2009 Events
2009 Holiday Brunch
The Native Sons and Daughters celebrated the 2009 holiday season with our annual Holiday Brunch held at the magnificently remodeled Indian Hills Country Club in Prairie Village, Ks, on Saturday, December 12th, 2009. Upon arrival, the approx. 140 members and guests were treated to the elegant charm of the beautifully renovated facilities and to stunning setting of the dining room. The event celebrated the joys of this holiday season, the leadership of Mr. Dan C.D. Sturdevant as Native Sons and Daughters President for 2009, and the passing of the gavel to incoming President Gary L. Hicks.
The event provided for the social re-acquaintance of our members preceding a bountiful feast prepared by the Indian Hills C.C. kitchen staff. On arrival and registration, members were greeted by Executive-Secretary Susie Hughes, and new Program Chair Louise Hicks who verified member contact data for the records.
The Program began promptly at 12:30 with delightful holiday music, delivered in barber-shop harmony style by “The Impromptunes”, a ladies ensemble consisting of 10 women dressed for the holiday style! These ladies additionally sing with the renowned Sweet Adelines group of Kansas City, which recently placed 8th in Nashville in international competition. We were gloriously entertained with their 15 minutes of music. Our own “Sweet Adeline” Ursula Dunnewind joined the ensemble for the singing fun!
Dan C.D. Sturdevant recognized the incoming Officers and the Board of Directors for 2010, and reflected on his year as President in 2009. Dan introduced those new members present, and special guests including Hon. Richard Berkley, former Mayor of KCMO. Gary presented a plaque to Dan commemorating his service to the organization. Of great significance in 2009 were Dan’s technical developments in data management and application, and increasing our membership ranks by 46 new members!
Dan conducted a brief business session with Bylaws Chair John Dunnewind. They presented a proposed revision to Section IV of the bylaws authorizing the Board of Directors, at its discretion, to appoint up to three additional Directors over and above the 18 members elected Directors. Following discussion and vote, the motion passed.
Dan introduced incoming President Gary Hicks who recognized new committee chairs for 2010. Gary offered a 77 year perspective on the contributions of the Native Son and Daughters organization, and the value it serves towards historical charity, advocacy, preservation and education in our 10-county area. In his closing remarks, Gary outlined several objectives for his coming term including the challenge for each member to enlist at least one new member for 2010; for each member to attend NSDKC activities, and to become better connected through the use of the website and e-mail. Gary noted a number of projects and events moving forward for 2010.
Additional musical entertainment was provided by Dan and Dr. Bruce Prince-Joseph, former pianist for Leonard Bernstein’s New York City Philharmonic Orchestra. Dan led us in an original composition at the piano titled “Three Minute Version of KC Area History” in song. Fun was had by all as each tried to maintain composure and to follow the musical meter at the same time. Dr. Bruce treated us from the piano to a reflective rendition of the holiday classic, “Silent Night”, with audience participation.
As in years before, this cheerful event sets the tone for a Season of Yuletide greeting, good will, and promise of another year of achievement in 2010 for our organization. Again, many thanks to Dan for his leadership and the success he has given our organization in 2009.
Gary L. Hicks
Re-enactment at Kaw Point, October 3, 2009
Member Gary Hicks portrayed Private Collins at a re-enactment at Lewis and Clark Point at Kaw Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Gary's carrying a flintlock musket valued at more than $1500, which was loaned by Native Sons and Daughters member Dave Baumgartner.
There will be a professional DVD of the drama for $12 to $15 each. If you wish to order, please contact Gary. The re-enactment was staged Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, and Sunday afternoon.
Meet and Greet at the Roasterie, October 22
Roasterie guide Norm Killmon describes himself as "Bean Browner" on his business
card. Norm mentored volunteers Gary Hicks and Shirley Marshall, and
demonstrated cupping, a process used to evaluate and grade coffees. Another
Roasterie representative, Amanda Butler, prepared complimentary coffee, answered questions, helped with purchases, and graciously served the group.
Members at the Roasterie tour, with Norm Killmon, bean browner
Jeff Davis, Gary Hicks, Joe Huber, and Shirley Marshall learn about cupping from Norm Killmon of the Roasterie.
John Hess, Jr., and Norm Killmon of the Roasterie
Mary Lee Sturdevant, John Hess, Shirley Marshall, Ross Marshall, and Diane Pepper at the Roasterie tour.
