May Update

SAD NEWS As most of you know, our family suffered a loss at the end of March when my brother, Phil Lacey, died from melanoma cancer. That, amid all else, has thrown me a bit off in keeping this site up to date, BUT,
never fear, the REUNION is still on.
We will very much miss Phil's presence at the reunion, especially because he was such a wealth of family history and lore, and he would have really enjoyed sharing that with all of you who will be attending.

ACTIVITIES I am in touch with the people who now own the old Finley house, and they are open to idea of hosting a tour for all of us who are interested. That will probably happen the afternoon of Tuesday, July 3, or morning of July 5. I haven't scheduled it yet.
I saw in the Chase County Leader that the courthouse was closed as of last week for renovation, so I will be speaking with someone at the Chamber of Commerce about a tour on either Tuesday or Thursday, and hopefully whatever renovation that is will not preclude our getting in there. We will also go to the grade school and view the old regulator clock from G.E. Finley and Son, Jewelers.

ON THE DAY Dick Hoffine is arranging for catering on July 4, at the community building in Swope Park. I think we'll try to do some golfing in the morning, and gather around noon in the park. We'll plan to be there for the afternoon, and in the evening we can set off fireworks. My cousin, Karla Edmiston, and her husband, Dean, have offered their backyard if we would like to gather there. The river borders the north of their property, so if the fireworks get out of hand, hopefully the fire wouldn't get beyond the river. If it does, well, no one cared so much about Strong City anyway.

LODGING Here is information on lodging in the area:

The old Grand Central Hotel right in the middle of downtown, has been completed renovated and is a first class operation now. The have a total of 10 rooms, though this is not the place for any of you who are on a budget.


The old Millstream Motel down by the river has been put back into operation, and seems to have nice, simple accomodations. I know some of the family are talking about staying there.

Close by is the Prairie Fire motel, in Strong City. It's right on the highway, but reasonably priced, and has a masseuse on staff. I know I'm hoping to book a room there.

In recent years, a number of B&B's and guest ranches have sprung up in the area. If you a larger group, that might be a nice idea.

Clovercliff Ranch in Elmdale.
www.clovercliff.com/

1874 Stonehouse
www.stonehousebandb.com/

Carol Country Inn
www.chasecountyks.org/lodging/carols.htm

Tallgrass Prairie Lodge
www.tallgrassprairielodge.com/

Pilgrim Ranch ( this is a hunting operation of some sort)
www.pilgrimranch.com/

Beyond those, there are many regular chain motels in Emporia, which is only 20 miles distant. I think as many of us as can will try to get in the Millstream and the Prairie Fire, and I don't know that everyone will fit into those.
www.discoverourtown.com/KS/Emporia/Lodging-3223.html

I don't know about everyone else, but we, the Bruce Laceys, are planning to drive to Cottonwood Falls with Ruthanne on Tuesday morning, and will plan to be there until Thursday afternoon.

WEDDING BELLS Also, for any of you who would like to stay in the area longer, Sharylyn would like to invite you to daughter Alexia Lacey's wedding in McPherson on Saturday, July 7. If you are planning to come, please let me know so that Sharylyn can send you an invitation, OR you can email her directly at: sharyphil@sbcglobal.net They would love to have extended family attend.

DON'T MISS OUT For those of you who are late planners, or have been on the fence about whether to come or not, we all sincerely hope you do. Now is the time to step up and buy those plane tickets and make those lodging reservations.
We're certainly hoping that all the surviving first cousins will be there, and at this point it looks like that will happen. For all you younger people, this is your chance to come see this charming little Kansas town that your family pioneered and was home to family members for over 100 years. I don't want to say this is your ONLY chance--I don't think the town is going anywhere--but for a gathering of the relatives who have the memories and know the stories...