Dear editor,
This is a letter that I hope will save the public from theft of gas.
My husband and I have been the victims of not only gas theft but also the loss of a garden hose used to steal fuel and in the process, destroyed the vehicle’s gas tank, a $150 cost.
If this letter helps just one person, we will be happy.
Sincerely,
Joyce Peck,
LaHarpe, Kan.
Dear editor,
The Iola Municipal Band is such a wonderful asset to Iola. It was started in 1871 and has always had the young and old in perfect accord from 16 to 92 years old.
In 1920-21, my father and mother made the band concerts their date night with riding in a horse and buggy. It was already 50 years old and very well attended. Even the merchants stayed open later.
At the last concert, a lady and son sat on the bench with me. She was so proud of her son up there playing and that he went to New York with the Iola High School band.
Her other son will be playing the saxophone in the band this coming school year. A very proud mother! She said that they did not understand this John Philip Sousa thing. Wow.
Please allow me to tell his tradition of the world famous march king who came down on the Santa Fe Railroad from Kansas City to Iola for a stop. They marched from the depot on West Madison with hundreds of people lining the streets to the largest, most beautiful courthouse square in Kansas. They marched around the square to our wonderful band stand. They then gave a great concert. They stayed overnight at our then very famous Kelley Hotel. The next morning they continued on to Tulsa.
We must always let the municipal band members know how much we appreciate them and enjoy their talents. Public television was here a few years ago and acclaimed that no city in Kansas has anything to beat this.
This Thursday night will close this year’s season. Remember they have to meet Monday evenings to practice so that they can give us their best on Thursday night. Let’s beat the heat and give them a great crowd. It is hot on the bandstand and many give a great deal to get this together.
Respectfully submitted,
Don Hillbrant,
