If you have a minute, please sign our Guestbook too! OR Go back to Florenceks.com!
| Name: | Duncan Long |
| E-mail address: | dlong41@cox.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://duncanlong.com/ |
| Comments: | What a nice website! I attended school in Florence from 2nd grade through my Freshman year - and hated leaving. This site certainly brings back some great memories of good times and friends. |
| Name: | Andrea Stansbury |
| E-mail address: | purpleunicorn_andi@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I am looking for information on Carolyn(Stansbury, Brown, Flurry...) Marcum who passed away on december 21, 2003. My husband and his brothers would like to have some information on their mother. |
| Name: | Sgt Charles Shaw |
| E-mail address: | charles.f.shaw@us.army.mil |
| Comments: | I am the son John and Mable Shaw. I last visited Florence about 3 years ago. I would like to make it back sometime. I thought growing up in Florence was great, it gave me an appreciation of small town life that I haven't had since leaving. |
| Name: | Marti (Martha Palacioz) Kinkead |
| E-mail address: | ks.gal@live.com |
| Comments: | It's been a yr since I last viewed this site and it is so much fun to read the e-mails. It is nice to read what everyone is doing now and that we all have a place to call HOME.
If you remember me please write and let me know how you are doing. |
| Name: | pam boatright Finke |
| E-mail address: | pamfinke@gmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://pamfinke@gmail.comhttp:// |
| Comments: | Hi my grandparents were from
Florence and I remember visiting their old victorian house especially at Christmas where Santa (uncle Bill) visited in the dome of the house and a swing on the huge porch. My father past away in 1961 and is buried in a small cemetery.That is the last time I was in Florence as my mothers family was in Calif. and we moved there.I remember HAVING to sing Jesus Loves Me at the Babtist church down the street from there house...I vagly remember I think it was a gas station across the street with a gumball machine. There were 7 brothers and sisters in the Finke family.My Great-grandfather Worwell lived in Forence as well. If you have any information about my fathers family please email me at ..pamfinke@gmail.com Thank You and thanks for the memories...Hope to hear from you....Pam Finke (Boatright):} |
| Name: | pam boatright Finke |
| E-mail address: | pamfinke@gmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://pamfinke@gmail.com |
| Comments: | Hi ..I haven't been to Florence since 1961 when we buried my father Fredrick H Finke at a small cemetery in Florence. I often wonder if that cemetery is still there..I'd like to visit my dads grave before I'm to old to travel..I remember the great old Victorian house my grandparents had on a corner in town. My grandparents were Emal and Leona Finke. I was 12 when my dad passed and we moved to Calif. in 1962 and never made it back...I was told my grandfather was mayor at one time and my great-grandfathers last name was Warwell ??? If you know or new any of my family please email me at pamfinke@gmail.com I'd love more information on my fathers family...THANKS...Have a super day Pam Finke:) |
| Name: | Everett Potter |
| E-mail address: | erp49er@netscape.net |
| Comments: | Hello Florence , I'm a grad from Florence High , Class of '68 . My Dad ( Chester Potter ) was " Town Cop " for a couple years and he and my Mom ran the cafe at the Phillips 66 Truck stop . I miss Florence and always considered her my home town being as how we moved around alot and Florence was the only town where I went to the same school for more than a year . |
| Name: | Florence Fan |
| Comments: | Welcome to Florence! If you're just passing through, whether there is an officer around or not, please respect our town and pay attention to the speed limit signs. It's all clearly marked, but for some reason people still zoom past the Town & Country Cafe, and we have people crossing right there, besides kids on bikes or people walking occasionally. We've been known for having a high-accident intersection at the two major highways, and have heavy traffic with big trucks and lots of travelers. People have been killed in accidents here. To not patrol on our highway with all the activity right there would be completely ignorant and reckless on the part of our city. Just pay attention to your speed and the road signs and not just blast through on your way to your destination, show some respect for our town, and you won't have any problem. :) |
| Name: | linus |
| Comments: | Hello, this is a message to anyone travelling in the vicinity of Florence KS. in the county of Marion. There are several speed zones that are monitored by local police. I know this because as I travelled through this area, I was stopped and ticketed going well over the speed limit according to the officer. I respected his accusation that I was in a 45 mph limit going 67 mph. The smurk on his face told me he was thoroughly enjoying himself, knowing that I could not prove that I was 150 ft farther than what he thought I was. Yes, I said 150 ft. The distance from the beginning of a small bridge to the end of it where, according to the officer, the 65 mph zone started. He obviously had a much better view from the bottom of the hill and around the grove of trees. Well, I can say I have contributed to the success of this city as I am paying $165 dollars. I, like most of the people passing through this area, will be unable to attend the court date. I will in fact be in Iraq, protecting the freedom that this officer has to falsely accuse travellers of speed violations. I would definately contest this ticket and most likely win if I was not fighting for my life and your cities rights. If I make it home alive, I will in the future avoid this city and the state of Kansas like it was the plague. |
| Name: | Kelly Linnens |
| E-mail address: | kll@cottonwoodvalleybank.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.cottonwoodvalleybank.com |
| Comments: | Looking forward to the "Prelude" activities in downtown Florence Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th.
