Everyday El Dorado

Flint Hills Fiddler, Derrick Doty, gave his presentation "The Magic Lantern & Instruments Show" at the Butler County History Center Home of the Kansas Oil Museum.  He shared little known stories of the history of music and musicians in Kansas. 

On Saturday, March 5, 2022 the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce hosted a Legislative Coffee sponsored by the Butler County Farm Bureau Association.

In attendance were District 12 Representative Doug Blex, District 75 Representative Will Carpenter and District 14 Senator Mike Fagg.  They spoke to Butler County residents about the work they are currently doing on their behalf and answered questions.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Coutts Museum for their current Museum-wide exhibit “What is Art?”

The exhibit features:

The exhibit runs from August 5 - October 28, 2021

Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital opened its doors on September 19, 1931.  

Ninety years later, they celebrated their continued service to El Dorado and the surrounding communities with an employee appreciation luncheon.

On Monday, September 20, 2021, a birthday celebration was held on the lawn in front of the section of the hospital building that houses the original structure.

May 6th is this year's National Day of Prayer and the day will begin in El Dorado with the Annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast.  Robin Forpahl is the guest speaker at this year's event which will be held at the Civic Center.  

The Butler County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meets quarterly to give partners an opportunity to stay up to date with one another and plan for Hazard Materials training. Keri Korthals, Butler County Emergency Management Director tells more about the committee and it's function. 

Butler Community College instructors Larry Friesen and Amanda Hadley have been named recipients of the John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Awards for 2021. Each year the awards are presented by the League for Innovation in the Community College.

"Crossroads: Change in Rural America" is a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit and Butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum is a partner site and host to "The Changing Faces and Place in Butler County."

Community Aid Network (CAN) is a local resource to help those in financial need and volunteers Barbara Day, Joy Cushman and Dorthy Beer shares with me about the services provided.

Numana hosts a monthly "Serve Local" food packing event and I spoke with Event Coordinator Rachel Lacerda to learn more. 

The Culinary Arts program at Butler Community College is moving forward with what some are calling “Culinary 2.0.”  Scott Redler, co-founder and COO of the fast-casual restaurant franchise, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, and wife Betsy announced Thursday, that they and Vantage Point Properties, Inc. are making significant donations to the Butler Community College Foundation to support the growth and expansion of Butler’s award-winning Culinary Arts program.

The cash and land gifts prepare Butler’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management programs to make significant enhancements. The result will be a brand-new teaching and entertaining facility in Andover’s hottest development area on Kellogg. The building will serve as a state-of-the-art training facility for the Culinary and Hospitality program while providing students the opportunity to showcase their unique cuisines to the public.

William Hildebrand is listed as the first white settler in Butler County.  He is also identified as a horse thief.  Nothing else is mentioned about him in the history books.  But there is always more to a story...

Celebrating 150 Years in El Dorado is brought to you through a partnership with Everyday El Dorado in conjunction with Golden Road Studios, Butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum, the City of El Dorado, KBTL 88.1 The Grizz and our series sponsor, Linda Baines, Realtor with SunGroup Real Estate and Appraisals.

William Hildebrand is listed as the first white settler in Butler County.  He is also identified as a horse thief.  Nothing else is mentioned about him in the history books.  But there is always more to a story...

Celebrating 150 Years in El Dorado is brought to you through a partnership with Everyday El Dorado in conjunction with Golden Road Studios, Butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum, the City of El Dorado, KBTL 88.1 The Grizz and our series sponsor, Linda Baines, Realtor with SunGroup Real Estate and Appraisals.

Judge J.C. Lambdin was the Chairman of the Board of Eldorado Town Company in September 1871, when election was first held for Mayor, Council Members and Sheriff.  This election on September 12, 1871, marked the date we officially recognize as the founding of El Dorado but was not the town's beginning.  

The beginning is documented as June 15, 1857 when a group of men from Lawrence headed West to expand the voting district for the Free State Party.  They eventually settled along the West Branch of the Walnut River and named their settlement Eldorado and incorporated the Eldorado Town Company with the Kansas Territorial Legislature on February 6, 1858

Lambdin originally arrived in Butler County in August of 1857 and helped to form Chelsea.  

This series is brought to you through a partnership with Everyday El Dorado in conjunction with Golden Road Studios, Butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum, the City of El Dorado, KBTL 88.1 The Grizz and our series sponsor, Linda Baines, Realtor with SunGroup Real Estate and Appraisals.

