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Tuesday 11am - 3pm Wednesday 11am - 3pm Thursday 11am - 3pm Friday 11am - 3pm Saturday 11am - 3pm

Dalton Defenders Museum

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Dalton Defenders Museum

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Dalton Defenders Museum, Community Museum, 814 Walnut, Coffeyville, KS.
(1)

The Museum includes many collections: mementos of the Dalton raid; exhibits of early Coffeyville history; mementos of Wendell Willkie who lived & taught in Coffeyville; mementos of baseball great Walter Johnson who lived in Coffeyville; and much more!

05/23/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY REVEALED | 05.23.2026

The correct answer was…

B. An Antique SAD IRON (HEATING IRON)

Before electric irons, these heavy metal irons were heated on a stove or fire and used to press wrinkles out of clothing and linens. The term “sad” in sad iron comes from an old word meaning solid or heavy — and heavy they certainly were!

Can you imagine ironing an entire family’s laundry with one of these?

Thanks to everyone who joined in the guessing fun! Stay tuned for our next History Mystery!

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The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

05/22/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY ITEM | 05.21.2026

Take a close look at this unusual antique contraption…

What do YOU think it was used for?

Was it…

A. A vintage camping stove
B. An antique sad iron/heating iron
C. A butter churn press
D. A railroad lantern warmer

Drop your guesses in the comments below ⬇️

Stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum to see this antique item and explore more fascinating pieces of Coffeyville history!

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The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

05/21/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY REVEALED | 05.20.2026

The correct answer was…

D) A BOOT and SHOE FITTING STAND!

This antique device was used in shoe stores to help properly measure and fit boots and shoes. Customers would place their foot on the stand while the shopkeeper checked sizing and fit for comfort and proper support.

Before modern shoe sizing tools and self-service shopping, specialized fitting stands like this helped ensure a perfect fit—especially when boots and shoes were often handmade or custom ordered.

It’s a fascinating reminder of how everyday shopping looked over 100 years ago!

Stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum to see this unique artifact in person and explore more fascinating pieces of Coffeyville history!

Thanks to everyone who played along! We love seeing your guesses and stories—stay tuned for our next History Mystery.
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The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

05/15/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY ITEM | 05.15.2026

Take a close look at this unusual antique contraption…

What do YOU think it was used for?

A) An early shoe shining stand
B) A Victorian barber or dentist chair
C) A cobbler’s leather stitching tool
D) A boot and shoe fitting stand

Drop your guesses in the comments below ⬇️

Stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum to see this antique item and explore more fascinating pieces of Coffeyville history!

------------------------------------------

The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

05/09/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY REVEALED | 5.9.2026

The correct answer was…

D. PAPER/TOBACCO SHEAR

This hefty cast-iron cutter was used to slice to***co leaves, paper, and other materials with one powerful pull of the handle. Before electric machines did the work, tools like this helped shopkeepers and factory workers make quick, precise cuts every day.

And yes… it’s HEAVY.

Built from solid cast iron, this “ARROW” shear was made to survive years of hard work in to***co shops, print shops, and general stores in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Tools like this were often found in:
- To***co shops and cigar factories
- Print shops and paper businesses
- General stores and small workshops

Thanks to everyone who played along! We love seeing your guesses and stories—stay tuned for our next History Mystery.
--------------------
The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

05/08/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY | 5.08.2026

Can you identify this unusual antique tool from our collection?

Made of heavy cast iron and marked “CIPOLLES CO.” and “ARROW,” this hand-operated device once played an important role in everyday work many years ago.

But what exactly was it used for?

A. Apple cider press
B. To***co or cigar cutter
C. Leather strap punch
D. Paper or to***co shear

Drop your guesses in the comments below ⬇️

Stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum to see this antique tool and explore more fascinating pieces of Coffeyville history!
------------------------------------------
The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

05/02/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY REVEALED!

Did you guess it?

The correct answer was… C) Early RADIO RECEIVER!

This piece is a RCA RADIOLA III, a battery-powered radio from the early 1920s. Radios like this were among the first widely used devices that allowed people to listen to news, music, and entertainment right in their homes.

