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10/12/2003 Archived Entry: "130TH ANNIVERSARY AND REDEDICATION CEREMONY"

130TH ANNIVERSARY AND REDEDICATION CEREMONY

Sheriff C.B.Whitney wasn't to be seen yesterday but Sheriff Tracy Ploutz was in attendance along with many other modern day law enforcement officers. They and many of the town's folk and visitors gathered in front of the old jail to celebrate its 130th anniversary and rededication ceremony.

Sheriff C. B. Whitney who was appointed to office on July 21st, 1871 was present when the jail was built...back when it also had a roof. A silhouette of Whitney stands in front of the ruin. Today the building stands as a ruin, a beautiful one at that, even though it lacks a lid. Thanks to the efforts of Pat Svaty and Judy Toman, and their many hours of work, the 1873 jail is listed on the Kansas Historical Register.

Nick Slechta was very instrumental in providing leadership, dedication and enthusiastic work towards the achievement of their fund drive goal.

"The Ellsworth County Jail of 1873 is associated with events that made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of Ellsworth County history. Though now a ruin, it symbolizes the coming of law and order to the Old West," according to their program.

Jim Gray was the master of ceremonies. Darrell Wilson of the Kansas Sheriff's Association was a speaker representing law enforcement officers. Other speakers were Dennis Katzenmeier who portrayed the life of Ira E. Lloyd; Kimberly Qualls, marketing manager of Kansas Tourism; Lawton Nuss, Kansas Supreme Court Judge, and Pat Bender, president of the Ellsworth County Historical Society.

Also on stage was Karma Aylward, who along with the late Francis Wilson, purchased the jail from Charles Garrett and presented it to the Historical Society. Karma, 95 years old, has devoted much of her life preserving the history of Ellsworth County as a life long member of the historical society.

After the ceremony those gathered at the ceremony went to the Senior Citizens Center for refreshments and entertainment.

It was a gala event and well-attended. All the members of the Historical Society have worked very hard to make this possible. They all deserve our thanks.