A special Halloween episode featuring a story in the headlines on October 31, 1904 

This series is brought to you through a partnership with Everyday El Dorado in conjuction with Golden Road Studios, butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum, the City of El Dorado, KBTL 88.1 The Grizz and our series sponsor, Linda Baines, Realtor with SunGroup Real Estate and Appraisals.

Brigadier General Alfred Washington Ellet was born on October 11, 1820 and the 200th anniversary of his birth is this year (2020).

Ellet began investing in El Dorado in 1873 and made many trips to visit his son, Edward (E.C.) Ellet, before finally locating Butler County.

Along with his son Edward, and friend Nathan Frazier, he helped organize the Bank of El Dorado, which eventually became Farmers and Merchants Bank.

His last name may sound familiar to many because it was bestowed on the building he had built for El Dorado - The Ellet Opera House.

The Ellet Opera House opened in 1884, and became the cultural heart of the city.  It was the location of most public entertainment, from lectures by prominent speakers and political speeches to commencement ceremonies and church services.  The Ellet Opera house was also host to talent shows and grand balls, as well as opera singers and eventually vaudeville.

A display featuring memorabilia donated to the museum by descendants of Ellet is planned as part of El Dorado’s 150th birthday celebration.

This series is brought to you through a partnership with Everyday El Dorado in conjuction with Golden Road Studios, butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum, the City of El Dorado, KBTL 88.1 The Grizz and our series sponsor, Linda Baines, Realtor with SunGroup Real Estate and Appraisals.

Brigadier General Alfred Washington Ellet was born on October 11, 1820 and the 200th anniversary of his birth is this year (2020). 

Ellet began investing in El Dorado in 1873 and made many trips to visit his son, Edward (E.C.) Ellet, before finally locating Butler County.

Along with his son Edward, and friend Nathan Frazier, he helped organize the Bank of El Dorado, which eventually became Farmers and Merchants Bank.

His last name may sound familiar to many because it was bestowed on the building he had built for El Dorado - The Ellet Opera House.

The Ellet Opera House opened in 1884, and became the cultural heart of the city.  It was the location of most public entertainment, from lectures by prominent speakers and political speeches to commencement ceremonies and church services.  The Ellet Opera house was also host to talent shows and grand balls, as well as opera singers and eventually vaudeville.

A display featuring memorabilia donated to the museum by descendants of Ellet is planned as part of El Dorado’s 150th birthday celebration. 

This series is brought to you through a partnership with Everyday El Dorado in conjuction with Golden Road Studios, butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum, the City of El Dorado, KBTL 88.1 The Grizz and our series sponsor, Linda Baines, Realtor with SunGroup Real Estate and Appraisals.

This is the second part to the episode "Free State or Bust and the Political Climate in Kansas surrounding the founding of El Dorado"

Guest and Historical Consultant, Ken Spurgeon helps to give a bigger picture of the state of affairs in the Kansas Territory leading up to the founding of Eldorado as a town, in 1858; Kansas as a state, in 1861; and some of the factors that led to the Civil War.

Founded as a city of the third class on September 12, 1871, El Dorado was first founded as Eldorado Town Company on February 6, 1858 by an act of the Kansas Territory Legislature.

El Dorado's history has been past down through the history books, but is it accurate?  This series will take a look at the stories we've been told and uncover the stories we haven't been told that were lost to time.

Subscribe to the podcast to join us as we hunt for history and revive the ghosts of El Dorado's past.

This series is brought to you through a partnership with Everyday El Dorado in conjuction with Golden Road Studios, butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum, the City of El Dorado, KBTL 88.1 The Grizz and our series sponsor, Linda Baines, Realtor with SunGroup Real Estate and Appraisals.

Free State or Bust and the Political Climate in Kansas surrounding the founding of El Dorado.  

Guest and Historical Consultant, Ken Spurgeon helps to give a bigger picture of the state of affairs in the Kansas Territory leading up to the founding of Eldorado as a town, in 1858; Kansas as a state, in 1861; and some of the factors that led to the Civil War.

Founded as a city of the third class on September 12, 1871, El Dorado was first founded as Eldorado Town Company on February 6, 1858 by an act of the Kansas Territory Legislature.

El Dorado's history has been past down through the history books, but is it accurate?  This series will take a look at the stories we've been told and uncover the stories we haven't been told that were lost to time.

