"The Other Swedes"
“Honoring Them and Remembering Them"
~ The Groupings and the Swedes from Sweden
“Honoring Them and Remembering Them"
~ The Groupings and the Swedes from Sweden
1961 - 2021 "McPherson County Old Mill Museum"
The Old Mill Museum's Formation
REGARDING the forming of the Old Mill Museum: 5 30 22 NEW --drafting out
McPherson County Historical Society, since 1962
The first president was Jim Cassler and the first vice president was Anton Peterson
Past Presidents: Anton Peterson, Linn Peterson, David Nigh, Dr. Leon Lungstrom
From the Tuesday, Nov. 27, 1962, McPherson Sentinel article "Form County Historical Society Here," the initial plans of the Society were to "set up a system of compiling all historical data of McPherson County and acquiring a building that might be used as a county museum ..." As a result, a building was purchased by the Society and it was named the McPherson County Old Mill Museum in 1962.
REGARDING the forming of the Old Mill Museum: 5 30 22 NEW --drafting out
McPherson County Historical Society, since 1962
The first president was Jim Cassler and the first vice president was Anton Peterson
Past Presidents: Anton Peterson, Linn Peterson, David Nigh, Dr. Leon Lungstrom
From the Tuesday, Nov. 27, 1962, McPherson Sentinel article "Form County Historical Society Here," the initial plans of the Society were to "set up a system of compiling all historical data of McPherson County and acquiring a building that might be used as a county museum ..." As a result, a building was purchased by the Society and it was named the McPherson County Old Mill Museum in 1962.
“After the move ..., you will find one of the finest museums of this kind in the mid-west...” -- County Museum Director Tib Anderson. -- 1966 *
5,000 Bethany College Museum items were added to the 500 McPherson County Old Mill Museum items in 1966**
5,000 Bethany College Museum items were added to the 500 McPherson County Old Mill Museum items in 1966**
The Old Mill Museum's Collection from Bethany College
The final chapter for this fine museum would come with the College plan to raze its Old Main home in 1968 for the building of the new Wallerstedt Learning Center. In the Museum's eighty-two (82) years of college history, Dr. Emil O. Deere would be its last curator, and, by his side, Swedish American professor of biology Dr. Leon Lungstrom would be destined to play a major role in the disbursement of its collections, and, thus, transferring his service to them, for a while, at their new home, the McPherson County Old Mill Museum (the County Museum). Add to that, Lungstrom would become the sole, unofficial, first and last historian of the Bethany College Museum.
The final chapter for this fine museum would come with the College plan to raze its Old Main home in 1968 for the building of the new Wallerstedt Learning Center. In the Museum's eighty-two (82) years of college history, Dr. Emil O. Deere would be its last curator, and, by his side, Swedish American professor of biology Dr. Leon Lungstrom would be destined to play a major role in the disbursement of its collections, and, thus, transferring his service to them, for a while, at their new home, the McPherson County Old Mill Museum (the County Museum). Add to that, Lungstrom would become the sole, unofficial, first and last historian of the Bethany College Museum.
- The New Location -
- McPherson County Old Mill Museum -
- Overlooking the Smoky River -
In his chapter on the Museum, Dr. Leon Lungstrom writes that Deere, at eighty-nine (89), was preparing for the Museum's final College end, for the distribution of its two major collections, the Natural History Collection which would include the Taxidermy Specimens; and the Pioneer Collection which would include museum founder Udden's American Indian Cliff Dweller Pottery Collection of 300 items and Emil O. Deere's Pioneer Life Collection of 900 items. There would be a total of about 5,000 Bethany College Museum items added to the 500 items at the McPherson County Old Mill Museum.
For the move to take place in the summer of 1966, with well planned out directives by Deere who worked diligently with colleagues and friends: Swedish American Bethany College seventh president Dr. Kenneth Andeen; professors of biology Dr. Leon Lungstrom and Dr. Glenn Bellah; professor of history Jerry Shannon; professor of Physics Emeritus Christian Swenson; and Bethany graduate Sandzén Memorial Gallery Co-director artist Carl Peterson.
