Ever since the Seward Civic Center cleared out its rooms for its renovation, the Seward County Genealogical Society has been looking for a permanent home.
The society has been housed at 233 Jackson Ave, after signing a two-year lease on the space. But that lease is drawing to a close.
And, the society has increased its historical holdings, member Joan Shurtliff said. The historical group in Milford disbanded, so the SCGS took charge of their records. The American Legion Auxiliary also entrusted the society with its historical scrapbooks.
“We keep getting more stuff,” Shurtliff said with a smile. “We’ve basically outgrown this space.”
Members kept looking around for an open space that would work for them. They considered the Zimmerer House next to Dairy Queen, but that was too big. Then, a house at First and Roberts came open.
“It was a drug house. Law enforcement were regular visitors,” Shurtliff said. “The neighbors wanted us to take it.”
She bought the house as a fixer-upper. The intent is for the SCGS to rent it first, and then it will be donated to the society.
As she researched the house’s history, she found interesting connections. The land was originally owned by Dr. Leland Walker, who had a drugstore and opera house on the east side of the square and ran a mill with his brother. In 1898, Joel Tishue bought the property at a sheriff’s sale. He gave it to his daughter, Jessie Tishue Langworthy, in 1899 for “one dollar, love and affection,” according to the deed.
A house was built on the site in 1908, and Jessie and William Langworthy sold the property to Bertha Hallstein for $4,650 in 1910.
“The house hasn’t been taken care of well, so I’m restoring it,” Shurtliff said. “I want to try to give the house a soul/”
The SCGS has plans for fundraisers to help with the costs, she said. Once the building is finished, it will be open to the public.
“We’re still at the beginnings of this,” she said.
