Local residents encouraged to send photos, documents

TOPEKA, Kan. – Humanities Kansas recently awarded $3,006 to the Osage County Historical Society, Lyndon, Kan. The grant will support “Melvern Lake: Citizens’ Stories,” a community-wide oral history and photo collection project that will explore the impact of Melvern Lake and dam, which was completed in 1975. OCHS Director Lynsay Flory will serve as project director.

The society is asking the public for the submission of photos and documents that relate to the construction and early use of Melvern Lake. All items will be digitally scanned, and the originals kept by the owner.

The society will also be collecting oral histories from several Osage County residents who lived in Osage County during the 1970s and were impacted in various ways by the building of the lake.

Anyone interested in participating or volunteering for this project in any way is asked to contact Flory at 785-828-3477, osagecohistory@gmail.com, or at the Osage County Historical Society, 631 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451.