A new exhibit will open soon in the Lois KayWalls Art Gallery. The Art of Cecil McAlister.

Cecil McAlister achieved national recognition withhis 1937 design of the Wichita flag, but he was a fine andcommercial artist in Wichita for decades. See examples of hiswork at this exhibit opening from 5-7 pm on April 29th; theexhibit will be on view throughApril 2017.Born in Wichita in 1890, CecilMcAlister found employment asa young man at the WesternSign Works Company, notablydesigning a flour milling exhibitat the 1915 InternationalWheat Show held at theForum. After leaving the city in1918 to study art in Chicago,McAlister returned to Wichitain 1919 and opened theWichita Sign Company,producing outdoor signs andadvertising. In 1920, McAlister,aspiring to the life of a fine artpainter, eschewed sign paintingto focus on landscapes,portraits, and still life at hisnewly opened Modern Studio.McAlister continued tosupplement his income with

McAlister continued on page 2

Spring 2016Jami Frazier Tracy, Editor

THE ART OF

Cecil McAlister

Director’s Message

Exhibit openingFinal Friday,April 29, 2016

5-7 pm

We love local history for so

many reasons; it’s our own

unique story, the people and

places are close at hand, it’s

familiar and when it is not, it’s

fascinating! Recently a departing

visitor thanked admissions staff

and remarked that, “It’s like

getting a piece of my

life back!” – so true.

The Museum is off to

an exciting year

beginning with the

special exhibit

partnership formed with

Exploration Place; our two

guitar exhibits have practically

created a 3 month, city-wide

guitar festival. The annual exhibit

featuring local art history opens

this month in the Lois Kay Walls

Gallery. Finally, the year will also

see the opening of new exhibits

featuring the original 1890’s

Mayor’s Office and an exhibit

exploring Civics and

Government.

This Spring we are beginning to

enjoy Heritage Square as it has

not been experienced in many

years. As summer unfolds,

visitors will find it an inviting

urban oasis and also an

environment that addresses the

interpretation of our history in

accordance with the Museum’s

mission. We urge you visit and

see for yourself!

Eric M. Cale

Executive Director

The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum Association

display work for the Boston Store, Rorabaugh DryGoods, and Greenfield Brothers, as well asresidential decorating work. The Great Depression forced the closure of theModern Studio in Wichita and McAlister movedthe studio to his farm on South Broadway.McAlister continued his fine art work, but he wasforced to return to sign painting and commercialart to support his family.His award-winning Wichita flag design broughthim national recognition. Sponsored in 1937 bythe American Legion and the Rotary Club,McAlister won $40 for his entry featuring a whitesun circle, a blue sun, and red and white stripes,symbolizing the Indian word “Wichita,” whichmeans “scattered lodges.” In a statement to theWichita Eagle on June 15, 1937, McAlister said,“These stripes running in and out of red andwhite are symbols of rays of light or ways to comeand go, open and free to all.” McAlister’s later work was greatly influenced by hisbackground in large scale graphics, and he becamewell-known for his interior murals adorning thewalls of Wichita homes. He died in Wichita onJanuary 6, 1969. This exhibit runs through March 19th, 2017 andhas been generously funded through the Lois KayWalls Foundation.

McAlistercontinued from page 1

&The Historical Museum celebrates young historians!We partnered with Friends University for a sixthsuccessful year in sponsoring the National HistoryDay competition on February 28th.  This nationalcompetition engages young people by challengingthem to interpret history through various mediumsincluding exhibits, video, website design, essay andperformance.  Students choose historical topicsrelated to the national theme of “Exploration,Encounter, Exchange in History.”  Nearly 300 areastudents participated this year.  

For students, nothing brings academics into focuslike reflecting on one’s own history and heritage. TheWichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum,acting as a conduit to the past, does this moreeffectively than any other educational institution. Insupport of our mission, theMuseum encouragesparticipants to use localhistory as a basis for theirNHD projects. This beginsearly in the year with an EssayContest sponsored by the DeVoreFamily Foundation. The essay is awarm-up exercise for their projectsand challenges students to approach the theme witha local perspective.

The winner of the 5th Annual DeVore EssayContest is Austin Parcell for “Wichita’s B-29Superfortress: Encountering Challenges, ExploringOptions, Rebounding with Success.” Austin will behonored during the Young Historian Awards onMay 1st at 2pm. The event includes a specialkeynote address by filmmaker, historian, andeducator Ken Spurgeon.

National History Day The Devore Essay Contest

SHOP STAFFING MANAGERS NEEDED!

