Spring Tea

Augusta Historical Society Fundraiser

Set against the backdrop of a bright sunny, blue sky, the Augusta Historical Society held their annual Spring Tea fundraiser on Friday, May 6th and Saturday, May 7th inside the historic C.N. James cabin.

C.N. James Cabin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This was the first time the event has been held since the pandemic began in 2020.

Tables were decorated by volunteers with their own personal china, linens and handkerchiefs to accompany the theme of “Grandmother’s Handkerchief.”  

Tables were decorated in the theme: Grandmothers’ Handkerchief.

The guests were dressed in florals and many wore hats for the festive occasion dined on finger sandwiches, and an array of desserts along with tea from the Spice Merchant.

Sierra Marie Bonn, Miss Butler County, welcomed guests and visited with them during the tea on Saturday.

      “We’ve been doing this for 25 years and we’re so excited to be back again,” said Priscilla Templin, Executive Director of the Augusta Historical Society and Museum. 

Priscilla Templin, Executive Director of the Augusta Historical Society, right, with Miss Butler County Sierra Marie Bonn.

The Haas family has been attending the tea party for 20 years and was glad for the event to return.

Chris Haas, left, enjoyed tea with her family. Pictured right is Ashley Haas.

“We first came when my daughters were 4 and 6,” said Chris Haas, mother to Abby, 24 and Ashley, 26. 

They, along with Chris’ mother-in-law, sister-in-law and niece have made the tea party an annual girls’ day ever since.

Funds raised through the Spring Tea will contribute to the overall goal of $40,000 needed to restore the C.N. James Cabin.

C.N. James Cabin estoration fundraising goal is $40,000

The cabin was built in 1868 by Chester (C.N.) James and his wife Augusta. The cabin was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 and is one of only two log cabins on its original site in the State of Kansas. It is the oldest building in Augusta and one of the oldest landmarks in Butler County.

Butler County Delta Waterfowl Banquet

The Butler County Chapter of Delta Waterfowl held their second annual banquet in El Dorado, Kansas, on August 28, 2021. The evening included a steak dinner with the meat prepared by the Red Devil Chefs and side dishes and desserts provided by local catering companies.  

A live auction was the main event of the evening and was called by Sundgren Auctioneer Rick Remsberg.  Additionally, a silent auction and raffle drawings were held throughout the night for both adults and children.  

The Red Devil Chefs were on hand to prepared the steaks. From left to right, Senator Mike Fagg, Miss El Dorado 2021 Sierra Marie Bonn, Representative Will Carpenter and Roger Smith.

The Butler County Chapter Chairman, Chad Dawson, said the banquet is the largest fundraiser of the year for the local organization.  

“The thing that really drew me to Delta Waterfowl is the community impact,” said Dawson.  “The Butler County chapter keeps 15% of all the money raised to spend locally on programmatic work,” said Dawson.  

Those programs include youth education and mentorship programs, family hunting events, and a veterans hunt known as “Hunt for Heroes.” 

Chad Dawson, left, was presented with the “Local Chapter Volunteer of the Year” award by Garrett Trentham.

Dawson was presented with the “Local Chapter Volunteer of the Year” award by Garrett Trentham. Trentham is the Missouri/Kansas Regional Director for Delta Waterfowl.

Delta Waterfowl is a national, non-profit organization with a mission “To produce ducks and secure the future of waterfowl hunting.”  

Chapter members and volunteers, from left to right, Jennifer West, Dominique Carroll, Naomi Mitchell, Sean Carroll, Charlie Terry, Jon Gepner, Briana Dawson, Joel Morris, Chad Dawson – Chapter President Jason Vanley, Garrett Trentham – Missouri/Kansas Regional Director, Andy Nusbaum, Skyler Johnson.
(Volunteers not pictured: Alicia Jones and Jeff Elrod.)

American Legion Auxiliary

Afghan Fundraiser

The Captain Edgar Dale American Legion Auxiliary Unit #81 held a fundraiser raffle to benefit their veteran’s programs. The prize was a beautifully crocheted afghan made and donated by Donna Church.

