New Perry History Pocket Museum Exhibit Opens at First State Bank & Trust

The History of Banking in Perry

Photo courtesy of Jean Shilling

Perry Pride opened their second exhibit in the Perry History Pocket Museum at First State Bank & Trust. The new exhibit, titled The History of Banking in Perry, officially opened on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m. The display is available for viewing during regular lobby hours at First State Bank & Trust, 402 Plaza Dr, Perry, KS 66073.

K-State Research and Extension office Meadowlark District director David Key was also in attendance, and presented Perry Pride with a Kansas PRIDE Project of Excellence award for their cultural work with the Perry History Pocket Museum.

Pictured left to right: Cristy Bidinger, Dawn Walter, Pat Putnam, David Key, Tom Hotchkiss, Judy Hotchkiss, Paula Hladky, Willard Epling, and Kathy Youngquist.

Perry Pride History Committee member Thomas D. Hotchkiss III was awarded a Kansas PRIDE Rising Star Award. This award recognizes an individual, business, organization, elected official, major benefactor, or youth who has made an outstanding contribution to a local PRIDE program.

The Hotchkiss family pictured left to right: Thomas Hotchkiss IV, Emma Berendsen, Chris Hotchkiss, Judith Hotchkiss, Thomas Hotchkiss III, Alana Neel, Jacob Decker, Lisa Decker-Keller, and Brian Decker-Keller.

Thomas Hotchkiss is Perry Pride's go to person when we are working on anything history related for the City of Perry. He is an amazing resource and researcher. He has provided numerous researched summaries of early history in the community including: fire, floods, local businesses, schools, and the obelisk. He regularly shares old photos and history of Perry that we are then able to share on our Perry Pride Facebook page - some of our most engaging posts.

As a key member of the Perry Pride History Committee, Tom helped with the planning and implementation of our Perry History Pocket Museum.

Perry Pride is a small group but we are able to accomplish big projects because of community partners like Thomas Hotchkiss. We are fortunate to have people like Tom who are committed to working towards preserving and telling the story of Perry.