Our Past is Present: School, Memories, and Giving Back for our future generations

Junction City, Kansas, is a town that I can literally write a book, or perhaps even stories that will be centered in this town. Not only stories, but stories through music. As I am constantly writing new thoughts and ideas, a lot of times, I have to sit back after going through a full nostalgic attack on many things. Whether it’s my life of experiences, or the memories others created, this time, I had to think… With all of the music and writing projects I have created in the past that has to do with this town (in which they are not published/finished material yet), I thought about one thing…. I remember a lady once told my mother, “this is God’s country, and it hasn’t been struck down”. Have you ever noticed the fact how tornadoes would touch down Geary County, but they never fully destroyed us? I understand the old Native American legend about the two rivers, but seriously, has it ever occur to you that there is some sort of “magic” in this town? What is it really? What I find extremely interesting, is the fact how there are people who are drawn to this town from surrounding areas/counties who not only work, but actually HELP and give back to the community.  With us being the home to Fort Riley, even Fort Riley gives back in so many ways. People from Manhattan, Wamego, and other places give back for much support.

Junction City High School was a dear place in my heart, and with all of the greatest memories my friends and I had in that school, we all had dreams to be somebody, and we all had dreams to go somewhere. We all had teachers that impacted us through the good times, bad times, and even if they were bad, we still look back and say, I wish I could go back to repeat it.  We say it not because it was high school and things were easy at the time, but there’s something about that magic in which we all felt connected to one another. We all had our best of times, and worst of times. We have grown up with some great elementary school memories, middle school memories, and even community memories. Some of the people who live here will often say something negative about this town, and some people end up leaving this town. However, when I sat back in my chair the other day, I thought about who graduated, left, or is living their life. But I also realized how once we departed this town after graduating, or anything else, we always end up wanting to come back. We also end up staying in this town for some odd reason. The more people who try to deny wanting to live here, the more some how they end up right back here. What draws us to this town? What makes us stay? What makes outside people from other communities give back to continue building on the rich traditions and legacies that were once started by the community founders?  

If the community can help us grow, we can help it grow by giving back. I always think to myself, if we are to come back, how can we lead for the next generation? If we are to grow, who’s going to be the next mayor, teacher, commissioner, historian, or any other leader who has an impact?  We all have a part in this town, we all have many stories and memories. Like I always said, many people don’t understand it, but if there ever came a time in which we had filmed a movie of our years in school, this town, or anything, it would be a fantastic experience to do. I wouldn’t mind if the director said, okay I want everyone who taught at the school from 2007-2011, and has graduated from those classes, come back to participate in a Hollywood movie. I bet you 100%, if that was to ever happen, not only will everyone feel the memories and bondage like family waiting to happen, but the “magic” in where you came from. By the time you look at it, you’ll know that it will be a moment to relive those glory days.

…..Oh don’t worry, I didn’t stop right there…..I have a lot more stories and wisdom to share with you.

…..No wonder why Senior year felt like a movie…..

…..More stories to come…..You may not understand it now, but I’m telling it the best I can.

I'm So JC : Little History Facts

Remember in my last blog I told you that I had many stories, memories, and great words I have to say about the Junction City-Geary County Region? Well lately I’ve seen a trend on Facebook called “I’m So…”, which describes what you remember growing up in the town. Well, for one, I have many….So I’m just going to give my list right here….Only some…Not everything…

I’m so J.C., I remember when Powerhits 97.5 used to be “The Big Kat 94.5”. The Talk of JC, used to be “1420 Country KJCK”. If you ever listened to the radio, you would know when to sing along when they played the full version of The Martinez Sales and Rentals, theme song..

Across from McDonald’s where Panchos is located, used to be a Winchell’s Doughnuts, and a Pie place.

El Tapatio used to be, Pinata.

Kite’s was Erika’s Guesthaus (German Restaurant).

Denny’s and a Dairy Queen south of Washington.

Food 4 Less where JC Naz is currently.

Sirloin Stockade was located in the building across from the JC Naz church, before it became EL Cazador.

Shoney’s was where the Family Buffet is at currently. In fact, The Wal-Mart area was nothing but a Shoney’s, Wal-Mart, gas station, and Holiday Inn express.

The old Arby’s where the Eye doctor is at currently.

Days Inn before it became a Knight’s Inn.

All Fast food restaurants on sixth street had their original décor.

Hardees where El Ranchito is currently at.

Montgomery Wards used to be where Goodwill is at today.

Wal-Mart’s ORIGINAL Look went through three renovations in which it used to have a McDonald’s located where the Deli is at.

The Place to rent videos from was Dillons, Blockbuster, and Video time.

Community Band became a summer time activity in the park back in the 90’s.

ALCO’s before it became ‘The Dixon Center”.

JCHS went through many renovations.

Prom used to be held in the gymnasium with an awesome design of jaw dropping decorations….You would think you were not in Shenk gymnasium anymore. (my early 2000’s graduate friends might remember it)

South Park held the best Easter egg hunts.

The Opera House was vacant at the time….I never thought they would refurbish and re-open it during my High school career.

The Library held many great kid activities, story time, reading contests, magicians, Mr. Bill, and many other performances.

Sundown Salute used to be in Milford, although, it started back in 1972.

Grant Avenue had many restaurants which were owned by Korean, Puerto Rican, and German citizens.

Jin-Jin Garden used to be Imperial Palace.

The Tabaco/liquor shop used to be a Mexican restaurant.

Turning Point church was the ORIGINAL 18^th Little Theatre Play house.

Radio Shack, All Banks, Martinez Sale’s and Rentals, and Church’s Chicken have been in their same location dating back to when Junction City first started booming in the early 1900’s.

Jim Clark’s Tiger.

….I will stop right there, because the list, stories, and many many more things can go on.

By the way….Do you remember “The Flood”?

Ronald Atkinson