Historical society hosts community event

By Chelsea Weeks, News Editor

Students and Shawnee residents are invited to fly high and learn about the history of the community they live in.

Saturday, Oct. 6, Pottawatomie County Historical Society will host the third annual Planes, Trains and Automobiles event from 11:00 a.m. thru 7:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe Depot in downtown Shawnee.

“This event has something for everyone in the family to enjoy,” event coordinator Theresa Burnett said. “The day will be bursting with lots to see and experience that will not only be entertaining but educational. It is a great opportunity to explore the Santa Fe Depot and see what is going on with the construction of the new museum.”

There is no cost to enter and all entertainment events are free.

A variety of food vendors will be present which include Healthy Hippo, a Greek food truck, Quick Bites, Kono Ice of Pottawatomie and a dessert truck.

“It has many sponsors from the community that allows activities such as kiddie train ride, live pony carousel, butter making, corn husk doll craft, one-room schoolhouse reenactment, gunfighters, music, dancing and a theatrical show,” Burnett said. “There will be a working chuck wagon, a blacksmith, fur trader and other exciting living history demonstrations.”

Dr. Carol Humphrey, an OBU professor of history, is a member of the Pottawatomie County Historical Society and volunteered at last year’s event.

Humphrey said Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a great way to bring the people of Shawnee together and not only have fun but to also learn more about the community they live in.

“This event provides the community with a family fun day that has hands-on activities, entertainment as well as historical demonstrations and performances with little to no cost,” Burnett said.

Emily Shaw, a senior interdisciplinary major, volunteered at last year’s event and led tours through the Beard cabin while wearing a typical pioneer dress.

“I love sharing history with people and making them excited about it as well,” Shaw said. “I was only given a little information about the Beard cabin at first, but as people started to ask questions I was able to learn more and then do better at my job. It was also fun to see little girls get excited about our costumes and ask if that’s what people really used to wear.”