Subscribe to the podcast to join us as we hunt for history and revive the ghosts of El Dorado's past.

This series is brought to you through a partnership with Everyday El Dorado in conjuction with Golden Road Studios, butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum, the City of El Dorado, KBTL 88.1 The Grizz and our series sponsor, Linda Baines, Realtor with SunGroup Real Estate and Appraisals.

Do you say El-Door-A-doh or do you say El-door-Ah-doh?  How did the founding father's say it and has it remained the same or changed over the years?   In this episode, we discover the road taken to arrive in El Dorado and what the original settlers found when they got here.

Founded as a city of the third class on September 12, 1871, El Dorado was first founded as Eldorado Town Company on February 6, 1858 by an act of the Kansas Territory Legislature.

El Dorado's history has been past down through the history books, but is it accurate?  This series will take a look at the stories we've been told and uncover the stories we haven't been told that were lost to time.

Subscribe to the podcast to join us as we hunt for history and revive the ghosts of El Dorado's past.

This series is brought to you through a partnership with Everyday El Dorado in conjuction with Golden Road Studios, butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum, the City of El Dorado, KBTL 88.1 The Grizz and our series sponsor, Linda Baines, Realtor with SunGroup Real Estate and Appraisals.

Do you say El-Door-A-doh or do you say El-door-Ah-doh?  How did the founding father's say it and has it remained the same or changed over the years?  This excerpt is from our upcoming episode title "All Roads Lead to El Dorado (or Eldorado) and the Search for Gold"  to air on KBTL 88.1 locally Wednesday, September 16th at 12 p.m. and can be heard by streaming online at kbtl.butercc.edu 

Founded as a city of the third class on September 12, 1871, El Dorado was first founded as Eldorado Town Company on February 6, 1858 by an act of the Kansas Territory Legislature.

El Dorado's history has been past down through the history books, but is it accurate?  This series will take a look at the stories we've been told and uncover the stories we haven't been told that were lost to time.

Subscribe to the podcast to join us as we hunt for history and revive the ghosts of El Dorado's past.

This series is brought to you through a partnership with Everyday El Dorado in conjuction with Golden Road Studios, butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum, the City of El Dorado, KBTL 88.1 The Grizz and our series sponsor, Linda Baines, Realtor with SunGroup Real Estate and Appraisals.

We are beginning a new series here on Everyday El Dorado in celebration of El Dorado's 150th year.

Founded as a city of the third class on September 12, 1871, El Dorado was first founded as Eldorado Town Company on February 6, 1858 by an act of the Kansas Territory Legislature.

El Dorado's history has been past down through the history books, but is it accurate?  This series will take a look at the stories we've been told and uncover the stories we haven't been told that were lost to time.

Subscribe to the podcast to join us as we hunt for history and revive the ghosts of El Dorado's past.

This series is brought to you through a partnership with Everyday El Dorado in conjuction with Golden Road Studios, butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum, the City of El Dorado, KBTL 88.1 The Grizz and our series sponsor, Linda Baines, Realtor with SunGroup Real Estate and Appraisals.

This excerpt from the premier episode of "Celebrating 150 years in El Dorado" discusses the Souther Kansas Stage Company that conducted four-horse coaches between Emporia and El Dorado beginning in 1870.   Trail ruts from this road that brought immigrants and visitors to Eldorado can still be seen today on the North end of El Dorado. 

We are beginning a new series here on Everyday El Dorado in celebration of El Dorado's 150th year.  

Founded as a city of the third class on September 12, 1871, El Dorado was first founded as Eldorado Town Company on February 6, 1858 by an act of the Kansas Territory Legislature.  

Subscribe to the podcast to join us as we hunt for history and revive the ghosts of El Dorado's past. 

This series is brought to you through a partnership with Everyday El Dorado in conjuction with Golden Road Studios, butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum, the City of El Dorado, KBTL 88.1 The Grizz and our series sponsor, Linda Baines, Realtor with SunGroup Real Estate and Appraisals. 

We are beginning a new series here on Everyday El Dorado in celebration of El Dorado's 150th year.

Founded as a city of the third class on September 12, 1871, El Dorado was first founded as Eldorado Town Company on February 6, 1858 by an act of the Kansas Territory Legislature.  

El Dorado's history has been past down through the history books, but is it accurate?  This series will take a look at the stories we've been told and uncover the stories we haven't been told that were lost to time.  

