"A Funnie Place, No Fences": Teenagers' Views of Kansas, 1867-1900

Abstract

Many hands and minds contributed to bringing this book to completion. Most important were individuals who generously loaned diaries in their possession and granted permission to excerpt from these treasures that deserve full publication: Gayle Garrelts, Meriden, Kansas; Lida Holmes Mattman, Grosse Pointe, Michigan; Nona Brown Thompson, Lawrence, Kansas; and Henry L. Norton, Wichita, Kansas. Among the library wizards that gave of their wisdom and expertise were Nicolette Bromberg, photograph archivist; and Sheryl Williams, director, Kansas Collection, University of Kansas Spencer Library; Nancy Sherbert, curator of photography, Patricia Michaelis, curator of manuscripts, and the staff of the Kansas State Historical Society; and Wilma Rife, director, and Marge Murray, interlibrary assistant, of the Mabee Library, Washburn University. Our appreciation goes to the word processors, Anne Fund and Malcolm Neelley, who brought coherence and order to the collection. Joan Davies skillfully wove the prints, photographs, and other visual elements in the book's design. Washburn University also assisted in bringing the writings of these teenagers to the public. Special thanks goes to Barbara Watkins of the University of Kansas Division of Continuing Education, whose enthusiasm and contribution went far beyond the responsibilities of an editor. Her involvement was unstinting and this source book would have been a different, less useful volume without her close and careful supervision. L. Marie Haywood also deserves special recognition and gratitude for her involvement in every phase of the book's production.