Miners Hall Museum presents: “The Emergence of the Railroad in Rural Kansas”

“The Emergence of the Railroad in Rural Kansas – 1870 to present day”

Join us this Sunday, April 23 at 2 p.m. at Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, KS for this special program. The program will be presented by Dick Rauniker.

Please join us while we cover the emergence of the railroad in Southeast Kansas focusing on the impact of the railway on McCune and Cherokee Kansas.

You will learn about the different railways that emerged into Southeast Kansas and the future of those railroads. The railroad had major impact on which towns blossomed due to the commerce and rail capabilities, while others faltered.

Richard (Dick) Rauniker, the host, has lived in McCune since 1949 when his father was transferred to McCune with the Frisco Rail Road. Richard was born in Cherokee, and early life surrounded the railroad. He enjoys history and has a vast knowledge of the railways of the United States. He attended what is now Pittsburg State University with a college degree in Business. While attending college he attended several history courses. He also had the opportunity to study in Slovenia for two summers. Besides researching and having a large knowledge of the railroads, he also has a large knowledge and understanding of WWII. Richard has a large collection of railroad items, memorabilia, and scale models in his study at home. He has also given speeches on the railroads at several other museums throughout the years.

This special program is being presented in conjunction with the quarterly exhibit “Little Balkans Coal Camp – McCune ” which is hosted by Morgan Blanchard-Zimmer and Dick Rauniker.

The program begins at 2 p.m. (doors open at 1:30) and admission is free. We recommend calling the museum if you plan to join us so we can plan for adequate seating (620-347-4220). Donations are accepted and appreciated. After the program guests will be welcome to view the quarterly exhibit.

Thank you for being such a great supporter of Miners Hall Museum.