History

  • cw_parker.jpg

    The Amusement King

    December 16, 2020

    Charles Wallace Parker was born in Griggsville, Illinois in 1864.  At the age of five, his family moved to Abilene, Kansas.  As Parker grew into adulthood, he became interested in creating and...

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  • Letters to Santa - Abilene, KS

    Letters to Santa

    December 16, 2020

    Join us in reminiscing with Letters to Santa written by former Abilene residents and community leaders more than 100 years ago! 1. C.W. Parker Abilene Daily Reflector - December 24, 1906 The...

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  • Abilene 1867 – Buckeye and A Street

    Bi-Centennial Plaques

    August 17, 2020

    Bi-Centennial Historical Marker Project In October 1977 one of the first actions taken by the Abilene Bicentennial Commission when it was appointed by the city of Abilene in 1975 was a decision to...

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  • Versteeg-Swisher-House-Abilene,KS

    5 More Historic Sites to Learn While Walking Tour

    June 24, 2020

    Share lessons on Abilene history with your family by walking, biking, or driving by these five sites that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an official list of the country's...

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  • drovers_cottage.png

    Top 5 Memorable Moments in Drover’s Cottage History

    May 22, 2020

    As construction crews dig deep into the pages of history, secrets of the Drover’s Cottage are unveiled. The new courthouse addition is being constructed in the former location of the famous hotel....

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  • Brown-Memorial-Park-Abilene,KS

    Explore Brown Memorial Park and Waterfalls in Abilene, Kansas!

    May 1, 2020

    Social distancing doesn't mean you can't explore the outdoors and what better place to visit than Brown Memorial Park in Abilene, Kansas! Where is Brown Memorial Park? The map below will direct...

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  • abilene_longhorns_railroad.jpg

    Area History

    December 18, 2019

    A surveyor from Illinois searched for a quiet tract of solitude.  The sea of buffalo grass along the banks of Mud Creek made for an ideal setting.  It was July of 1857, a small cabin was built, and...

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  • Abilene-KS-Civic-Center

    Fast Facts

    December 18, 2019

    The United Telephone Company, which is now Sprint, was formed in Abilene by C. L. Brown.  In 1922, Brown required employees to save 10% of their income for retirement. Dwight David Eisenhower, 34...

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