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Posted 02/19/08
Founder's Day, 2008

Last night the community kicked off the 150th birthday celebration year for Junction City. The celebration will culminate with a grand ball on February 6, 2009 at the Marriott Convention Center. "150 Years of Creating a Community" was the theme. Gaylynn Childs writes that it was in the fall of 1857 that a group of settlers in the area attempted to establish a town. Work was begun on the first buildings in the Spring of 1858. The town grew rapidly as merchants and tradesmen south to supply the wants and needs of soldiers at Fort Riley and immigrants making their way along the western trails. According to Gaylynn Childs, Executive Director of the Geary County Historical Society, businesses came first, then homes, churches and schools. I'm sure there are parallels today with the growth the community is experiencing

On February 10, 1859, Junction City officially came into being when it was incorporated by a special act of the Kansas Territorial Legislature. Watch all during the coming year for special events that will mark this momentous occasion. We will also be celebrating the 25th year of the Dorothy Bramlage Library building and the 100th year of library services in our community. In addition, the Geary County Historical Society will celebrate 25 years in their building. 2008-2009 will be an exciting time for Junction City.

A great big thanks to Gaylynn Childs, her staff and her volunteers for making Founder's Day 2008 special. Thanks to our annual sponsor Central National Bank and to all of the staff at the City that makes this community event so special. It was a sellout this year.

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