Kensington 1978

The name, Kensington, was given the town by the President of the Chicago, Kansas, Nebraska Railroad Company, who chose the name in honor of his native city of Kensington, England. The Railroad Company laid tracks as far west as Phillipsburg in the fall of 1887, and the first trains were run late in December of that year.

Shortly after the railroad was established, the Kansas Town and Land Company whose president was M.A. Low, purchased of George Boyd a 40 acre tract north of the tracks and laid it out in blocks and lots to be sold to people who wished to settle here. The blocks were numbered from the southeast corner of the block where The First National Bank is now situated. The first store was on the east side of the first block, north of the tracks and east of Main Street. It was a grocery store, and Theo Clark was its owner. The first homes were tar paper shacks, one on the northeast corner of the second block north of the tracks and west of Main Street. It was the home of the Peter Pyle family who moved from Reamsville to the Kensington site in November 1887 and occupied the shack while erecting a hotel on that corner. The hotel was known as the Pyle House. The other tar paper home was situated on the present site of the Kensington Lumber Company and was the home of a carpenter, W.W. Orkett, who was building a livery barn and a two story square house for a family named Ingersoll. The house he was building was located on the southwest corner of the bank block and was used as a rooming house. The livery barn was across the street west of the home. Peter Pyle had one son, Ulyssess, who was seven years old when his family moved from the farm to what was to be the town site. In December of 1887, Peter Sanford located on the town site and built a building just north of the present First National Bank. The family, Mr. and Mrs. Sanford and daughter, Lillie, lived in the back part of the building and had a stock of general merchandise in the front part. Their son William was born in that building in 1892. Lyss (as he was known) Pyle and Lillie Sanford were the first children in Kensington and grew up, married, raised their family, and spent all their lives here.

Mrs. Peter Sanford established a millinery store in the spring of 1888 and continued to operate it until 1901. Soon after the railroad came, the Sanford brothers, Allan and Walter, moved their stock of hardware and implements from Kirwin into a two story frame building they erected on the northwest corner of the first block north of the railroad and east of Main Street. The second story of this building was used as apartments to house four families: the Allen Sanfords, Dr. Laphams, Theo Clarks, and Chas. Bowens. Later it was used as an opera house for a number of years.

Chas. Bowen and family had moved from their homestead (now the Leo Grauerholz home) to the young town and worked at the carpenter trade. Later he established a blacksmith shop and continued at that trade the remainder of his working years. Blacksmithing was a flourishing business in pioneer days, and at one time there were seven shops in Kensington. A.N. Beers was the first one. When both were quite aged, Chas. Bowen and Peter Pyle were reminiscing of the early days when an argument arose as to which had lived here longest. Peter Pyle remarked, "Why Charlie, I was here long before you were. I came in November of '87 and you didn't get here until January of '88."

Most of the data for this history was gleaned from files of the Kensington Mirror, which was established on May 10th, 1888 by C.E. Nelson and Jas. Beacom. To illustrate the fast growth of the town I quote from an editorial in Issue I, Vol. I of the Mirror:

"The town was started in January with nothing to urge settlement but the determination of some two or three business men that used their efforts to the best possible advantage, and have been rewarded by the satisfaction of seeing a population on May 1st of some two to three hundred people, and a list of business places comprising of some 26 to 28 firms, all of whom are determined upon success for the town."

Copied also from that first issue of the Mirror are the names of the following firms: The Pyle House; B.D. Vessey, hardware, harness, groceries and implements; W.W. Orkett, carpenter; Drs. Nelson, Lapham and Beck; Cal Lewis, barber; C.T.W. Davis, grain dealer; J.F. Greuter, furniture, undertaker and painter; Mrs. S.N. Goddard and daughter, millenery; P.A. Sanford, general merchandise; F.C. Ingersoll, livery barn; Theo Clark, groceries; Ketchen and Wood, general merchandise; Mrs. E.L. Worley, variety store; The Farmers Exchange Lumber Yard, managed by Henry Campbell; Walt Morrell, notions; C.S. Uhl, notary public; Uhl Bros., groceries and stationery; The Bank of Kensington, J.R. Burrow, President and L.C. Ahlborn, Cashier. A few years later, L.C. Ahlborn purchased the Burrow interest in the bank and it continued under the same name until banks were nationalized, when it became The First National Bank. During the early 1890's there were two other banks established, The Cook Brothers Bank, and The Exchange Bank, neither lasting long. The Citizens Bank was established in 1907, with C.H. Baird as President, and Ruby Detwiler, Cashier. Stockholders were L.A. Golden, C.V. Eberstein, Mike Trump, Isaac McCormick, and others. This bank continued doing business until the depression, when thousands of banks throughout the United States were forced to close in 1928.

