Woodston News
Condolences to the family of John and Alice Paulson of Wichita Falls, Texas. John was a brother of former Woodston resident, Lars Paulson. John was a 1947 graduate of WRHS who passed away September 26, 2021 at the age of 92. Richard Paulson is a nephew. His wife, Alice, died three days later, on September 29, 2021 at the age of 90. She was a 1949 graduate of Stockton High School. They were married June 2nd, 1950.
Our gauge read .55 of an inch early Thursday morning while most in the area received at least an inch or more.
Our granddaughter, Daniele Melton, put in a request for a fresh apple cake so the apple, cinnamon and clove smell made my kitchen smell wonderful this past week.
We traveled to Greensburg in rain almost the entire way on Saturday afternoon to attend the wedding of granddaughter Heather Melton to Alex King, both of Ft. Collins, Colo. Heather is the oldest daughter of Douglas Melton. Janie Melton Hieger, Wamego, was able to attend as well as Dan and Michele, Walton, and Daniele Melton and Catlin Doornbos, Wichita.
The Old Settler’s Day was held at Kirwin this past weekend. Larry and Betty Lala helped and attended. Bonita Oliva participated in the bike run. Events included a parade, games for kids, a theater play, horse show and demo-derby.
Cedar Christian Church
Cedar Christian Church began worship service on Sunday morning, October 3, by Steven Melton ringing the bell. Opening hymn was, “The Old Rugged Cross.” Darel Boston led prayers and the hymn was “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling.” Communion was served by Darel and Steven and the hymn was “Beneath The Cross Of Jesus”.
Darel read scripture from Acts Chapter 9. The Lord’s Prayer was recited in unison. For the special, a round was sung “God Lifted Me Up”.
Darel’s message dealt with Chapter 9 of Acts regarding the life of Saul who became Paul. In many instances it helps to have an enemy. We strive better to overcome and not be complacent. Closing hymn was “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Darel brought great-grandson’s Caden and Ethan Enfield of Norton, as guests. The message Sunday, October 10, will be delivered by Harry Purdum. All are welcome to attend.
Kirwin Old Settlers Day
Saturday, October 2, Bonita Oliva traveled to Kirwin to participate in the “Take a Ride on the Wild Side” bicycling event held in conjunction with Kirwin’s Old Settlers Day. The event has been sponsored by Phillips County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau for the past three years, and is organized by Tami Sauer. There are several route options. The longest route is 31 miles and completely circles the lake. There is a shorter family option, a 6-mile ride and a 20-mile ride. Homemade soups and cinnamon rolls are served to participants at the end of their rides. Bonita had arranged to do a shorter ride, starting with the group riding the 31-mile circuit. She enjoys the less accessible road along the north side of the lake which leads to park headquarters and connects with Highway 9. In spite of road construction on roads on the south side of the lake, they left a lot to be desired. The road on the north side was rough with washouts, rocks and a stretch of soft sand and hills. Bonita rode an 11.5- mile loop and returned to Kirwin in a little over an hour. It was a good workout. Approximately 15 riders rode in the 31-mile group. Bonita enjoyed a reward of a large homemade cinnamon roll upon arrival back in Kirwin and returned home.
Nicodemus Pioneer Day
After a change of clothes, Bonita then traveled to Nicodemus to help celebrate Pioneer Day commemorating the help given by Indians to the first Nicodemus settlers who had arrived in late September and were living in dugouts in the banks of the South Solomon River. The event was sponsored by the Nicodemus Historical Society. Navajo Dennis Rogers, Spirit Dancer, who has performed widely throughout the United States, spoke of his life, native traditions and displayed regalia and weapons. He explained he had made his costume, explained how he earned his eagle feather bustle and the components of his headdress. He played the flute, sang and demonstrated various dances beautifully throughout the program. After lunch, the metal silhouette of the Indian on horseback, which was made to honor the Indians who had befriended the Black settlers was dedicated. Zeke Rupnick, Potawatomi Tribal Council Chairman, was present representing that group. The metal sculpture is located south of the school house.
The memories of that first encounter as perceived by the Black settlers and the Potawatomi were recounted. Daniel Moore, reenactor, portrayed the Nicodemus’ first postmaster, was first to see the approaching Indian and raised the alarm shouting “Indians, Indians, run for your lives!” which caused pandemonium among the settlers. They ran screaming from their dugouts searching for places to hide in the river undergrowth. Zeke Rupnick then recounted the event as recalled by the Potawatomi hunters who had befriended the settlers. He gave a brief history of the Potawatomi nation who once possessed a large area of Kansas and lands to the north and east. The nation had been forced to locate on a 30 square mile reservation near Topeka. Hunters had sought and received permission to leave the reservation to hunt buffalo to provide the Potawatomi people food for the winter. They had found a small herd of buffalo near the Colorado boarder, had harvested the meat and were returning home when they discovered the Black settlers living in the river banks and befriended them. The Potawatomi recalled that some of the hunters stayed several days with the ill-prepared Black settlers, helping them prepare for the winter.
Other reenactors were Heather Alexander, Barrie Tompkins, Tina Bates and Len Schamber. Each recounted accomplishments of persons who lived in Nicodemus or events that happened in Nicodemus. Indian Fry Bread and Indian Tacos were served by a food service of the Potawatomi Nation. It was a beautiful day and much enjoyed by all who attended.
