Kinsley’s Early Arts Scene: Whenever we talk about small towns in America, we often overlook their simplicity, cultural heritage and historical significance. But the truth is that these small towns preserve the soul of America. One such town is Kinsley, located in the state of Kansas. Today, through this article, we will share with you the interesting story of a very special woman associated with this town – Nellie Maxie, and a historical site there, the Edwards County Soud House Museum.
Who Was Nellie Maxie?
Many of you may not have heard the name of Nellie Maxie (later Nellie Maxie Wilson) before, but she has become a symbol of history and cultural heritage in the town of Kinsley, Kansas. She came to Edwards County in 1886, when this area was very new and barren. Imagine a woman, in those days – when there were no paved roads, no electricity, and no big city nearby – coming to this area with her family and dreams.
At that time, these areas of Kansas had just started to be settled. People did not have permanent houses. So they used to build ‘sod houses’. These houses were made of bricks of mud and grass, which were prepared from natural resources and remained cool in summers and warm in winters.
Nellie also lived in one such house. Despite being an ordinary woman, the way she handled her time, society and environment is inspiring. She took her family forward while facing the hardships of that time and made a special identity for herself in the society.
Sod House Museum: An Attempt to Keep History Alive
The Edwards County Soud House Museum located in Kinsley still preserves the memories of that era. This museum gives a glimpse of life in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
What is a Sod House?
‘Sod’ means the layer of grass and soil above the soil, which was cut along with the roots. Walls were built by making brick-like shapes from these. The roof was made of wood and grass. These houses were as simple as they look, as strong and environmentally friendly as they were.
In today’s time, where houses made of cement and concrete are common, sod houses remind us that once people used to live with no means and were also satisfied with it.
Personal Experience of the Author
The inspiration for this article is related to the personal experiences of the author herself. The author, who is also the director of Kinsley’s library, has written that she is not writing regularly on the blog these days because she is working on a book. The name of this book is – “The Hidden History of Kinsley”, which she has written in collaboration with Dr. William Wolfgang. This book is based on the story of Kinsley becoming a cultural center of arts and literature from 1900 to 1925.
The author says that she was inspired by the life of Nellie Maxie, as she herself settled in the same area about a hundred years later and is now engaged in discovering and sharing the history of the place.
Included in ‘Literary Landscapes in Kansas’
The author has also written an essay for the project named “Literary Landscapes in Kansas: From the Ground to the Airwaves”. This project was a joint effort of The New Territory Magazine and High Plains Public Radio, which was funded by Humanities Kansas.
Under this project, articles have been written on literary places related to different areas of Kansas state. The author’s article is specifically based on Nellie Maxie and the Soud House Museum. She combined her and Nellie’s experiences and highlighted how memories related to a place can connect many generations.
Relationship Between Nellie Maxey and Sally Frame
The author also tells us that Nellie Maxey was Sally Frame’s grandmother. If you want to know more about her, you can read blog number 75, which provides a detailed biography of Nellie.
The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and the Women of Kinsley
Another interesting event from Nellie Maxey’s time occurred in 1893 — when the World’s Columbian Exposition (also known as the Chicago World’s Fair) was held. The women of Kinsley participated in it enthusiastically.
Founding of the Woman’s Columbian Club
In January 1893, the women of Kinsley founded the Woman’s Columbian Club. The purpose of this club was to exhibit the products made by women internationally. Under this, women were encouraged to show their talent in the following areas:
- Embroidery and decorative crafts
- Home decoration items
- Fine arts like painting, wood carving
- Home products like jam, pickles, cheese etc.
- Literature and music
- Charity and church related work
- Women’s labor history and statistics
- Animal husbandry and beekeeping
- Patent products made by women
All these areas were a big effort to bring the talent and contribution of women to the global level at that time.
Participation of Men and Presentation of Kansas
The men of Kinsley were also not behind in this exhibition. They displayed their agricultural products, grains, inventions and industries in the Kansas Building.
Interesting Exhibits:
- Panorama of 121 big animals by the University of Kansas
- 15 foot long walnut log made of wood, dated to 1452
- Huge pyramids of Kansas rocks, salt, lead and zinc in the Mineral Building
- Artistic painting of railroad tracks made of dried grains
These exhibits help to make Kansas known not only in the US, but also in the world. She got recognition on the international stage.
Conclusion: Why is it Important to Remember the Story of Nellie Maxie?
The story of Nellie Maxie is not just a biography of a woman. It is an example of the strength, determination and contribution of the women of that era. Today, when we are living a life full of technology and comforts, we should not forget those women who made the path easier for us with their struggles.
The Edwards County Soud House Museum not only keeps history alive, but also teaches the coming generations that a happy and strong life can be lived even with limited resources.
If you ever go to Kinsley city of Kansas, then definitely visit this museum and feel the life of women like Nellie Maxie. Maybe you too will find some inspiration for your life there.