Loyal Museum Shop volunteer staffing managers CynthiaCarl and Flo Crawford have announced their retirement. TheMuseum Shop enhances our visitor’s experience andprovides downtowners a convenient place to purchasecards, souvenirs and gift items. Cynthia and Flo enjoyedtrading month to month and making calls to schedule shopvolunteers. Their dedication and the loyal group ofvolunteers who keep the shop open, are central to thesuccess of the Museum, and we are grateful for theirservice. Cynthia and Flo will be happy to talk to anyoneinterested in this opportunity – call the Museum for moreinformation – 265-9314

2

BusinessMemberships NowAvailableAn exciting opportunity is now available forbusinesses to support the Museum throughannual business memberships. Not only does themembership support the Museum’s variedprograms and exhibits, it provides manyopportunities for company employees, including:

• Free admission to the Museum and HeritageSquare for employees and their guests

• Invitations to special membership events• Free admission passes for clients• 10% discount in the Museum’s gift shop

In addition, company principals will receive thebiannual Heritage Newsletter, Museum mailingsand email notices of upcoming events. Allbusiness members will be recognized on theMuseum website and in the Heritage Newsletter.Patron members will be given special recognitionon the Museum’s first floor. What a wonderfulway to support the Museum that supports thecommunity by preserving our local history!

The Museum thanks our current BusinessMembers for their support, including thefollowing:

OUR VISION: To provide a world class Museum experience, advancing the understanding and exploration of the rich historical and cultural heritage of Wichita and Sedgwick County Kansas.

History Projects & Summer Student ProgramsThis June and July, the Museum presents local history basedprograms for students with creative interests. Cursive Writing willbe offered this year for the first time! Additional sessions will beoffered on Creative Writing, Song Writing, Historical Research,and National History Day Competition preparation. See theMuseum’s website for upcoming programs, further details andscheduling, www.wichitahistory.org.

Elected TrusteesAt the Annual Membership Meeting on March 16th, 2016,museum members unanimously elected the slate submitted by theNominating Committee of the Board of Trustees.New trustees are Patty Armstrong, Cheryl Golden (City ofWichita appointment), David Hawkins, Ron Ingle, and DaleRichmond. Serving a 2nd term: Paul Buchanan and Martha Linsner. Officers elected at the following Board of Trustees meeting were:President Janet Meyer, 1st Vice President Jay Fowler, 2nd VicePresident Dean Bradley, Treasurer Jack Kellogg and SecretaryMartha Linsner. Carolyn Conley was elected by the Board to serve a 3 year term onthe Endowment Committee.The Board bids farewell to outgoing trustees: Bill Ard, DouglasBrehm, Matthew Hoofer, Peter Janssen, and Jay Price. We thankthese trustees for their many contributions, including participationin monthly meetings, service on committees, and a wide range ofother activities that benefit the Museum.

Memorials

McCormick –Armstrong Midwest Hearing AidsOld Town Architectural SalvagePlatt, Adams &

Bradley ArchitectsThe Nifty Nut House The Orpheum Theater Powell’s Jewelry Remax Premier Southwest National Bank Star Lumber The Frame GuildTrust Company of Kansas Watermark Books & Café The Wichita Eagle

Bever Dye, LLCBuilders, Inc.Cozine Memorial Group Dillons Stores Dondlinger & Sons Construction Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Fidelity Bank Fruhauf UniformsGolden, Inc.Hephener T.V. & ElectronicsHyatt Regency WichitaJuliana Daniel AntiquesKMUWKPTSLusco Brick & Stone Company McClelland Sound

For additional information including levels ofmembership, contact Sally Buch, DevelopmentDirector, 316-265-9314.

The following have been honored with gifts to the Museum’sMemorial Fund from March 31st, 2015 through April 20, 2016:

Karol CallisonRichard “Dick” DeVore

William C. “Bill” EllingtonCyrus G. Frazier

Vee Shawver GordonKeith Gravel

Caroline C. Carson HatcherRobert C. IsraelPhillip T. Miller

Herman A. “Jim” OsmentRalfe Reber 3

SeniorWednesdays AT THE WICHITA-SEDGWICK COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Visit the Museum the 4th Wednesday of each month from January toOctober and enjoy special Historical Museum programs developed withactive senior audiences in mind. A special $2 admission for seniors andtheir guests is offered; admission is free for members. The SeniorWednesday programs at the Historical Museum begin at 10:00 am, andthe doors open at 9:30. Refreshments are served. For more informationabout the Museum’s Senior Wednesday programs, visitwww.wichitahistory.org or www.seniorwednesday.org.

