Mound Valley Historical Society

05/05/2026

The latest single from Mound Valley's own James Wesley.

04/06/2026

Approximately 100 years ago in Mound Valley, Kansas early 1926, C.A. Bradbury received a letter from the Ford factory asking him to paint the roof of his business establishment and letter the name of Mound Valley in large white letters in order to assist aviators going over this section to get their bearings.

C. A. Bradbury owned and operated a "Livery Stable" until the Model T became reality. He then became a Ford Dealer. The Bradbury Motor Company was one of the oldest Ford Motor Companies in the nation at the time it was closed in 1959.

C.A. built the building in the photo as a Ford service station and garage sometime in the year 1917. This building was later owned by Mr. Harold Vail where he operated a standard station and Mechanic shop known as Vail Auto. (Photo taken looking south where the fire department is now)

( Photo and text taken in part from the Mound of memories Valley of hope book 1868 - 1979 compiled and edited by Sharon Billingsly and Patty Ibbetson.)

03/27/2026

We lost a long time historical society member. She contributed her time volunteering at the museum opening up for visitors, organizing and cleaning.
She and her husband George also ran Glen More's Station for a time after Glen and Annetta retired and before John Largent bought the store and ran it under the name JT's for several more years until it closed. It was the last full service gas station in town.

View Virginia L. Kudrick's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/24/2026

We lost a former Mound Valley businessman last week.
Back in the 1980's JT's was where you would stop in for a cold pop out of the machine, grab some groceries or have your gas pumped by John Largent. Those who were around then remember how nice of a man he was, and have always talked very fondly of him.

(This photo was taken from the west side of the street just north of the flagpole) The new community center is located where it once stood.

12/25/2025

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

12/08/2025

✨🎄 A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Community! 🎄✨

Our annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration was a huge success tonight, thanks to the incredible spirit and hard work of everyone involved!

We want to say thank you to our dedicated volunteers and event crew: You put in long hours planning, setting up, coordinating activities, and cleaning up. The event would not have been possible without your dedication!

Our local performer/Lora McAnulty! Your festive music and carols truly brought the holiday spirit to life.

Float Participants: The effort that goes into designing, building, funding, and parading floats is immense. You brought creativity and excitement.

Local Photographer/Faith Winters: Documenting these moments is crucial. The community will cherish for years to come.

Local businesses and sponsors: Thank you for your generous contributions and support!

Everyone who attended: The smiles on your faces and the wonderful turnout reminded us why we do this every year.

Thank you to everyone who showed up in their spectacular inflatable costumes! You brought so much laughter and holiday spirit to our Christmas celebration. We appreciate you making our event so memorable!

It was a magical night filled with joy, and we loved celebrating the start of the holiday season with all of you.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! We can't wait to see you next year! 🎅🎁

11/26/2025

11/26/2025

With a very heavy heart, we share the passing of a long time Mound Valley historical society member and our past treasurer. Luvonne was a treasure to have in the museum faithfully volunteering her time and attending every county historical society meeting no matter what the weather or what town it was in. She stepped down as our treasurer at the age of 90. With a tear in our eye we say farewell Luvonne.

07/07/2025

In 1942 this is the sign you would have seen as you left Mound Valley heading east on the old 96 highway towards the cemetery.

In 1966 the state built a bypass from current day Gray road to Irving road, and connected the town with the short stretch of Gove road south of town.
Pictured is Fern Baker switch board operator in Mound Valley for some time.
Photo credit to the Baker family.

06/28/2025

Over 4" of rain this morning in a short period of time. The museum is open until 12:00 noon today!