To ensure the safekeeping of the Collections, it was made very clear between both parties that should the County Museum be closed or moved out of Lindsborg, the College Collections would go back to Bethany College, i.e.:
".... Bethany College Board of Directors .... donated the items to the county museum with the stipulation in the contract that if the museum is ever discontinued or moved out of Lindsborg, ownership of the items donated will revert back to Bethany College." ***
Deere would not live to see his planned summer move take place, for he died in January of 1966. Thus, this responsibility would fall to the ones closest to Deere, science college professors former student and protege, Dr. Leon Lungstrom, and the professors in charge of the inventory list, Dr. Glenn Bellah and Carl Swenson.
For the move to take place in the summer of 1966, with well planned out directives by Deere who worked diligently with colleagues and friends: Swedish American Bethany College seventh president Dr. Kenneth Andeen; professors of biology Dr. Leon Lungstrom and Dr. Glenn Bellah; professor of history Jerry Shannon; professor of Physics Emeritus Christian Swenson; and Bethany graduate Sandzén Memorial Gallery Co-director artist Carl Peterson.
To ensure the safekeeping of the Collections, it was made very clear between both parties that should the County Museum be closed or moved out of Lindsborg, the College Collections would go back to Bethany College, i.e.:
".... Bethany College Board of Directors .... donated the items to the county museum with the stipulation in the contract that if the museum is ever discontinued or moved out of Lindsborg, ownership of the items donated will revert back to Bethany College." ***
Deere would not live to see his planned summer move take place, for he died in January of 1966. Thus, this responsibility would fall to the ones closest to Deere, science college professors former student and protege, Dr. Leon Lungstrom, and the professors in charge of the inventory list, Dr. Glenn Bellah and Carl Swenson.
After the move, ten years later, in September 1976, a "glowing report," was found in Wichita's Antique & Collectors Mart, by Lindsborg's Betty Hanson, on the popularity of the County Museum which reads as follows:
"....Although the shops on Main and Lincoln Streets intrigue the tourist, it seems many travelers make their first and long stop at the McPherson County Old Mill Museum Complex by the scenic Smoky Hill River on the southern edge of town. Paid admission figures for the first seven months of this year show that 7,666 people have streamed into this historical attraction. An all time high attendance of 1,499 was recorded for the month of July.
"The museum began as a small collection housed on the first floor of the Smoky Valley Roller Mill. The present rustic building, built in 1968, now houses 11,000 items in realistic displays. In addition to local private donations of family heirlooms, the museum has received the 300 item Udden Indian Collection, the 900 item Emil O. Deere Pioneer Collection, and the Bethany College Natural History Collection, giving a record of the untamed — present and prehistoric. Besides the pioneer rooms: parlor, dining room, kitchen, post office, and general store one can view a collection of over 200 pieces of Barbwire, quilt blocks, and other handicrafts, a children's toy display, a Svensk Stuga (cottage) with authentic Swedish costumes on mannequins, and other fascinating relics."
"....Although the shops on Main and Lincoln Streets intrigue the tourist, it seems many travelers make their first and long stop at the McPherson County Old Mill Museum Complex by the scenic Smoky Hill River on the southern edge of town. Paid admission figures for the first seven months of this year show that 7,666 people have streamed into this historical attraction. An all time high attendance of 1,499 was recorded for the month of July.
"The museum began as a small collection housed on the first floor of the Smoky Valley Roller Mill. The present rustic building, built in 1968, now houses 11,000 items in realistic displays. In addition to local private donations of family heirlooms, the museum has received the 300 item Udden Indian Collection, the 900 item Emil O. Deere Pioneer Collection, and the Bethany College Natural History Collection, giving a record of the untamed — present and prehistoric. Besides the pioneer rooms: parlor, dining room, kitchen, post office, and general store one can view a collection of over 200 pieces of Barbwire, quilt blocks, and other handicrafts, a children's toy display, a Svensk Stuga (cottage) with authentic Swedish costumes on mannequins, and other fascinating relics."
>> Changes in managing the County Museum since the College move of its collection there in 1966 under Tib Anderson
Leon Lungstrom, Christian Swenson and Howard Patrick 1980
Four years later, in 1980, Director Tib Anderson would retire from his post as the McPherson County Old Mill Museum director, and Bethany College professors Leon Lungstrom and Christian Swenson and Lindsborg resident Howard Patrick would then become co-directors temporarily.