ICE CREAM SOCIALSaturday, May 14th –1-4 pm • HERITAGE SQUARE

WHiMS hosts this year’s social in HeritageSquare, featuring activities, contests and IceCream. The public will enjoy reducedadmission of $2 for individuals or $5 forfamily groups; members can bring their guestswith free admission as always.

Upcoming Exhibits, Programs & Events

A great way to introduce friends and potential newmembers to the Museum.

You’re invited to come celebrate in high style! Join usSaturday, April 30th, 7-10pm for an exciting evening ofdinner, drinks and music. The event will transform theMuseum into the original Blue Moon Nightclub, whichwas located on South Oliver during the 1940s and 50s.The club was a popular gathering spot for adults todine and dance to the nation’s most famous orchestras.Donna Tucker, internationally renowned jazz singer,and her quartet will entertain with songs of the era asguests enjoy fine food and drink. 

This is a very popular event in its 8th year – only 90reservations will be accepted, so act soon. Forreservations and more information, call 316-265-9314or email wschm@wichitahistory.org Admission to theBlue Moon Party is $100 per person, of which $50 is atax deductible donation to the Museum, a 501(c)(3)Not for Profit Organization.

This fundraising event for the Museum is hosted by theWichita Historical Museum Society (WHiMS) andunderwritten by generous sponsors.

Historical Museum supporters canparticipate in April’s Final Friday from5-7 2008, and hipm with the WichitaArt Day of Giving (ArtDOG).ArtDOG, a project of the WichitaCommunity Foundation, is a 24-hourcharitable fundraising campaign onApril 29th created to unite thecommunity around local nonprofit artsorganizations.

Featured this year is the Lois Kay Walls

Art Exhibit Opening – “The Art ofCecil McAlister.” McAlister achievednational recognition with his design ofthe Wichita flag in 1937, but he was arespected fine and commercial artist inWichita for decades. See examples ofhis work at this exhibit opening from 5-7 pm on April 29th!

Also featured this year is music withrenowned guitarist Jerry Hahn, part ofthe concert series for The ElectricGuitar: Wichita’s Instrument!

The 2016 event on April 29th gives theopportunity to Wichita art and culturelovers to give back to their favorite nonprofitorganizations by making donations onlinefor one day only. Theminimum donation is $10.Donations are tax deductible,and each donor receives acharitable contributionreceipt by e-mail. Visitwww.wichitahistory.org tomake your donation.

6

Wichita Art Day of Giving April 29, 2016

You’re invited to come celebrate in high style! Join usSaturday, April 30th, 7-10pm for an exciting evening ofdinner, drinks and music. The event will transform theMuseum into the original Blue Moon Nightclub, whichwas located on South Oliver during the 1940s and 50s.The club was a popular gathering spot for adults todine and dance to the nation’s most famous orchestras.Donna Tucker, internationally renowned jazz singer,and her quartet will entertain with songs of the era asguests enjoy fine food and drink. 

This is a very popular event in its 8th year – only 90reservations will be accepted, so act soon. Forreservations and more information, call 316-265-9314or email wschm@wichitahistory.org Admission to theBlue Moon Party is $100 per person, of which $50 is atax deductible donation to the Museum, a 501(c)(3)Not for Profit Organization.

This fundraising event for the Museum is hosted by theWichita Historical Museum Society (WHiMS) andunderwritten by generous sponsors.

Sarah Bagby and Eric Cale – Collagecreated by artist David W. Cale, 1999.

Eunice L. Bradley – Collection ofdocuments, postcards, and photographsfrom Charles Edward Keller, early 20thcentury.

Carl Brewer – Material received by theHonorable Carl Brewer while serving asMayor of Wichita, 2007-2015.

Judge Paul Buchanan – Architecturalrendering of Wichita City Hall, circa1970.

Cynthia Carl – Girl’s clothing, late1970s, and woman’s fashion accessories.

Ransom Brown Conrow – Scrapbookfrom Ransom Hunt Brown, SedgwickCounty Surveyor, 1890s-1920s.

Theresa G. Cromwell – Women’sclothing and accessories, circa 1900.

Charley Davidson – Collection of late19th century color lithographed Wichitaadvertising cards and Riverside ParkSeason Pass for Mary Richardson, 1884.

Valerie Ellington – Photograph of theGospel Team Convention, Wichita,1914.

Cindy Entriken – Doll accessories fromthe Anna Beachy collection, 1930s.

Charles Frodsham – Large collection ofKFH material, including Russel “Fid”Lowe scrapbook, newsletters andclippings.

Traci Futo – Wichita text book from thecollection of Carl Bitting, Wichita,1893.

Jean and Willard Garvey Fund –Women’s fashions and fashionaccessories, 1920s-1960s.