The lucky recipient of the afghan was Wendy Michael.

Wendy Michael received the afghan donated by Donna Church.

“This project was created to help raise money for the Auxiliary to give to the veterans,” said Unit #81 Member, Karen Andersen.   

The members of the American Legion Auxiliary participate in a variety of fundraising efforts that allow them to serve the local veteran population and their families. These programs directly and indirectly touch the lives of all Americans. 

Local programs include the Poppy Program, Troop Care Packages, Christmas Gift Shops, Girl’s State, College Scholarships and many others.  

“The American Legion Auxiliary is a patriotic service organization, with more that 900,000 members world-wide,” according to the national organization. 

“With the philosophy of ‘Service, not Self’ the American Legion Auxiliary develops a strong spirit of volunteerism in its members who have joined together in the fellowship of giving to others,” according to the organization. 

To learn more about the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #81 and its membership opportunities, please contact the Captain Edgar Dale Post #81 at (316) 321-3767 or visit the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Kansas website at www.kslegionaux.org. 

Sweet Success

El Dorado Chamber Hosts Chocolate Crawl

The El Dorado Chamber of Commerce planned the first ever Chocolate Crawl for February 13th but due to the extremely low temperatures brought on by the Polar Vortex, the event was rescheduled for March 6th and crawlers were not disappointed. 

Wade and Peggy Graber shopping downtown while chocolate crawling.

With a bright, clear day and temperatures climbing into the 60’s, downtown El Dorado was alive with pedestrian traffic as participants made their way into local businesses to sample the chocolate treats. 

A family take a break to enjoy treats in District 142.

Twenty-one (21) business locations throughout El Dorado volunteered to be “chocolate stops” and each provided sweet treats with several businesses handing out gift bags with their treats.  Participants were given a passport-like ticket that had the names and locations of chocolate stops printed on the back.  As they went from location to location, the ticket would be checked off by each business.  

Stephen and Lindsay Mills, owners, Famers Insurance

“I thought the Chocolate Crawl was a success,” said Cameo Rector El Dorado Chamber of Commerce Director.  “It not only provided the Chamber with additional operating funds but as I was crawling myself.” 

Roxanne Jones of Flour Power Bakery hosted a pop-up in District 142

According to Rector, the goal of the Chamber Chocolate Crawl was to increase exposure of El Dorado’s business community and show what they have to offer.   

Chocolate Crawlers with their passport tickets.

“My hope for this event was to provide community involvement that was enjoyable while also bringing value to our businesses owners,” said Rector. 

Janell Crenshaw, left, owner of Shelter Insurance with her Assistant Lindsey Stalker.

“After the event, a participant reached out to me and said she had so much fun with her daughter and granddaughter,” said Rector.  “Not only did they get to spend time together and gather lots of great chocolate items, they found some new businesses they didn’t know existed.” 

Briana Dawson, owner of Bakery 177

“I would like to thank both the businesses owners and chocolate crawlers for their participation and involvement,” said Rector.  “I am excited for the potential this event has to offer and we hope to continue it.”

Chamber Chocolate Crawl

Sweet Treats as Fundraiser

The El Dorado Chamber of Commerce is hosting their inaugural “Chocolate Crawl” on Saturday, February 13, 2021, with the event being sponsored by Graphic Concepts, Inc.

“The chocolate crawl is a fundraising initiative for the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce that supports our local businesses,” said Cameo Rector, El Dorado Chamber of Commerce Director.

Touted as the sweetest thing ever, the “Chocolate Crawl” will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at participating area businesses. During that time, attendees will travel from business to business, while satisfying their sweet tooth. The act of crawling on hands and knees is not recommended.

“Chocolate locations will be revealed at the time of ticket purchase,” said Rector. That’s part of the fun, kind of like a speakeasy. You need a ticket to learn the locations.”

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 years old. Tickets can be purchased at the El Dorado Chamber office located at 201 E. Central. Additionally, tickets can be purchased by calling 316-321-3150 or by sending an email to ​crector@eldoradochamber.com

Ticket sales end Friday, February 12th at 4 p.m.