The first Postmaster was L.M. Uhl, followed by Peter Pyle, L.C. Ahlborn, M. Cowan, H.H. Rice, D.M. Dimond, W.F. Kunze, Homer Brunow and presently Jim Kusel. Before Kensington became a town, several homes in the community were used as Post Offices, among them being the Joe Ball home at Clifford, the Wagner home at Germantown and the Allen Sanford home west of town.

The first school was held in the years 1888-1889 in the Greuter Harness Shop with Mrs. Greuter as teacher. The family lived in the back of the shop. Late in 1889, the town's businessmen held a meeting and voted to build a school house to cost no more than $2,000. This school house, a two story frame building with two rooms downstairs and one large one upstairs was situated in the center of the block north of the present high school building and was dedicated on the evening of October 25th, 1889 with a grand ball under the auspicies of the Kensington Coronet Band. A supper added to the pleasure of those attending, and everyone was urged to attend. W.J. Crawford was president of the Board of Education and Allen Sanford was treasurer. Jess Cook was principal of the school and Miss Lillie Allen was primary teacher. The large room on the second floor was used as a town hall and until the Congregational Church was erected a few years later, union services were held there with Rev. Bonnett and Rev. Davis preaching.

By 1910 the population had outgrown that first school house and a two story brick school house with a full basement was erected on lots just south of the present grade school. The old gymnasium was the next addition to the school in 1922 (located where the present Vocational Educational Building is). The present high school building was erected in the 1930's, with some P.W.A. labor. The present beautiful grade school, with kitchen and dining facilities was erected in 1956, and the $115,000 gymnasium was added to the high school building in 1960. The high school was remodeled in April 1967 at a cost of $205,000. The new Vocational Educational Building, the latest addition, was built in 1976 at a cost of $70,000. The present enrollment at the school is 254 students.

The first Sunday School was held in the Rock Island waiting room with the agent's wife, Mrs. Jamieson, as teacher. After B.D. Vessey built his hardware store, church services were sometimes held in the store. The Methodist and Christian Churches followed in the next few years, and later the Assembly of God and St. Johns Lutheran Churches were added.

The First Christian Church held their first meetings in 1874 in a dugout school house west of Olive Branch Cemetery. In 1878, a frame building was erected near the present site of the cemetery. The old Olive Branch Church building was moved to Kensington and dedicated in 1893. An addition to this frame building was dedicated in 1907. Plans began in 192 for the new brick building, and the cornerstone was laid in 1926. The building was finished, furnished and ready for dedication in 1928. They continued until their merger with the United Methodist Church in 1969 and is now known as the United Church of Kensington.

In 1888 the Methodist Episcopal Church conducted meetings in homes. The movement to organize a Methodist Episcopal Church in Kensington had its beginning in the Methodist Circuit which had headquarters in Agra. The circuit was composed of meeting places in Cedar Fork, Cedar Valley and Germantown. The first meeting in Kensington was in the Vessey Store building, and later in a frame school building.

In February, 1894, an agreement was signed by R.K. Steele, Trustee for the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Geo. Wood for the Congregational Church. It states that the Congregational Church building (the old Kensington Library) was tendered to the Methodist Society to be used for worship. By 1897 a frame church was built which later was know as the Kensington Hospital, now the Martin Stenseng home. Charter for the church was executed in 1898. In 1917 a new church was built at a cost of $13,000. (This building is now the home of the Assembly of God Church). In 1969 they merged with the First Christian Church, and now is known as the United Church of Kensington.

