Woodston News

On Tuesday, June 1, Steve Melton had cataract surgery at Hays. Thanks to Doug Melton and Steve Riffel for helping Wednesday afternoon with cattle for A.I. process.

I’ve learned there will be a delay in the June opening of the former Brookville Hotel & Restaurant in Abilene due to contract problems.

Great niece, Hailey Jo Sharp, Riley County High School senior, will be coached this fall by Kelsey Nelson. Kelsey is a grade school teacher at Riley and played basketball with KSU women’s team. Her brother, Jordy Nelson, has agreed to be assistant coach.

Our Douglas Creek is just full of cute tadpoles and tiny minnows. I hope it runs water all summer.

Ash Rock Church Memorial Service

Thirty family and friends of eleven descendants who were buried at Ash Rock during the years 2019, 2020, and 2021 came for the Memorial Service on Monday morning, May 31. Richard Vanderlip, Manhattan, who was raised in the Ash Rock Community was the speaker. Richard shared interesting history from a newspaper article written by Zella Dodrill in 1961 of the early homesteaders in Ash Rock township. Aneta Noble Boyle, Wilson, also an Ash Rock native, played accompaniment for hymns, “To God Be The Glory” and “God Be With You” and also played “TAPS.” Rev. Lyle Miller, who had delivered the message since 1998, was remembered. The eleven honored were: Marvel Hull, Case A Bonebrake, Harvey Fry, Betty Vanderlip, Martha Jane (Conn) Zadhelm, Loren Hale, Dale Jones, Kent Townley, Linda Fry, Robert Dix, and Morris James Smith.

Condolences to the Smith family of Abilene and Illinois on the death of their brother, Jim Smith, 78 years, on May 13, 2021 at Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Jim spent his childhood years in the Ash Rock community and graduated from Abilene High School Class of 1960. His parents were G. P. and Louisa (Gravenhorst) Smith. Interment will be in the Ash Rock Cemetery.

One of the fun things on my trip home from Seattle was touring old historic Fort Laramie, Wyoming. A small country cemetery was along the road and leaving the Fort, I came upon a small buckboard wagon being pulled by a beautiful white pair of ponies. I stopped to ask the two gentlemen driving the team if I could take a photo. When they found I was from Kansas, they wanted to know if I knew where Hope was located. Seems like the one man knew of another pair of white ponies at Hope and wanted to purchase them. I told them my former Aunt Ethel Schimming owned a farm at Hope and her favorite saying was, “There is still Hope in Kansas!”

A new resident to the neighborhood, Cameron Knipp of Damar, is residing at the former Cletus Graf farm. Cameron is employed at the Central Vet Clinic.

The mosquitoes are out in force due to the recent rains, standing water and flooding. I had cut the garden lettuce and spinach on May 22 and found it had grown back really nice by May 29 when I returned home. The green onions and tomato plants had done well also.

About the only thing I enjoyed in Seattle were the beautiful lush flowers and trees because of all the moisture. The lilacs were in full bloom.

I learned there were three school districts in Ash Rock during the late 1870’s—Spring Branch, Ash Rock, and Liberty— located four miles west of the brick Ash Rock school and on the north corner. In 1961, the stone house built in 1881 on the Bonebrake farm was the oldest home still standing in the township. Steven’s mother mother Avalon Bonebrake Melton, was born there. I think of it as the Dodrill place because that is where Uncle Ellsworth and Aunt Zell Dodrill lived when I came out here. Ash Rock is one of three townships in Rooks County that does not have oil wells.

Dan Melton drove out from Walton late Friday night to help with the cattle. Dr Craig A.I.’d the cows and we vaccinated calves and hauled to pastures. Doug Melton also came to help and Steve Riffel was there early to get them into the corral. Dan returned home Saturday evening.

Cedar Christian Church

“I Will Sing The Wondrous Story,” was the opening hymn chosen by Peggy Mullen for worship service Sunday, June 6, at the Cedar Christian Church. Kirby Mullen offered prayers. “Near To The Heart of God” was the prayer hymn. The offering was gathered by Steven Melton. Kirby and Steven served Communion and the hymn was, “Tis Midnight; And On Olive’s Hill.” Darel Boston had our message from Chapter 2 of the Book of Acts. Discussion was held about conversational prayer so everyone could take part in praying together. The closing hymn was, “God Be With You.” Roger Cooper is to be with us next Sunday.

Kirby and Peggy Mullen enjoyed a fun event on Saturday evening at Kensington. A “dualing pianos” was held with two gentlemen from a Minnesota Musical Company. The audience members could request musical selections and sing along and even dance. It was well attended by over a hundred and fifty at the American Legion Building.

The Woodston United Methodist Church held their final service for the church on Sunday, June 6. Billie Chesney had the first special music. Anita Conger and Bonita Wagner had the second special music. The Stockton United Methodist Church were special guests. Pastor Michelle Byerly chose 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 for the scripture. Holy Communion was served. The message was, “Do Not Lose Heart: Seeing the Eternal.” The Harmony Choir provided another special. “The Church’s One Foundation” was the closing hymn. Several past ministers were in attendance. Galen Redden had the postlude with Patsy Redden accompanist. A dinner was served by Ruth Ann Bigge in Fellowship Hall following the service. A full house attended.

Seventeen Woodston Rural High School alumni were honored at a memorial service at the Woodston Rural High School site May 30, 2021. Representing the school colors, a planter of marigolds and a basket of purple petunias were placed beside the flag in front of the sign that was saved when the building was demolished. Those who have died since the last alumni gathering in May 2019 include the following:

• Class of 1933—Frieda Hartzler Manweiler

• Class of 1938—Case Bonebrake

• Class of 1939—Wilbur Perry Cotton

• Class of 1943—June Breckenridge Cornwell

• Class of 1944—Doyle Post

• Class of 1945—Gail Hoar

• Class of 1946—Loren Hale

• Class of 1948—Betty Earl Delaney and Robert Dix

• Class of 1951—Betty Williams Vanderlip

• Class of 1953—Carol Jones Orr

• Class of 1956—Janet Macy Muller

• Class of 1963—Carleta Strutt Imel, Dale Jones, Kent Townley, Lorna Murphy Agard

• Class of 1964—Harvey Fry