ELLINWOOD — Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to attend Ellinwood School/Community Library’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. It was wonderful to see past and present School and Library Board Members; EHS and library staff; our CKLS Youth Services Consultant, Director, and Board Member; and our patrons. We would especially like to thank attendee, Eileen Voth for the many years she contributed to our libraries, as well as her beautiful art contribution that is hanging in the Library Conference Room. Her presence was a true highlight of the evening!
There’s value in both preserving the past and being progressive. That’s what Ellinwood School/Community Library was striving for with their 50th Anniversary Display. Julie Blakeslee did an amazing job of showcasing “Through the Years” in sound media, written words, audio players, televisions, technology, and photography video. Display items were provided by Susie Batchman, Julie Blakeslee, Jean Garner, Sheri Holmes, Ellinwood Kansas Community Historical Society, Museum of Ellinwood, and Ellinwood School Archives. Amy Hammeke’s contribution of researching the history of the Ellinwood Libraries was priceless! It is on our display board until the end of the month, and then will be digitized on our website and Facebook page.
We greatly appreciate Larry Drees for volunteering and Mike Westerman for being volunteered to lead our guests on a school tour. Mr. Drees also shared that Marcia Stitt Wheatcroft contacted him and was disappointed she was not able to attend the event. Marcia’s father was Sam Stitt, the Superintendent of Schools at the time the school and public libraries combined. She said the project was very dear to Sam’s heart. Larry’s wife, Joan, texted pictures of some of the displays and documents to share with Marcia, who was also going to forward them to her brother, Sam Stitt, Jr., a 1970 EHS graduate.
Melissa Long, Sharon Sturgis, and Julie Blakeslee provided old and new art pieces for our event, and Michele Martin took pictures utilizing our green screen, which was a nice example of positive progression.
Last, we would like to thank our Library Board and Staff for hosting the event by preparing cookies and drinks for the evening. Library Board members include: Amy Hammeke, Marlene Clayton, Delores Schwertfeger, Dick Waters, Deanna Rogers, Dirk Ricker, Karie Gibson, and Mayor Irlan Fullbright. Our Library Staff consists of: Julie Blakeslee, Kay Linden, Michele Martin, Mildred Burroughs, Amy Hammeke, Jean Garner, and Nicole Hudson.
Sheri Holmes is the director of library and media services for the Ellinwood School and Community Libraries. She can be reached by email at sholmes@usd355.org.