Services for the First St. John Lutheran Church probably were begin in 1872 or 1873, and the congregation organized in 1874. Six years later they erected their first building. Before this time services were held in District 8's sod school house. At first, baptisms were performed by laymen. Later, the church was served by circuit riders. They build a new church which was dedicated on June 20th, 1926, and it was this building that moved to Kensington in 1959. In May of 1959 the Zion Lutheran Church north of Athol voted to accept the invitation of the First St. John and decided to become one congregation. This union has prospered since, with the entire congregation becoming stronger for it.

The St. John Lutheran Church was organized in 1885. Services were held in the Grauerholz school house. There were seven charter members listed at the time of organization on February 2, 1885. In 1891, 40 acres were purchased for $650. The first church structure was built in 1892 for $300. A new and larger structure was built in 1900 for $2600. It burned in 1918. The present large , brick building was built during the years of 1918-1928, at a cost of $30,000. In 1961 the Parish Hall was completed at a cost of $106,000 and was dedicated in May, 1961.

The Assembly of God Church in Kensington had its beginning in the fall of 1930. Dick Werner invited two ladies, Sarah Garrett and Hannah Nelson to come to Kensington and hold religious meetings. These women were sisters-in-law of Pastor Anspaugh, who at that time was serving the Pleasant Green church north of Agra. The meetings were held in a building which is now occupied by Gilbert Kuhlman's garage. In 1931 church was held in the building now used for Rust's garage. In 1933 they moved to a building which stood on the corner where Ferne Stephens now lives. In 1938 an old rooming house was purchased. This building was on a lot one block west of The First National Bank. It was torn down and the lumber was used to build the church where they worshipped until 1976. With some financial assistance from the community and the good will of the United Methodist Congregation they bought the United Methodist Church building. After some improvement and beautification to both the exterior and interior of the building they are worshipping with Pastor James Hull in charge. It is now called "Christ's Church", Assembly of God. The former church building is now at Pleasant Green, where it is used as a worship sanctuary.

In 1892 the citizens of Kensington presented a petition to the county commissioners, asking that the town be incorporated as a third class city. At a meeting held on October 7th, 1892, the commissioners granted the request and designated Saturday, October 22nd as the day of holding an election of city officers, the election to be held in the office of the Kensington Mirror. John Walker and W.A. Cornell were named judges of the election, which resulted in the following men being elected; Allen Sanford, mayor; P.A. Sanford, John Walker, H.C. Gremmel, S.L. Watts and C.E. Nelson, councilmen. When these men met to hold their first business meeting the city charter had not yet arrived from Topeka, and they declared themselves disqualified to conduct any legal business, so another election was held early in 1893. The following people were elected to office: mayor, Peter Pyle; councilmen, L.A. Golden, P.A. Sanford, P.C. Nielson, F.A. Patton and John Walker, police; Judge, H.C. Gremmel; Marshal, Chas. Hobbs.

The Kensington Mirror was established May 10, 1888 by C.E. Nelson and John Beacon, who sold it to O.L. Reed in 1890. In 1893 it was purchased by Allen Sanford and Bert Connell. Two years later in February James Boyd purchased Mr. Cornell's interest and a few years later Mr. Sanford sold his interest to C.V. Eberstein. In 1907 Walter Boyd purchased the Mirror and continued its ownership until it ceased publication in May, 1962. Walt started working in the newspaper office at the age of 14 as a "printers devil" and thus was in the profession for over 60 years. He held the distinction of being in business longer than anyone in Kensington. Walt continued to do job-printing until 1965 when poor health forced him to quit.

After the Fire 1909

In 1909 there was a destructive fire in the hotel building where the Kilmer Hotel is now located, and all the buildings north of it in that block were consumed. They were all frame buildings and housed the Gremmel and Simmons Furniture and Hardware store, the Golden and Hollister drug store and The Citizens State Bank. They were all replaced with better buildings. The Post Office today occupies The Citizen State Bank Building.

