Tallgrass Tales: Stories from the Flint Hills

 “I’ve been so cold I figured I was going to freeze to death and I’ve been so hot I figured I was going to die. I’ve been so dry I figured I was gonna shrink up,” said Kenny Stahl of Strong City. “I always ended up working cattle during the day, and then I’d have to go home and farm. I’d work 16-18 hours a day.” 

“Tallgrass Tales: Stories from the Flint Hills” is a collection of recollections from Flint Hills ranchers and other cow-folk, captured on film.

Saturday, October 5, at 2 pm,  filmmaker Mark Feiden, of Roeland Park, will share highlights from a series of interviews in a presentation at the Volland Store. After the screening, folklorist and historian Jim Hoy, of Emporia, will lead a panel discussion. An informal reception follows.

“An 85-year-old who has spent a lifetime on the farm or ranch has witnessed extraordinary change—from mechanization and electrification to herbicides, genetics and GPS. If we are to preserve the humor, wit and wisdom of a largely bygone era, we must do so now,” said Feiden. “Above all else, we record these stories because we can—what would you give to hear one of your great-great grandparents sharing a good tale?”

Interviews feature: Tom Burton, Dennis Hague, Piper Hayes, Pat Sauble, Kenny Stahl, and Annie Wilson of Chase county; Wayne and Marcia Bailey, Paul Seeley, and Louie Surber of Greenwood county; Jackie Hett of Marion county; Gene Barr of Morris county; Bill Brethour, Martin Gnadt, Tony Meseke, Gary Schultz, Mary Schultz, Bill Schwalm, and Evelyn Zeckser of Wabaunsee county.

This program has been made possible by a partnership with Pioneer Bluffs, Wabaunsee County Historical Society, Volland Store, and Humanities Kansas.