Be sure to stop in Friday afternoon between 1pm and 3pm for for a cold bottle of H20. Cottonwood Valley Bank 417 Main Florence, KS 66851 620-878-4421 ATM * Automated Teller Machine available 24/7/365 - downtown Florence - 417 Main. Member FDIC * Equal Housing Lender |
| Name: | Ruth Hodges |
| E-mail address: | rehodgesok@gmail.com. |
| Comments: | HI> I was so excited to see the guest book that didn't put the right e-mail address.
besides that I am brand new to this computer business. While I am here how many of you would like to go back and have a Sat. night like we use to. Where every one came to town, went to the movies, stood on the street or sat in Dales Rexall and talked with old friends. The kids could dart across the street and not hear screaming brakes . loved those days. Wish we could go back!!!Every one take care and BE HAPPY. |
| Name: | Ruth Hodges |
| E-mail address: | ruthhodgesok@gmail.com |
| Comments: |
Hello home town. My parents were mr& mrs E.W.[Jack] Freeborn. I graduated Florence High in 1954. Dr.J.C.Slifer brought my oldest son in the world which was the first child where he had delivered both of the parents. He also delivered my other son. But had to go to Arizona to get my girl. Still talk to Rhonda and Joyce Sue from my class. Would love to hear from some old friends. |
| Name: | Mary Roniger |
| E-mail address: | maroniger@fhrd.net |
| Comments: | Great job on your 2009 Tour De Florence!!! We had a great time, challenging route, good food and love the comfy t-shirts!!!!!! Thanks so much for a fun time.
|
| Name: | Lavon Mackey |
| E-mail address: | mackeylavon@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I don't think I have ever seen a town this quiet. At first I loved it, but now I am so homesick for Texas, I could almost cry. My daughter-in-law keeps trying to get me to get involved in the senior citizens in Marion, but I just don't feel comfortable doing that. Nothing against your quiet little town |
| Name: | Bob Waner |
| E-mail address: | rwaner@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | It has been 50years for our class of 1959. I have enjoyed reading the web site and have been in contact with several of our classmates. I think there will be quite a few of us at the banquet in May. I look forward to seeing all of you there.
Bob |
| Name: | Gary Feist |
| E-mail address: | garynpeggy@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Checking out Mnt. Bike ride. Was in Florence 40+ yrs ago for my brother J.C. Feist and Mary Jo Weiner's wedding. Mary Jo's family home if I remember correct was on south side of Florence, maybe I can bring them along for some personal history of the area.
Gary Feist, Manchester,Okla. |
| Name: | Hubert J. Kelsheimer |
| E-mail address: | hJk@mgmtkoncepts.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.mgmtkoncepts.com |
| Comments: | HI,
I am the son of William E. (Ernie) Kelsheimer who was raised in Florence. He died about 3 years or so ago. I have many fond memories of summer vacation time spent in Florence. Around 1950 +/- a bit. We really loved being there especially when it flooded and we could virtually swim in the street. Our grandparents (Mac Kelsheimer) didn't have a raised foundation on the old place so it really got wrecked when it flooded but we were too young to know how bad it was. I even carved my initials in one of the old cottonwoods there inside a big heart with a young ladies initials in it also when we were teenagers. The kids would all sleep in the dining room with the coal stove when it was cold and the whole family was visiting. It was wall to wall kids in there at that time. Fishing & .22 rifle plinking were great fun and the movie theater on main street was a ton of fun for the kids. Grandpa worked for the RR & I think the county road crew because I remember him going out in bad weather to set the oil lanterns up on the roads or something like that. |
| Name: | Alice Krattli |
| E-mail address: | fpcak@comcast.net |
| Comments: | Florence has a very easy and informative website.
My mother, Louise Blesh, was born and raised in Florence. Her grandfather, Adoplh Eichenberger, was Florence's sheriff for 20 years and was killed in the line of duty. |
| Name: | Karla |
| E-mail address: | dixonkarla@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | My mother was from Florence. She still has family there. Her Maiden name is Britton. Don't know much about her family though. |
| Name: | Wayne Ireland |
| E-mail address: | wireland2@cox.net |
| Comments: | This is an awesome web site. Beautiful pictures of Florence, my childhood home. I am the son of Walt and Betty Ireland. I have enjoyed moving about on this web site.
