New life coming for historical Butler landmark

The Bates County Historical Society is pleased to announce the transfer of the 1894 Sheriff's Residence & Jail (former Bates County Museum location) which includes Atkeson's Cabin, Hastin's Barn and the Lindsey Stagecoach Depot to the Bates County Sheriff's Posse. While the transfer of the property took place just today, the Posse will now begin the tedious restoration of the historic Sheriff's home/jail which will officially be home of the Bates County Law Enforcement Historical Museum. 

Said Nita Thompson, Bates County Museum Curator: "I am just thrilled with the plans the Sheriff's Posse has for the Law Enforcement Museum and so happy that this historic 1894 building will be restored to its former glory. I also am looking forward to working with the Sheriff on the history of the building and the artifacts from that era. This is more proof of how history minded people of this county are and I am proud to be part of this project."

Thompson was on hand this evening as members of the Historical Society and the Posse including Sheriff Chad Anderson (pictured above) gathered to officially unveil plans to revive the property that has sat vacant since the relocation of the museum to northwest Butler. The brick building has been inspected and found to be in solid structural condition overall, but will need repairs soon, primarily a new roof. 

"Right now, the roof will be a priority" said Sheriff Anderson "Once we can insure that the inside of the building will stay good and dry, we can get busy with painting, interior repairs and start setting up the Law Enforcement Museum." The Sheriff went on to say that the museum is for all aspects of law enforcement history in Bates County- "We want artifacts, documents and photos of every police chief, officer, highway patrolman, etc. from every part of the county." He added that some artifacts already in hand include a copy of an original 'invitation to a hanging' that actually took place on the property. "In those days, people got invited to see a hanging, and the invitation is something you need to see to get a feel for how life was back then."

Enthusiasm for the project is shared by Peggy Buhr, Museum Director- "For the past four years I have said prayers over the painting of the old museum that hangs in our hallway. I know that grand old building needed a 'miracle' and the Sheriff's Posse has answered those prayers. Our county is filled with unique historic figures, happenings and stories that deserve to be preserved for future generations and this transaction is one more solid step in achieving that goal. The addition of another museum in the community will be of great benefit in the promotion of heritage tourism and I look forward to us working together in the future. This is a great day in Bates County."

The project is expected to take up to 5 years to complete. "Money for the restoration will come from donations and fundraisers" said Sheriff Anderson. As far as artifacts of the era go, the Posse already has a few, including furniture and household items that will be on loan from the Bates County Museum. "The rest, we get to find!" added a Posse member.

As progress updates are posted, so will information regarding how to donate items for the Bates County Law Enforcement Historical Museum.