Subscribe to the podcast to join us as we hunt for history and revive the ghosts of El Dorado's past.

This series is brought to you through a partnership with Everyday El Dorado in conjuction with Golden Road Studios, butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum, the City of El Dorado, KBTL 88.1 The Grizz and our series sponsor, Linda Baines, Realtor with SunGroup Real Estate and Appraisals.

In this episode, I speak with Butler County Sheriff Kelly Herzet who shares why he endorses Jay Sharp as the next Sheriff. 

Captain Edgar Dale American Legion Post #81 erected markers and flags on the graves of veterans, at each of the three cemeteries in El Dorado which are Belle Vista, Sunset Lawns and Walnut River on Friday and Saturday mornings, prior to Memorial Day.  

On Monday, an American Legion Honor Guard presented a 21-Gun Salute and played Taps at Sunset Lawns.  

Read more about it and see photos by visiting the website: 

The State of Kansas in partnership with eTrueNorth and Walmart to bring a mobile drive-through COVID-19 testing site to communities across the state.  It is open to all healthcare providers and first responders and anyone who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, at no cost to the individual.

All appointments will be drive-through observed with self-collection.

Stay up to date with the most recent information by visiting the Butler County COVID-19 Resource page at www.bucoks.com

Mayor Bill Young and City Manager David Dillner spoke at the State of the City address on February 4, 2020.  According to Mayor Young, the state of the city is strong.

David Alfaro speaks with us regarding IPS and Economic Development funds being returned to the State. 

Installation of Mayor Bill Young and Commissioners Gregg Lewis and Kendra Wilkinson were held on December 2, 2019 at the El Dorado City Commission meeting. 

Opening the meeting was the Flint Hills Rock and Rollers who sang the National Anthem and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

The El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with El Dorado inc., hosted their first "Inspire Butler - Fireside Chats" on November 6, 2019.  Following a networking social, guest speaker Jeff Turner, former CEO of Spirit Aerosystems, shared his thoughts on business success in an intimate gathering with local business leaders.  

This week's episode is about the recent Trick or Treat Down Main Street event, El Dorado First Baptist Church's Hallelujah Carnival and the upcoming events surrounding the Celebration of Freedom week in El Dorado.

There’s a new face in town and you may see his name pop up from time to time.  I am referring to the new Editor for the Butler County Times-Gazette, Clinton Dick.  But, he says, we can call him Clint.

Errin Moore of The Next Chapter Books & Novelties explains why they are closing the business.  

The Second Annual Butler Mission Week (BMW) celebrated the weeklong event with a free community Block Party on Friday, July 19th.  The Block Party was held on the lawn of Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital.   

Over 227 volunteers worked in multiple shifts each day throughout the week, following the biblical command “Love Thy Neighbor.”  They did so by participating in community service projects and intentional acts of kindness.  According to program director, Andrea Van Auken, the goal was simple, to “Take care of the town we live in.” 

At Board of Butler County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Ed Myers, reported on the results of the Butler County 4-H Fair Celebrity Goat Milking Contest held on July 22, 2019

National Day of Prayer was May 2, 2019 and Mayor Vince Haines hosted the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast in partnership with the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce. 

Kimberly Fross, Executive Director of the Pregnancy and Family Resource Center, was the guest speaker. 

This week’s episode, we hear from Senator Bob Dole at the dedication of the new cafe at the Robert J Dole VA Hospital. 

El Dorado resident, Virginia “Rosie the Riveter” Ball was invited to be a guest at the ceremony along with other WW2 veterans.  

And we spoke to Butler County Clerk Tatum Stafford regarding the filing deadline for the upcoming elections.  

In this week's episode, we visit with Molly Denton at the El Dorado Convention and Visitors Bureau about the new city website design.  We also hear about the Mother-Son Bowling event from Brian Urton of the Parks and Recreation Department.

In this episode, we hear from Mayor Vince Haines and City Manager David Dillner.  

While the federal government was on shutdown the Board of Butler County Commissioners met for a final time for the calendar year ending December 31, 2018. 

Appearing before the Commission was Miss Augusta 2019, Sierra Marie Bonn who introduced herself and her social initiative, “Let’s Go Full STEAM Ahead”

Show Notes (timings approximate)

00:00 Introduction

01:00 - Board of Butler County Commissioners Meeting opening with a prayer by Reverend Gilson followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

02:12 - Minutes from the December 18, 2018 meeting

03:53 - Floor opened for public comments