Thanks for all you do! Wayne |
| Name: | dusty britton |
| E-mail address: | dustyscjkda@hotmail.com |
| Name: | dusty britton |
| E-mail address: | dustyscjkda@hotmail.com |
| Name: | Steve Jennings |
| E-mail address: | sjen2@cox.net |
| Comments: | I was told by Roy and mom about this page . it is good to see some old freimds names . I remember such a great life ans easy time it was in the late 60s and early 70 before we moved to Oklahoma. I will have to bring my family there to show them what a great small town was all about that i spoke of . |
| Name: | Sheila |
| E-mail address: | sheilamariel@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Shortly after driving past the Florence exit on the highway, on my way to Emporia on Saturday, I swear I saw a herd of albino deer. Do you know anything about them? (Or was I seeing things?) |
| Name: | le dawson |
| E-mail address: | ledawson@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | My father Leo Dawson and mother Dorothy Dawson (Shelton) my grandfather was Sherman Dawson and grandmother Frankie on my fathers side and Sylvester Shelton and Nettie Badger on my mothers side. I was born in Florence in 1952. Doc Slifer as I recall delivered my two older sisters Judy Kay and Leota (Leota having passed away) I just happened to go onto the internet to look up some great uncles of mine, John and Granville Badger and came upon the interest to look up my birthplace. I still, although we moved as a family from Kansas in 1956, consider this a distant home.
le dawson |
| Name: | Cathy Seward Teller |
| E-mail address: | wteller692@aol.com |
| Comments: | I was feeling nostalgic and found this site all about Florence. I currently live in Lewisville, NC, but have wonderful memories of my days at Florence Elementary School (1958-1965). I will always hold Florence close to my heart and thank everyone in Florence for all of the kindness that they always showed my dad, Bob Seward. |
| Name: | john nelson |
| E-mail address: | johnnelsonsr@msn.com |
| Comments: | Researching fresh water spings in Kansas, and your town appears to be one of the finest. I look forward to visiting. Does anyone have more stories regarding the spring's willing to share? I would like to bring water jugs on my journey to your town. Is this a common practice to get the pure water direct from the source?
|
| Name: | anthony diaz |
| E-mail address: | boggs9@cox.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://centralkansas.cox.net/cci/home |
| Comments: | none |
| Name: | Joni Steele Kimberlin |
| E-mail address: | jonik11@aol.com |
| Comments: | My mother, Verelene KENT Steele Herron, a child of Florence, passed away October 7 at the age of 82 in Indianapolis, IN. To view her obituary, please visit http://www.leppertmortuary.com/
Her parents were Conrad and Verneva Kent of Florence Kansas. She leaves behind her loving husband, Charles Herron, and three children that she had with another former Florence citizen -- the late James J. Steele. The children are Joni Steele Kimberlin, Kent Steele and Jeff Steele. She also leaves a sister, Sandra, who resides in Florence. My mother told beautiful stories of her childhood in Florence. Here is an excerpt that I have written based on her memories: Vee came from a little town in Kansas called Florence. Just a little town that existed mainly because the train stopped there. A town with old red brick roads, a rooster down the alley that woke you up at dawn, cold springs you could swim in, but watch out for the snakes. Wild watercress grew near the spring and was prized by the locals. Houses had porches where you could sit and wait for your boyfriend to ride by on his bike and if he didn't you could get on your bike and ride by his porch. The chicken on the dinner table might have been pecking in the backyard earlier that day. The sleeping porch was just that, "a tiny porch you could sleep on“ no heat. Vee well remembers being tucked under heavy quilts on cold nights with her sisters. The playhouse in the backyard was hand made by her dad and not from a kit. He could build or fix anything. Vee's mom was the best cook ever and a voracious reader. They were also very strict Methodists, no dancing, no partying allowed. That went over real well with my Vee. She loved where she came from but boy was she ready to leave. Joni Steele Kimberlin |
| Name: | Joni Steele Kimberlin |
| E-mail address: | jonik11@aol.com |
| Comments: | I am the daughter of Verlene Kent (steele Herron)
and James Steele and the grand daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Kent. My mom is ill in Indianapolis IN, where she is being well cared for. I have many wonderful memories of summering in Florence as a child. I love your website. All the best, Joni Steele Kimberlin (Connecticut) |
| Name: | Galen and Mercedes Graham |
| E-mail address: | grhmgalen@aol.com |
| Comments: | I use to live with my grandmother, Lenora Graham, who still is residing there in Florence. I have many great memories and miss being there. Hopefully one day to return. Took my wife to visit and she enjoyed every minute, she got to experience her first snow day, she looked like an eskimo how she covered up. She loves it there too, and we hope to one day to relocate to Florence, KS. |
| Name: | Marta (Marti) Palacioz-Kinkead |
| E-mail address: | marti.kinkead@live.com |
| Comments: | I signed on to see what was happening in "Florence" this Labor Day and to my surprise I found this.