The first decade of this century was an eventful one for the city. Early pioneers had prospered and moved from their homesteads to town in order to give their children better educational advantages and to live a more leisurely life. They built fine homes and L.C. Ahlborn (Art Norden's home) and Allen Sanford (Ron McCartney's home) were first to install furnaces and running water in their homes. Dr. L.A. Golden, who had moved from Cedar to Kensington in the early 1900's built a fine large home on north Main Street, now the Bill Thomas residence. Anthony Hall (now the Funeral Home), C.H. Baird (known as the Earl Womer home), and Geo. E. Smith (referred to as the Ed Kassen home) were other to build large homes.

Sports had their part in the lives of pioneers and Kensington's baseball team had some professional players and was second to none in this part of Kansas. There was also a racetrack in the west part of town where horse racing was a popular sport.

The present First National Bank building and the brick building across the street east of the bank were erected by L.C. Ahlborn early in this century. In the nineties and early 1900's there were two flour mills in Kensington. The one on the west edge of town was operated by Orlie Hinman. It was the first to close down. The other, owned by Hall Brothers and Mr. Rogers, and operated by the son, Chas. Rogers, was called the Kensington Flour and Feed Mill and was on the east side of Main Street in the first block north of the railroad. It milled a fine grade of flour and continued in operation until about 1930.

By the year 1900 the original 40 acre town site was bursting at the seams and Jas. Boyd and E.B. Eberstein, real estate agents, purchased another tract of the George Boyd homestead, south of the railroad and that part of town is known as the Boyd-Eberstein Addition. Later Jas. Boyd and L.C. Ahlborn bought a tract northwest of the original town site and developed it. That part of the city is legally known as the Boyd-Ahlborn Addition and both tracts are incorporated in the city. Few of the original buildings remain on Main Street. The fine brick building just north of the First National Bank replaced a frame building erected by Peter Sanford in 1889, and is the latest addition to Kensington's business establishments. The city's livery barns have been replaced by garages and gas stations.

The last census gave Kensington's population as 639. New homes have continued to be erected in the past number of years and many others have been remodeled as the earlier settlers continue to retire from farms and move to town.

Joe Oliva owned the first automobile in town. It was a high wheeled low horse powered, open vehicle that required a bit of manpower to get to the top of some of the steep hills surrounding town.

Kensington kept up with the changing times and in 1903, Allen Sanford and L.C. Ahlborn put in a telephone exchange which was called the Kensington Telephone Company. The Farmer's Cooperative Telephone Company purchased in December of 1907 the property of Sanford and Ahlborn and continued to serve this community. The office was a two story brick building across the street east of the post office today. The first operators to serve the town and country-side were the McCarter sisters and Mrs. Carrie Grioux and the linemen were H.I. Morehead and Lennie Chance. In 1916 the central office was moved to the corner brick building north of the city office. The central was on call 24 hours a day--great for the news of the day, birth of a baby, fire, accident or a death. Some of the last known operators were Sylvia Gibson, Elsie Jennings, Esther Buckleheide and Beulah Gibson. Some of the men of the board who helped with the service developing into the Rural Telephone Service Company, a dial system in 1968-1969, were Henry Norden, Fred Badenhoop, C.A. Smith and Arthur Grauerholz.

Main Street 1909 (looking South)

Main Street 1909 (looking North)

In July of 1909 an election was held to vote on the proposition to vote bonds for a waterworks system for the city. The proposition carried by 17 votes, there being 72 for and 55 against. The first city well was dug where the storage tank stands just east of Main Street. It served the city for several years, then failed. Other wells were dug and the railroad well was hooked up to the mains. There are eight wells now pumping. The waterworks were completed in 1910.

On July 4, 1913, electric lights were first turned on in Kensington. The city owned its light plant until 1930 when it sold to The Kansas Power and Light Company. At this time it is know as the Western Power Company. About this time the Kansas Nebraska Natural Gas Company laid mains in the city and most homes are users at this time.

