Contributing Photographers Nick Krug Bill Stephens
Contributing Writers Ian Brannan Lucas Shivers
Bill Stephens Beccy Tanner
Publisher Bill Uhler
Director Bob Cucciniello
Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce & Jackson County Tourism Council
104 W 5th St. Holton (785) 364-3963 chamber@exploreholton.com exploreholton.com
Executive Director, Chamber Ashlee York
Assistant Director, Chamber Janette Hammack
Chair, Tourism Council Suzette McCord-Rogers
Vice-Chair, Tourism Council April Lemon
Commerce and Jackson County Tourism Council. sunflowerpub.com
Welcome.
dear readers.
Welcome to the fourth issue of Jackson Co. Lifestyle! I’m glad to share another season of stories that highlight the places, people and traditions that make Jackson County feel like home.
This holiday season, our 2025 guide will help you mark the dates that matter, from concerts and parades to craft workshops and tree lightings. It’s a good reminder of how much there is to see and do right here at home.
You’ll also get a look at the Pride of Hoyt festival, where fried chicken dinners, cornhole, a color run, classic cars and more draw neighbors together for a full day of fun each year. Beyond the good food, friendly competition and fellowship, this year’s event also raised funds for scholarships and youth programs—an excellent example of small-town tradition with lasting impact.
For history lovers, we take you inside the Jackson County Poor Farm. Once a county institution, the farm is currently home to Kayla and Matthew Hustead’s family. Their ongoing restoration effort is both a labor of love and a chapter in a story that continues to be written.
And on Holton’s square, the Holton Mercantile is home to more than half a century of tradition. With nostalgic candies, thoughtful gifts and friendly faces, Sarah and John Zibell have kept the store a gathering place where old memories mix with new ones.
This magazine comes together with the help of many. I want to thank the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson County Tourism Council, and the community members who share their time, ideas and stories along the way. And, of course, thank you for picking up this issue and letting us be part of your season.
Classic candies and modern treats invite browsing at
Holton Mercantile. Photo by Nick Krug
Holton Mercantile’ s Tradition and Treats
Contents.
departments
6 outdoors A FULL PLATE AT PRIDE OF HOYT
From chicken dinners to color runs and classic cars, the festival served up a generous helping of small-town fun
10 history
JACKSON COUNTY POOR FARM
Part restoration project, part piece of living history, the former Jackson County Poor Farm is a home whose story is still being written
14 community THE SEASON ON THE SQUARE
From nostalgic candies to thoughtful gifts, the Holton Mercantile wraps small-town life in holiday warmth
20
JACKSON COUNTY 2025 HOLIDAY GUIDE
From tree lightings and school concerts to parades, crafts and home tours, Jackson County communities are filling the season with cheer
A Full Plate at Pride of Hoyt
From chicken dinners to color runs and classic cars, the Pride of Hoyt festival served up a generous helping of small-town fun
Story by Ian Brannan | Photography by Bill Stephens
The annual car show is a festival favorite at Pride of Hoyt.
On August 23, Hoyt and its neighbors gathered under a late-summer sky for a day of hometown spirit and a full slate of events, organized by Pride of Hoyt.
Pride of Hoyt traces the tradition to the city’s 1985 centennial, says president Nancy Bailey; the group formally launched the next year to keep the momentum going.
That momentum shows up in the small, familiar scenes Bailey loves.
“I’m excited to see all the people in the community come and enjoy the day and have fun. Just seeing the people sitting at the dinner, sitting at the breakfast, talking and visiting and seeing each other and hearing people say, ‘Oh my gosh, I haven’t seen you in so long.’ It pulls the community together,” Bailey says.
“It’s a good event to bring our kids and families together. The families can bring the kiddos for the day, and, for the most part, it’s a free adventure for them,” Pride of Hoyt treasurer Amy Klotz adds.
The day kicked off at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast provided by the Methodist Church and a color run that began at 7:30 a.m. The color run was a particular favorite for Hoyt resident Liam F., age 8, who said the best part was getting squirted with a bunch of paint.
