The Sedan Opera House – Emmett Kelly Historical Museum – Sedan, KS

The 1904 Sedan Opera House was built on the ruins of the original 1885 Opera House which was destroyed by fire.  The Opera House occupied the upper floor and the lower level was used originally for mercantile.  The building has had multiple uses through time including a roller skating rink and an armory.  The lower level has been the Emmett Kelly Museum since 1980.  The upper floor is suffering from water damage due to a bad roof and this water damage is threatening the whole building.  Funds must be raised to repair the roof and upgrade infrastructure of the museum.

Constitution Hall-Topeka, Topeka, KS

Located on Kansas Avenue in downtown Topeka, the original 1855 construction of Constitution Hall is hidden behind a 20^th century façade.  Under construction in 1855 as a commercial building, it was turned into Constitution Hall before it was completed as the need for a meeting place for the free-state legislature was urgent.  The activities and events of this capitol contrast with the three territorial period capitols owned and operated by the State of Kansas, which are historically proslavery. It is a historic site listed in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.  The building is continuing to deteriorate because of inadequate funding for repairs and restoration.

Kenneth Smith Property, Shawnee, KS

Kenneth Smith was the first American golf club manufacturer.  His golf clubs were coveted by heads of state and famous celebrities.  Kenneth Smith acquired his stone house in 1932, but the home was actually built by one of the founding members of Shawnee, John Garrett, a stonemason.  The home dates to around 1870 with additions made by Kenneth Smith in 1932.  The grounds cover 65 acres at this time and include the golf club manufacturing facility as well as a barn and other ancillary buildings plus a 9-hole golf course that was used by employees and customers who were testing their new golf clubs.  The property is endangered by development pressures that will destroy the entire complex.

Historic Wood Windows – Kansas

This is a thematic nomination aimed at bringing attention to the nationwide problem of the loss of original wood sash windows.  Many homeowners are replacing wood windows with vinyl windows under the false idea that they are more energy efficient.  Due to the high quality of materials and craftsmanship, however, the original wood windows can be as energy efficient as replacements and long-lasting if maintained or repaired properly.  One study showed that the payback period through energy savings by replacing historic wood windows is 400 years.  Most historic wood windows can be repaired and the repairs will cost less than replacement windows.

Barnes State Bank Building – Barnes, KS

Barnes was established in 1872 and had a fine reputation for its banks.  The Barnes State Bank was built in 1911 and was unfortunate enough to be robbed twice.  The bank become insolvent in 1924 and the building served many other uses since that time.  The Barnes State Bank building is a part of the restoration of historic buildings taking place in Barnes.  Several businesses have opened in the last few years including a bakery and mercantile store.  The Barnes State Bank has sat empty for years and is in immediate need of a new roof to prevent further deterioration.