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by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society 506 Main Street
Frequent readers of “Looking Back” will recognize this photograph that appeared on the July 2024 calendar page. I only wish I knew more about the Worthmore Shoe Store. As previously stated, my research indicates it was taken between 1912 and 1915. The Williams Building, on the left, was built in 1910. Because the Worthmore Shoe sign in only a banner and not permanently attached to the building, it is impossible to determine who might have owned the building or ran the store. According to a 1904 Grain Valley City Directory, George Kreigel owned a shoe repair shop, but again, there is no documentation, yet, to connect Mr. Kreigel to this location. I can tell you that at some point the wooden structure was replaced by the brick building that occupies 506 Main Street today. This is the current location of the Grain Valley Historical Society. I hope to make a trip to the Jackson County Recorder of Deeds office in the near future to determine the lot 9 owner when the current brick structure was built. I hope to have an answer for you soon! If you are reading this on July 25, I hope to see you TONIGHT. The Grain Valley Historical Society is hosting our annual Ice Cream Social, 506 Main Street 5:00pm - 8:00pm. All you can eat, $6 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12! Come enjoy a good old fashion evening!
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by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
Vacating my home after 56 years had made me ponder about why I’ve kept so many “things.” For many years it has been my goal to get rid of 5 “things” every day. With that goal in mind I had pretty much emptied the attic and the basement, except for my seven Christmas trees and boxes and boxes of decorations. I really thought moving would be a piece of cake. And then I remembered the collections; not just mine, but my ancestors! I still had some of Grandmother Rumbo’s cut-glass collection, Grandmother Napier’s Scottish tea accoutrements and kilt pins, and Aunt Opal’s tiny vases which Uncle Clyde kept filled with roses in the summertime. Then there was still my mother’s bone china tea cup collection, the playing cards from every airline she ever flew on and most of the states she and dad had visited, the drawer of handkerchiefs, and the embroidered pillowcases and hand crocheted doilies. It made me think of all the “things” that people have collected over the years. I don’t know about other parts of the country, but in Grain Valley, my mother’s friends all had collections! I’m pretty sure my mother wasn’t the only one to collect cups and saucers. I remember Anna Maude Caldwell, who lived on Main Street, 2 houses north of Yennie, had a china cabinet full of them in her dining room. I only remember her using them when it was her turn to host the ladies for pinochle. Aunt Opal also had cups and saucers. Following World War II American soldiers brought Hummel figurines home from Germany. They became very popular for many years. Although they are still considered collectables, their popularity in waning and their value has decreased among collectors. A popular 1950s collection was salt & pepper shakers. When I went with my aunt to visit Hazel Heidelberger for coffee, an almost daily midmorning event, I was fascinated by her collection. I think they occupied every available shelf in her kitchen. She had some pretty ones and she also had some unique ones; I especially remember the outhouse from “The Ozarks.” You had to open the door to get the shakers from inside! She had fruit, flowers, birds, bears, and hillbillies to name a few. Many were from different states. Whenever we traveled, we often came home with a souvenir salt & pepper set for Hazel! Another popular collection in the 1950s and 60s was souvenir spoons. I do believe they could be purchased in every National Park, State Capitol, and tourist trap in the United States. I don’t recall knowing anyone with a big collection, but I do remember seeing them at every souvenir shop we entered on a trip to Canada in the early 1960s. Of course, we can’t forget the popular mushrooms from the 1970s and the pet rock fad that lasted about six months, just prior to Christmas in 1975. In 1978, Samuel J. Butcher released the Original 21 Precious Moments figurines to worldwide acclaim and a new collecting and gift-giving tradition was born. The Precious Moments Collectors’ Club was born in 1981 and grew to over 400,000 members worldwide. In 1989, Mr. Butcher opened the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri. And the rest, as they say, is history. Today, according to the internet the ten most popular collectables are: 1) antique furniture, 2) vinyl records, 3) comic books, 4) coins & currency, 5) classic cars, 6) trading cards, 7) dolls and toys, 8) stamps, 9) wine, and 10) fine art and jewelry. And I ask you, where are books on this list? By mid-September, I am planning to feature a display at the Historical Society of “Collectables Over the Years.” They will be items donated by Grain Valley citizens. Come visit any Wednesday from 10 AM to 3 PM and see some of the old Grain Valley Collectables! by Phil Hanson, President & CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation
Philanthropy comes in many forms. Some people give back by donating their time and talents, others donate financially to causes close to their hearts, and some choose to do a little of both. Then, there are those extraordinary individuals who go above and beyond to make an even greater impact on the communities where they live, work, and serve. Among them are the Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s 2024 Citizens of the Year. From a visionary restaurant manager to a retired professional pilot, a diligent building inspector to a passionate community activist, the 2024 Citizens of the Year embody the true spirit of local philanthropy. Each year, local Mayors are asked to select someone from their city who exemplifies philanthropic excellence to be recognized at the foundation’s annual Toast to Our Towns Gala in September. This is the list of this year’s honorees: Blue Springs – Bobby Hines Selected by Mayor Chris Lievsay Bobby Hines has been the General Manager of Sandy's Restaurant in Blue Springs for more than a decade, but his contributions to the community go well beyond delicious home-style meals. Although the biscuits at Sandy’s are amazing, Bobby is best known for his thoughtful philanthropy. Bobby is the Founder of the You Matter Movement, providing a wide range of resources for those struggling with mental health, addiction, and homelessness. The Movement also promotes empathy among the public, working to erase the stigma associated with these issues. Bobby is deeply involved in various community-focused activities, such as serving on the National Night Out Committee and the Blue Springs Fall Fun Fest Committee. He volunteers for Life Sports and Girls on Fire, provides thousands of summer lunches for local youth, and educates high school students on issues around mental health. Grain Valley – Eddie Saffell Selected by Mayor Mike Todd Eddie Saffell's passion for serving his community has been unwavering for more than 40 years. His journey of service began in 1980 as a volunteer firefighter, braving the front lines to ensure the safety of his community. His commitment to public service only grew from there as he transitioned into the role of Deputy Chief at Central Jackson County Fire Protection District for more than 15 years. Eddie's impact expanded beyond his professional roles as he fervently devoted himself to improving his community. Eddie has served on the Grain Valley Board of Education for 12 years, six of which he spent as President. He’s been an active member of the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce for six years, has served as a volunteer on the fair committee for seven years, and served as a valued member of THCF's Advisory Board for four years. Eddie’s selfless contributions have left an indelible mark, shaping the community for the better and inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. Independence – Alversia Pettigrew Selected by Mayor Rory Rowland The Neck Neighborhood in Independence has a rich history. Established in 1877, the vibrant community was demolished in the 1960s as part of Urban Renewal programs. However, the memory of its residents lives on in McCoy Park, thanks to the efforts of former residents like Alversia Pettigrew. Alversia has received many awards and accolades for her civic contributions over the years, including the prestigious DeVerne Lee Calloway Woman of the Year award for her contributions to equity and social justice, presented by the Women Legislators of Missouri. She's been an active member of the city's Rehabilitation and Housing Board, a supporter of organizations like Boys and Girls Club of Independence and Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity, and has also volunteered as a historical reenactor at the National Frontier Trails Museum, showcasing her deep commitment to preserving her community's vibrant heritage. Lake Tapawingo – Robert Seago Selected by Mayor Tom Rodenberg Bob Seago served on active duty as a Navy Pilot and then spent 16 years in the naval reserves while also working as a pilot for Continental Airlines. In 2008, when he moved into the Lake Tapawingo community, he was promptly elected to the Board of Alderman, a position he still holds today. Regardless of the weather or time of year, including weekends and holidays, Bob is always on hand to help with any problem, working alongside employees in the field. Bob walks the talk. On a recent holiday weekend, Bob gave the water and sewer employees some much-needed time off. When an issue arose, he was the one out in the heat, working to fix it. Bob is a selfless, hardworking servant of the citizens of Lake Tapawingo, often working quietly behind the scenes to ensure Lake life is as good as it can be for everyone. Lee’s Summit – Dave Eames Selected by Mayor Bill Baird Dave Eames has been a resident of the Lee’s Summit community for more than 30 years. He is always eager to volunteer; whether it's serving on a task force or board, he is an enthusiastic ambassador for his city. Dave, a professional artist and owner of Fossil Forge, has been an essential part of Lee’s Summit’s downtown revitalization efforts, bringing art, color, and light to the city. His passion for creating and refurbishing historical signs and sculptures has transformed the downtown district in a really meaningful way. Dan has served as a former board president of Downtown Lee's Summit Main Street, is on the board of Lee’s Summit Creates, is a member of the Civic Roundtable, and is chairperson of the City’s new Cultural Commission. Dave has also previously served as an advisory board member for Lee’s Summit Education Foundation. Oak Grove – Ruth Ann Hafner Selected by Mayor Dana Webb Since March 2017, Ruth Ann Hafner has been an integral part of the community as a contributing writer for the city’s newspaper, Focus on Oak Grove. Her tenure began the day after the EF3 tornado wreaked havoc on the community. Ruth Ann's outstanding work on that story and many