History

(Pictured above: In 1935, Peck Farm Bureau members performed during a community program. It was held in the original Community Building. Members include Theda Stunkel, Velna Ayers, Marie Howe, Abbie Booth, Stella Cox, Bessie Schmeissner, Mabel Davis, Nell Woods, Minnie Wilder, Myrtle Stark, Lela Gerhardt, Mary Dehart, and Iva Walton.

Land was purchased for the Peck Community Building on November 15, 1935 from Hill Lumber Co., in Sumner County. Construction of the building was directed by Frank Roy. As many as 10 or 12 men were called by Jenny Hudspeth to help build the hall.

The first building did not have a floor, only sawdust on dirt. in late 1937 or 1938, a cement floor was poured in the building. The members had a well drilled and used a hand pitcher pump to draw water. In 1959, the building was connected to a water line from Sam's Place.

The first kitchen was in the basement under the stage. The food was cooked on two coal oil stoves donated by Stella Cox. The dishes and food had to be passed through two windows or doors under the stage to the main floor.

Heat for the building came from coal burned in a large black steel jacket stove. This stove served well until 1954 when a gas burning stove was installed.

A community board to manage the Peck building was established about 1936. There has been a continuous board since that time. The first community board consisted of Frank Roy, Scott Nye, T. T. Cox, and Ira Sence.

Gertrude Nye and Emma Roy got their heads together and decided that turkey suppers could be served to raise money for building maintenance. Grace and Theda Stunkel worked with these ladies to organize the first turkey and chicken suppers. These suppers were a big success with many people driving from Wichita and the surrounding area to eat a good, homecooked meal.

Another money making project was a carnival, including Bingo. The Bingo cards were handmade and corn was used on the numbers. A fish pond and cake walks were also popular.

In the early 1950s, the churches, school and other organizations used the building. The hall resounded with laughter many times when it was used for family reunions, commencement exercises, wedding and baby showers, and parties.

The board sponsored a community auction in 1954. Items were donated by area residents and the sale netted $205.

As the years rolled by, the center's board members realized they had to upgrade their center. During the board meeting on December 4,1979, a discussion was held to buy the Peck school and yard. A letter was written to the Superintendent of the Mulvane School, Dean Parks. In the spring of 1981, the Peck board accepted the school building for its community center.

The old building and contents were sold at an auction on May 15, 1981, with Sam Bell, Greg Farber, and John Booth as auctioneers.

The new community center serves a vital place in Peck. It is used by various organizations and for many family and social gatherings. Preserving and maintaining the Peck Community Center is an ongoing project, supported by many volunteers in the community.

Information and photo on this page from the book "1887-1997 Peck, Kansas"

Editor: Rose Ellen Heitman, Co-chairman: Colleen Heitman, Business chairman: Lourine Kerley