Summer Meeting July 2, 2005
The Wet/Dry Routes Chapter will conduct its summer meeting on July 2, at the Kansas Soldiers Home. Held in conjunctionn with Fort Dodge Day and the Dodge City/Fort Dodge/Cimarron chapter, the meeting will feature, David Clapsaddle's historical interpretation of Richard Blinn at 2:00 p.m., a brief business meeting at 3:00 p.m. and the dedication of the interpretive marker in memory of Dr. Richard Dryden at 3:30 p.m. Many other activities will be conducted throughout the afternoon including several musical programs. Lunch ($4.00) will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please make plans to attend. Should be a nice afternoon.

Spring Meeting
The chapter spring meeting was March 22. Discussion was conducted concerning the May 7 Trail Seminar and the 2005 Symposium. The Chapter agreed to serve a box lunch for participants at the Kansas Eco Meeting November 22, 2005 at Fort Larned. Following the business meeting the chapter, in conjunction with Jordaan Library in Larned, hosted a book signing for Jon Bauman's "Santa Fe Passage". Bauman prensented a review of his historic novel about the Santa Fe Trail. The chapter is pleased to report that more than forty people were in attendance, one of the larger audiences Dr. Bauman addressed during his signing tour.

Cecil Johnson -- Gone But Not Forgotten
The Wet/Dry Routes Chapter regrets to announce the death of Cecil Johnson longtime member. Eighty-eight years young. Cecil, until the past two years was actively engaged in chapter projects, especially the construction of the interpretive markers placed at many sites in the Wet/Dry Routes area. He was the recipient of the Faye Anderson Award in 2002. Of interest is the farm on which he grew to manhood and operated for many years. It was near Forks of the Santa Fe Road located some three miles southwest of Larned, Kansas on U.S. 56. An interpretive marker is placed at that site.

Wet/Dry Routes Chapter interpretive Markers
Interpretive markers have been placed at two Wet/Dry Routes Chapter locations, Sibley's Ridge and Plain Camp. The markers are situated on U.S. 56, nine and fourteen miles, respectively, southwest of Larned, Kansas. Thanks to Mildon Yeager, George Elmore and Mike Seymour for the preparation and installation of the markers.

Wet/Dry Routes Chapter Seminar, 2005
The chapter can take considerable pride in the Santa Fe Trail Seminar conducted at Fort Larned on May 7, 2005. The speakers theme, "Before Becknell" was well addressed by expert speakers covering the French, Spanish, and American explorations of the southwest prior to the 1821 opening of the Santa Fe Trail by William Becknell. Many thanks to our presenters: Leo Oliva, Donald Blackeslee, Harry Myers, and Craig Crease. Thanks also to members who helped in the preparating of the sack lunch, Chuck Frankenfeld, Bob and Sherriel Sallee. Also thanks to Karen Otte and Joan Bohart for staffing the registration table and to Alice Clapsaddle for supervising the serving of refreshments.

Faye Anderson Award
Applications for nominations for the annual Faye Anderson Award are now open and available by contacting alice Clapsaddle. The award applications are due by October 1, 2005.

Roster and Chapter Dues
A roster of members is available at the meeting. Chapter 2006 dues in the amount of $10.00 are due at the January meeting or may be mailed to Alice Clapsaddle, 215 Mann, Larned, Kansas, 67550. Checks should be made out to the Wet/Dry Routes Chapter.
"Printable Dues Form"
Do Not send dues to the Santa Fe Trail Center.

Thank you for supporting all of the chapter projects!

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