrical current is sent cultural features to appear more readily. earth’s surface, such as excavated cultural through the soil with the intent of A magnetic field gradient survey features like posts, pits, and basins. measuring the relative ease or difficulty operates with the assumption that the The magnetic field gradient survey with which the current moves through the earth’s magnetic field at the surface is equipment consists of a handheld unit soil. Variations in these readings can be uniform and has zero gradient. A geologic with two sensors set 50 centimeters apart. viewed as variance in the resistance of anomaly or cultural disturbance adds to Collected data represents the recorded the soil matrix at any point within the this field, and, therefore, the gradient is variation between the two sensors. survey grid. no longer zero. Readings taken by the Within the grid block, the surveyor walks The electrical resistance survey gradiometer during survey measure this with a very consistent pace back and equipment is a portable unit, consisting of deviation from the homogenous natural forth at 50-centimeter intervals. The two probes placed 50 centimeters apart, magnetic field and record it as positive (in instrument takes eight readings per meter that is connected by cables to two other same direction as the earth’s magnetic along each transect. Processing of the probes established outside the survey field) and negative (opposite to the magnetic data includes filtering to remove grid to serve as the control against which earth’s magnetic field) responses. Iron background noise, allowing for cultural the mobile unit measures relative resis- and steel objects, of course, are readily patterning to be more apparent. Process- 13 ing also compensates for minor variations in instrument orientation and lateral movement across the block and assures that a consistent number of data points are collected in every square meter of survey across the grid. Interpreting the Results Results of the geophysical survey at 14MP407 were promising even from the most preliminary interpretation available while the crew was still in the field. Several anomalies were readily apparent and seemed to represent excellent candidates for cultural features outside of the visible house mounds. In addition to yielding important information about a number of anomalies that appeared to be of cultural origin outside structures, the survey shed additional light on the three visible mounds in the pasture. It was apparent that Mound 1 and Mound 2 had similar magnetic signatures, suggesting that structures in both locations likely had burned. On the other hand, Mound 3 had a very different magnetic signature, one that was not nearly as chaotic and strong as that seen in the first two instances. Based on this information, it is hypoth- esized that the structure associated with Mound 3 did not burn and that anomalies clustered in that area may well represent internal features, such as pits, basins, posts, etc. A number of anomalies outside the vicinity of the mounds were identified as having a high potential for being cultural features. In early May, with the help of Gary Parks of the Natural Resource Conserva- tion Service (NRCS) and a truck-mounted Giddings soil probe, several anomalies in the pasture were cored to determine the nature of the various anomalies. In the adjacent wheat field, several anomalies were cored with handheld soil probes. The term used for this stage of investigation is ground truthing. Ground truthing is an important part of the geophysical investigation because it is when the accuracy of the interpretation of the geophysical data is realized. The The geophysical survey produced detailed maps of 14MP407. Shown here are the results hope is that the coring will consistently of the combined resistance and magnetic data from the pasture area. This method of confirm the presence of cultural features, display is a useful means of identifying correlations between data sets. particularly in spots that are judged to be high potential anomalies. contained occasional flecks of charcoal nized to be subtler in appearance, that is, High potential features consistently and burned earth. In one case, a chert with lighter disturbed fill and fewer had a strong correlation between the flake and a burned corn kernel were instances of charcoal and burned earth. magnetic and resistance data; in other present in a soil core extracted from a pit The ground truthing confirmed a number words, the anomaly was readily visible in feature. Other anomalies were cored that of known cultural features that could be both sets of data. Ground truthing of had either a magnetic signature or an investigated during the June field school. these anomalies confirmed the presence electrical resistance signature with little During the KATP investigations, a of cultural features in every instance. correlation between the two. Cultural limited number of these features were Typically, the core revealed a darker, features were identified in approximately investigated. In addition to working on organically enriched disturbed soil that half of these and were generally recog- features identified during the earlier 14 (Left) A Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Giddings rig was used to ground truth a number of the anomalies detected during the geophysical survey.

(Below) NRCS soil scientist Gary Parks, Tod Bevitt, and Martin Stein examine a soil core extracted by the Giddings rig.

