Smoky Valley Historical Association


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	SVHA MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of this association shall be to collect, arrange and preserve historical data, books, pamphlets and manuscripts pertaining to the early history and settlement of our community in general and the City of Lindsborg in particular; to preserve and beautify places of historical interest in our city and its vicinity; and to promote the study of history of our settlement and its cultural growth by lectures and other available means.
		Latest Updates • Next SVHA Public Meeting information updated for January. • Ebba Fornberg article added to the Downtown Lindsborg Pictorial Tour page. • Video link added to the Gröndal Pictorial Tour page: B. G. Gröndal, photographer. Welcome to the Smoky Valley Historical Association web site Becoming part of the world wide web is something new for the SVHA. Some of our members, even members of our board, don't know how to turn on a computer, let alone surf the Internet. But we all recognize the need to broaden our outreach to points well beyond the Smoky Hill River Valley of central Kansas. Keep in mind this is a "work in progress" and more articles, illustrations, and photographs will be included in the months and years to come. We have even discussed making historic video and audio clips available. So keep coming back; history is made every day and there will always be more to add. Please share your thoughts on our site and/or make suggestions on subjects you feel we should include. Our e-mail address is info@lindsborghistory.org I want to thank Jay Richardson for sharing his talents in the design and execution of this site and Richard Voigt of KASINET for hosting this pioneering effort (pioneering for us, anyway!). Chris Abercrombie SVHA board member Web site coordinator Next SVHA Public Meeting Ron Michaels, Curator at the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, will present a program on the life of Margaret Sandzén Greenough, daughter of the famed artist, at the regular meeting of the Smoky Valley Historical Association on Tuesday, January 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the activities room at Bethany Home. Anyone interested is urged to attend this interesting and informative multi-media presentation featuring many rare photographs of Margaret's life in Lindsborg and elsewhere. Refreshments will be served after the program. Our Pictorial Tour The highlight of our web site is a Pictorial Tour that features both vintage and modern photos of the various historical sites in Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley. Take the tour by clicking on any of the photos shown to the left. Coronado Heights The Smoky Valley Historical Association owns and manages the popular Coronado Heights recreation area and historical site. General information about Coronado Heights can be found by clicking on the "Coronado Heights" photo shown to the left. The rules and regulations for the use of the Heights can be found in the Coronado Heights Use Policy. SVHA News The SVHA board recently voted to make up to $7,000 available for restoration work on the 1904 Swedish Pavilion in Heritage Square at the Old Mill Museum Complex, specifically the porches on the east and west wings of the building. The SVHA participated in the Midsummers Festival celebration in Lindsborg in June. Our booth featured the always popular "What is it?" guessing game of old tools and appliances, plus other displays pertaining to the history of the Valley. The SVHA was also at this year's Svensk Hyllningsfest in October. We presented continuous showings of historic films, including full color films of early Hyllningsfest celebrations dating back to the first festival in 1941. The early festival films were made by Dr. William Holwerda, founder of Hyllningsfest. Funding Membership contributions are the SVHA's major source of on-going funding. A free-will donation in any amount will secure your membership in the Association for the year. Memberships are renewed in the first quarter of each year. Significant contributions are received from time-to-time, generally with a specific project in mind. A number of local businesses, organizations, and individuals have contributed to the signage the SVHA has placed along the Välkommen Trail, for instance. Gifts in memory of Bryce Carlson, a Bethany College graduate and enthusiastic supporter of all things Lindsborg, and from the estate of the Lindstrom brothers, who farmed near Falun for many years, have been set aside for the maintenance of Coronado Heights and the road leading to the top of the hill. Grants, such as those awarded by the Kansas Humanities Council, are also available from time-to-time to further the mission of the SVHA. Funding for worthwhile projects designed to preserve the rich history of the Smoky Valley and its people are always welcomed. Please contact the Association at info@lindsborghistory.org to share your ideas on how we can further our mission. The Smoky Valley Historical Association Board of Directors Chester G. Peterson, president Barbara Buskirk, vice-president Marvin Johnson, secretary Lenora Lynam, treasurer Chris Abercrombie Ken Branch Dr. Duane Fredrickson Ewald Lofdahl Richard Patrick Contact Us You can e-mail us at: info@lindsborghistory.org Our mailing address is: Smoky Valley Historical Association, Inc. PO Box 255 Lindsborg, KS 67456 Other Local Links of Interest Bethany College City of Lindsborg Destination: Lindsborg Lindsborg Chamber of Commerce ATTRACTIONS: Anatoly Karpov International School of Chess Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery Old Mill Museum Red Barn Studio EVENTS: Midsummer's Festival Svensk Hyllningsfest Credits Photos are from the Old Mill Museum collection and private individuals. The text was written by Chris Abercrombie. The web site is designed and maintained by Jay Richardson, and is hosted by KASINET. This site was last updated on 29 Dec 2009.