We're holding a Meet and Greet for new and prospective members at The Roasterie on Thursday, October 22, from 5:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a tour of the coffee plant. The tour will start at 6:00 p.m. We'll learn about the cupping, roasting and blending process. 
The Roasterie is a locally owned company opened in 1993 by Danny O’Neill in his Brookside basement. The Roasterie has grown to be one of the most recognizable brands in Kansas City.
Join us as we have a chance to host our new potential members, as well as sample some of the best coffee in the world. Light refreshments will be provided.
The Roasterie is located at 1204 West 27th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, west of Southwest Trafficway and south of Southwest Blvd. on 27th Street.
Please email John Hess, Jr. with questions and your reservations. We look forward to seeing you there!
Tour of the Kauffman Performing Arts Center, October 17, 2009
- Dear Friends,
I am excited to announce our next outing which I think will be of great interest to you. Saturday, October 17, at 10 a.m., we will be going to the site of the new Performing Arts Center. We will meet at the J. E. Dunn offices at 1640 Baltimore, at the NW corner of 17th & Baltimore one block east of Broadway. Parking is available at the building and on the street.
Christopher Beal, Senior Director of Development for the Performing Arts Center, will show us architectural renderings and the acoustical model that is a 1/10 replica of the Concert Hall. This acoustical model enabled the engineers to achieve perfect acoustics.
We will also walk around the perimeter of the site as Christopher points out items of interest. You will discover many of the key features of this amazing facility. The tour will last approximately one hour.
There is no charge for the tour. However, if you would like to make a contribution to the center, please send a check in any amount you choose, made payable to NSDGKC, when you send in your reservation form. Susie will then present one check to Mr. Beal at the conclusion of our tour. If you are unable to attend the tour but would like to send a donation, your check will be appreciated.
After the tour, lunch around the corner at 11:30 at Webster House, 1644 Wyandotte. It is always a treat to eat here. At Webster House you will order from the menu. In order to take advantage of our tax-free status, you are asked to bring a check made payable to NSDGKC to cover the cost of your lunch and tip. Susie Hughes will then write one check to Webster House.
Please bring friends, neighbors, relatives, and prospective members. All are welcome! Don’t forget to wear your nametag!
Mary Lee Sturdevant, Program Chair
- Meet and Greet held at the Buttonwood Gallery, July 22
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A group of our members and proposed members, pictured below, met Jon and Wendy McGraw, proprietors and artists at the Buttonwood Art Space at 3013 Main Street in Kansas City, Missouri on July 22. Good food, conversation and art abounded. Plenty of history was discussed. One item was Mr. McGraw’s original real estate abstract, showing that his building and land at 3013 Main was first deeded in the 1840s to a Mr. McCoy—a rather famous person in originating Kansas City.
Thanks to John Hess, Jr. for arranging for this fine event.
- Sad News
- Bill Norton, former member of the Board of Directors of the Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City, died unexpectedly July 11, 2009. You may read his obituary online.
- Sad News
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Lee Pickering, 2nd Vice-President, Communications Secretary, and Community Service Project chair for the Alexander Majors Home, died suddenly on Tuesday, April 28. Lee helped spearhead many initiatives for the Native Sons and Daughters and we will miss him. (He is pictured at the far right of the photo above.)
The Board of Directors of Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City is very pleased to announce its 2009 Outstanding Kansas Citian Award Recipient to be John A. Dillingham.
The dinner honoring Mr. Dillingham will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2009, 6:00 p.m., at The Golden Ox, 1600 Genessee, in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Dillingham, a member and past president of the Native Sons and Daughters, will be honored for his many outstanding civic achievements as well as his contributions to documenting the history of greater Kansas City.
He is president and director of JoDill, Inc. and Dillingham Enterprises. John’s public and civic affairs comprise an extensive list of chairmanships, directorships and appointments.
John is the 45th recipient of this award, first given in 1973. John’s father, the late Jay B. Dillingham, received the Outstanding Kansas Citian award in 1984.
It is significant that the dinner-event will be held at the Golden Ox Restaurant, which was established by Jay B. Dillingham in 1959. The restaurant is located in the Livestock Exchange Building where John’s father had his offices for many years and where John also has his offices on the top floor of the building.
We’ll be sending an invitation to everyone shortly. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the dinner.And a special treat is in store:
A wine Reception from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. hosted by Inland Sea Wines, Kansas City's Urban Winery.
The Inland Sea tasting room is adjacent to the Golden Ox in the Livestock Exchange Building. From the Golden Ox lobby, directions will be provided.