others has been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious General Excellence Award in 2018. Not only does she share her culinary expertise through the weekly Skillet Lickin’ Good recipe column, but Ruth Ann also crafts feature stories that shine a spotlight on community, family, civic, school, and governmental news, depicting the events and people that truly shape her community. Her dedication to our community extends beyond her role as a writer, as she has served as Secretary of the Oak Grove Chamber of Commerce Board for seven years and is a current member of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Advisory Board. Ruth Ann Hafner's commitment, passion, and talent will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the whole community. Raytown – Pat Ertz Selected by Mike McDonough Pat Ertz, a dedicated resident of Raytown since 1989, has been an influential figure in his community. Following a successful career with Hy-Vee, he transitioned to managing the Jackson County Public Water Supply District #2. Pat has selflessly contributed numerous hours to public service, serving on the Board of Aldermen for eight years and even fulfilling the role of Mayor Pro-Tem. Holding volunteer appointments on various committees, such as the Raytown Finance Committee, Recycling Committee, Legislative Committee, and Park Board Governance Committee, among several others, further demonstrates his commitment to public welfare. In addition to his public service, Pat is passionate He is passionate about giving back as a volunteer, sharing his time and talents with the Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP), Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Raytown Rotary, and the Raytown Education Foundation. Sugar Creek - John C. “Chuck” Mikulich (posthumous) Selected by Mayor Mike Larson Chuck Mikulich's unwavering dedication to the community of Sugar Creek is truly inspiring. From his early days as a lifeguard at the Sugar Creek Pool to his 39-year career at TWA, Chuck was always deeply committed to his community. As a long-standing Sugar Creek Alderman, he tirelessly sought feedback from residents, demonstrating his genuine desire to serve. He was actively involved in various community affairs and activities, including his role in organizing the Slavic Festival and co-founding the public service organization "Go, Sugar Creek." Chuck was also committed to uplifting the lives of others, as evidenced by his efforts in building wheelchair ramps, conducting home repairs, and assisting in property sales for low-income individuals and families. His selfless contributions extend to his involvement in various boards and committees, including service on a THCF Advisory Board, exemplifying his unwavering dedication to making his community a better place for all. Chuck's strength of character, work ethic, problem-solving skills, and tremendous sense of humor have left an indelible mark on the whole community, ensuring that he will be remembered for generations to come. In a world where kindness and giving back often go unrecognized, it is heartwarming to see individuals celebrated for their philanthropic accomplishments. Truman Heartland Community Foundation's annual Toast to Our Towns Gala serves as a reminder of the impact that these extraordinary individuals have on their communities. Their dedication and generosity set an example for others to follow, inspiring hope and positive change for a brighter future. Through their selfless actions, they have shown that everyone can make a difference, no matter how big or small, and their contributions will continue to leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of those they have touched. These Citizens will be honored at an exclusive reception held at the home of Dr. Nancy Newhouse and Dr. Paul McGraw, which is sponsored by University Health Lakewood Medical Center. For those wanting to join in celebrating these extraordinary individuals table sponsorships and tickets are still available at THCF.org/gala or by calling 816-836-8189. You can also join us to celebrate Doug and Helen Hatridge, who will be celebrated as the Heartland Humanitarians of the Year, Corporate Citizen of the Year: CommunityAmerica Credit Union, the Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor of the Year Award will be Craig Bolger, and the Heartland Service Award will go to Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA). The Truman Heartland Community Foundation 2024 Toast to Our Towns Gala is proudly sponsored by Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co. by Tamra Reall, PhD, Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension - Urban West
There are many ways to become an insect scientist, also called an entomologist. Entomologists, like Dr. Bug (me!), study the fascinating world of insects. In addition to studying insects, curiosity and education are key! Other useful subjects include math, chemistry, ecology, art, writing, and public speaking. Depending on your interests, here are some of the different kinds of entomologist you can become one:
Learn How Termites Talk! Termites use chemical trails to help nestmates find food and their way back home. Supplies:
What to do: 1.First, find your tiny team. Gently dig in moist soil near wood to find worker termites. Collect 5-ish with a paintbrush and put them in a container with a damp paper towel (keep it shady!). 2.On the paper, use a pen to draw simple shapes. 3.Using the paint brush, gently place a termite in the center of a shape and watch its path. Does it follow the line? 4.Repeat step 3 with different pens. Do the termites react differently? Observe and wonder: Can termites "smell" the pen ink? What might this tell us about how they communicate? See this experiment in action by clicking https://youtube.com/shorts/cscHDDX9e7k or scanning the QR code. Be a Water Strider Scientist! Water striders glide across the water's surface. Let's unlock their secret: surface tension! Supplies:
Skim the Science: 1.Fill the dish with water. 2.Gently place each object on the water. Does it float? 3.Touch the water near the object. Does it sink now? 4.If it still floats, add a little soap to the water Water Magic: Water has surface tension, like a thin "skin." This lets lightweight objects float, just like water striders! Touching the water disrupts this "skin," causing some objects to sink. Observe and wonder: What did you learn about floating objects? Being lightweight helps water striders to use surface tension. Water striders also have water-repellant hairs on their hind and middle legs to increase the surface area and help them glide on the water surface. Learn more about water striders here: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/water-striders Be an Insect Inspector: Build Your Own Traps! Let's see what creepy crawlies live in your backyard! Build these simple traps and observe the fascinating insect world. Supplies:
Trapped!
Remember: Identify insects using apps like iNaturalist or ask your local University Extension for help. Check pitfall and bottle traps daily and release insects carefully. Be mindful of anything that can sting or bite! ~~~~ Did you know that there is a Kids Ask Dr. Bug video series? Check it out! https://bit.ly/KADBvideos Do you have questions for Dr. Bug? Send them to https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug To help her learn what you learn from this column, or to share feedback, please consider filling out this survey: https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBugSurvey by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
Some days you “just got nothin’ to write about” and this is one of those days. I haven’t been at the Historical Society for a couple of weeks to get inspired by something I see there or something I read. So, please bear with me as I reminisce about “the good old days" of summer, growing up in Grain Valley. Perhaps it will prompt you to remember your growing up years, be it the 1950s, 60s, 70s, or even a summer in the present century! The last day of school marked the beginning of summer and if that wasn’t it then certainly Memorial Day was just a few days away. In our family, it was “Decoration Day” and we were up early and off to decorate the graves of some ancestors I had never met, but was told they had been my aunt or grandparents or some such relation. I particularly remember visiting the grave of my baby brother, although he would have been older than me by four and a half years. Somehow, I was always sad that I never knew him, but I had another older brother who was living and so all was good! After “paying respects” and leaving flowers at no less than three or four cemeteries, we gathered with the family for a picnic at my aunt’s house. That was always good because it included chocolate pie! June was filled with riding bikes, playing in the sand box or helping mom, grandmother and my aunt in the garden. I even remember helping Uncle Clyde plant beans. He paid me 1-cent for every two feet, my feet, which paid more because they were small. I remember walking it off twice, but it only came up 46 feet, or 23-cents, so I charged him two cents tax and went home with a quarter; big money in 1951! July was a great month. There wasn’t only the Fourth of July and another family picnic (this time the featured dessert was homemade ice cream), there was also Vacation Bible School. It lasted two weeks and that meant two weeks seeing my friends every day. That was a big deal when you lived on a farm and didn’t have close neighbors to play with each day. We didn’t have super heroes back then, but I can remember being “Pioneers for Christ,” a Western theme, and a nautical theme where Guy Burnett and Woody Graham built a gang plank to walk from the Church aisle to the alter. In my later years (10-17) August was filled with 4-H activities and fairs; the local Achievement Day, the County 4-H Fair, the Jackson County Fair and the Missouri State Fair. Life didn’t get any better that showing our cattle in a 95-degree show ring with absolutely no shade! We were dressed in blue jeans, long sleeve western shirts, complete with boots and a cowboy hat. I guess we thought we looked so cool the August heat didn’t matter. The only downside to the Missouri State Fair was that it was the week before school started up again. But we still had a few days of summer because in the 1950s and 60s, school did not start until AFTER Labor Day. I hope this has generated some great childhood memories for you. If you need more encouragement to “look back”, come to the Historical Society’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social on Thursday, July 25th from 5 to 8 PM. Enjoy homemade ice cream and desserts. We will be on the patio next to our building (506 Main Street, Downtown Grain Valley) or you can escape the heat an eat inside! Hope to see you there. Time to rethink your summer drink! Hydration is essential, especially during the hot summer months. This is because water plays a vital role in every body function, making up about 60% of your body. So, it’s important to prioritize getting enough fluids every day. But how much is enough? According to the National Institute for Health, the standard fluid needs of women are 9 cups (72 oz.) a day and 13 cups (104 oz.) a day for men.
