Pioneer Day 2025 at Ellis County Historical Society blast from past

Laundry led by Mary Kay taught the students about pioneer life before automatic washing machines. This task kept mothers and daughters busy for the entire day. Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society

Ellis County Historical Society

We hosted our big event on May 7 and welcomed students from four local schools, plus one awesome homeschool group. From Hays, we had Holy Family Elementary, Lincoln, and Wilson join us, along with Washington Elementary from Ellis. Altogether, we had a lively crew of 151 students ready to step back in time!

Although the forecast threatened us with an 80% chance of rain, we didn’t let that dampen our spirits. We brought the fun indoors and made great use of our freshly renovated gallery space—it turned out to be the perfect backdrop for a day of pioneer adventures.

We ran two action-packed sessions: one in the morning from 9 to 11 a.m., and another in the afternoon from 12 to 2 p.m. With 5 ECHS staff members and a fantastic team of 14 volunteers (including 4 of our dedicated board trustees), we brought history to life across nine interactive stations. It was a day full of learning, laughter, and a whole lot of hands-on fun! For learning to continue in the classroom students took home our activity books provided by the Kansas Beef Council and our ECHS booklet “The Life of the Early Settlers”.

Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society

Sewing led by Debbie and Susie gave students some needle and thread time to help them understand what was involved with making clothes before we bought them in stores. Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society — Sewing led by Debbie and Susie gave students some needle and thread time to help them understand what was involved with making clothes before we bought them in stores. Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society

Quill writing led by Jeanne and Katie. Students were able to write with quill and ink and seal their letters with wax. Many wrote a note to their Mom for Mother’s Day. This new event was a favorite of students. Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society — Quill writing led by Jeanne and Katie. Students were able to write with quill and ink and seal their letters with wax. Many wrote a note to their Mom for Mother’s Day. This new event was a favorite of students. Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society

Photo courtesy of the Ellis County Historical Society

Games led by Noah and Priscilla taught students the tried and true game of marbles (adapted for indoor play) and peg boards. Taking “won” marbles home is always a temptation! Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society — Games led by Noah and Priscilla taught students the tried and true game of marbles (adapted for indoor play) and peg boards. Taking “won” marbles home is always a temptation! Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society

Dancing led by Brooke and Jarrett taught students the steps of polka, the flying dutchman and the chicken dance. The was a new event and loved by the students. Brooke and Jarrett danced 4 hours with only one 30 minute break for lunch! What troopers! Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society — Dancing led by Brooke and Jarrett taught students the steps of polka, the flying dutchman and the chicken dance. The was a new event and loved by the students. Brooke and Jarrett danced 4 hours with only one 30 minute break for lunch! What troopers! Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society

Butter and bread led by Donna and Linda added a new component this year—Jeopardy questions! This fun game was created by Linda and we will use it at many future events. Donna baked her wonderful homemade bread—in large green bean cans—which makes it simple and delicious and so true to pioneer bread. The bread is absolutely delicious with the homemade butter the students churn themselves from cream bottles they take home. Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society

Butchering led by Tamara, using meat props created last year by Linda, had students rethinking their love of bacon because of where it comes from before they find it in the grocery store! (We are looking for a photo of the kids at this station.) Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society — Butchering led by Tamara, using meat props created last year by Linda, had students rethinking their love of bacon because of where it comes from before they find it in the grocery store! (We are looking for a photo of the kids at this station.) Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society

Volga haus tour led by Cheryl in period costume helps the students understand life in a home with no electricity, no AC, no microwave and no refrigerator. They have to think outside of their 21st century mindset to figure out how meals were prepared and food stored. They were not enthused to touch our “cow pie” fuel! Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society — Volga haus tour led by Cheryl in period costume helps the students understand life in a home with no electricity, no AC, no microwave and no refrigerator. They have to think outside of their 21st century mindset to figure out how meals were prepared and food stored. They were not enthused to touch our “cow pie” fuel! Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society

Harness shop tour led by Carol gave the students a look inside our authentic building which served as both a business and a family home for the Younger Family. Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society — Harness shop tour led by Carol gave the students a look inside our authentic building which served as both a business and a family home for the Younger Family. Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society

Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society<br> — Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society

We look forward to Pioneer Day 2026! Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society — We look forward to Pioneer Day 2026! Photo courtesy of Ellis County Historical Society