What jolt to the past!...I lived in Florence the first 17 years of my life and if cercumstances had been different I would probably still be there. I am from the Greatest Class ever to graduate from Florence High 1969!! I was adopted by my grandparents (Alex Palacioz & Concha Gonzales-Palacioz) and lived with them from the time I was 2 months old.I have many step-brothers,step-sisters, aunts & uncles that graduated from Florence HS. Most raised by my grandfather. My grandfather worked for the Santa Fe RR for 50 years when he retired, in the 60's. I have many fond memories of my life in Florence and my children have heard the stories of growing up in a small town called Florence,Ks. Barbara Bezdek, do you remeber giving me a ride around town on your bike because I was to scared to ride mine? Then there is Rita Gomez, Serapia Modesto,Cindy Hoffman and many more. I worked for the state of Kansas for 30 yrs. and have now retired. I am married with 2 grown sons (the oldest is in Iraq at the present time, you might say a prayer for him, thanks!) I have 7 granddaughters. I also have 2 step daughters ages 15 & 7. Yes, I have started over again but it is so much more fun now. Please let me hear from you, my e-mail is above. I am planning on attending the Labor Day Celebration tomorrow. Do you remember the carnivals that came for 3 days. Wow!! The parades, the food hope to see you soon!! |
| Name: | Pat (Wiltfong) Newland |
| E-mail address: | patnew@sti.net |
| Comments: | I only lived in Florence about a year and half back in 1956 and 1957 so don't remember a lot of names. If we had stayed I would have graduated with the 1959 class. We lived in the two story house across the side street from the Methodest Church. If anyone remembers me please e-mail. This is a wonderful web site. |
| Name: | Jerry Brick |
| E-mail address: | brick0429@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | Florence is a beautiful town! I really like your Tour de Florence bike ride,it is a first class event,I will come to Florence for this event for years to come!You really have alot of hospitality.
|
| Name: | Daryl L Rogers |
| E-mail address: | thebeast@kc.rr.com |
| Comments: | Sorry to say that I dont get back to Florence much any more since Dad passed away and we moved mom to Emporia, but is my goal to start attending the alumni bandquet. I would like to say Hi to all of my fellow classmates the class of 1971 which is the last class to graduate from Florence, And I do miss the town it will always be my real home. |
| Name: | Jim Ellis |
| E-mail address: | ewok_1@cox.net |
| Comments: | Florence is a great place to call home. I was a member of the class of "65". To all my classmates I want to say hi, I hope your doing well. Seeing many of you at the 40th reunion was wonderful. It's kind of strange in a way, but I think to really appreciate living in Florence you have to have moved away. When someone ask,"where is your home"? Without thinking I said,Florence, Kansas. I only lived in Florence for 4 or 5 years, but 40 some odd years later, I'm still calling it home. The memories of those years are wonderful. The friendships made then that still exist today. I find myself smiling when I think of playing basketball at Miller's Produce or playing football down at the legion or just hanging out at Dale's drug store. What a great place to have grown up.
Your website is great. I'm sure I'll find myself checking it often from looking for a name or face I remember from the "good old days". Thanks so much! |
| Name: | donna clark |
| E-mail address: | donnaclark760@peoplepc.com |
| Comments: | Hello- what a lovely town! could you send me info about local real estate. I am interested. Thankyou
donna clark 760-379-2273 |
| Name: | Patricia Ramsey Jancula |
| E-mail address: | patandlouj@msn.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.patandlouj@msn.com |
| Comments: | My grandmother was a Harvey Girl and married my grandfather who worked for the railroad. I have been trying to find more information about the lives of the Harvey Girls and came across this site. My grandparents met in New Mexico and were married here. My Grandmother's name was: Pearl Edith Chandler and she was from Missouri. |
| Name: | Wayne Chesney |
| E-mail address: | waynechesney20@msn.com |
| Comments: | My grandfather Wagar was the town's doctor up until sometime in the 1940's. He also served in the Army during the Spanish American War and again in WWI. My mother was Frances Wagar, born in Florence in 1908. She graduated from Kansas St. around 1930. We lived in Salina and then Topeka from 1943 to 1956. Being so close, we visited my mothers parents quite often.