When farmers settled this territory and began raising large crops of wheat and corn, storage and marketing facilities were needed. The Farmers Union was formed and elevators were erected by them, and other individuals. At an early date there were three elevators operating. The one to the west and the one just east of the depot are still operating. The one just north of the depot was torn down some time ago. The Kensington Co-operative Association in 1953, purchased the interests of the Hart-Bartlett Grain Co., of Kansas City, and now are sole owners of the grain business in Kensington. In 1953 the Cooperative Association erected a large cement elevator northwest of the depot and in 1958 an addition was erected, bringing the total capacity of that elevator to 500,000 bushels. In May, 1954 they added a 70,000 bushel Quonset. In 1961 a storage tank of 250,000 was erected. The next project was a 100' x 40' steel building which was erected east of the Quonset for a feed mill. The new office building was built in April of 1964, and the building just north of the office was purchased also in 1964. In 1970 they purchased the Claudell Elevator and in January 1978 they became owners of the Kirwin Elevator. They now have a total storage capacity of 1 1/2 million bushels. They employ 20 full-time employees.

The Hainke Foundry which was founded and operated by William Hainke started operating April 27, 1934. It manufactured mostly items for farm machinery. It served a side area during the war years when repairs were scarce and hard to find. Through the years of its operation, many people were employed and it was an asset to the town through its large payroll.

A sanitary sewer system was installed in 1935 and Kensington now has all the public utilities enjoyed by larger cities.

Kensington has been blessed through the years with the services of many physicians: Drs. Golden, Nelson, Lapham, Beck, Bilby, Osborne, Pierson, Schoonhoven, Johnson, Reed and Scott. Dr. Hartman was the last physician to practice. Dr. R.G. Currier, a dentist, also practiced here many years. His office was located where the present Thomm's Barber Shop is.

The Prairie Haven Rest Home was completed and dedicated in 1966. It has accommodations for 50 people and it employs around 30 people.

In 1978 Kensington has some 44 businesses, and is said to be "the biggest town of its size in the state of Kansas."

The following are some of the past and present organizations that have been in Kensington at one time.

The Library Club: The Library Club was organized in 1905 with 32 members. Books were taken from homes and put in Dr. Golden's drug store, then in Dr. Jim Grauerholz's drug store, with Jim as librarian at .25 cents a day. Later a frame building was purchased on the east side of Main Street which was used until 1915 when they bought the Congregational Church for $850. Books were moved into that building in September, 1915, with 54 members and 794 books. There presently is not an active Library Club in Kensington.

The Masonic Lodge: The Masonic Lodge is a Fraternal organization. It was organized in Kensington October 7, 1913, with 18 charter members. They merged with Western Star Lodge No. 174, AF & AM of Smith Center October 23, 1973.

Eastern Star: The Athena Chapter-Order of the Eastern Star organized in December 1922 with 20 names on the petition to institute a chapter. The order of the Eastern Star is a Fraternal organization.  It is made up of the mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, granddaughter, step-granddaughters, widows of Master Masons, and also of Masons. Many worthwhile things are done, one in particular being the issuing of educational scholarships. The E S T A R L (Eastern Star Training Award for Religious Leadership) is one of the scholarships which is considered to be of prime importance. Student loans are also given. Special days and life in general are made more enjoyable by the acts of kindness done for residents of the Masonic Home. The Kensington Chapter merged with the Aldworth Chapter in Smith Center on January 23, 1969.

At one time there was a Kiwanis Club, Odd Fellow's Lodge and their auxiliary, The Rebeccas, and a Girl Scout Troop.

American Legion: The Fred Marran Post 166 of the American Legion was organized in early 1919. The name was chosen in honor of Fred Marran who was one of the earliest volunteers from our community for military service. He was the first to be killed in action which took place in France in 1918. There were 15 charter members. The old Legion building was built and dedicated in 1923. Rev. Earl Blackman, known as "the Fighting Parson", was the speaker, and $1500 as given in donation that day. The final payment on that building was made in 1932. There was an impressive ceremony for the note burning. All joined voices and repeated in unison, "We burn this note." Mrs. Westerman (mother of Fred Marran) struck the match. We sang, "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow," then repeated the Pledge of Allegiance in he debt free building. Ashes were bottled and kept, The new Legion building was dedicated in 1971. The building itself cost $9,000 and the completed cost was $25,000. Most of the labor was donated. The old Legion building is now owned by Kensington Manufacturing Company. The approximate membership is 201.