The two glass tubes you see on top are vacuum tubes, which were essential for amplifying radio signals before modern electronics existed. Listeners would use the dials to tune into different stations and adjust the sound—often requiring a bit of patience and skill!

Typically paired with headphones or an external speaker, this radio represents the beginning of mass communication and the excitement of a world suddenly connected by sound.

Thanks to everyone who made a guess—stay tuned for our next History Mystery.
--------------------
The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

05/01/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY | 05.01.2026

Can you guess what this fascinating piece from our collection is?

Take a close look at the dials, k***s, and those unique glass tubes…

What do you think it was used for?

A) Telegraph communication device
B) Medical electrical equipment
C) Early radio receiver
D) Prototype audio amplifier

Drop your guesses in the comments below ⬇️

Stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum to see this remarkable tribute and explore more fascinating pieces of Coffeyville history!

------------------------------------------
The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

04/25/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY ANSWERS | 04.25.2026

Thank you to everyone who joined in on our Walter Johnson History Mystery Trivia!

The answers are:
---------------------------------
QUESTION #1:
Why was Walter Johnson called “The Big Train”?

ANSWER #1:
(B) Walter Johnson's fastball came at hitters with the power and speed of a train. Opposing batters said his blazing pitches seemed to roar toward them like a locomotive!
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QUESTION #2:
How many career shutouts did Walter Johnson throw?

ANSWER #2:
(C) 110 shutouts — still the all-time Major League Baseball record today!

Walter Johnson – 110
Pete (Grover Cleveland) Alexander – 90
Christy Mathewson – 79
Cy Young – 76
Warren Spahn – 63
Nolan Ryan – 61
Tom Seaver – 61
Bert Blyleven – 60
Early Wynn – 49
Kid Nichols – 48

Walter Johnson’s 110 remains one of baseball’s most untouchable records.

Modern pitchers rarely approach these totals because complete games are much less common today.

Among more modern-era pitchers, Warren Spahn, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, and Bert Blyleven are especially impressive.

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Be sure to stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum to see this incredible display featuring an original uniform, memorabilia, and a tribute to one of Kansas’ greatest sports legends.
---------------------------------
The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

04/24/2026

HISTORY MYSTERY | 04.24.2026

With baseball season underway, let’s talk about one of the greatest baseball players with Coffeyville ties—Walter Johnson!

Step back into the golden age of baseball with this incredible display honoring one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history. Known as “The Big Train,” Walter Johnson became a legend with the Washington Senators.

This exhibit features a baseball uniform alongside a striking portrait of Johnson in action—capturing the power and presence that made him one of the game’s all-time greats. Additional Walter Johnson memorabilia is also on display for visitors to enjoy.

Johnson’s remarkable career included more than 400 wins, two MVP awards, and a reputation for throwing one of the fastest pitches of his era. He remains one of Kansas’ greatest sports legends.

HISTORY MYSTERY QUESTION #1

Why was Walter Johnson given the nickname “The Big Train”?

A) He once worked on the railroad in Kansas
B) His fastball came at hitters with the power and speed of a train
C) He traveled to games by train more than any other player
D) He was known for hitting baseballs over passing trains

HISTORY MYSTERY QUESTION #2

Walter Johnson recorded an incredible number of career shutouts. How many did he throw?

A) 72
B) 89
C) 110
D) 147

Drop your guesses in the comments below ⬇️

Stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum to see this remarkable tribute and explore more fascinating pieces of Coffeyville history!

------------------------------------------
The Dalton Defenders Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Coffeyville, the Dalton Defenders Museum sits just steps from Death Alley and the original Condon Bank building.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information visit www.coffeyvillehistory.com

Address

814 Walnut
Coffeyville, KS
67337

Opening Hours

Tuesday	11am - 3pm
Wednesday	11am - 3pm
Thursday	11am - 3pm
Friday	11am - 3pm
Saturday	11am - 3pm

Telephone

(620) 251-5944

Website

http://www.coffeyvillehistory.com/

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