Holton's history focus of second "Second Saturday" event

By Brian Sanders
The history of Holton's Town Square and many of the buildings that house its businesses will be the focus of the second "Second Saturday" promotion, coming up from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 8 on the Square.
"Historical Holton" is the theme of Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce's monthly event, which features Holton's past on display at many participating businesses in addition to retail shopping specials, drink samplings and refreshments, according to Chamber director Carolyn McKee. The evening culminates in a dinner and Civil War-themed presentation at Your Place or Mine, 501 E. Fifth St., with Boyd and Helen Plankinton (see related story).
"Everybody's going to have a little piece of history about their place, and that includes Your Place or Mine," McKee said, noting that at one time, Holton had a soda bottling company that occupied the same building that houses Your Place or Mine today.
The event will also feature a "retro décor' display at expressions Flowers and Gifts, 406 Pennsylvania Ave., in memory of longtime Holton resident Judy Hann, who died this past August.
"Judy was into different 'retro' things," McKee said.
Going back a little further than "retro," Hotel Josephine, located at Fifth Street and Ohio Avenue, will celebrate 125 years of lodging in the community with a historic presentation on the hotel. Drawings for a two-night stay in the hotel will be held; for more information, visit www.hoteljosephineonline.com/contest.htm
Bell Graphics, 118 E. Fifth St., will be open for what McKee advertised as a "bare bones" tour of the old printing facility that dates back nearly a century, as does some of the printing equipment inside. Its former owner, Gary Bell, will be in front of Ann's Home Health at 107 W. Fourth St. with his band, the Fence Row Special.
Businesses that once occupied places on the Square will also be spotlighted at two locations where new businesses may be found. At Jayhawk TV and Appliance, 435 New York Ave., memorabilia from the location's time as the Klaus Grocery Store will be on display.
And at White Law Office/Title Abstract Company, 120 W. Fifth St., visitors will have the chance to see a mural of the grocery store that was once located at the site. There will also be a gallery of Holton memorabilia, including pictures and stories of famous people with ties to Holton, it was reported.
On a more recent note, HotSpot at 104 W. Fifth St. in the Newman Building will offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the origins of coffee while trying authentic espresso and coffee drinks like Espresso Romano, Classic Cappuccino, Café Cubano and Turk Kavase for only $2.75. BNB Inc./Kansas Karate and Weapons Academy L.L.C. at 122 E. Fifth St. will also hold an open house.
Other historic buildings in participation will include the Jackson County Historical Museum, the Jackson County Courthouse, Koger Variety, Kellerman Insurance and Real Estate, Quilting on the Square and J&M Sewing Center. Businesses offering Second Saturday specials will include Heart to Home L.L.C., Uptown Treasures, Bandita's Western Barn and Penny's Bakery.
At 6 p.m., the dinner at Your Place or Mine will kick off with a St. Louis-style ribs platter, featuring a baked potato with sour cream and chives, Mexicorn, tossed green salad with homemade croutons, butter roll and cheesecake with raspberry glaze. A cash bar will also be provided, it was reported.
Dinner tickets, limited to 75, are on sale now at each of the three main banks in Holton at a cost of $25 per person. For more information on tickets or the Second Saturday promotion, call the Chamber office at 364-3963 or visit www.exploreholton.com
Local artistic vendors will be at Cottage Market as well as other businesses around the Square, it was reported.

The Holton Recorder

109 W. Fourth St.
Holton, KS 66436
Phone: 785-364-3141
 

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