This scrapbook was started by William McKinley Coates for his only grandson William Frederick Stephans. William McKinley Coates was very interested in firehouses and Wichita history. He lived in Wichita his whole life. He worked at the Wichita Stockyards Commission. After William's death, his wife Rachel May (Brooks) Coates finished the scrapbook; she wrote most of the notes.
Snapshot of two floats in the Emporia Parade of Progress
Handwritten on back: "Parade of Progress - Opening of Civic Auditorium, May 1940, Location - Corner of 12th Ave and Highland, Emporia. W. Edward Pitts (janitor), Nora Daniel, librarian, Mabel Edwards. Seated in back vehicle - Ralph Van Sickle, Bob Smith, Kathleen Fox, Grace Schwindt"
Postcard of a concrete and steel bridge.
Handwritten note on back says "Jan 11th 1915, Dear Loved Ones, Will say Robt was taken to the Newton Hospital he was taken in an automobile. He is very weak the Newton Dr thinks he can get him around on his feet that remains to be seen. Mattie wants me to stay with her a while. I will let you hear again soon. How are all the folks I hope well. Love to all, E.B.J. Miss Edith Johnson, Wichita, Kansas R.R.7"
Postcard of a house
Handwritten note on back says "Dear Sister. Hope you are all well. I guess we will go up to Mother's Sunday. Harry Jr, is at El Dorado working: will come over Sund. to go up to a laundry. This is my 2nd wk. Hope we may see or hear from you soon. Cora Mrs. E. B. Johnson, R.R.D. #7 Wichita Kans"
The crew of the Navy's newest littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS 13), bring the ship to life during its commissioning ceremony, at Naval Station Mayport, Jan. 12. LCS 13 is the fourteenth littoral combat ship to enter the fleet and the seventh of the Freedom variant. It is the third Navy combat ship named after Wichita, the largest city in Kansas.