A softball tournament began at 8 a.m. at Hoyt City Park. The Royal Valley Recreation Association, which operates the ball fields and youth sports programs, has run the ball tournament for five years.
Ali Noland, a member of the Royal Valley Recreation Association board, says the money raised by the softball tournament goes toward funding the youth football program.
“It has a lot of local teams and community teams that come up to play, and it’s just a one-day tournament. It’s been a lot of fun,” Noland says.
Other events soon kicked off in the park, including a car show, an art show and quilt display, a Future Farmers of America photo scavenger hunt, and a number of children’s activities, including face painting, inflatables and a petting zoo.
Gary Baldridge, owner of G and C Petting Zoo, a traveling petting zoo based in Holton, has been coming to Pride of Hoyt for the past six years. He says his favorite part of running the petting zoo is “watching the smiles on the kids’ faces.”
The petting zoo included a mom and baby donkey, a longhorn calf, a Brahman calf, a Scottish Highlander calf, sheep, goats and a llama.
Hoyt resident Myles B., age 8, found running through the bouncy houses to be his favorite of the day’s activities.
Vicki Gilliland, who has assisted with the quilt show for the past 10 years, helped raise money through a raffle where people bought tickets to win two quilts. The quilts were specifically made by members of Jackson County for the Pride of Hoyt raffle. The funds support several community causes, including youth education, financial aid for seniors, and various church programs. While enjoying the quilt displays in the community building, attendees also bid on them in a silent auction to help raise extra funds for the community. Outside, many antique cars were also on display for visitors to view, attracting people both from inside and outside Jackson County.
Lawrence resident Gerald Criss showed off his 1939 Chevy Coupe. He bought the car from a junkyard in
1989 and set to work restoring it. Criss said he enjoys cruising in the vehicle.
Instead of a classic car, Hoyt resident Greg Porter brought his antique motorcycles from the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s. “I just enjoy the old bikes,” he explains, adding that he particularly appreciates the feeling of freedom they provide. “I’ve been restoring them and riding them and collecting them for probably about 10 years,” Porter says.
Beyond cars and bikes, the event offered plenty to browse, with about eight food vendors to choose from and 20 craft vendors with a variety of enticing wares.
Wanda Dusin came all the way from Manhattan to be a vendor at the Pride of Hoyt. Her business, Lilla Rose, sells hairpins created from flexible piano wire.
“They’re made by a company in California—very easy to use, different styles depending on what you want to do with your hair,” Dusin explains. “Or you can even use them with scarves and stocking caps.”
Dusin says that she has been a vendor at Pride of Hoyt for several years, offering a range of items for sale.
“I’ve had a good time out here. I’ve always done really well. The people around here are great, so I just continue to come out here,” Dusin adds.
Vendor Nicolette Lange opened her business, Bookworm Bakery Etc., in July and came from the Prairie Band Reservation in Mayetta to attend Pride of Hoyt. Originally
from northern Iowa, she grew up watching her Mennonite aunt bake and took up baking nearly 10 years ago. She was eager to be a vendor for Pride of Hoyt to get the word out to the community about her new business.
“We’re just trying to serve the community with fresh-baked goods every day,” Lange says.
New to Pride of Hoyt was a market where community members could sell their items. Hoyt resident Rebecca McClane, a vendor at the flea market, says the flea market gives some of the older people the opportunity to browse vintage items and reminisce, while the younger people can find some excellent bargains.
Other events throughout the day included a cornhole tournament; a punt, pass and kick competition; a Royal Valley High School dance routine; a parade; a fried chicken dinner and a garden tractor pull.
The fried chicken dinner, hosted by the Pride of Hoyt committee, raises money that offsets the costs of the annual festival, purchases community Christmas decorations, and provides scholarships for local high school seniors. Guests enjoyed fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, green beans, salad and dessert.
Sunday ended the Pride of Hoyt weekend with a community-wide church service at the community building. As the last event wrapped up, Pride of Hoyt left neighbors with full hearts, full stomachs, and plenty of reasons to look forward to next year.
Opposite page:
From top left: The petting zoo, color run (photo by Esther Cumpton) and facepainting offered fun for all ages.
