Prairie Talks at Pioneer Bluffs
Center for Flint Hills Ranching Heritage
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Where the Buffalo Roam
A Panel of Bison Experts:
The American Bison was named the official state animal of Kansas in 1955.
In Nomvember of 2023 Pioneer Bluffs a hosted celebration of the “Monarch of the Plains”. Events included locally-sourced smoked buffalo lunch by Chef Tracey Graham and other Pioneer Bluffs volunteers, a Bison Art Show, kid’s coloring contest, wool spinning demonstrations, a panel of Kansas bison ranchers and talk by “Buffalo George” LeRoux.
Panelists included Zack Bell, Tony Capizzo, Jim Hoy, George LaRoux, Stuart Schrag, Dan Ropp and Trace Ropp. Josh Hoy was moderater.
View full playlist on YouTube or choose individual segments below.
Gathering & Introductions
Zach Bell
Eagle Hill Ranch
Tony Capizzo
The Nature Conservancy
“Buffalo George” LaRoux
Jim Hoy
Stuart Schrag, Kansas Wildlife & Parks
Dan Ropp
Bison Rancher
Trace Ropp
KBA Board Member
Josh Hoy
Flying W Ranch
Q&A: Bison Genetics
Advice on Buying a Bison (Don’t)
“Buffalo George” LaRoux
Kansas’ Music History by Derrick Doty
Kansas’ Music History
Featuring storytelling and performance, including a piece on Henry Rogler’s fiddle, this program was recorded in the main barn on 14 October
Sponsored by Humanities Kansas
The Anderson Family Story
Matt and Julia Anderson, along with their son and daughter-in-law, manage the family ranch outside of Alma, Kansas. They run an award-winning cow-calf operation, annually raising roughly 500 head of Angus cattle from birth until the calves are one or two years old. They also offer birth to butcher beef, direct to consumer.
Recorded in the Pioneer Bluffs main barn in August of 2023
The Patton & Johnson Families Story
Chapters:
< Click the image to view video
The Patton and Johnson families came to southern Chase County shortly after the Civil War. The Pattons settled west of Matfield Green and the Johnsons settled east of Matfield Green. Both families farmed the fertile soil along the creeks and ranched in the rich upland native tallgrass prairie pastures. Six generations later, some Patton/Johnson ancestors still live and work in the Flint Hills.
This Prairie Talk focused on how farming and ranching were equally important to the economic survival of pioneer Flint Hills families. The symbiotic relationship between farming and ranching still exists in 2023.
Recorded at Pioneer Bluffs, Aug. 2023
The Methvin Family Story
Chapters:
< Click on image to play the full talk
Also available: Text Transcript
Pecan Trees, Snake & Alligators
Bill Pickett, inventor of Rodeo Bulldogging
H. R. Hilton and the 101 Ranch of Kansas
At the Pioneer Bluffs historic site, Nancy Methvin of Lincolnville tells how her Louisiana ranch family’s summer adventure turned into 46 years of living in, and loving, the Flint Hills of Kansas. The Methvin family ranched in Louisiana Bayou Country on land that had been in the family since 1714. The family came to the Flint Hills for one summer in 1977, and stayed on land that was once part of the original 101 Ranch and the Frye/Ronsick Ranch. Nancy shares the history of the areas they have lived.
Recorded in July 2023 at Pioneer Bluffs historic center, Matfield Green, Kansas.
The Bill House Story
Chapters:
< Click on image to play the full talk
Also Available: Text Transcript
1960s – Fighting for the Cattle Industry
1960s – The Busy Years – Time with the Queen
At the Pioneer Bluffs historic site Carol House of Arkansas City discussed her late husband, Bill House, who went from being an attorney to raising Grand Champion Herefords. After practicing law in the 1940’s, Bill House returned to the family Hereford business in Chautauqua County. By the early 1950’s, House had risen to the top of the National Order of Hereford Growers, winning Grand Champion four times at the American Royal in Kansas City, MO. In his 65 years of ranching, House was a strong influence in legislative initiatives that impacted the entire beef cattle industry. He served as past president of the Kansas Livestock Association, the American Hereford Association, and the American National Cattleman’s Association, now the National Cattlemen’s Association. In 1964, House was named Distinguished Jayhawk of the Year by then Governor Anderson. During the Prairie Talk, Carol House will tell many stories, possibly even how an 1,800 lb plastic ornamental bull came to be in her front yard.
Recording date: July 1, 2023
The Bobbie Hammond Story
Bobbie Hammond, a Flint Hills legend, spent most of her 84 years “cowboyin’” – and is still working today. Bobbie once managed 35,000 acres and 17,000 head of cattle, and she had stories to tell about her amazing life.
Introductions
Pioneer Bluffs, 2022
“I had to wait until I was 6 years old”
Pioneer Bluffs, 2022
Bobcats
Pioneer Bluffs, 2022
“You have a steer running down the turnpike”
Pioneer Bluffs, 2022
Spoiled Cattle
Pioneer Bluffs, 2022
National Old Timer’s Rodeo Association
Pioneer Bluffs, 2022
Molly Mae Fights Back
Pioneer Bluffs, 2022
Dr. Jim Hoy: vignettes from a talk to the Young Stockmens Academy of the Kansas Livestock Association on Monday, Sept 16, 2019
Jim Hoy – the Early Years
Pioneer Bluffs, 2019
Jim Hoy – Working for Wayne Rogler
Pioneer Bluffs, 2019
Jim Hoy – Knute Rockne
Pioneer Bluffs, 2019
Jim Hoy – Pasture Seasons
Pioneer Bluffs, 2019
Jim Hoy – Grass as Sustainable Agriculture
Pioneer Bluffs, 2019
Jim Hoy – Shipping Cattle on the Railroad
Pioneer Bluffs, 2019
Jim Hoy – Loading Cattle on Railroad Cars
Pioneer Bluffs, 2019
Jim Hoy – The Bucking Stud Horse
Pioneer Bluffs, 2019
Roberts Rodeo Family, presented at Pioneer Bluffs in 2019
Rich Porter shares stories about the history of his ranch.
The Porter Cattle Company is based out of Reading, Kansas. This talk was recorded on July 6th, 2019.
Mike Holder – History of the Flint Hills
Mike Holder, Kansas State University Extension Agent (retired), begins at the beginning of the Flint Hills, “why it is what it is,” says Holder. He will discuss formation of the Flint Hills, the Native American presence, and the influence of ranching. Holder is known as a good storyteller and draws on 47 years with the Extension Service for his stories.
Recorded April 2022 at Pioneer Bluffs.
Prairie Talk: The Hatcher Family story
eanne Hatcher shares the history of six generations of the Hatcher family. From Emporia to Chase County, the Fox Creek Ranch grew. Today the children and grandchildren of Jeanne and Bill Hatcher have joined the family cattle business; they are all neighbors of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
Recorded July 2022 at Pioneer Bluffs.
