Opinion

DAR museum

Tuesday, December 10, 2002

Dear Editor,

To follow up on the picture of the rock building near the swimming pool and Don Schaaf's description I extracted some material from the 37th Star Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) secretary's book beginning in 1937.

Mrs. H.D. Strunk was the newly elected regent of the chapter and her one hope was to start a museum. She called a special meeting June 1, 1937, to read a letter from the Chamber of Commerce to get the "sentiment concerning the building of an auditorium."

The chapter went on record as follows: "favoring the building of an auditorium with the understanding that our museum will be housed there, it being agreeable to both parties."

Committees were appointed to conduct rummage sales; a quilt raffle with chances selling for 25 cents each, a book review tea to be held at the Keystone Hotel all fund-raisers to make a donation of $100 to the auditorium fund with certain provisions as to a museum room. Following the tea, the fund was at $104.20.

At the May 3, 1938, meeting, the chapter was again asked to have someone representing them at the Chamber of Commerce concerning the building of an auditorium.

Mrs. Strunk and Mrs. Green were elected to represent the D.A.R. and "it was left to their discretion to handle the donation of $100 to the auditorium fund with certain provisions as to a museum room."

No more entries on this matter until Mrs. Strunk informed the chapter on Oct. 4, 1938, she had been fortunate in securing some old documents from Mr. John E. Kelley, and she appointed Mrs. E.C. Green, Miss Edna Waite, Mrs. Kleven, Mrs. Chilcoat and Mrs. James to the Museum Committee.

The committee lost no time and presented plans and an estimated price of $600 for building a museum to be built of rocks; to be built in Kelley Park if a site is available a motion was made, voted on and carried.

The five women on the committee told of meeting the City Council and securing a ninety-nine year lease to a tract of land 140' by 65'. They also contacted firms securing prices on materials and voted to pay one dollar for recording the lease.

Miss Edna Waite told of the NYA, a government agency that would furnish all labor and a supervisor. This seemed to be the best proposition and was voted on.

Mr. Edward L. Rogers, director of NYA, spoke to the ladies at their Feb. 7, 1939 meeting. He explained NYA was National Youth Association and their plan of assistance to deserving youth on worthwhile projects -- all under excellent supervisors. At the same meeting, it was noted Mrs. George Norris had sent a gift of $25 for the museum fund.

By March 14, 1939, word was received their project had been accepted and work would begin on the museum "first of the following week." A specimen of the rocks to be used was displayed. By April 5, 1939, the foundation was being laid. At the May 2 meeting, it was reported Mr. H.P. Waite had purchased the cornerstone.

The building is built of native rock from south of Indianola and given to the 37th Star Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution By Red Willow County. The city of McCook granted a 99-year lease on the ground and the construction was under the NYA project.

Sept. 15, 1939, the dedication was held at Kelley Park and the keys presented to Mrs. Strunk. The building would be open Sundays and special occasions. On Jan. 7, 1941, there had been a total of 569 visitors registered. Nine states besides Nebraska were represented.