Festival-goers pause for kettle corn and a chat at Pride of Hoyt on August 23.
Jackson County Poor Farm
Part restoration project, part piece of living history, the former Jackson County Poor Farm is a home whose story is still being written.
Story by Bill Stephens and Beccy Tanner | Photography by Nick Krug
Most Kansans today are unfamiliar with the legacy of poor farms. That was certainly the case with Kayla and Matthew Hustead when, four years ago, they decided to buy a piece of history—the Jackson County Poor Farm.
Located at 13780 246th Road—3 miles north and 3 miles east of Holton—the Husteads’ 15-acre property includes a stately brick home with several outbuildings. Once part of a self-sustaining county institution, the property still holds significant historical importance for the Holton community.
That sense of space was what first drew the Husteads.
“We were like ‘Oh, the land, we want some land,’” Kayla Hustead says. “So, we went and looked.” They envisioned the property as a home for two families: Hustead, Matthew and their children, and her sister, brother-in-law and their children. “Originally, we were thinking that we were going to kind of split it into two houses, kind of like a duplex,” she explains.
After all, the main building is more than 8,000 square feet, with 15 bedrooms, multiple kitchens and living
rooms, and 49 windows, Hustead says. She and her husband, Matthew, bought the property not only to live in but also to hold worship services with their church, the Holton Baptist Fellowship.
Although they have restored much of the brickwork, replaced most of the windows, and maintained original plaster walls, the scope of the work—and the cost—has been considerable.
Today, only six of the bedrooms are in use, and the third floor remains unlivable. Like many historic properties, it is an ongoing project, requiring both time and resources. While the Husteads continue to make improvements, they acknowledge that the cost of renovations makes their—and their church’s—future in the home uncertain.
“Our hopes were to fix it up … but we are running out of money,” Hustead says. “I don’t know what we’re going to do yet ... We’ve fixed all the brickwork except for on the front porch, and now the upper balcony needs work.”
Despite the challenges, Hustead and her family love the house and the rural setting. “It’s a cool-looking house,” she says. “It’s just a lot of work to update.”
Opposite page:
From left, Simon, Matt and Jaxon Hustead (holding Li’l Pete) stand in front of their home of four years. Matt holds an undated aerial photo of the historic property.
How Poor Farms Began England’s poor laws—a series of laws enacted to provide relief for the poor—first inspired the poor-farm movement, in which county-run facilities housed and supported residents in exchange for labor.
In America, after the Homestead Act was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, and, as people migrated west, farms, homesteads and businesses either thrived or failed. The idea of poor farms swept across the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Kansas newspapers often reported on the movement and how local tax funds were used to support the farms. The Dodge City Globe reported on September 13, 1887, that in a statewide survey, Jackson County spent $2,112 on the county’s poor farm that year to aid people—the equivalent to $71,815 in 2025 dollars.
In other parts of Kansas, to avoid building and developing poor farms, county commissioners offered financial assistance for people who qualified for help and placed them in private homes.
For early Kansans and Jackson Countians— those who grew up during the Great Depression and before—the poor farms may have evoked a sense of dread and fear. If bills could not be paid, would a family have to move to the poor farm? But for others, poor farms provided a safety net—even if it wasn’t ideal.
“People who did not have families to take care of them in their old age would move to the poor house to live out their last years,” says Anna Wilhelm, a charter member of the Jackson County Historical Society. “The Jackson County Poor House was a selfsustaining working farm, tended to by the residents,” she adds.
Chickens, cows, hogs and other livestock raised on the farm provided food for the residents. The Jackson County farm was quite productive. An 1898 Jackson Board visit to the property yielded an inventory of everything on the property, including 26 cattle, 90 hogs, 100 chickens, 2,000 bushels of corn, 150 bushels of oats and 14 bushels of clover seed. Farm implements included wagons, cultivators, mowing machines, rakes, drills, garden implements and a 50-gallon iron kettle.
Above: Chickens are no strangers to the property; in 1899, a county inventory reported 100.