Their names were Leonard and Bertha Wagar. I would appreciate any information you might provide. |
| Name: | gerry johnson |
| E-mail address: | gerry.johnson@sim.org |
| Comments: | I only lived in Florence for my senior year of high school, graduating in '59. I really enjoyed living in Florence and have often thought back with real fondness to those days. Being a transfer student I had classes with both Juniors and Seniors. My greetings to Pat Modesto, Judy Rotz and Jerry Soper who have signed in. Would love to hear from anyone who may remember me. Thanks for the good website. |
| Name: | Christy Acree |
| E-mail address: | cacree@everestkc.net |
| Comments: | This is a great site! I have been doing a lot of genealogy research on my family and it always takes me back to Florence. I am from the Reverend, Sager, Fisher and Ullman families. I do remember visiting my g grandmother Sager there when I was little and loved listening to all the stories. Keep up the good work! |
| Name: | Canton Frog |
| E-mail address: | alithieves@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | great site...brings back many memories |
| Name: | Roy J Jennings Jr |
| E-mail address: | royjennings@cebridge.net |
| Comments: | My family was in Florence from about 1960-70. My older brother Glenn played football,basketball and ran track for the high school. I have nothing but great memories of this small town. |
| Name: | Paul Modesto |
| E-mail address: | pcmode2787@aol.com |
| Comments: | I enjoy reading about the old home town. Will try to make it to the reunion this year. |
| Name: | RICHARD K. MARTIN |
| E-mail address: | rkmartin33@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I WAS BORN HERE IN MARCH 29 1933 MY DAD WORKED FOR MR.[HERSCHE]NOT SURE OF THE SPELLING |
| Name: | Joe Robb |
| E-mail address: | joerobb@robblaw.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.robblaw.com |
| Comments: | Love your town. We have been weekending at Marion County Lake since 1998 and I drink lotsa coffee with "the boys over to Florence" as we call them in Newton. Do your best to push the limit and be as progressive as possible, Florence! |
| Name: | Louis Robinson Foster |
| E-mail address: | lfoster8@columbus.rr.com |
| Comments: | Hi,
My great great uncle lived in Fairplay Twp. in Marion county. He took a large family there about 1890 from Illinois after coming from Ohio originally. He (Edwin Robinson) and his brother Alfred were originally from Ohio. If you or any others in your family are "into" genealogy I would love to communicate with them. Regards, Louis Robinson Foster Delaware, Ohio |
| Name: | chris pappas |
| E-mail address: | pappyprops@mac.com |
| Comments: | I just made the Harvey House little orange pancakes for friends in W. Virginia that were up for the weekend and they LOVED them (they turned out great).Are there anymore recipes you might share from that time ?
ThankYou Pappas |
| Name: | judy hinz |
| E-mail address: | jhinz46@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | My grandmother and my aunt Elizabeth and Josephine Bohning were both harvey girls.I am very interested in their history |
| Name: | Larae Schraeder |
| E-mail address: | larae_c_schraeder@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Got a lead for me? I have been planning a genealogy research trip to Florence from Ohio with my mother in late March. My great, great, great uncle Charles Phillip Jeffers settled in Florence around 1885. I am hoping to locate any relatives before or during our visit. Uncle Charlie, his wife and some of their children are buried in the Florence cemetery. Some of his children were named GUY JEFFERS and RUTH STEELE and ROSE GRAHAM? if anyone has any information please contact me.
Your site has been very helpful to me - especially appreciated the cemetery and local business information. |
| Name: | GARY ROWLAND |
| E-mail address: | ROWLAND@FIDNET.COM |
| Comments: | FIRST TIME I HAVE BEEN ON HERE. I SAW WHERE JERRY SOPER SIGNED IN HERE ON SEPT. 19, 2007. I MET JERRY IN NOV. 1959 WHEN WE BOTH ENLISTED IN THE U.S. AIR FORCE. JERRY MADE IT - I DIDN'T..!! I AM A NATIVE OF SEDGWICK, KANSAS BUT CLAIM FLORENCE AS MY 2ND HOMETOWN SINCE I MET MY FUTURE WIFE, JUDI BROZ, THERE IN MARCH 1960. JERRY AND I KIND OF BUDDIED UP THOSE 2 DAYS IN KANSAS CITY. I OFTEN WONDER IF I HAD PASSED THE AIR FORCE PHYSICAL IF I MIGHT HAVE VISITED FLORENCE WITH JERRY AND MET JUDI ANYWAY.? BUT I WAS FORTUNATE TO HIRE ON THE SANTA FE R.R. AND GOT SENT TO FLORENCE AS RELIEF AGENT/TELEGRAPHER FOR MR.SUMMERS AND MET JUDI. I FELL IN LOVE THE MINUTE I SET EYES ON HER..!! SHE MARRIED ME IN OCT. 1962 AND I HAVE BEEN IN HEAVEN EVER SINCE...(THANKS TO TEENY WILLIAMS FOR INTRODUCING ME TO JUDI ). |
| Name: | Tina Love |
| E-mail address: | tinalove775@gmail.com |
| Name: | Paul Eckhoff |
| E-mail address: | eckhoff4@msn.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://books.dreambook.com |
| Comments: | I taught music in the basement of the gymnasium, 1983-1984. I drove to Florence daily from the schools in Marion and I loved the beautiful countryside.
