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09/17/2003 Archived Entry: "NATIONAL DROVERS HALL OF FAME"

NATIONAL DROVERS HALL OF FAME

The National Drovers Hall of Fame, Ellsworth, Kansas, is "taking hold" at record pace. The National Drovers Hall of Fame Association was formed June 3, 2003, with intentions to the preserve the historical cattle drive era. The association has just received it’s designation as a 501( c ) (3) recognizing the organization as exempt from federal income tax. The designation is essential in establishing a world-class museum allowing donors to deduct contributions to the National Drovers Hall of Fame as provided in section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.

The National Drovers Hall of Fame Association seeks to acknowledge the endeavors of the drovers as the founders of the Great American cattle industry. The association proposes to recognize the unique history of the cattle drive era by honoring the drovers, the cattle, the horses, the men, the women, the railroads and the cattle towns which made it all happen by sharing the legacy, promoting the beef industry and preserving the cowboy way of life.

The organization plans to create a world-class museum with Ellsworth’s 1887 Insurance Building as the cornerstone of the project. The banking institution originally housed in the structure was a significant supplier of credit to the cattle industry. The building’s unique architecture has gained the reputation as the "signature building" of Ellsworth which was an "end of trail" cattle town for Texas cattle in the 1870's.

The National Drovers Hall of Fame will be singularly unique in that the museum will recognize and honor those people who made the era of the cattle drive synonymous with the development of the United States. The Texas drover rode over the rim with all of the abandon, energy, insolence, pride, carelessness and confidence, epitomizing the booming West. As the popularly recognized cowboy he was largely responsible for creating the greatest nation on earth through the development of the western two-thirds of the United States.

The National Drovers Hall of Fame Association is rapidly moving forward with museum development plans, fund raising endeavors and promotional development. A Founders Club has been established for the purpose of generating initial funding for the project. A $100.00 donation to the Founders Club allows the donor to participate a nominal level, yet be recognized for the all important task of founding this far-reaching museum of cattle and western history. With the 501 ( c ) (3) designation larger contributions from both the private sector and industry can be accepted allowing federal tax deductions.

For additional information contact the National Drovers Hall of Fame, 119 N. Douglas, Ellsworth, Kansas, 67439; phone 785-472-4703 or email kansascowboy@informatics.net

Jim Gray, president, National Drovers Hall of Fame.