Opposite page, from top: A colorful vintage light fixture brightens a hallway; Window replacements are currently underway; Expansive grounds frame the historic brick home
Tragedy Strikes
According to the Holton Recorder, March 23, 1911, “The Rock Island passenger [train] Sunday evening in passing by the county farm, set fire to about 8 tons of hay belonging to the county farm.”
The train fire was not the farm’s only brush with danger. On January 11, 1917, the Holton Recorder reported a second fire. On January 7, owing to a defective flue, “the main residence caught on fire, and before it was discovered the flames had gained such headway that it was impossible to check them.” Because the fire ignited during the day, all “ten inmates were gotten safely out of the building” and moved to the Coffin house on North New York Avenue. The next year, the county finished construction of the current residence, which the Recorder called on March 21, 1918, a “credit to the county.”
The Jackson County Poor Farm grounds include a private cemetery northeast of the current 15 acres. No engraved tombstones are present, but many large round rocks were placed in the area, presumably to mark the site.
The Next Chapters
When Social Security was enacted in 1935, the need for poor farms diminished, and many closed and fell into disrepair. Jackson County continued operating the former poor farm as the Jackson County Home into the early 1970s. It closed in September 1971, when most residents were transferred to a county-operated nursing facility in Kansas City, reflecting statewide and national shifts from county homes to licensed long-term care.
Once closed, the property sat empty for several years. Eventually, it became home to a series of families who made their own changes to the residence.
It’s been more than half a century since the poor farm closed. But its essence is still part of the legacy and history of this county and state, and the records and stories can still be found in Kansas newspaper archives.
“If nothing else, the poor house/farm custom generated miles of newspaper inches devoted to county commissions’ spending,” said Kansas historian Dave Webb.
Restoration is an ongoing challenge for the Husteads, but the beauty of the land keeps them rooted here, for now.
It is rural.
At night, they can hear coyotes calling.
And, they can see the changes of the seasons.
“There are no neighbors close by. It’s just really beautiful,” Hustead says. “You can just look forever.”
More than a relic of the past, the poor farm continues to offer what it always has: a place to call home.
The Season on the Square
From nostalgic candies to thoughtful gifts, the Holton Mercantile wraps small-town life in holiday warmth.
Story by Lucas Shivers | Photography by Nick Krug
Sarah Zibell stands behind the candy counter at the Holton Mercantile, which she and her husband, John, have owned since 2022.
Standing proudly on the historic courthouse square at 415 New York Ave., the Holton Mercantile is more than a gift and candy store. Owners Sarah and John Zibell have preserved the mercantile as a place to share more than half a century of holiday tradition with their beloved community.
“Our holiday season is the best,” Sarah Zibell says. “I enjoy purchasing unique items for customers to come and find the perfect gift for their loved ones. The candy counter is always buzzing as customers take home nostalgic treats. Peppermint ice cream is always a big hit in November and December.”
From classic candies to thoughtful gifts and friendly faces, the mercantile charms customers with Zibell’s decades of retail experience and passion for people.
“My favorite part of the store is the customers,” Zibell says. “I love the local support and enjoy listening to the tourists take a step back in time. They often tell us stories of such stores from their hometowns.”
These personal interactions and shared stories foster a sense of community among customers.
“I am continually humbled by customers who praise the store and thank us for keeping it open,” Zibell says. “We are proud to keep such a tradition alive. Our customers are the best, and I have gained so many friends and learned a lot about Holton working here in the store.”
Hometown Pride
Though her journey to the square started in Wichita, where she was born and raised, Zibell and her family call Holton home.
Working in retail since she was 16 years old, Zibell gained most of her experience in the business from James and Monica Smits at Aspen Boutique in Wichita where she worked for 20 years.
In 1995, Sarah met her husband, John Zibell Jr., a Holton native, at Wichita State University.
As their relationship grew and deepened, so did her ties to his hometown.
“I first became familiar with the town from John,” Zibell says. “We married in 1998, had three amazing children together: Gilly, Zoey and Milo. We stayed in Wichita for 20-plus years before deciding to move back to be closer to John’s dad, be in a smaller school district for our youngest children and enjoy a slower pace than the city.”