A couple of summers ago I took classes in Emporia and I had a good time exploring Florence after class was out. This website is wonderful. Paul Eckhoff Elementary Music Teacher Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| Name: | jerry soper |
| E-mail address: | jws14117@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | class of 1959. Hi to all who live or lived in Florence. It was the greatest place to grow up in. I left Florence in Nov. 1959 when I joined the Air Force and have been back to visit several times until my parents sold the farm and the place in town to move to Texas and warmer weather. They have since passed and are now in the florence cemetary where I will probably be when the time comes. looking forward to the 50th reunion. Hope to see all the classmates there. |
| Name: | CHARLES SMITH |
| E-mail address: | csmith@baileytool.com |
| Comments: | we enjoy going to florence once or twice a year to see our grand father. who has a place on the river. we hoping the small motel is open for business when we get there 9/29/07. i can't remember the name of the motel so i can't call to see if they will be open.
perhaps some one could help us with this information. thanks charles |
| Name: | James Lengacher |
| E-mail address: | jim6219192@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Will this site have a genealogy section in the future? |
| Name: | Judi Rowland |
| E-mail address: | rowland@fidnet.com |
| Comments: | Love the website. |
| Name: | Gregory Winn |
| E-mail address: | gawonline@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.greyhart.com |
| Comments: | Hello to All, welcome to the updated website! This is a beautiful and easy to use site. Kudos to the web design team for all their hard work. If ya stop in Florence, remember to stop in and say hello to the nice folks at City Hall.
Gregory Winn Current Mayor City of Florence |
| Name: | Kelli Savage |
| E-mail address: | krslsavage4@fhrd.net |
| Comments: | Love the new look of the site!! It looks so warm and inviting. Super Job! Thanks for updating all the local events and keeping us informed of what is to come. |
| Name: | HeidiPB |
| E-mail address: | bennetthp@gmail.com |
| Comments: | My great-great-grandfather and his family lived in Florence for more than 40 years. His name was Osceola Fitch, and two of his sons and one daughter were living in Florence when he died in 1922. I'd love to know more about this family, if anyone related might still be living in the area. |
| Name: | Rose Morgernstern |
| E-mail address: | morgenstern@sctelcom.net |
| Comments: | My grandparents John and Rosemary Ritter were from Florence. My grandfather Warren John died in June of 1985. And now my sons Nevin and Nathaniel Shields are being raised in Florence. |
| Name: | Darryl Everett Robinson |
| E-mail address: | DRobinsonhouston@aol.com |
| Comments: | Greetings to my classmates of '65 and my fellow alumni. Congrats to those involved for a yeoman's job on this inviting site. Florence has never shined brighter as all her attributes are ardently displayed for all to savor as a reminder of the shady little town where we once lived and will always call home. Keep up the laudable work. |
| Name: | Charlie Dannenfelser |
| E-mail address: | blue@dtnspeed.net |
| Comments: | I'm embarrassed that I haven't been to this site before; it took looking for a classmate to wake me up. Thanks to those who work on this and also the Alumni Banquet. |
| Name: | Pat Modesto Saenz |
| E-mail address: | patsaenz@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | This is great and as a graduate of the Class of 1959 I can't believe it's almost our 50th year!! Where did the years go? There are so many things that I remember with such clarity that they could have just happened in the last few years! I'm wondering how many of us can make it to Florence in 2009. It would be great if most us could make it. I'm sorry to say I've never been to a reunion. This website brought back so many memories. Thanks. |
| Name: | John Malone |
| E-mail address: | jgmalone@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I lived in Florence Ks as a boy and grew up there 1940's early 50's. I have fond memories of going to school and trying to fish after school let out. My grandma Maude Brizendine lived there all her life and lived on 2nd street across the street from the train station. I haven't been back to Florence since 1968. I have old pictures of what the town used to look like. Main street had a small Chevrolet Dealership, a few bars and a few others buildings. I hope to someday come back and visit my old hometown.
Regards, John Malone |
| Name: | Lorena Linder |
| E-mail address: | ladyl@bak.rr.com |
| Comments: | My Dad's family is from the city of Florence. |
| Name: | Dan Conyers |
| E-mail address: | rtscout@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | 1968 graduate of Florence High School |
| Name: | Judy Rotz Sullivan |
| E-mail address: | l.jsullivan@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | My parents had the Rotz Furniture and Funeral Home for 40+years. I want to thank all that sent cards and letters to me after dad died. It was good to hear from so many from Florence. |
| Name: | brenda mareda |
| E-mail address: | bmareda@cox.net |
| Comments: | I would like more information on this alumni banquet and to see if the class of 1967 is doing anything. My name was brenda roberts. thanks for any information. |
| Name: | Bill Jackson |
| E-mail address: | jet@peregrine3.com |
| Comments: | It's great to see the old home town has a web site, looks good. Graduated from FHS in '53. Last visit in '03.