Jeanne Mogenson 1984
In 1984, Jeanne Mogenson, a Lindsborg resident since 1967, who had been working at the County Museum for a time would become a very capable director until 1986.
Dorman Lehman 1986
In 1986, Dorman Lehman, former director of the Grand Rapids Minnesota Central School Museum, took over. He would be assisted by Lindsborg resident Lenora Lynam who had been with the museum for several years in an administrative position, while Lungstrom and Swenson would then become board members.
Lorna Batterson Nelson 1990 or so to 2021
In the 1990s, McPherson resident Lorna Batterson Nelson would become the director with Lenora Lynam playing the added roles of archivist and curator.
Four years later, in 1980, Director Tib Anderson would retire from his post as the McPherson County Old Mill Museum director, and Bethany College professors Leon Lungstrom and Christian Swenson and Lindsborg resident Howard Patrick would then become co-directors temporarily.
Jeanne Mogenson 1984
In 1984, Jeanne Mogenson, a Lindsborg resident since 1967, who had been working at the County Museum for a time would become a very capable director until 1986.
Dorman Lehman 1986
In 1986, Dorman Lehman, former director of the Grand Rapids Minnesota Central School Museum, took over. He would be assisted by Lindsborg resident Lenora Lynam who had been with the museum for several years in an administrative position, while Lungstrom and Swenson would then become board members.
Lorna Batterson Nelson 1990 or so to 2021
In the 1990s, McPherson resident Lorna Batterson Nelson would become the director with Lenora Lynam playing the added roles of archivist and curator.
* * *
McPherson County Old Mill Museum's Taxidermy Exhibit
from the
" Bethany College Museum Natural History Collection "
(Photographs of November 1, 1999)
As of August 1, 2021, there is a new owner of these College collections, the "Natural History" one of which is in storage,
per Executive Director, November 18, 2021
from the
" Bethany College Museum Natural History Collection "
(Photographs of November 1, 1999)
As of August 1, 2021, there is a new owner of these College collections, the "Natural History" one of which is in storage,
per Executive Director, November 18, 2021
These early taxidermy exhibits were created by professor Dr. Deere and his students, most all from the classroom in Old Main which was Deere's for over four (4) decades. Here he is, as shown below, with some of those same exhibits shown above in the McPherson County Museum, preparing them with his students.
- Deere's Old Main Classroom Taxidermy Class -
Photograph by Lydia Sohlberg Deere
Photograph by Lydia Sohlberg Deere
- Deere's class with students working on a science assignment with taxidermy exhibits in the background -
* * *
To read two Articles on the Bethany College Museum Collections Move, 1966 to the McPherson County Old Mill Museum, go HERE.
For Dr. Lungstrom's Museum chapter click below:
For Dr. Lungstrom's Museum chapter click below:
TEXT OF ARTICLE:
[Giving specifics between the College and the County agreement of this historic Swedish American Bethany College Museum move of 1967]
"The Bethany College museum has found a new home.
"An agreement was signed in August by Bethany College officials and the McPherson County Commissioners for the purpose of displaying the college museum collection in the McPherson County Old Mill Park Museum located in Lindsborg.
"The Bethany College museum collection consists of artifacts, relics, pioneer material, Indian collection, historical documents and several thousand miscellaneous items. The Bethany museum has been housed on the first floor of Old Main for several years.
"The late Dr. Emil O. Deere was curator of the museum for over 50 years.
"Because of the safe keeping and maintenance of the museum, Bethany College wanted to obtain a more suitable place for the housing and viewing of the outstanding collection.
"The collection which is on loan will be known as the “Bethany College Collection.”
"The agreement between the College and McPherson County is a ten year lease and a stipulation to build a fire resistant building to display and house the collection within the next two years.
"The Smoky Valley Roller Mill and its property was made a county park about four years ago.
“Tib” Anderson, McPherson, became curator and manager of the county park when the transition was made.
"The Old Mill complex now consists of four buildings – the Old Runbeck Mill, a power house, a log cabin built in the 1870s and the present museum.
