By Jan McCormick
DCNT Columnist
75 years ago, 1947
Friday marks the opening of Mary’s Place, east of Chapman on U. S. Highway 40. A softball field adjoins the building where games are played several nights a week.
Mary’s place was owned by Clyde Haynes and was under lease. After I-70 was built, the business was discontinued. The building became a warehouse by the Haynes Transport. Part of the building still stands east of town on Old 40. I am not sure if there are remnants of the softball field.
50 years ago, 1972
Harold Bray, president, presided at the regular dinner meeting of the Lion’s Club at T-Bird Inn. Thirty-one members were present Todd Britt, Junction City, a guest said that KJCK would tape the Labor Day parade and night show for use on Junction City cable TV. Reports on Labor Day plans were made. NeVoy Hettenbach, football coach at Chapman High School gave a report on the Irish squad and the 1972 prospects.
Harold Bray is still active in Lions. Todd Britt is retired and lives in Missouri with his wife, Trudy (Gfeller) Britt. NeVoy passed away in 2015. The Lions Club continues to be involved in service to the community – vision screening, Labor Day parade and activities, St. Patrick’s Parade just to name a few. Like so many service programs, membership is declining. If interested in joining, contact any Lions Club member. Lance Tilton and Phyllis Cheney are two members that are at work daily and easy to contact.
25 years ago, 1997
Eric Keating and Rudy Neubauer have replaced the rotting roof of the bell tower at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. The 77-foot tower was added to the church in 1912. It houses three bells, all apparently cast in 1912. The largest bell as dedicated to Fr. Daly, the middle one to the memory of Mrs. T.W. Wadick and the smallest to the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Fleagle. The roofing work was done as a preliminary step in a renovation plan which will eventually see new drywall and paint throughout the church. Other planned improvements include removal of the back pews to make space for a gathering room at the rear of the sanctuary, and remodeling of the bathroom to provide handicap access. Cleaning and varnishing of the pews and sanctuary furniture and installation of new carpet will complete the project. An autumn fund-raising effort is planned to pay for the improvements to the 114-year-old church which was last remodeled in 1961.
The view must have been awesome. Rudy loved the challenge of getting up there and was a great teacher for Eric. The dedications are inscribed on each bell. There was a large dedication in 1913 and people came from Abilene and Junction City to attend.
Quote of the week: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” ~ Dr. Seuss