ground truthing of larger anomalies by in the same area and may represent a Acknowledgments: The work by soil probing, the opportunity presented larger anomaly that probably masks in Archaeo-Physics, LLC was made itself to investigate an area that encom- part the post in the same location. passed a series of smaller anomalies. This possible by a generous Initial interpretation of the excavation contribution from the Midwest area was thought to possibly represent a of the Mound 2 structure suggests that at circular or ovoid post pattern, perhaps Archeological Center of the least some of the identified cultural National Park Service. Thanks go representing an arbor or shade structure features may have corresponding to the NRCS for its cooperation in where some daily activities of the site’s anomalies identified in the geophysical providing a soil scientist and inhabitants may have occurred. Such survey. The overall chaotic signature of small features could not effectively be the Mound 2 area precluded interpreta- equipment for ground truthing. investigated by soil coring but could best tion of these individual features originally. be identified by opening a series of exca- During the excavation, a number of This article was prepared by vation units. A group of Kansas Anthro- soil samples were collected from small C. Tod Bevitt and Dave Maki. pological Association volunteers enrolled features (posts and basins), the profile of Bevitt is an independent in the Basic Archeological Excavation the Mound 2 fill, and an area isolated from consultant under contract to the class were given the task of ground cultural features that shows a relatively Kansas State Historical Society for truthing this area. One unit placed in this undisturbed soil profile. Additional the field investigation, data vicinity yielded evidence of a large post research involving these soil samples in analysis, and reporting of the that may correspond with one of the small the near future will help identify some of 2004 KATP field school. Maki is a anomalies identified in the geophysical the variables that allowed for the identifi- partner in Archaeo-Physics, LLC, survey. A small basin was also identified cation of the anomalies at this site. of Minneapolis, Minnesota. 15 HouseworkHousework andand YardYard WorkWork

This aerial view, looking west across 14MP407, shows the setting of the site in relation to the surrounding countryside. The excavation area is shown in the upper left and the Smoky Hill River is on the right. The 29th Kansas Archeology Training Pr ogram Investigates a Smoky Hill Phase Habitation Site

Introduction and Background range of A.D. 1050-1350, with some sites perhaps dating earlier and some later. Sites of the phase are found The 2004 Kansas Archeology Training Program along the major drainages of the region: the Smoky Hill, (KATP) recently concluded a 16-day field school during Solomon, Saline, Blue, and Kansas Rivers and their which portions of a Smoky Hill earthlodge and several tributaries. Key sites include the Salina burial pit areas outside of this and other houses were investi- (14SA1) and nearby habitation site (14SA414), the gated. The KATP has twice before visited the Minneapolis site (14OT5), and the Griffing site (14RY21) Lindsborg vicinity, in 1992 and 1993, with work at the near Manhattan. Extensive investigations have been Sharps Creek site (14MP408), a late sixteenth- and early conducted at several other sites over the past 60 to 70 seventeenth-century protohistoric Wichita village. A years, which collectively has helped to establish a total of 133 volunteers contributed more than 5,800 limited understanding of this culture. hours in the field and lab to help make the investiga- Smoky Hill houses are commonly identified as tions at 14MP407 a success. While additional work is square to rectangular structures of varying sizes, often required to finish the artifact processing and catalogu- with extended entryways. Circular structures also occur ing later this year, the contributions of the volunteer occasionally, though it is not known what this variation crew provided a solid foundation upon which the signifies. Interior features such as a central hearth, large interpretation can begin. support posts and one or more storage pits are found in Fieldwork focused on a habitation site attributed to almost every instance with these structures. Many sites the Smoky Hill phase of the Central Plains tradition. contain multiple structures, with some having as many Smoky Hill phase radiocarbon dates suggest a general as two dozen or more individual houses that are

16 This view, looking south across the excavation units concentrated on Mound 2, shows the volunteer crew in action. identified by low mounds or artifact comprise the lithic tool kit. Ground stone or deep plowing, as the cultural deposits clusters. More commonly, sites are objects, such as manos and metates, are quite shallow and still relatively intact. smaller and have indications of one to abraders, and axes and celts, could be Three low mounds are readily visible three structures. Little evidence is expected in a typical assemblage. along the crown of the ridge upon which available to suggest that houses at any Together these objects give archeologists the site is situated. These mounds one site were all occupied simultaneously. a glimpse into the types of activities represent the locations of collapsed While instances of contemporaneous carried out in the daily lives of a site’s earthlodges. occupation are certainly possible, in the original inhabitants. An adjacent wheat field contains majority of cases multiple houses likely KAA member Harold Reed recorded another portion of the site, and a third represent repeated use of a particular 14MP407 in 1971. Richard Stauffer, ridge to the west has yet another cultural location over