“The present plans are to build a 40 by 60 foot building to house the collection and to move in the “Sweadal,” McPherson County’s first court house,” Anderson said. He also said that the McPherson County Engineer has made test borings for footings.
"Plans are now to make the building functional and to keep it along the same décor as the other building.
“ 'At the present time we are open six months of the year. However, when thinking of expansion there will be a possibility of putting in central heating and air conditions. This will enable us to open year-around,' stated Anderson.
Since late spring, over 3,000 visitors have been through the museum from almost every state.
"The County Old Mill Park Museum has 500 items which are mostly of the pioneer era. It has been estimated that the Bethany College Collection has over 5,000 items. Items on loan to the county museum will be primarily pioneer, local historical, and local area Indian artifacts, and relics.
"Some of the collections from the College Museum will remain on the campus. Anderson said there will be few duplication in the collection and much of the material will be exhibited in a rotation system.
"Among some of the items will be the first patent adding machine which was invented by a Bethany professor.
“ 'After the move of the museum materials from the college to the County Old Mill Park Museum is finished and a building completed, you will find one of the finest museums of this kind in the mid-west,' stated Anderson.' "
[Giving specifics between the College and the County agreement of this historic Swedish American Bethany College Museum move of 1967]
"The Bethany College museum has found a new home.
"An agreement was signed in August by Bethany College officials and the McPherson County Commissioners for the purpose of displaying the college museum collection in the McPherson County Old Mill Park Museum located in Lindsborg.
"The Bethany College museum collection consists of artifacts, relics, pioneer material, Indian collection, historical documents and several thousand miscellaneous items. The Bethany museum has been housed on the first floor of Old Main for several years.
"The late Dr. Emil O. Deere was curator of the museum for over 50 years.
"Because of the safe keeping and maintenance of the museum, Bethany College wanted to obtain a more suitable place for the housing and viewing of the outstanding collection.
"The collection which is on loan will be known as the “Bethany College Collection.”
"The agreement between the College and McPherson County is a ten year lease and a stipulation to build a fire resistant building to display and house the collection within the next two years.
"The Smoky Valley Roller Mill and its property was made a county park about four years ago.
“Tib” Anderson, McPherson, became curator and manager of the county park when the transition was made.
"The Old Mill complex now consists of four buildings – the Old Runbeck Mill, a power house, a log cabin built in the 1870s and the present museum.
“The present plans are to build a 40 by 60 foot building to house the collection and to move in the “Sweadal,” McPherson County’s first court house,” Anderson said. He also said that the McPherson County Engineer has made test borings for footings.
"Plans are now to make the building functional and to keep it along the same décor as the other building.
“ 'At the present time we are open six months of the year. However, when thinking of expansion there will be a possibility of putting in central heating and air conditions. This will enable us to open year-around,' stated Anderson.
Since late spring, over 3,000 visitors have been through the museum from almost every state.
"The County Old Mill Park Museum has 500 items which are mostly of the pioneer era. It has been estimated that the Bethany College Collection has over 5,000 items. Items on loan to the county museum will be primarily pioneer, local historical, and local area Indian artifacts, and relics.
"Some of the collections from the College Museum will remain on the campus. Anderson said there will be few duplication in the collection and much of the material will be exhibited in a rotation system.
"Among some of the items will be the first patent adding machine which was invented by a Bethany professor.
“ 'After the move of the museum materials from the college to the County Old Mill Park Museum is finished and a building completed, you will find one of the finest museums of this kind in the mid-west,' stated Anderson.' "
As of August 1, 2021, there is a new owner of these College collections, the "Natural History" one of which is in storage,
per Executive Director, November 18, 2021
per Executive Director, November 18, 2021
| dr._leon_lungstrom_on_the_bethany_college_museum.pdf |
* * *
* The McPherson County Old Mill Museum Director quote from Wichita's Antique & Collectors Mart, text by Lindsborg's Betty Hanson, September 1976
** 1966 Bethany Magazine, Old Dobbin Moves
*** Page 31 on The Museum chapter found in Dr. Leon Lungstrom 1990 book, History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas.
** 1966 Bethany Magazine, Old Dobbin Moves
*** Page 31 on The Museum chapter found in Dr. Leon Lungstrom 1990 book, History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas.
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