Our home is in ST Petersburg Fl where we spend about seven months of the year. The summers are spent sailing in the NE. One wife (Jeanne),Two children four grandchildren. It would be great to hear from old friends. |
| Name: | Ron Robinson |
| E-mail address: | macmug@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Born in Florence KS, Sept 2nd 1936. In a little house on the S.E. corner of 5th and Doyle across the corner from the old Robinson rock service station. (The house was moved to the east of town near the old stone quary to make room for a trailer park.) |
| Name: | Larry Lawrukiewicz |
| E-mail address: | scruffdog54@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Very informative site! Good job! I got a lot of information! |
| Name: | Rex & Deambra Stevens |
| E-mail address: | santafeman1@cox.net |
| Comments: | We visited the Harvey House with our RR Days group from Cowley County this past weekend. What a jewel you have there. The volunteers were very informative. Have visited Florence several times & really enjoy your town. Plan to come to Labor day in the future. Thank you. |
| Name: | Gloria A. Mendoza |
| E-mail address: | gloria8230@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | I was born in Florence, Kansas on Sunday, September 27, 1942 to Felix J. Martinez and Sarah Moreno Martinez.
My mother's family lived in the "brickhouses." We lived on fourth, main and, lastly in a two-story home on 9th street. My family left in February of 1952. I have wonderful memories of living in Florence even with the segregation and racism. My mother has even more and has always wanted to move back to Florence to live out her life. We always enjoy the "Mexican" room at the Harvey House when we visit, which has been approximately six times. Is there any written history on the "Brickhouses" built for the Mexicans who worked on the railroad, which were located at the south end of town? |
| Name: | Julio Sosa |
| E-mail address: | travelsiteonline@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://travelsiteonline.com |
| Comments: | thank you. |
| Name: | Rock and Debra Westfahl |
| E-mail address: | west3131@suddenlink.net |
| Comments: | You have a very nice website and a handsome town as well. We were passing through from our home in Texas and enjoyed ourselves greatly. We missed the Harvey House completely however and think you could benefit by promoting it more visibly. We noticed a large public building on top of the hill with quite a bit of activity around it including a school bus and were curious as to what it was. It did not seem like a school facility, and was unmarked. Also we think that the ranchhouse B&B concept is a great one for this area. We had no idea there were any here until we read this site.
Best wishes to all and keep up the good work. |
| Name: | Hal Haller |
| E-mail address: | haller06@sbcglobal.net |
| Name: | B.J. Manes |
| E-mail address: | nobears@ruraltel.net |
| Comments: | I enjoyed a glimpse of my family's background. My grandmother was a waitress at Harvey House in Chanute. Thank you. I've passed through Florence a number of times but didn't know until recently that I had any ties to the community. I've enjoyed my walks through town, but believe that now I'll enjoy them so much more. |
| Name: | Beth McCall |
| E-mail address: | dbmc@lvnworth.com |
| Comments: | You have such a great website. It is extremely informative. I visited your community many years ago in search of the gravesite of my great grandparents, Joseph and Marietta Longfellow. We found them, with some directional help from the post office. Joseph was a circuit preacher for the "Hard Shell Baptist Church". I plan to visit again as my genealogy research always creates more questions than answers. I love to walk the streets where my ancestors have walked. I look forward to another visit to your corner of the world. By the way, Fred Harvey's home in Leavenworth has become a museum, but the Harvey girls still serve special meals for tour groups at the old railroad station. |
| Name: | Sue Stoker |
| E-mail address: | suestoker@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Hell-o ......from Plainview, Texas
My mother (Shirley Cookston) & I had a great time there in Florence during your "69th Annual Labor Day Celebration" Sept. 2, 3, 4, 2006. "Florence Fired Up"............ The City-wide Garage Sales, Poker Run sponsored by "Junction Saloon", Street Dance music by "Matt Engels", Gospel Concert, Hog Roast, Horseshoe Pitching Contest, Fine Arts Show, Jake Tanner (14 year old) Fiddlin'Sensation, the Parade, "The Baron of Magic" Barron Stringfellow, Karaoke Contest, & so much more........we really had a good time. Thanks to my Aunt Sandy & Uncle Gary Harper and their two sons......Bryan & Jeff Harper for the great week we were there. "Florence is a Great Little Town." This was the 2nd time for me to have been in Florence for Labor Day. Thanks to everyone there! As Ever, Sue Stoker |
| Name: | Pamela Goodchild |
| E-mail address: | goodchild@co.kern.ca.us |
| Comments: | My dad (Gary Ebright) was born in Florence, and on a vacation in 1982, my grandparents took me to see where my daddy was born. Being a Los Angeles girl, I'd never seen such a tiny, charming town! My grandparents, at the time of dad's birth, lived in a small apartment behind the coffin room of the local mortuary (which in '82 was still there), and for lack of a cradle, dad slept in a dresser drawer. I remember seeing, and being fascinated by an old Ford dealership, and some of the old buildings. I'm pleased to see that Florence is still there, and actually has its own website! |
| Name: | Richard Malmgren Jr |
| E-mail address: | mister0800@hotmail.com |
| Name: | Mike Robinson |
| E-mail address: | mike@westernassociates.com |
| Comments: | I got onto this webpage today, and got to wondering if there is some way we could publish people's pictures of interest about the Florence Alumni? Is there a way to do a link where people could access, and publish their pictures for Alumni to see?