Cathy Henkel – Political poster, Gil

“Will” McNabb for City Commissioner,1971.

Robert Hiller – Large collection of finecostume jewelry, 19th and 20thcenturies.

Dr. John Hyde – Oshkosh travel trunkused by G.A. Hyde, Wichita, early 20thcentury.

Floyd and Ruth Jantz – Souvenir beltbuckle, Wichita, 1983.

Carol Jones – Man’s bowling shirt,1960s.

Katharine H. Knorr – Collection of girl’sfine clothing, 1940s; woman’s bathingsuit, 1920s; Wichita photograph, 1945.

Estate of Adeline Pringle Merrill –Framed needlepoint sampler, 1969.

Jane Mingenbach – Photographs andpostcards from the Mary Mingenbackfamily.

Orpheum Performing Arts Centre –Material from the Orpheum Theater,including poster, performance schedule,and Theatrical Stage Employees Local190 booklet, 1959.

Edwin and Rachel Parrish – Politicalsign, Garner Shriver for US Congress,1960s-1970s.

Ann McGill Perrin – Collection ofmaterial from Senator George McGill,1930-1939.

Karl Peterjohn – Book, WilliamMathewson: The Original “Buffalo Bill”by Richard J. Mathewson.

Dr. Jay Price – Collection of InnesDepartment Store constructionphotographs, 1948.

Robert A. Puckett – Collection of finesilverplate tableware, 1950s-1960s.

Dan R. Rouser – Newspapers, TheWichita Public Voice 1981.

R. Kent Shawver, donated in lovingmemory of Leta Rence Shawver –Elaborately embroidered World War Isouvenir with twelve flags.

Melissa Short – Photographs of theHillcrest Apartments, 1927.

Ron and Lee Starkel – Photographs,clothing and clothing accessories, 1960s-1970s.

Geraldine Lauer Steiner – WichitaHospital and Training School for Nursesuniforms and documents, early 20thcentury.

Tracy Sternberger – Cowboy boots craftedby Carl McDowell, 1980s.

Joyce Suellentrop – Lithographs by ZonaWheeler and C.A. Seward; woman’sleather coat from Henry’s Wichita; andWichita documents, 20th century.

Barbara Thompson – Collection of WorldWar I Victory Arch snapshots.

James E. Thorn – Collection of materialfrom Wichita Chamber of CommerceGood Will Tours, 1930s – 1950s,including souvenir booklets, newsletters,and photographs.

Doris J. Uhlig – Framed oil painting ofKirby Castle by Wichita artist LarryFanning, circa 1962, and US Air Forceofficer’s dress hat worn by Dr. Edward N.Tihen, 1950s.

Ellen Louise Walker – Wichitaphotographs, 1930s-1940s.

2015 MUSEUM ACQUISITIONS

7

The 20th century brought a technological revolution through electric power. Bythe 1920s, the expanding electrical power grid was inspiring the development ofmany new applications. These included labor saving household appliances,medical equipment, and communication devices including the radio, soundfilms, public address systems, sound amplification systems, and electricallyrecorded music. Attempts to amplify musical instruments also began at thistime. Success in this area eventually propelled instruments of acoustically lowvolume – like the guitar – to the forefront.

Wichita holds the distinction of being the first to feature the electric guitar onthe world’s stage, thanks to the initiative of local guitarist Gage Brewer. Hisrelationship with the electric guitar’s inventors in Los Angeles afforded himthe opportunity to bring the first examples to Wichita. Already a popular

performer, Brewer’sintroduction of the newinstruments in October of1932 caused a sensation, andsoon Wichita was establishingsome of the earliest studiosand guitar stores in the nation.The exhibit, The ElectricGuitar: Wichita’s Instrument celebratesour supporting role in what has becomethe world’s most popular instrument.

The Museum’s exhibit features anexceedingly rare collection of instruments

assembled from prominent collections and 16 individual lenders. Artifacts range fromthe most historically significant to celebrity-owned instruments, including guitarsowned by Joe Walsh, Les Paul, Charlie Christian, and Alvino Rey. These artifacts tellthe story of the quest for volume and the development of the electrically amplifiedguitar. Visitors can hear the earliest electric guitar music recorded at a sound samplestation within the exhibit.

Since the “Let’em Hear You Play” exhibit was developed by the Museum in 2002, theMuseum has created four exhibits focused on the electric guitar and Wichita’s uniquerole, gaining international recognition for sharing the story of our critical place inmusic history. Our most recent exhibit was inspired by an opportunity to partner withthe Sedgwick County Science and Discovery Center Exploration Place, hosting Guitar:The Instrument that Rocked the World.