Inland Sea Wines is unique in the region, producing wines made only from the classic European wine grapes. From locally-grown Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, and using Missouri-grown oak, Inland Sea is changing the preception of fine wine in the Midwest. Found on Kansas City's best restaurant wine lists, and available from select wine retailers, Inland Sea enjoys a strong regional following with our city's wine and food crowd.
Come early to socialize and learn about great locally-produced wine. There is no charge for the reception. In honor of the event, Inland Sea will extend a 20% discount on all wines purchased that evening. Wines will be packaged and available to take home after the dinner.Please note that due to the number of reservations, we will now on the second floor of the Golden Ox. Parking is available on the south and west side of the building.
Meet and Greet at the Buttonwood Art Space, Wednesday, July 22
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Our next “Meet and Greet” illustrates, as the late Charles Schultz once said, “what you can do with a pen, a squiggle, a curve and three short lines within a circle - Charlie Brown”.
It is in this theme the Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City are meeting at Buttonwood Art Space, located at 3013 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri, Wednesday, July 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for “DRAWING THE LINE,” an exhibit of graphite, colored pencil, pen & ink, and other media depicting realism, cartoon and caricatured images.
Join us as we will have a chance to host our new potential members, as well as view and purchase the wide array of artwork. Light refreshments will be provided! Featured artists include Charlie Podrebarac, famous for his colorful cartoon characters, Bob Holloway and his memorable and historical character art, Lee Judge, renowned editorial cartoonist from the Star, Janet Kuemmerlein, and over 12 other artists.
The Buttonwood building is part of Kansas City history. She was constructed in the early 1900’s and was once home to Martha Clay Wood McDermitt’s infamous “Union Hill Art Gallery.” Currently, the building is home to Buttonwood Financial Group, the sponsor for our July “Meet and Greet.”
Please email John Hess, Jr. with questions and your reservations. I look forward to seeing you there!
Native Sons and Daughters at the Dedication of the National Archives Central Region offices, May 23
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Norm Besheer, Dan Creasy, Joanne Collins, Ed Shutt and Dan Sturdevant
manned the Native Sons and Daughters booth at the History and Genealogical Fair during the May 23 dedication of the new offices of the National Archives at Kansas City. Dan and Norm are seen in the photo below.The renovated space formerly occupied by the Adams Express offices at the west lower end of Union Station and vacant since the early 1980s has been transformed into modern space to house the Central Region archives of documents generated by the federal government.
Contact and partnerships were discussed with many other history organizations present. One new member application was completed by Frank McMillian, with about 10 applications being given to prospective new members. Also visiting were Mary Lee Sturdevant, Tom Platt, Keith Krieger, Donna Kelly, Dan and Judy Jackson and others.
At the 10:00 a.m. opening ceremony, Clifton Daniel, grandson of Harry and Bess Truman, spoke mostly about the letters between Harry and Bess Truman, preserved at the Truman Library, showing the loving relationship between the two. Western Historical Manuscript Collection tour, May 16
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David Boutros, Associate Director, Western Historical Manuscript Collection, Kansas City, and Native Sons and Daughters member, conducted the tour of the Native Sons and Daughters Archives housed at the WHMC. He provided us with an understanding of the extensive collection and organization and retrieval capabilities of documents about the history of the Kansas City area history provided at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection.
David said that the Native Sons and Daughters Archive is “the first collection I suggest people research about Kansas City history.” This continues to be the repository present and future, for our organization. David also explained that the new collection is to be housed in the new UMKC Miller Nichols Library, now undergoing renovation.
A fund raising campaign for the collection is underway, and the photo below shows Phase I of the Native Sons commitment to the Collection. One option is for the new classroom in the new collection to be named “Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City Classroom.” Fundraising efforts continue. Please contact Dan Sturdevant, President, if you have questions or wish to make a donation to further the mission of the Native Sons and Daughters.
Sitting: Dan Sturdevant, David Boutros, Associate Director, Western Historical Manuscript Collection, Kansas City, Eleanor Schwartz,former UMKC Chancellor. Standing: Gary Hicks, David and Nancy Baumgartner, Dan and Judy Jackson, Don Dibble, Arlene Schumann, John Dillingham, Bob Sigman. Norm Besheer, Tom Platt, Mary Lee Sturdevant, Ed Shutt, Eileen Sullivan, Tom Sims, Sylvia and Dan Creasy, Cherie and Jeff Davis.