time. another KAA member who also had a component, though in that instance the Smoky Hill material culture can be collection from the site, recently added to materials represent a later protohistoric divided into several functional categories. the original record, contributing valuable Wichita occupation. These areas are Ceramic assemblages, generally consist- information regarding potential features recognized by artifact scatters in the ing of utilitarian pottery, include small to he had observed in an adjacent wheat cultivated fields. At least two collectors large globular jars and bowls, typically field. Long known to local collectors, the reported seeing dark stains in the wheat cordmarked and occasionally decorated, site has been subjected to occasional field in the vicinity of the artifact scatter tempered with sand or grog (crushed digging over the years, resulting in a very at one time in the past, suggesting that sherds). Bone objects consist of digging noticeable crater in Mound 1 and a trench pits or other cultural features might be implements, such as scapula hoes and excavation in Mound 2. The Mound 2 present. Daub (burned house plaster tibia digging stick tips manufactured from trench yielded a collection of materials bearing grass and/or pole impressions) bison bone; deer metapodial beamers for that the owner was gracious enough to was also collected from the area, suggest- hideworking; awls manufactured from show and even lend a portion for ing the presence of a structure as well. various bones and bone fragments; analysis. The data will provide important A geophysical survey was con- mussel shell hoes; and bone and shell additional information on the house that ducted on portions of the pasture and beads, just to name a few classes of became the focus of the 2004 KATP. adjacent wheat field to help identify artifacts. Small triangular arrow points The area of the site investigated this potential cultural features in the vicinity (often side and/or basal notched), end year lies in a pasture. Though not in of the house mounds and artifact scatter, scrapers, diamond beveled knives, flake native grass, it is apparent that the land respectively (see accompanying article in drills, and numerous informal flake tools was not subject to long-term cultivation this issue). This work was highly 17 In 1934 the Nebraska State Historical Society excavated a similar Plains earthlodge at the Minneapolis site in Ottawa County. An artist recreated the type of house represented by the posthole pattern. valuable in placing units outside of the Mound 2 structure, which was the focus of the KATP excavations, and also provides an excellent reference for any future investigations that might take place at the site. Research Objectives Several research questions guided the site study. One key aspect of the investigation was the recovery of plant remains to address questions about the features and portions of the house floor. culture seen in those and other localities site inhabitants diet and their reliance on Taken together, the information gained or could it confidently be grouped with horticulture and wild plants. Much of the from the analysis of these samples will site clusters from previously investigated past work on the Smoky Hill phase inform our understanding of subsistence areas? occurred prior to the time that soil practices at 14MP407 and perhaps allow Finally, with regard to the site itself, flotation was a commonly used proce- inferences about practices elsewhere in what could we learn about the internal dure. With this in mind, flotation samples the Smoky Hill phase. organization of the site? In order to were collected systematically from all Another question related to the exca- answer this question, enough area would units excavated more than 20 centimeters vated artifact assemblage was how certain have to be opened to investigate not only below the ground surface, both from aspects–ceramics and lithic raw material a potential structure but adjacent areas as inside the house fill and floor zones, as utilization, for example–compare with well. Areas outside of structures have well as from outside the house. At least those of other areas, such as sites in the been excluded from previous investiga- one-half of the fill of cultural features, Salina or Minneapolis localities. Would tions at Smoky Hill phase sites; hence, a such as post molds, pits, and basins, was the recovered artifacts indicate that potentially large part of the daily activities subjected to flotation. Occasionally 14MP407 was distinct to a significant of the site inhabitants had yet to be additional samples were taken from degree from expressions of Smoky Hill studied. 18 The Fieldwork and Preliminary Results A total of seventy-one 1 x 1-meter units were opened across the site. Fifty- eight of these were in and around Mound 2, exposing a large portion of a structure (House 2). Perimeter posts, interior posts, and features (primarily basins) were identified as the structure floor was encountered. While most of the west half of the structure was exposed, only portions of the east side were investi- gated thoroughly. Areas of the house that remain unopened include most of the southeast quadrant of the structure and much of the north and northeast wall areas. Additionally, no evidence of an extended entryway was found, although with much of the east edge of the house unexcavated, that is not surprising. Six to eight excavation units were clustered Excavated post molds show a main structural post with a smaller supporting post. outside of the south-central portion of the house. A single shallow basin was identified in addition to a sparse scatter of lithic debris and ceramics. While only a small sample, this work provides tantaliz- ing evidence of activities being carried on outside the house. It is apparent that the