Drinking water is undoubtedly a great way to meet these daily fluid needs, but other fluids can also count! Herbal teas, decaf coffee, 100% juice, sports drinks, broth and even popsicles can all count toward your daily fluid goal to help keep you hydrated. However, it is important to be mindful of calories in some of these drinks, as beverages won’t satisfy like food will. This can lead to consuming more calories than your body needs. If you are looking to add some excitement to your hydration routine, here are five dietitian-approved beverage suggestions perfectly paired to go along with your favorite summer activities:
Now, are you up for a hydration challenge? Join Hy-Vee dietitians for a 4-week Functional Hydration Challenge! During these four weeks, Hy-Vee dietitians will provide weekly tips and guidance to help you meet your daily hydration goals! Be one of the first 150 participants to sign up and receive a complimentary beverage starter kit! Thanks to our generous sponsors – Liquid IV, Hop Wtr, Remedy Kombucha, Smartwater and Core Power. To sign up for the challenge, visit https://www.hy-vee.com/healthnew/dietitians. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. This content was made possible with the paid support of our sponsors: Liquid IV, Hop Wtr, Remedy Kombucha, Core Power and Smartwater. Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment app usage has been on the rise over the past couple of years, especially with younger smartphone users. These apps let you send money to friends and family instantly for things like meals, shared bills, or even paying merchants who use these apps to collect money from customers.
If you're not familiar, peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App work differently than other forms of digital commerce. They are like using cash rather than a debit card. The great thing about these apps is they are easy to use and offer a good deal of security. Though these apps can be secure, this doesn't mean you can't fall into the clutches of a cyber crook. If you want to stay safe using these apps, follow these tips. You're probably familiar with credit or debit card fraud which means your card information is compromised, and a crook uses your card number to purchase goods or services without your consent. P2P payment scams work a little differently as they are focused on tricking you into sending money to someone you don't know. Credit card companies have sophisticated systems to detect fraud, and electronic payment processing for cards allows them time to stop fraud before the funds are transferred. However, money can be hard to recover on P2P apps because, most of the time, you agree to send the money. Here are some scams to watch out for: Impersonation. Scammers will call or text to trick you into believing they are your financial institution, the P2P platform, or some government agency like the police or IRS. A bank impersonator may report suspicious activity and ask you to send money to verify your account or test if your account is working correctly. Phishing. Phishing is a similar tactic to impersonation scams, but instead, the fraudster is trying to get you to share a verification code, your password, or other sensitive information. These communications usually have a time-sensitive element or say your account will be locked if you don’t respond. Unauthorized Money Transfers. This occurs when a criminal logs into your account and transfers money without your permission. They gain access to your account with your credentials they found on the dark web. Fake Product or Service. This scam involves selling you something from an online store where the seller asks you to transfer money for the purchase, and after you do, they disappear without providing that product or service. The ‘Accidental’ Transfer. This scam involves someone “accidentally” transferring you funds that were meant for someone else. Or you may be selling a product or service, and they overpay you by check or transfer. Then, the scammer will ask you to send the money back to them.Later, you will find the money transfer was from a stolen or fake account, or the check doesn’t clear To make sure you don't fall for scams, follow these tips to help keep your money and information safe from P2P scams. Transfer Funds to Your Bank Account Regularly. Many people who use P2P apps keep their money on these apps exclusively, but you need to use a traditional bank with these apps. Most payment apps do not provide the same protections as a bank account backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. That means that if the app goes belly up, there’s no guarantee you can recover your funds. Choose the Most Restrictive Privacy and Security Settings for the app and your phone. If you use a payment app, make sure you set up two-factor authentication and public transaction sharing. Then, choose a unique password and opt to lock your phone after a short amount of time so if it gets stolen no one can get into the app. Make Sure the User Name and Password