A few weeks ago, I was asked by the Tribune if someone at the Historical Society would be interested in writing a column for the paper. That question got me to thinking about those who have written before me.

According to an article in a January 1960 issue of the Pratt Tribune, the Pratt County Historical Society was organized that month by a group of Coats citizens, headed by Klon Shriver and Dr. Warren Jacks. The organization was to compile histories of the families and of the towns of Pratt County. Plans were to organize such societies throughout Kansas to coincide with the state’s centennial in 1961.

From the very beginning of the Pratt County Historical Society, it was their dream to have a historical museum.

In the spring of 1968, the organization known as the Coterie, donated the building that had housed the first library in Pratt County back in the 1880’s. The ladies of the Coterie had bought the building and had it moved to the 100 block of south Main, on the east side. (The museum has photos of it being there.) Years later, the building was sold to the Episcopal Church and moved to the 200 block of north Main, where it served as the church until 1968. At that time, the Coterie ladies bought it back and donated it to the Historical Society, since it was one of the first buildings in Pratt. It was then moved to east Third street between the Boy Scout cabin and the American Legion.

Main Street has seen many changes through the years. And, it’s in for more changes this month and next year. Pratt’s beloved bricks on Main Street are soon going to be a memory. A bumpy memory for some, but a sentimental memory for others, including me.