structure only partially burned. The northwest portion burned quite heavily, as indicated by several large interior posts charred completely to their bases and some large concentrations of daub and burned roof debris scattered across the north and west units. Other structural posts showed no evidence of burning. Four large interior posts were identified, roughly equidistant from the central hearth. These are thought to represent the primary central roof supports. The two large posts on the north side each had an associated smaller post on their north side. The northwest central support showed an interesting sequence of posts: one large post mold showed no signs of burning, while three others (two small and one large) immedi- ately adjacent to it were heavily burned. Apparently the large post was removed at some point, perhaps because it was beginning to fail, and was replaced by another large post that burned along with other nearby posts when the structure was abandoned. Within the limits of the house, seven small features were identified as shallow basins. For the most part, these features were nearly devoid of artifacts. One ex- ception was Feature 77 in the southwest portion of the house. Here a digging stick tip, several end scrapers, fragments of one or more scapula tools, and other de- bris were found within or near this large Excavation units are darkened on this topographic map of the pasture portion of the site. 19 shallow basin. Two basins located nearest the hearth were circular in plan view and had conical cross sections. It is not known what, if any, special purpose these unique features may have had. Interest- ingly, no deeper storage pits were en- countered in the house. In many other excavated Smoky Hill houses, interior features include and are often dominated by cylindrical pits. Deeper storage pits are present at 14MP407, as several were identified in areas outside houses during coring of some of the geophysical anoma- lies in both the pasture and wheat field. This knowledge makes the lack of similar features in the house an interesting con- trast, although it is possible that unexcavated portions of the house might reveal deeper storage facilities. Artifact distributions on the house floor present some interesting informa- tion. A relatively dense band of cultural material, including large portions of as many as four ceramic vessels, was exposed inside the west wall of the structure, continuing into the northwest corner and around to at least a portion of the area adjacent to the north wall. Numerous modified and retouched flakes were scattered across the area, as well as a few other stone tools and preforms. A cluster of charred corn and cob fragments was located along the short segment of the north wall near the northwest corner. The dense strip of debris was a consis- tent width wherever it was encountered, extending approximately 1 meter inside the perimeter posts. In contrast, very little material was collected from the house floor in the vicinity of the large central support posts near the hearth, suggesting that this area was kept clean, Features are identified on this map of the House 2 excavation block. possibly as it saw heavier use by the inhabitants. Flint Hills is by far the most common raw of the Mound 2 excavation, a 2 x 2-meter The ceramic assemblage consists material in the chipped stone assemblage. area was opened to investigate an oblong primarily of cordmarked, sand- and grog- Smoky Hill jasper from northwest Kansas anomaly identified by the geophysical tempered pottery. At least two forms of is also present in limited quantities. One survey. It was hoped that material could vessels are present in the collection: a unexpected find is an end scraper made of be recovered to at least date this feature neckless jar or bowl with a narrow Flattop chalcedony, for which northeast in proximity to House 2. The feature opening (commonly called a coconut jar) Colorado is the closest source. turned out to be a shallow oval basin that and the more common globular jar. Faunal remains are limited and unfortunately contained almost no Decoration is rare but was noted in at typically are in poor condition. Species cultural material and was somewhat least two instances. As mentioned earlier, recognized during the excavation include difficult to define. several large complexes of sherds were bison, deer, small mammals and rodents, During the first week of the field recovered and likely represent three or bird, and shellfish. Most of the identifi- school, Tim Weston and his Basic four reconstructible vessels or vessel able bison remains came from elements Archeological Excavation class investi- sections. Work on refitting these clusters useful for bone tools, such as the scapula gated another area of the site, located of ceramics will be just one of the focuses and tibia. approximately 15-20 meters northeast of of the analysis that will begin this fall. Floral remains recognized during Mound 1. Their assignment was to Lithic artifacts include limited fieldwork include both beans and corn. investigate seven or eight small anomalies quantities of flake debris, particularly Both cultigens were identified in numer- that created an oval pattern approximately larger flakes. Most of the debitage is ous instances. The systematic flotation 5 meters long and 4 meters wide. A total small, representing the later stages of samples should provide more detail about of six 1 x 1-meter units were opened in this lithic reduction to create tools, as well as this aspect of the site remains. vicinity with hopes of identifying one or the resharpening of tools. Chert from the Approximately 10 meters southwest more of the anomalies and determining

20 (Left) A bison tibia digging stick tip recovered from one of the shallow basins in House 2 suggests a reliance on horticulture at the site.

