Flint Hills ranch families have stories to tell of their unique heritage. We will have the opportunity to hear two such stories from Carol House and Nancy Methvin.

1:30 The House Story
2:30 The Methvin Story

At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1, Carol House of Arkansas City will discuss her late husband, Bill House, who went from being an attorney to raising Grand Champion Herefords. After practicing law in the 1940’s, Bill House returned to the family Hereford business in Chautauqua County. By the early 1950’s, House had risen to the top of the National Order of Hereford Growers, winning Grand Champion four times at the American Royal in Kansas City, MO. In his 65 years of ranching, House was a strong influence in legislative initiatives that impacted the entire beef cattle industry. He served as past president of the Kansas Livestock Association, the American Hereford Association, and the American National Cattleman’s Association, now the National Cattlemen’s Association. In 1964, House was named Distinguished Jayhawk of the Year by then Governor Anderson. During the Prairie Talk, Carol House will tell many stories, possibly even how an 1,800 lb plastic ornamental bull came to be in her front yard.

At 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1, Nancy Methvin of Lincolnville will tell how her Louisiana ranch family’s summer adventure turned into 46 years of living in, and loving, the Flint Hills of Kansas.The Methvin family ranched in Louisiana Bayou Country on land that had been in the family since 1714. The family came to the Flint Hills for one summer in 1977, and stayed on land that was once part of the original 101 Ranch and the Frye/Ronsick Ranch. Nancy will discuss the history of the areas they have lived.

There is no cost to attend these Prairie Talks, but donations are appreciated and will support future program events.

Refreshments will be available. Reservations are requested but not required and will help ensure plenty of chairs are out.

RSVP on the Facebook event page or contact the Executive Director, Lynn Smith, at lynn@pioneerbluffs.org or 620-753-3484.

Feel free to bring a picnic lunch and come out early to visit with friends. Picnic tables are provided.