The Souders Historical Museum depicts
what life was like in Cheney and rural Kansas in the late 1880s and
early 1900s.
There
are a number of buildings on the Farm, including a Main Street,
several businesses, a school, a church, a homesteaders cabin, and
train depots from both Cheney and neighboring Garden Plain. The
buildings contain a variety of artifacts, historical photos and
educational materials.
Built
by the late Floyd and Norma Souders, the Museum was built up over
many, many years. Some of the buildings are re-creations, while
others, such as the Dewey School, pictured at left, are historical
structures that have been moved to the Museum. The Dewey School was a
one-room school located in Kingman County just a few miles west of
Cheney, and was in operation from 1880 until 1944.
The following insert was taken from The
Small Town and Its Future by Floyd R. Souders.
“Because we are interested in
preserving the pioneer history of this section of Kansas, we have
started our private historical museum located on our farm one-half
mile west of Cheney, where we have room to grow. In a 45- by 50 foot
building we are displaying the story of the community through
pictures and articles used in the different periods.
Our pioneer chapel tells the story
of early day churches in the community. The furnishings are from the
first church buildings and pictures on display show these early
churches and members. There is a display of Bibles used by members of
our families in pioneer days. There is room for a rural school
setting nearby.”
The
Museum is located about 1/2 mile west of Cheney on MacArthur Road
(39th St. S.), and is open Sat-Sunday 10am-6 pm. Call Michelle at 402-671-3042 or Sarah at 620-931-4506.
***CURRENTLY THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. REOPENING FALL 2021***