On Saturday, June 21 from noon to 3:30, the public is invited to Pioneer Bluffs for a delicious free meal followed by two fascinating Prairie Talks with Chase County and K-State roots.
- At 12:00 we'll begin with a free Barbecue Meal – from Smokin O’s and compliments of Five Oaks Ranch.
FOR MEAL PLEASE RSVP by JUNE 16th to 620-753-3484 or
aW5mbyB8IHBpb25lZXJibHVmZnMgISBvcmc=. Numbers limited.
[No RSVP needed for later talks – walk-ins welcome]
- At 1:00, “The Story of Five Oaks Ranch” will include stories and historic photos of this ranch west of Elmdale on its 100th birthday: including early days, the colorful era of the Wiley draft horse ranch, the Middle Creek Fair and rodeo, and beginning in 1925, the Kansas City Stockyards-based Browning Ranch, grazing Texas cattle on Flint Hills grass, operated by the McKees, Cauthorns, & Burnetts, and Five Oaks Ranch with Wilson and Hancock families. Presented by Annie & John Wilson, Katie Wilson Hancock, and Jane Cauthorn.
- At 2:00, Cake Reception celebrating the 100th birthday of Five Oaks Ranch and the Legacy of Miles McKee.
- At 2:30, guests will hear “The Legacy of Miles McKee” – about the beloved Professor of Animal Science at K-State from 1959-2005, who grew up on this same ranch west of Elmdale. He went on to become a much-celebrated teacher and advisor, having an enormous impact on his students as well as the Kansas beef industry. The McKee family will tell about his life and legacy, with time at the end for his former students to share their favorite stories and recollections.
Visitors are invited to come early to tour the grounds and see updated displays in the historic 1915 barn and 1908 ranch house at Pioneer Bluffs.
A National Register Historic District, Pioneer Bluffs is located fourteen miles south of Cottonwood Falls or one mile north of Matfield Green on Flint Hills National Scenic Byway K-177 - 695 Kansas Highway 177. See pioneerbluffs.org.