When the Zibells moved to town, Chris and Carolyn Koger, then-owners of the mercantile, hired Sarah as a salesclerk at the downtown store. As time progressed and the Kogers neared retirement, the Zibells expressed interest in taking over the store. Sarah said she fell in love with the rhythms of smalltown retail.
“John and I purchased it from them in 2022, changing the name from Koger Variety to Holton Mercantile,” Zibell says. “The store itself has been
running for over 50 years. The Kogers had the store for 47 years. I believe it was [called] Russells and Knoft Variety before that.”
Thoughtful Mix of Merchandise
The mercantile features a full general store, cards, gifts, bulk candy, tuxedo rentals, ice cream and more.
“Since the beginning, the store has always had a wide variety of merchandise,” Zibell says. “We have tried to continue that tradition, putting our own touch on it while keeping it as nostalgic as possible.”
The store is a destination for families, friends and out-of-town visitors.
“Candy, greeting cards and housewares are our best sellers,” she says. “The ice cream business has really picked up for us since taking over the store. We have a lot of regulars who stop in weekly.”
Zibell manages the store and three employees, Nancy, Lori and Nadine.
From left: John Zibell, Sarah Zibell and Nancy Raines
JACKSON CO. LIFESTYLE
“All have worked here longer than I have,” Zibell says. “John also helps in the store on evenings and weekends when he isn’t at his full-time job welding in Topeka at Contech Engineered Solutions.”
Customer Relationships
Nancy Raines has served as a merchandiser and in sales for 14 years.
“I love the customers and [designing] the windows,” Raines says. “I get to visit with folks and help them out with bulk candy, ice cream and so much to keep busy.” The holiday open house, sample and feature sales bring back fond memories of childhood, she adds.
Holton Mercantile goes all out for the holiday season, serving the town, celebrating its history and creating meaningful moments, one customer at a time.
“We have so many decorations to make it festive,” Raines says. “We have lots of folks who make an outing of it all.”
While big-box retailers and online giants dominate the retail world, the mercantile stands out by leaning into a more local experience.
The warm atmosphere resonates with hundreds each week.
“We plan to keep the store open as long as possible, finding new merchandise, gaining customers and encouraging others to visit the great town of Holton,” Zibell says.
Ice cream and seasonal gifts are among the main attractions at the Holton Mercantile.
Whether you are a new arrival here, or just seeking something better, you can �ind the very best at Denison State Bank.
DSB is an anchor in the community, serving generations since 1901. Find us at 5 branches and ATMs in the 35-mile radius, plus have 24/7 access on DSBconnect digital banking.
We can get a new checking account opened for you, along with direct deposits and direct payments. For housing, DSB makes more mortgage loans in Jackson County than any other company. Equal Housing Lender.
Jackson County 2025 Holiday Guide
Compiled by Ian Brannan | Photography by Nick Krug
The holidays shine brightest when celebrated together. From tree lightings and school concerts to parades, crafts and home tours, Jackson County communities are filling the season with cheer. Mark your calendar and make the most of these hometown traditions.
JACKSON CO. LIFESTYLE
November
6–8
Christmas Open House | 785 Antiques, Holton Thurs., 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Come for the snacks, stay for the drawings and discover treasures and gifts for the season.
November 7–9
Thoughtful Giving Day | Holton Community Theatre
Friday, 3:30–6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 12–3 p.m.
Celebrate Thoughtful Giving Day with the Jackson County Community Foundation! Join the Kickoff Happy Hour on Friday, then stop by Sunday’s walk-in donation day for light refreshments and a chance to learn more about JCCF and the many local nonprofits serving Jackson County.
Visit www.thoughtfulgivingday.com for details.
November
8
Lighting of the Square | Holton
Get into the holiday spirit with the annual lighting of the square in downtown Holton. Enjoy the twinkling lights with friends and family as the community comes together for this special event.
Make sure you get your ticket early—there are just 20 spots available. Ticket price includes all supplies needed to build your holiday wreath ($85) or swag masterpiece ($65). Make this a day trip with friends, enjoying a wreath workshop, downtown shopping and lunch after! Hosted by Beverley Brown & Co., Heart to Home and Mare’s Coffee Shop. www.beverleybrownco.com/products/ticket-holidaywreath-building-workshop
November
24
Holton 5th and 6th Grade Bands’ Winter Concerts | Holton High School Auditorium 7 p.m.
