Indian Park School
Beyond Sedalia, where Highway 67 winds through Jarre Canyon, is the 128-year-old Indian Park School. Among the historic schools in Douglas County, Indian Park is unlike any other school in the district. The building has never been moved or gone through extensive remodeling. It has, however, changed names many times throughout the years: Jarre Canyon School, Mountain School, Brown’s School (named for the family who homesteaded the land adjacent to the school), and finally Indian Park School.
William Smith purchased the land for the school in 1883. The school was built the following year. In 1885, it was deeded to the district. William Smith and his wife are buried in the Indian Park Cemetery which is adjacent to the school. Members of the Brown family are also buried there.
There were never more than twelve students attending the school at any one time and usually there were far fewer. The school also served as the site of many community events and picnics.
In 1972, the community banded together to save the school from demolition and were able to raise funds to purchase the property. Other than a small grant, renovations are funded by community fundraisers, donations, and volunteers. In 1978, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our chapter donated the funds to build a wheelchair accessible ramp, and we have maintained the grounds of the cemetery next to the school for the last few years.
Franktown Cemetery
The chapter has adopted the Franktown Historic Cemetery. Twice a year we clean debris and trim back overgrown shrubs.
On Veterans Day, we place flags on the graves of soldiers whose final resting place is this historic country cemetery. A few grave stones attest to militiary service during the Civil War.
Recently, the chapter voted to purchase a lighted flag pole for the cemetery.
Support Community Food Drives
On a monthly basis, the chapter contributes individual-size boxes of breakfast cereal to the Parker Task Force Food Bank. The cereal, which goes home with area students in their week-end food packs, is always in short supply. Some months, the donation from Smoky Hill Trail members is over 50 boxes.
Flag Retirement Ceremony
After collecting torn and battered flags throughout the year (every June) near Flag Day, the chapter organizes a flag retirement ceremony in conjunction with local scout troops.
John Delany Society Children of the American Revolution
We have joined with Tollgate Creek Chapter, NSDAR, in supporting the John Delany Society C.A.R. For more information about the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution, click N.S.C.A.R.
9/11
On the Anniversary of 9/11, we thank our local firemen and policemen for their service to the community by providing home baked goods to each fire and police station in the Parker/Franktown area.