Olathe: The City Beautiful

Join the Olathe Historical Society for a special screening of their Emmy-award winning documentary Olathe: The City Beautiful. In each program, we will watch segments of the film and hear from local speakers who will share more of Olathe’s fascinating history. Some new films will be completed in 2021 and may make an appearance on certain evenings! See below for a general schedule:

September 13

• A Place Called Home: In 1857, JB and Lucinda Mahaffie came to Kansas in search of a farm. Settling in Olathe along the Santa Fe Trail, the Mahaffies braved the volatile Kansas/Missouri border and established a successful farm and stagecoach stop that still stands today.
   
• The Bricklayer: He could lay over 40,000 bricks in a single day and in 1925 he paved the new Kansas/Olathe highway. James Garfield Brown would finish the highway in Olathe to a grand celebration and a world record.

September 27

• Renaissance Man: Teacher, farmer, Navy commander, radio pioneer – Marshall Ensor was a man of many trades. For 46 years he passed on his knowledge to thousands of Olathe high school students. He and sister Loretta, through the use of early radio, would come to national recognition.
   
• Out of the Mud: No two brothers have had a greater impact on Olathe. Both were successful businessmen and bankers; one was mayor of Olathe, the other Kansas State Senator and Governor – Frank and George Hodges truly made Olathe a better place.

October 12

• I’ve Filled My Bill – William Quantrill: Seeking revenge for the execution of his friend Perry Hoy, William Clarke Quantrill and 150 of his men saddled their horses and set their sights on Olathe, Kansas. Riding into Olathe on September 6th, 1862, Quantrill's guerillas ransacked the town -- killing over a dozen men, destroying both town newspapers, pillaging goods from Olathe homes, and taking over 100 men as prisoners.
   
• The Lynching of Bert Dudley: In August of 1916, Bert Dudley, a local farm hand, murdered a farmer and his wife in Stilwell, Kansas. He was captured by the Johnson County Sheriff and convicted by a jury in downtown Olathe. However, a mob felt justice was not served and decided to enact its own punishment for the crime.

October 25

• A Foundation to Build Upon – JC Nichols: One of the top urban developers of all time, Jesse Clyde Nichols was born and raised in Olathe, Kansas. The pranks that were played on young JC and the enormous success he had in his early life all played a role in shaping this great man.
   
• Arts and Entertainment: From music to painting to theater and sculpture, Olathe has a long history of the arts. Some notable names from Olathe went on to have national stardom, while others remained close by but were no less prolific.

November 8

• Broken Silence – Kansas School for the Deaf: For 150 years the Kansas School for the Deaf has called Olathe home. The institution has shaped the lives of thousands of deaf students, contributed much to the story of our country and played a vital role within the community of Olathe.
   
• Olathe Churches: Faith communities have played an important role in Olathe history. Churches have been built, moved, and torn down, but all played a role in our community.

November 22

• The Flying Jayhawks: The Olathe Naval Air Station had a 30-year lifespan as the premier United States Naval Institution in the Kansas City region. Its existence began as a call to war. The facility trained over 4,000 pilots for service in World War 2, including former astronaut and Senator John Glenn. Later, the base went on to serve many other purposes and host all 4 branches of the military. For the first time, the story of the ONAS is brought to the screen. With historical reenactments, an interview with John Glenn, and never before seen historical photography and footage – the history of this important base comes alive.
   
• Home of the Cowboy Boot – The Hyer Boot Company: Innovator, craftsman and businessman – Charles Hyer was more than just the creator of the modern cowboy boot. Told by his granddaughter, this is the story of the Hyer Boot Company.

December 13

• There Shall Come a Day: Throughout American history the African American community has struggled to gain equal rights. Olathe’s history is no different. However, through the actions of students, teachers, and city leaders of all races, Olathe has moved beyond a segregated community.
   
• Mr. Old Settler: For over 100 years the Old Settlers celebration has been a part of Johnson County and Olathe. One man, who became a very important part of this event, symbolizes how our community celebrates the past, but has moved on from its humble beginnings.
   
• We Belong: When the Shawnee tribes were forcibly removed from Indiana and Missouri in the 1830s they settled in the Kansas City area. One smaller band, led by Chief Black Bob, came south and settled in southern Johnson County, near Olathe, where their plight continued.

December 27

• Trails to Rails – Overland Trails: The Overland Trails played a very important part in American history and the expansion of our country. This system of trails started right here in the area, making Kansas City the true gateway to the west.
   
• Rails to Roads – Railroads in Olathe: In the days before the automobile, and even after, Olathe’s connection to the world came through the railroads. Trains were the lifeblood of our city transporting merchandise, the mail and people.