A living history museum is the closest we can get to experiencing the past. In Shawnee Kansas, there is a recreated town from the 1920’s. Docents dress in period clothes, which in and of themselves, are part of the museum’s displays. So be sure to ask the models about their attire. When I visit living history museums from the 1800’s, I always feel sorry for the docents who have to wear the full, heavy dresses during the sweltering summer days. And then I remember that our ancesstresses wore them regularly. But at this 1920 museum, those ponderous garments were long out of style, for which, I am sure, the docents are glad.
When you visit Shawnee Town 1929, interact with the docents in order to hear the richer stories of the era. If you go it alone, the buildings could seem mildly unimpressive. The docents are the ones who bring the museum to life with their absorbing tales.
Charlie Pautler is the museum director. He said the originial 1888 bandstand is still in use today! During the summer, they have jazz bands play in the evenings. I am sure the Kansas folk danced the night away here during the Roaring 1920’s. And so can we — during our Roaring 2020’s.
Charlie said all the buildings are either original or precisely reconstructed.
Vintage car aficionados will enjoy this old gas station and supplies within. For some, it will bring back good old memories.
Kaitlyn, the museum assistant, showed me around the dry goods store. I asked Kaitlyn where they found all the antiquated groceries. She told me they contacted the manufacturers and were able to obtain the originial labels, and then Kaitlyn and the staff just pasted them onto cans and boxes. I was soon to discover how impressively meticulous their methods are in order to recreate the era authentically and accurately.
The historic farmstead is on the museum grounds. In the chicken coop are heirloom chickens. Kaitlyn said they studied the agricultural schedule of the 1920 census for Shawnee Kansas to determine what type of chickens the local farmers raised. Then the museum procured those breeds: Anconas, White Leghorns, Barred Rocks, Golden Laced Wyandotte, Buff Orpington… And they even sell the eggs in their gift shop! Yes, I did buy a dozen. Their flavor is airily sublime. And it is a novel feeling to be able to partake of chicken eggs from a proud historic lineage!
The town funeral home was all-inclusive. In the one building, there would be the coffin hallway.
In an adjacent room, embalmings would be carried out. I don’t know how the odor of the formaldehyde didn’t permeate every room in the building.
Right outside of the embalming room was the chapel, and the family sitting room beyond.
And at the very back of the building was the mortician’s office.
There are other buildings to explore in Shawnee Town 1929. Don’t just come for the museum, stay for the events the museum hosts year-round. This is the center of activitiy of the community still to this day. One hundred years later, the Roaring 20’s continue here. The hit parade is Old Shawnee Days, that lasts for four continuous days in the summer. It is like an old-timey fair with rides, booths selling wares and treats, and live music on multiple stages. During the rest of the year, Shawnee Town 1929 offers craft fairs, a Bloody Mary party, a ukulele classs, a major barbecue cookoff contest, an ice cream social….. It is already a happening place, but they plan to go bigger and offer even more. Charlie introduced me to Julie, who is leading their upcoming capital campaign. This will thrust Shawnee onto a national platform. And it deserves to be. Shawnee has nobly protected the past for us, so we can experience the 1920’s. Time travel is real….in Shawnee Kansas!