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- Saturday, February 28, Wyandotte County Historial Museum tour
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We will have a guided tour of the newly renovated museum beginning at 10:00 a.m. The tour is approximately an hour, and you’ll enjoy the special exhibits, such as the Hopewell, Shawnee, and Wyandotte Native American displays, the 1905 horse-drawn steam pumper shown below, the one-room schoolhouse, and the Wyandotte Constitution. We will finish at 11:45.
Following the tour, we’ll gather for an optional lunch at Longhorn Steakhouse in West Village. Please bring family, friends and prospective members, they’re all welcome! More details are coming. Visit their web site. -
Meet and Greet New Members, April 7th, 2009, 5:30 p.m.
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- Do you have a potential new member in mind?
- Would you like to introduce them to Native Sons and Daughters members?
- Join us at Kansas City Southern Railways corporate office for a Meet and Greet!
From last year's Meet and Greet
Please join us for our next Meet and Greet. Bring your potential new member on Tuesday, April 7th to Kansas City Southern Railways corporate offices at 427 West 12th Street, KCMO, one block west of 12th and Broadway. The building is located on Washington between 12th and 13th Street, with the entrance on 12th Street. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last about an hour. We will have a tour highlighting the history of Kansas City Southern. We'll also tour the "Harry Truman" rail car which is generally not open to the public. Afterward,we'll socialize at Harry's Country Club Bar, in the City Market at 112 W. Missouri Ave, just off Grand. The visit to Harry's is optional, and you'll be on your own for libations. We're limited to 25 to 30 guests, so this event is for you and a potential member. Please contact John Hess if you have questions.
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Please join us at the April Board Meeting
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- Wednesday, April 8, 2009
- 12:00 noon
- Rockhill Tennis Club
- 4520 Kenwood (corner of 45th Street and Rockhill Road, just across from
the Nelson-Atkins Museum) - RSVP by April 1
You are invited to the April meeting of the Board, as we would like your ideas. Please let us know if you are coming and we presume you will want to have lunch.
Your check for $15 is your lunch reservation. Send your check to:
- P.O.Box 10046
- Kansas City, MO 64171
Please RSVP by mailing your check by April 1,2009. This allows us to reserve a seat and a lunch for you.
You are welcome to call me at 816-421-4783 or Susie Hughes at 816-926-9397 if you have questions.Dan Sturdevant, President
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In partnership with the Friends of Sacred Structures, please join us for a tour of
Kansas City's historic churches on Saturday, April 18th -
We'll gather at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 40th & Main at 8:30 a.m., where parking is available. The bus departs promptly at 8:45 a.m.
We'll tour these historic Kansas City churches:
- Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral, with music provided by Dr. Bruce Prince-Joseph
- The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- Redemptorist Church
- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Our guide for the tour is Joanie Shields of Friends of Sacred Structures.
The cost for the tour is $21, and includes bus and a donation to FOSS.Seating on the bus is limited.
Following the tour, we'll gather for an optional lunch at the Grand Street Cafe. The cost for lunch is $15.50
Please reserve your seat no later than April 13, 2009 by sending a check payable to the Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City to:
- Susie Hughes, Executive Secretary
- Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City
P.O. Box 10046 - Kansas City, MO 64171
When sending your reservation and check, please indicate whether or not you will be joining the tour for lunch. If so, include a check for that as well.
- Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral, with music provided by Dr. Bruce Prince-Joseph
Tour of Native Sons and Daughters Archive, Saturday, May 16
- We’ll begin at 10:00 a.m. with a tour of Linda Hall Library, located on the UMKC campus. At 11:00 a.m., David Boutros, member of the Native Sons and Daughters and archivist at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection, will guide us through the Native Sons and Daughters archive housed by WHMC in Newcomb Hall, just across the street from Linda Hall Library. Plans are being made for dining after the tour.
Watch your inbox for an invitation to join the tour.
Native Sons and Daughters strongly supports the new building effort and fundraiser to provide ample space and facilities for the storage of indexed historical artifacts and records of this area. The records and documents acquired as donations are archived, stored, and available for scholarly research. - 2007 and 2008 events
Norm Besheer elected 2nd Vice-President
The NSDKC Executive Committee has elected Norm Besheer to the position of 2nd Vice-President, at its May 13th 2009 meeting, to complete the 2009 term previously held by Lee Pickering. Norm will continue to fill the duties of his position as Secretary until the Board later elects another for this position. Norm's bio will be found in the Officers and Directors section.