to Your App isn't on the dark web. Crooks still use a method called 'credential stuffing' to see if passwords you've used in the past work for your cash apps. Use a combination of 'Have I Been Pwned' and a password manager to check to see if your information is on the dark web. If you find your credentials, change your information immediately. Know Who You Are Sending Money To. It’s best to use P2P payment apps with people who you know personally. Do not send or accept payments from people you don’t know. Check and Double-Check the Details. When sending money through a P2P platform, a missed digit can be the difference between paying your friend and sending money to a stranger, never to be seen again. So, double-check the phone number, account number, email, and other information, especially if you are sending money to a new recipient. Hopefully, this will give you tips to help you stay safe when using a P2P Payment app. These apps have a good deal of security, but make sure you are taking additional steps to keep your account safe. If you have any questions, If you have any questions, please reach out. I'm always available. Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to [email protected]. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. Need computer repair service near you? My company Integral offers the highest quality computer repair service nationwide. If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. The above content is provided for information purposes only. All information included therein is subject to change without notice. I am not responsible for any direct or indirect damages, arising from or related to the use of or reliance on the above content. Editor's Note: This column first appeared in Grain Valley News on December 12, 2019.
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Four years after the Lewis & Clark Expedition of 1804, the federal government established an Indian outpost at Fort Osage to protect and promote trade with the Indians. Early pioneers began to settle in this area. Missouri became the twenty-first state on August 10, 1821 and in 1825 Jackson County was bought from the Osage tribe and divided into 9 townships. In 1834 Sni-a-Bar township was organized. In 1842 Robert St. Clair brought his wife and 6 children from Kentucky. He was one of the first to record ownership of land in the area. In fact, he built a 12-room house on a 1000-acre farm in the area which became Pink Hill in 1854. In addition to the farm, Robert and his sons, Hasten and Charles, ran one of three general stores at Pink Hill In 1854 a post office was established in the store and Charles St. Clair carried the mail from Independence. That same year the first school house was built on the north end of Main Street. Later the post office was moved to another general store owned by J.W. Mann. That post office existed until 1903 when it was destroyed by fire. After that time, Pink Hill residents, depending upon their exact location, got their mail from Grain Valley, Oak Grove or Levasy. By 1854, when Pink Hill was chartered, several other families had come to the area, mostly from Virginia and Kentucky. As mentioned in the previous issue of Valley News, George Love and David Neer had the 10 acres surveyed when the town was established. Of course, R. G. Pinkard was there, along with Rosamah Sanders and Asa Booker and it is assumed that most were married men with families. In addition, Squire William Wells had a woodworking store and brothers Lee and Michael Womacks were the blacksmiths. The Historical Atlas of Jackson County also included Phillip and Tobe Starns’ woodworking store, A. G. Knight’s drug store, and three salons, one owned by Pinkard. Residential homes were owned by James Adams, Joseph E. W. Kabrick, Al and Lin Kent, Charley Phillips, George R. and Ann E. Carlyle, Mertie Blackburn, Jim Ed Mundy, Dr. J. D. Wood (later founder and president of the Bank of Independence) and Dr. O. C. Shelby The Chicago and Alton Railroad surveyed Pink Hill land, but the railroad never came. The Civil War came instead. Most of the citizens came to the area from Kentucky or Virginia. They were southern sympathizes making Quantrill and his men feel at home in Sni-a-Bar Township. The region had so many bushwhackers that Union forces never ventured into the area. On August 25, 1863, Union General Thomas Ewing, Jr. issued Order No. 11 forcing the evacuation of rural areas in four counties in western Missouri. Northern soldiers marched through Pink Hill, taking livestock, grain and food; burning homes and forcing everyone to leave. Virginia St. Clair Clarkson, one of those forced to leave, was quoted as saying “I stood on the front porch of the house and counted 13 chimneys, all that was left of 13 homes.” Residents moved to Lexington and other location to await the end of the war. Some returned to build tiny cabins to replace what had been plantation-like homes. Others never returned. The town existed for 24 years, from 1854 to 1878, the year the Chicago & Alton Railroad complete tracks to Kansas City. Grain Valley was established in 1878. by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Before I leave the topic of GVHS football stadiums, I have two photographs to share with readers. They were taken nearly 50 years ago and I found them in the 1978 yearbook. In my attempt to locate a good photograph of the football or track team on the field located behind the Grain Valley Community Center, I was unsuccessful. However, I did find the marching band lined up on the old field. 