Exhibit News

A special exhibitdeveloped by theWichita-Sedgwick CountyHistorical Museum withGuest Curator LynnWheelwright - on viewthrough June 5th, 2016

The Electric Guitar: Wichita’s Instrument

The Museum is indebted tocollector and scholar Lynn Wheelwright ofUtah for co-curating The Electric Guitar:Wichita’s Instrument. Wheelwright has beena stalwart supporter of the Museum since2008, and his scholarship and generosity asa lender have made our guitar exhibitspossible.

The Museum is also grateful to The ArtsCouncil, Sharon and Alan Fearey, MatthewHoofer and Melissa Wefald, Peter and KayJanssen, Barbara and David Rolph, SaraSluss and Marty Pawlocki, and Lee andRon Starkel for their support of the exhibitand its programming. 4

The Electric GuitarSymposiumFriday, May 6th, Saturday, May 7th, and Sunday, May 8thWhat is the origin of the electric guitar? The question has resulted inso many confusing and conflicting theories that a reasonable answerhas been elusive.  This special exhibit and related symposium willexplode myths, eliminate confusion, and answer contentiousquestions. Detailed information regarding schedules may be found onthe Museum’s website, www.wichitahistory.org or by calling theMuseum at 316-265-9314

The Symposium features the following panelists of international significanceand authority:

Deke Dickerson – Author, Collector, and Guitarist, Los Angeles, CA.Expertise: Mid-century guitar culture

Alan DiPerna – Music Journalist and Author, Phoenix, AZ.

Dr. Wayne Goins – University Distinguished Professor, Director of JazzStudies, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. Dr. Goins is the leadingauthority on seminal guitarist Charlie Christian.

Dr. Mathew Hill –Author and Scholar, University of Edinburgh,Scotland Expertise: Early electrical musical instruments

Emanuele Marconi – Conservator at the National Music Museum,Vermillion, SD

H.P. Newquist – Author and Executive Director, National GuitarMuseum

Arian Sheets – Curator, Stringed Instruments, National Music Museum,Vermillion, SD

Richard Smith – Author and Curator, Fullerton Museum, Fullerton, CA.Expertise: Rickenbacker and Fender Guitars

Dr. John Troutman – Scholar Expertise: Hawaiian guitar music history

Lynn Wheelwright – Author, Collector, and Owner of Pro-musician,Clearfield, UT Expertise: early electrically amplified stringed instruments

Programming Fees for Electric GuitarSymposium

Friday – afternoon session $25; includesMuseum admission (members $20)

Saturday – morning session $25; includesmuseum admission (members $20)

Saturday – afternoon session $25; includesmuseum admission (members $20)

Sunday – morning session $25; includesmuseum admission (members $20)

Sunday – afternoon session $25; includesmuseum admission (members $20)

VIP PACKAGE – Includes all sessions and lunch Saturday & Sunday $150(members $125)

5

Gage Brewer,Wichita Beacon

Oct. 2, 1932

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit 759Wichita, KS

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museumactivities are made possible in part by theCity of Wichita and Sedgwick County Boardof Commissioners

Historical Museum204 South Main • Wichita, Kansas 67202 • 316-265-9314 • www.WichitaHistory.org

The Wichita-Sedgwick County

Association

We are pleased to acknowledgerecent Museum members.Membership is an important way tosupport the Museum financiallyand a great way to stay apprised ofexhibits, programs, events andprogress. While not listed hereindividually, our gratitude also goesout to the many who haveincreased their level of membershipor who have contributed throughan annual gift or supported anevent, all of which has led to theincrease of programs and exhibitsover the past year.

Al & Nancy BaconNancy BoeweMarilyn BowerTwila BrownKrysti Carlson-GoeringJohn CarnayBetty CarterCarolyn ChambersJill ClappKathy ClementsWade & Jessica DavisJim & Nancy DieckmanHarry DobbinJane Eaton

Twila FlowersBryan & Sheila FryeDeborah GafvertGreg GannDr. Cheryl GoldenJohn HarrisJohn & Fran HershbergerTeri & Jerry KasperekBeverly KlagBob Layton & Beth KingBarbara LyleEric MagazuCynthia Martinez-WoelkMarilyn Mason

Nancy MendellDavid & Rynthia MitchellShirley MosherChris & Corey NicholsRobert ParnacottJeff PattersonGeorge Pena & Jennifer DaranSteven PeschkaCharlotte PopeMary Lou RiversChris & Debbie ScarlettRoss TidemannSteve WitherspoonJerry & Kelly Yocum

Welcome to Recent Members