The Stafford County Historical & Genealogical Society has announced the winners of its Golden Anniversary Photography Contest, which invited photographers to capture the natural beauty and distinctive character of Stafford County.
In the Adult Division (ages 18 and older), Audrey Weaver received first place for her photograph, “The Golden Doe.” Kayla Blanton earned both second place for “Charlie” and third place for “Tree of Life.” In the Youth Division (ages 13 to 17), Kenyon Barney captured both first and second places with “Sandy Creek Sunset” and “Snowy Road,” respectively.
The winning photographs celebrate the landscapes, wildlife and natural beauty of Stafford County, reflecting the society’s mission to preserve and share the county’s heritage. The Society is creating notecards and other souvenir items with all the photo entries. Rebecca Austin, Dr. LuAnn Bergner and the City of Stafford provided valuable assistance and support for the photography contest.
The society’s open house for Stafford’s annual Oktoberfest was another highlight, attracting approximately 220 visitors to the museum. Volunteers devoted considerable time and effort cleaning, organizing and decorating the buildings in preparation for the event, as well as welcoming visitors and serving as docents throughout the afternoon. Those assisting with preparations and/or serving as docents included Pat Houston, JoAnn Allen, Barbara Grimmett, Dianne Rohar, Joan Newell, Ryan Clark, Marceline Masten, Dorothy Tobe, Mert Curtis, David Curtis and Michael Hathaway.
Visitors responded generously with donations supporting the society’s ongoing preservation and educational activities. The strong turnout and community support provided another encouraging reminder of the important place the museum holds in Stafford County.
In one of the most significant developments of the society’s anniversary year, longtime supporters David and Jackie Quackenbush have offered a $10,000 matching donation challenge benefiting the museum. Under the challenge, the Quackenbushes will match donations received by the society dollar for dollar, up to a total of $10,000. If the full amount is raised, the challenge will generate $20,000 supporting the society’s work.
Society President Marceline Masten said the gift represents both an extraordinary act of generosity and an opportunity for the entire community to participate in preserving Stafford County’s heritage.
“We are deeply grateful to David and Jackie Quackenbush for their remarkable generosity,” Masten said. “Their matching challenge gives supporters a wonderful opportunity to make every dollar go twice as far toward preserving Stafford County history. We hope everyone who values our county’s history will take advantage of this opportunity to help ensure that it remains alive and accessible for generations to come.”
The matching challenge remains underway, and additional contributions are encouraged. Donations of any size can help the society take full advantage of the Quackenbushes’ generous offer.
The Golden Anniversary festivities continue Nov. 14 with a special Chicken & Noodles Dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event also pays tribute to the historic Curtis Cafe, a longtime Stafford institution. The evening’s festivities include the drawing for the Kansas Splendor quilt raffle and the announcement by the City of Stafford of the winning entry in its contest to name the new community area on South Main Street. Quilt raffle tickets remain available in person, by mail or online. Entries for the city’s naming contest may be submitted at the Stafford City Office or the Stafford County Museum Library.
For additional information about the matching donation challenge, quilt raffle, anniversary dinner or other museum activities, contact Director Michael Hathaway at 100 N. Main in Stafford, call at 620-234-5664, or email: schgs1976@gmail.com.
