Looking for Kansas history....

[dogteam]

This goes back a long ways, but I was wondering if anyone out there ever heard of a collector named Vernon Lemley, in Northbranch, Kansas? "Lemley Curio Store"? Later run by his wife and sister, became known as "Sister's Store"?

Started out tracking the history of a bunch of shell beads, now the local historial is wondering if I can provide them with info...
The only info they have goes back to the 40's, and the store is just an abandoned building now...

Midwest guys? Anyone?

[Steve Valentine]

Check this out. There is a reference to the Curio store on both of these links.


Popular Mechanics - Google Books

http://www.scribd.com/doc/2097139/19...ine-1944-April

[SmokyHill]

Originally Posted by dogteam

This goes back a long ways, but I was wondering if anyone out there ever heard of a collector named Vernon Lemley, in Northbranch, Kansas?
Started out tracking the history of a bunch of shell beads, now the local historial is wondering if I can provide them with info...
The only info they have goes back to the 40's, and the store is just an abandoned building now...

Midwest guys? Anyone?

I am not familiar with that particular collector.
However, if it is the beads you are wanting more info on
then I may be able to help you ...assuming the beads
are from that region.

SH

[dogteam]

[quote=Steve Valentine;171873]Check this out. There is a reference to the Curio store on both of these links.



Thanks Steve!

Yep, as usual I got ahead of myself and asked before looking. Found those links, as well as to a couple of books that he wrote. Looks like he was one of those guys that always advertised in Popular Mechanics and such. Man, I answered all those ads as a kid and drooled over the price lists they sent. 'Course I never had any money.

[dogteam]

Originally Posted by SmokyHill

I am not familiar with that particular collector.
However, if it is the beads you are wanting more info on
then I may be able to help you ...assuming the beads
are from that region.

SH

Thanks Smoky!

The beads are barrel-shaped and disc beads made from shell, and labeled as being from the Great Temple mound in Spiro. I've posted pics here and the consensus is they look appropriate, but I thought it would be neat to try and trace the provenance, just as an exercise, since the store was named.

I guess North Branch today consists of about a dozen people, but I was fortunate to contact a very nice lady who is somewhat of an historian for the area and maintains a museum. Sent them some beads as they have local interest. She was kind enough to send some scrapers from the original store in return.

It's the people that make this hobby interesting, I think. I feel a little connection to this almost- ghost town, and it's a nice feeling. A little research sharpens the mind, so win-win.