(Below) The artifact scatter on the house floor inside the west wall included pottery sherds, flake tools, and a ground stone mano (left of slate). whether they were of cultural or natural origin. Excavation revealed a small shallow basin and an associated post along what would be the northwest arc of the oval cluster of anomalies. In review- ing the geophysical data, it was deter- mined that this area corresponded to a slightly larger anomaly in the group. Apparently the basin is visible in the data, and its larger signature masks in part the post mold that may very well be representative of the smaller anomalies creating the oval. Based on this, the oval is thought to represent a cultural feature, perhaps a structure of some sort, such as an arbor where some as yet undetermined activities were conducted outside of the nearby dwellings. Additional work in this area would certainly help determine the validity of this hypothesis. As work on those units was com- pleted, three additional units were opened a short distance to the southwest, closer to Mound 1, to investigate another geo- physical anomaly. This particular Conclusions one-fourth of these samples consisted of anomaly appeared as a large irregular multiple bags from a single provenience, feature that continued outside of the grid Revisiting the previously stated such as basin features, large posts, and established for the geophysical survey. research objectives in light of this general house floor samples. Excavators uncovered the margins of an preliminary review of the fieldwork At least two radiocarbon dates will irregular basin that carried across parts of provides some tentative conclusions. be obtained from charred plant remains (a the three 1-meter units. Very little material While the bulk of the flotation bean and a corncob) collected from the was collected from the feature. Its irregu- remains to be analyzed, the recovery of house floor. A third date will be run on a lar form, large size, and proximity to numerous specimens of two cultivated sizeable sample of wood charcoal from Mound 1 make it a strong candidate for a crops (beans and corn), as well as several one of the interior posts, pending borrow area associated with the Mound 1 examples of digging implements, suggest identification of the tree species repre- structure. Material for the earthen house a strong reliance on horticulture at the sented by the sample. construction would be acquired from site. Additional study will provide more A large quantity of pottery was areas immediately adjacent to the house. data and help complete the picture of the recovered and will be useful in determin- Typically, the shallow borrow depressions inhabitants’ reliance on cultigens, as well ing the number and types of vessels would be filled in with the waste of daily as gathered wild plants. In all, 176 present in the house. Several recon- life; however, it appears that this borrow separate sample numbers were assigned structible vessels or vessel segments will pit was not used as a trash receptacle. to soil flotation samples. Approximately provide good information on vessel form 21 This view to the southwest across the main excavation area shows the records tent on the left and sifting screens and backdirt piles on the right. and size. A varied and sizeable collection of stone tools also was found. From this assemblage and the flake debris, a picture of lithic raw material use and tool manu- facture and maintenance activities will come to light. In both instances, compari- sons can then be made with data from excavations in the Minneapolis and Salina vicinities. The excavation was only partly successful in exploring the topic of internal site organization. House 2 was identified and investigated, but only a portion of it was thoroughly explored. A small area outside of this particular structure was opened, allowing the definition of a shallow basin and light scatter of cultural material along the exterior of the south house wall. Other units successfully found additional external features. The possible identifica- tion of a post structure, unlike the typical Smoky Hill phase house, with an associ- ated basin provides a glimpse into the potential for research of ancillary activity areas outside the habitations at 14MP407. Due to time limitations, investigation of Kirby Ross of Kirwin and Roger Ward of El Dorado draw the layers of earth that known features in the