1977-78 Marching Band Grain Valley High School The field ran east to west and this photograph was taken from the north side of the field. In the fall of 1977, the track had evidently not been added. The land just south of the field was obviously still farmland, as cattle can be seen grazing. It would be another nearly 20 years before the field was moved to Eagles Parkway, and another 25 years before the Community Center was completed to the right of this field. The baseball field now exist where the cattle once roamed. The Concession and Press Box
Photo from the 1978 Treasure Chest The photo above was labeled Industrial Arts Club. It makes one wonder if they might have built the structure. However, I believe it was constructed by volunteers from the booster club! The two windows at the bottom were used by the classes or various school clubs and organizations to sell concessions at the football games. I vaguely remember going to a few games and buying hotdogs from a crockpot, cold popcorn from a 2- pound bag, and soda pop poured from 2-liter bottles into plastic cups with ice from a bag. The top windows were where the PA announcer sat with the spotters and statisticians. Compared to the huge press box at the present field and the modern concession stand and rest rooms, it really makes you question if these were “…the good old days!” Q. Why don't charitable vehicles like to drive?
A. They prefer to stay parked and thrive. Charitable vehicles. I’m not talking about donating old cars or trucks to charity. I’m talking about the kinds of charitable vehicles that can help you donate to charity and potentially save money on your taxes. Just like cars, there are a wide variety of makes and models of charitable vehicles to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. Choosing the right one depends on your personal circumstances, financial goals, and philanthropic interests, but here is a short list of popular options. Donor Advised Funds (DAFs): These funds are like having your own personal charitable savings accounts. Donors contribute to their fund, enjoy tax benefits for the contribution, and can recommend grants to their favorite charities and causes over time. Charitable Trusts: These are legal arrangements that allow individuals to set aside their present and future assets for charitable purposes while retaining both a current income stream and other benefits. There are different types of charitable trusts, including charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts. Private Family Foundations: Private Foundations are independent legal entities usually set up by an individual family to support their charitable activities. This vehicle offers donors a great deal of administrative responsibility and control over how their charitable dollars are distributed. Scholarship Funds: These funds are often created in memory or honor of a loved one. Donors who are passionate about education have the opportunity to design their own eligibility criteria and requirements and choose how much they want to participate in the student selection process. Beneficiary Designations: You can easily make any eligible nonprofit a beneficiary of your IRA by simply updating your beneficiary form. You can name your favorite charitable organization or even your DAF to receive a specific percentage of your retirement account. Retirement funds given to your heirs will be taxed as ordinary income, which is why these types of assets are some of the best to donate to charity. Bequests: Specific language can easily be added to will or trust documents instructing a gift to charity from your estate upon death. Bequests are one of the easiest ways to leave a legacy. And bequests can be made to one or several entities, specified by a specific dollar amount or percentage of the donor's estate. Once you have decided on the right vehicle for you, you need to find it a new home where it can be kept safe and secure. There are lots of options out there for you, and you should consult with your professional financial advisor or attorney to find the best parking spot for your charitable plan. Just remember that your local community foundation is here for you with a knowledgeable staff that is ready to provide professional guidance, administrative support, investment management, and more. We are dedicated to helping your charitable vehicle operate smoothly and efficiently, supporting your philanthropic efforts for generations to come. |
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