According to the official proceedings of the Grand Guardian Council of Kansas with help from Helen Bortz, PGG this is what we believe to be the story behind this wonderful room. The idea was the brainchild of the late Ralph and Velma Wilson who served as Grand Guardian and Associate Grand Guardian of Kansas and then as Supreme Guardian and Associate Supreme Guardian. They stored some of their many Job's Daughters treasures in the Grand Lodge building hoping one day to help create a room such as the one pictured on the previous pages. In 1978, Grand Guardian Ileen Feldkamp appointed the first Historical Room Committee. Ralph Wilson served as the Committee Chairperson. The Grand Lodge of Kansas graciously donated the space on the second floor of the Grand Lodge Office. R:W: Albert O Arnold Jr., Grand Lodge Secretary and his staff worked tirelessly to assist in the project. Items donated the first year included copies of GGC proceedings, promotional materials and other items of interest. A large case was found and ceramic articles of our Order were put on display. Drawers were provided for each bethel in which to place items of historical interest.

The second year ('79-'80) of the committee saw Ralph Wilson again as the chairperson. An original painting of Ethel T. Wead Mick that had been given to Velma Wilson as SG from Catherine Ford, PGG of CA was donated and hung in the room. During the '80-'81 year Bethel #2 graciously donated an altar that had been made by Glenn Ellis, PABG. The altar sits in the middle of the Historical Room. That year PGGs, PAGGs, PGBHQs and PGBHQPTs were asked to submit photos to be placed in the room. The committee asked for funds to buy an appropriate display case for items such as capes and crowns.

During the '81-'82 year Judy Dickson, PBG #7 donated a 1923 Music Ritual and a photo of Bethel #6 of Goodland showing early robes of the Order. A 1935 copy of the proceedings was also donated. The committee again asked for money for a display cabinet submitting three bids for the cost of handmade cabinets.

During the '82-'83 GGC year, GG Marilyn Kraemer chose the Historical Room as her philanthropy project. The committee continued to receive donations and investigate the possibility of buying display cabinets. The '83-'84 GGC year proved to be a productive year since there were actual funds available. A display case, display tower and eight drawer table was ordered. The items arrived and were placed on the second floor. Items were placed in the cases for viewing and charters of closed bethels were hung on the wall. The room was dedicated on April 17, 1984 with 54 people in attendance. At Grand Session 1984 DeEtta Welker, MKJD donated antique pins for inclusion into the room. The obsolete lighted signet of the GGC and the traveling trophy for Choir Competition from '76-'83 were also placed in the room. There were still more items than could fit into display cases so the committee continued to look for cases.

During the '87-'88 year the room received many items from Bethel #61 of Mullinville. Items included the charter, altar bible, a small bible, a minute book and permanent record book and pins for the BG & ABG. Charters were received from Bethel #41 Council Grove, #49 Neodesha and #52 Gardner during the '88-'89 year. Bibles were received from #3 Wichita, #41 Council Grove, #48 Lawrence, #57 Topeka, #60 Salina & #61 Mullinville. The triangle display of the three daughters of Job was donated by Alice B Mix, PGG of Washington. Anna Mae Barnes and Barbara Byrd donated the Grand Bethel Flag and Stand. Pins were donated from Bethel #3, #57, #61 and #40. Music rituals, song cards and a 1974 ritual was also donated.

During the '93-'94 GGC two additional display cases were purchaed at a cost if $1875. One free standing floor diplays case and one octagonal display tower intended to display the GBHQPT capes and crowns was added to the room. The Bethel of the Year Banner was placed in the room at the conclusion of the 1993 GGC year. During Spring Grand Bethel of this year the Historical Room was open for visitation. Virtually all Bethels toured the room.

During the '96-'97 year early copies of the Secret Work, Music Ritual and Ritual were checked out and used for the display of an early version of the Job's Daughters ritual. This ceremony was witnessed by the SG, ASG, WGM and many other distinguished guests. All items were returend to the room.

Various Bethel, Grand Bethel and Miss Kansas paraphernalia was also placed in the room throughout the years. In the early 2000's Lavonne Anspaugh and Del Goodyear, both PGGs spent many hours cleaning, rearranging and organizing the room. The Historical Room Committee asked the GGC to pay for additional display cases and they were purchased from the Grand Chapter of Kansas.

The room continues to be a source of pride and if possible, the Supreme Guardians that visit our state are often times taken to Topeka for a tour of the room. Please contact the Historical Room Committee chairperson with questions or for possible donations.