This will be the last time line story. The history walk way ends in 1997, but there has been a lot of history that has happened since . Some more stones need to be added and if you would like to sponsor a new stone let us know at the picnic.
Next year Papinville will be 180 years old and we are already planning for the big celebration. Some of the new stones will be: Museum, band stand, renovation of inside of school, bridge book printed, and Papinville sign. There will probably be more added.
July of 1951 was a year of the biggest flood in this area. If you lived in the area at this time you remember that 71 Highway, B Highway and N Highway were all flooded for a few weeks. Groceries had to be brought to people in boats. This happened again in 1886. This flood was four feet higher than 1951. Papinville was like an island both years. People out in Papinville know what to do in flood time. We all know about the flood stage and they prepare for what they need to do. People who live here love Papinville and they all help each other out. They wouldn’t live any place else. We need to keep the history going so the next generations will remember the history. If you are interested in the history and would like to keep the history going join our Papinville Historical and Cemetery Association. You are always welcome.
The beginning of the the time line will start:
1951- Big flood
1952 – Papinville school closes. Students go to Prairie City
1955- Telephone Office sold to KLM Telephone Company
1957-Rich Hill R-IV School District approved by voters
1960-Steeple removed from Methodist Church
1961- Aug. dial telephones came into use in Papinville
1970-“Three Mile Square” written by Mildred Marquardt was
published.
1971-Methodist Church was sold
1986 Biggest flood, four feet higher than 1951
1989-April- Papinville Historical and Cemetery Association
was organized
1990-April Methodist Church was burnt
1991 Sept.-Street signs were erected in Papinville Oct. Tour of Papinville and surrounding area for Bates County 150th celebration.
1991- Museum dedicated
1992-April 7- Prairie Township votes to deed the school over to the Papinville Historical Assoc.
1992- July First Papinville Picnic Fish fry at school
1993-School has new foundation, roof and flag pole
second annual picnic
1994- School has new paint job, bell and bell tower
Third annual picnic including the 3 other schools that were in the district seven: Prairie City, Mission Branch and Sillinger.
1995- Papinville one room school 100 years old. Education Through The Years” book was printed and sold at the fourth annual picnic. Picnic was a hog roast. Drainage Ditch Bridge floats away.
1996-May- Shelter house built. Dedicated at fifth annual picnic. New Bridge built at Papinville so a new bridge could be built on the Drainage Ditch that floated away. Old bridge deeded to the Historical Assoc. by Bates county court.
1997 April -Papinville 150 years old. Association prints book on the history of Papinville.
2000- Band stand built
2001- Stepping stones (set by Downy Fuouy)
MEMORY STONES: Paul Stangel (president from 1989-2002), Jim Coonce (Music director from 1991 to2002), Wilbur Zink ( Arthur and historian) and Mary and Ada Griffin (teachers).
The following is the schedule for the 34th annual Papinville Picnic on Sat. September 26 starting at 1:30. The music will begin at 1:30 with children’s games, (nice prizes given), wagon rides, silent auction (1:30 to 4:00), ,coloring contest(3 ages divisions (1st and 2nd prizes)and cake walk until all cakes are gone. Pie auction will begin at 4:00. All pies have to be at the registration table by 2:30. If you want a pie to be auction off and not judged tell the person in charge. There will be a 1st and 2nd place winner for Juniors (ages 15 and younger and adults 16 and older). No categories this year. All pies items for cake walk and dessert table please put in disposable pans.
The honor ceremony, 50/50 drawing and the quilt drawing will be after the pie and live auction. Tom Altenburg has donated a beautiful painting of the historical bridge for the live auction. The silent and live auction has many nice items. The meal of fish, chicken and brisket will be served at 5:30. There will be a number of side dishes. Free will donation. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the afternoon visiting with people and learning about the history of Papinville. Tickets for the quilt, T-shirts, hat’s and history books plus other items will be on sale at the information tent. Children’s games, cakewalk and wagon rides are free.
Directions to Papinville: from Rich Hill go east on B Highway to N South 2 miles to Papinville and follow the signs. Hope to see you at the picnic.
Activities directors can answer any questions you have at these phone numbers. Alisa Swarnes 816-602-3175 and Angela Stangel 417-296-5203
Submitted by Phyllis Stewart #MidAmericaLive