Officers of the Eta Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Coffeyville Community College chose the quiet small community of Elk Falls, Kansas, as the site of their 2013 fall semester officer retreat August 30-31. Elk Falls offered an opportunity for the college students to spend some unhurried time at the waterfalls, historic bridge, working pottery, one room school house, and historic cemetery while planning chapter goals and events for the fall semester.
Arriving in Elk Falls, the officers visited the pottery studio of Steve and Jan Frye. The Fryes shared the interesting story of how they came to Elk Falls from Georgia many years ago. Steve demonstrated the potter’s wheel by shaping several vessels while sharing the various techniques he has learned from years of experience.
On the way to the Barn Loft Bed and Breakfast, the students viewed the Sherman House which from 1879 to 1890 was a popular stop for passenger trains passing through Elk Falls. Like the famed Harvey Houses, passengers and crew could get a good meal and even a room if they needed a place to stay. The Sherman House, now well over one hundred years old, has been meticulously restored by Steve and Jane Frye.
The officers’ planning sessions were held at a renovated barn featuring a ventilation cupola. Before beginning their first work session, officers toured the two-story 1896 farmhouse that is being renovated into the Fryes’ home. The house had once hosted a rally for presidential candidate Alf Landon that had 1,700 guests. The students also toured the beautiful garden consisting of stonework and statuary originally built in the 1930s. The garden site covers an estimated quarter of a city block and was featured on Kansas Public Television’s “Sunflower Journeys.” During the three work sessions, members did two get acquainted activities, “Who Are You” and “Core Beliefs and Values.” Topics covered were: scholarships, active member forms, chapter presentations, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Project, Presidential Scholars and Provisional Members, Chapter calendar and goals, officer reports, region update, Hallmark Awards, All USA Academic Team, Competitive Edge and CollegeFish.org and the college project.
Officers enjoyed a cook-out at the fall and a country breakfast prepared by Beki Eck. Local historian Margery Cunningham discussed such topics as Prudence Crandall, equal rights pioneer and educator, the buffalo soldiers, and the history of the town itself. Members toured the historic cemetery and viewed several of the outhouses decorated for the annual Outhouse Tour the weekend- before Thanksgiving. The chapter will prepare a Red Raven entry for this year’s Outhouse Festival November 22-23.