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| Name: | Karen Robinson Walczak |
| E-mail address: | kwalczak@kc.rr.com |
| Comments: | My brother sent me the address of your website. It's great-you have all done a spectacular job setting it up! Although I lived in Cedar Point I did attend grades 7-12 in Florence and have wonderful memories of those years. |
| Name: | Teresa Williams Norris |
| E-mail address: | dtjmnorris2@msn.com |
| Comments: | I grew up in Florence...my parents moved to Roseburg, Oregon when I was 5 or 6 yrs old. They are (James) Butch and Shirley Williams We are planning a trip out there in June 06. I still have lots of family around the area. I am married with 4 children and I can't wait to show the kids where I used to live..My grandparents were Otto and Irene Goddard...They are deceased now and have been for many years...I love the website...it is awesome to see a site like this from such a little town...
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| Name: | scott riggs |
| E-mail address: | sftstevens@aol.com |
| Comments: | reading the history of Florence, I see that my 2nd great grandfather was to only person to have a house in the area.
i have taken picture of his stone house with date that it was built. my grandfather was arthur f riggs and was a barber there. died in 1953. if i remember correctly i have still have a couple of cousins living out there. they own a farm on the outside of town. |
| Name: | SCOTT RIGGS |
| E-mail address: | sftstevens@aol.com |
| Comments: | had relatives that lived their for years and do believe
some were founding fathers. have a lot buried in the cemetery. |
| Name: | Leta Moore Swearengin |
| E-mail address: | rockafillys@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Great web page!
Glad to see some familar faces here -- Steve Higgins! Dang, now that name brings back some memories ;) Even after living in Texas for 25 years -- Florence is still back home for me. |
| Name: | Sid & Jan Allison |
| E-mail address: | jiasoa@iwichita.com |
| Comments: | Lookin good! |
| Name: | Erin Dunagan |
| E-mail address: | erin_dunagan@baylor.edu |
| Comments: | Awesome website! Wow! |
| Name: | Patty Mercer |
| E-mail address: | pam2570@aol.com |
| Comments: | Congratulations on such a great web site.
My husband's Robinson family came to the area in the early 1900's and has maintained a presence with ensuing generations. Those flint hills tug at the heart strings, causing people to stay close or return whenever possible. |
| Name: | Pete Kolarik |
| E-mail address: | pete.kolarik@airliquide.com |
| Comments: | I was passing through and first noticed the water tower. Then the beautiful limestone school. And finally the FIRST NATIONAL BANK turned into the PUBLIC LIBRARY. The Libraian was more then happy to revisit the past for me. I was immediately taken in by the rich history surrounding your town. And then this Site. Everyone there has alot to be proud of.
GOD BLESS. ps: do you know which brick kiln the town's road bricks came from? |
| Name: | Lynda Caudell |
| E-mail address: | lynbug2003@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Our WADDELL line came from Florence, Ks.. They came from Erie, Ks. and also Mcallen,Tx.. It start's with Addison Waddell to Harry M. WADDELL to Harold A. WADDELL. Also we have, surname's MCCULLOUGH,CALDWELL,HAWKINS,RIGGINS. |
| Name: | SGT. Robert Baker |
| E-mail address: | robertbaker816@yahoo.com |
| Name: | Shannon Hoverson |
| E-mail address: | slh101@cox.net |
| Comments: | Great site! |
| Name: | Steve Higgins |
| E-mail address: | shiggins@tctelco.net |
| Comments: | As a former resident of Florence, and the place I will always call "back home", I would like to say that this website is just great... Therefore I would like to thank each and every person for their hard work and contributions to the site.
Thanks for the memories... Like the time myself and a couple of my friends slept under the water tower when we were kids.... Steve Higgins, 1SG (Ret) US ARMY |
| Name: | SSG Ed Robinson Jr. |
| E-mail address: | scout19d5@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Howdy from Kosovo. I am sure missing home and really enjoy the pictures of the beautiful Flinthills on the website. They bring good memories to me here. Keep up the good work back home. See ya later, Ed |