The American Legion's Auxiliary's prime concern is community service and the rehabilitation program. Among many other things, a $250 scholarship is given each year to a deserving youth to further his of her education. Girls are sent each year to Sunflower Girls State which is a project in citizenship. This is a week long session held on the KU campus in Lawrence. Aiding the disabled hospitalized war veterans comes first in the rehabilitation program.

The Kensington's Lion Club was organized in the spring of 1959 by the Smith Center Lions and held their Charter Night on June 1, 1959. There were 29 charter members. Albert Loreen was elected to be the first president. The motto of Lions is "We Serve" and the Kensington Lions have been doing that for the last 20 years. They have been represented at most zone meetings, fall conference and state conventions. Each year they entertain the ladies, daughters, sons, farmers, high school athletes, high school scholastic students, managers and baseball players and Boy Scouts. They have sponsored the pee wee and cookie baseball program, helped finance boy to go to Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Boys State. They sponsor an eye check in the area schools each fall, helped with Armistice Day activities by sweeping streets, sorting beans, making floats, donating to the barbecue fund and delivering meals to elderly and shut-ins. Cheer baskets are provided for the needy each Christmas. One big project is soliciting for the community birthday calendars. Each year they have sponsored at least one musician to the state band and also have had members in most international bands. Blood has been donated to the sick by various members. Workdays have been held for farmers who have been in hospitals and for a family whose home burned. Various projects around the schools have been given. They contribute annually to State and International Lions financial projects: Kansas Sight Conservation (KU Medical Center), CARE (Lions International Service Project) LIF (Lions International Foundation), (Worldwide disaster relief).

The Boy Scout Troop 127 program was started in Kensington shortly after it was organized in the United States, about 1912. In the early period, each county was a Scout Council. No records are available until 1936, when the Coronado Area Council was formed. Two of the leaders (now deceased) that gave of themselves in service to boys were Ralph Searight and Leo Bierman. In 1946 the Scout Troop was reorganized by the Kiwanis Club with George Esser and Paul Wales as leaders. There was now Boy Scout Troop in Kensington from late 1954 to the spring of 1966 when the Commercial Club assumed sponsorship with Ed Beckman as leader. Fred Rogers, present Scoutmaster, assumed that roll in 1975. The Lions Club has sponsored the troop since 1969. Boy membership has varied from 3 to 25. The first scout of Troop 127 to reach the rank of Star Scout was Kent Gene Carrol (now Rear Admiral). Roderick Hohner was first to reach the rank of Life Scout. The first scouts to reach the rank of Eagle were Curtis Bienhoff, Bradley Marler and Timothy Anderson in 1976. The troop has attended summer camp every year since 1966. The one high adventure for the troop was a canoe trip in Canada in 1969. Other activities are troop campouts, a swimming program, fishing trips, etc. The citizens of Kensington have provided an opportunity to a great many boys to enjoy the great outdoors by sponsoring the scouting program.

The Kensington Music Club was organized at a meeting September 21, 1976, at the home of Pat Fraser in Kensington. Officers elected that evening were: President, Pat Fraser; Vice-President, Marj Mayer, Secretary, Sherry Newbrey; and Treasurer, Bonnie Youngquist. There were 14 charter members. The Kensington Music Club is a member of the Kansas Federation of Music Clubs and National Federation of Music Clubs. Some of the Music Club projects are to present a $150 local scholarship each year, participate in music for home for the aged and for hospitals, participate in National Music Week, support the music departments of our local public schools.

The Young Women's Club is probably the newest club in Kensington. It was organized in April, 1977 with 23 charter members. The main purpose of the club is to promote community activity to involve the family, and to provide a social time with others the same age with similar interest. Some of the club's activities have been sponsoring a story hour each week for 3 to 5 year old children, helping with the annual Easter egg hunt, a Halloween parade to Prairie Haven, helping with community cleanup and sponsoring the pet parade for Old Fashioned Saturday Night. The club is open to many young women in the community.

We, the writers, compilers, and makers of this Kensington history, hope that you have enjoyed reading this booklet. If you would like more copies, or if you have information you would like to add to the history at a time when it may be updated, please contact a member of the Young Women's Club.  (August 1978)

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