The first of many Holton Public Schools winter performances, this program features the 5th Grade Beginning Band and 6th Grade Band.
JACKSON CO. LIFESTYLE
December
3
Jackson County Chamber Holiday Mixer | Holton Community Theatre
6–8 p.m.
Local business owners and chamber members are invited for an evening of holiday cheer, drinks and appetizers. We’ll be collecting donations of gloves, hats, coats and other winter items for the Jackson County Christmas Bureau.
December 4, 11 & 18
Small Town Christmas in Holton brings families downtown for a parade, shopping and more.
Visit with Santa | Jackson County Courthouse
5–7 p.m.
Bring your wish list and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the lawn the first three Thursdays in December. Shops will be open late.
December
7
Christmas in Mayetta
A first for the Mayetta Pioneer Days Association, this event will have a living nativity, Santa Claus and more.
December
13
Christmas Homes Tour | Holton 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Step inside some of Holton’s most charming homes, all beautifully dressed for the season. This year’s tour features the Rodvelt, McCullough, Tinney, and Watkins homes, plus a cozy Hospitality Hall at Mare’s Coffee Shop. Get your tickets in person at the chamber office or main bank locations ($15), on the chamber website (exploreholton.com/events) ($17) or at the Hospitality Hall on Dec. 13. ($20).
December
13
Small Town Christmas | Holton Downtown Square
This cheerful event includes a lighted parade, shopping, food and visits with Santa!
December 15
Holton Schools Vocal Concerts | Holton High School Auditorium
7 p.m.
The Holton High School and Holton Middle School vocal departments host a holiday concert for the community.
December 17
Winter Vespers Band Concert | Holton High School Auditorium
7 p.m.
This annual Christmas concert will feature performances by the Holton Jazz Cats, Holton Middle School Concert Band and Holton High School Concert Band. This concert will have a good mix of holiday classics—with a few fun musical curveballs!
December 19
Winter Dance | Holton Middle School Gym
1–3 p.m.
Christi Boswell, P.E. teacher, and the Holton Middle School Ambassadors host a winter dance for the entire school on the last day before winter break. Admission is $2 or two canned goods. Food donations will go to Holton’s food bank. (This event is open only to HMS students and faculty.)
Dancing into Winter Break
In December, Holton Middle School gym transforms into the hottest dance floor in town. P.E. teacher Christi Boswell says that each year, the students learn a variety of dances in their P.E. classes. “This unit was started many years ago with former veteran P.E. teachers John Dietrich and Stacy Lasswell,” Boswell explains. “[It] became quite popular among the students year after year, and we have carried on the tradition.”
Over three weeks, students learn popular line and partner dances— the same ones they’ll encounter at weddings or school events. “By the time students are 8th graders, most of them have mastered 20-plus line dances,” Boswell explains. The unit culminates in an all-school winter dance on December 19, when students showcase their new skills in the middle school gym before heading off to winter break.
Jackson County Museum & Historical Society
327 New York Ave., Holton
While you’re out and about, stop by the Museum & Historical Society to enjoy the festive Christmas window display. Follow the Museum on social media for updates on additional holiday happenings.
Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
104 W 5th St., Holton
The chamber is offering a holiday coupon booklet packed with special deals from participating Jackson County businesses—encouraging everyone to shop local, support neighbors, and save on gifts all year long.
Christmas on Main Street | Hoyt
Date to be announced
Join Pride of Hoyt for a day of holiday fun with Santa at the fire station, where kids can write and deliver their letters to the man himself while they sip hot cocoa. Enjoy performances by the high school cheer squad, dance team, and vocal group, plus a food truck, community Christmas tree lighting, and a holiday craft show at the Community Building. The Hoyt United Methodist Church will also host a lighted nativity and soup supper (free-will donation). Watch Pride of Hoyt’s Facebook page for a save-the-date announcement (facebook.com/hoytpride/)!