wheat field was not have been excavated, recording the profile through the middle of House 2. possible. From this standpoint, additional excavations at the site would go far in helping to explore this aspect of the research goals. In spite of this shortcoming, the 2004 KATP was a success in many ways, and it Acknowledgments: The cooperation and enthusiasm of the landowners, Denise and Jim Schwantes and Larry and Edie Dahlsten, are greatly is assured that the results of the investi- appreciated. gations at 14MP407 will help us gain a better understanding of the past inhabit- The author, C. Tod Bevitt, is an independent archeological consultant under ants of this site and of the central Kansas contract to the Kansas State Historical Society for the field investigation, region during the Middle Ceramic period. data analysis, and reporting of the 2004 KATP field school. 22 Brown v. Board Dedication Happenings in Kansas Cont. from page 12 Willing to Die for Freedom: KSHS, Inc. Annual Meeting Housing and Urban Development to make A Look Back at Kansas Territory November 5, 2004 neighborhood improvements including April 3, 2004 - October 3, 2004 Kansas History Center Kansas Museum of History Includes presentations of the Nyle H. the construction of compatible infill Kansas History Center Miller Local Historical Organization houses, repair of existing houses, and 6425 S.W. Sixth Avenue Award, Edgar Langsdorf Award, repair of related infrastructure. Topeka, Kansas Edward H. Tihen Historical The Brown v. Board of Education This exhibit both observes the territory’s Publication Awards, John Ripley Local National Historic Site was dedicated on 150th anniversary and explores Kansas’ Organization Award, speakers, free-state heritage. election of board members and May 17, 2004, with remarks from Topeka officers, and recognition of retiring Mayor James A. McClinton, U. S. Sights Once Seen and emeritus board members and Representative Elijah E. Cummings, June 1, 2004 - August 30, 2004 executive committee members. Kansas congressional delegates, U. S. Research Gallery Secretary of Education Rod Paige, U. S. Kansas History Center and Museum Lewis and Clark Living History Assistant Secretary of the Interior Craig The earliest form of photography is Program Manson, U. S. Secretary of the Interior featured in this traveling exhibit November 6, 2004 recreating explorer John C. Fremont’s Kansas History Center Gale Norton, U. S. Supreme Court Justice 1853-54 expedition through the West. Captain Lewis’ Company from the Stephen Bryer, Governor Kathleen Over 100 daguerreotypes were taken in Frontier Army Living History Sebelius, civil rights pioneer Reverend modern times by photographer Robert Association will present a program on Fred Shuttlesworth, and President of the Shlaer, who retraced Fremont’s route Lewis and Clark. Steve Allie will give United States George W. Bush. through present-day Kansas and beyond. a presentation on the food eaten by the men on the Corps of Discovery With approximately five thousand Heritage Trust Fund Workshop expedition. The program is free and people in attendance, the dedication September 16, 2004 open to the public. commemorated the progress made toward 2:00 p.m. educational equality; addressed the Koch Education Center, Second Floor Heritage Trust Fund Workshop necessity of recommitting to the civic Kansas History Center November 18, 2004 responsibility of providing equal opportu- 10:00 a.m. KAA Fall Fling Location To Be Announced nity for all citizens; and celebrated the Salina, Kansas rescue of Monroe School, a site of September 18-19, 2004 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. national historical importance. Archeology Lab Heritage Trust Fund Workshop Kansas History Center December 9, 2004 10:00 a.m. Carnegie Center for the Arts The Kansas History Center Heritage Trust Fund Workshop October 14, 2004 701 Second and Museum will be closed 10:00 a.m. Dodge City, Kansas Labor Day, September 6, Memorial Building, Third Floor, Alliance Room Heritage Trust Fund Workshop 2004. Please check the online 101 South Lincoln January 13, 2005 calendar at kshs.org for other Chanute, Kansas 2:00 p.m. dates and events. Kansas History Center

KANSAS STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY NONPROFIT ORG. Cultural Resources Division U.S. POSTAGE 6425 S.W. Sixth Avenue P A I D Topeka, Kans. Topeka, KS 66615-1099 Permit No. 299 Return Service Requested