Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, KS is proud to announce the 2023 Second Quarterly Exhibit, “Little Balkans Coal Camp – McCune”, opening April 1 and continuing through June 24, 2023.
This exhibit features the fascinating history of McCune. While McCune was not traditionally known as a “Coal Camp” they provided a hub for area coal camps. Join us as we celebrate the unique and interesting history and growth of McCune, KS.
McCune was laid out in 1879. It was named for its founder, Isaac McCune. McCune was incorporated as a city in 1881. The first post office in McCune was established in August, 1878.
This special quarterly exhibit is hosted by Morgan Blanchard-Zimmer and Dick Rauniker.
Morgan Blanchard-Zimmer is the McCune Osage Township Library Director and current director of the McCune Museum.
She has lived in McCune since she was a child, and now with her husband Kyle Zimmer.
She attended Pittsburg State University and received her Bachelors Degree in Secondary History and Government.
She has a passion for local history and keeping heritage alive.
Dick Rauniker is a local veteran who spent many years becoming a history buff on railroad history of the area and of WWII.
Dick has lived in McCune for several years with his wife Beverly.
He is excited to be presenting on the railroads that forged new commerce in southeast Kansas and united the rural communities to larger cities.
If you have artifacts, photos, or stories relating to this exhibit and would like to donate or loan them for this exhibit or future display at the museum, please contact the museum to share this wonderful history.
Miners Hall Museum is located at 701 S. Broadway, Franklin Kansas on Business 69 Highway. Open Monday through Saturday 10am-4pm. Admission is free.
May 21: “The Founding of McCune”
Presented by Kent Smith
Despite living several hours away, in Tulsa, OK, Kent has remained involved with the McCune Osage Township Library and museum and regularly participates in community events. His father, Herman W. Smith, Jr., had been born in McCune. One of his ancestors had one of the first businesses in McCune – a clothing store.
His other great-great grandfather, Sevier Wilson emigrated in 1892 and opened one of the first general stores in McCune.
Kent strives to develop themes and stories that evolve from those individuals, their struggles and triumphs with the land, and their drive to create a community – a town named McCune to reflect and immortalize their shared dreams, experiences, and hopes for the future.
