Diane Euston has been interested in the area’s history most of her life.
Columnist Diane Euston to give presentation on your neighborhood history
By Kathy Feist
Diane Euston grew up down the street from the New Santa Fe Cemetery, located off Santa Fe Trail and State Line Road. She remembers playing in the cemetery with her friends and wondering why there were so many children buried there.
After doing some grave rubbings with her mother, the 7-year-old historian frequently visited the Red Bridge Library to look up the families buried at New Santa Fe.
“I wanted to know what happened to these kids,” she says. “Now I get to tell stories about these kids and their families.”
Euston, who writes the history column for the Martin City Telegraph, as well as her own blog, “New Santa Fe Trailer,” has been researching south Kansas City history most of her life. In addition to investigating what has already been documented, she sits down with families who carry a long legacy in the area to create more documentation.
On Friday, Jan. 11, Euston will give a presentation on the history of early south Kansas City neighborhoods at 6 p.m. The evening begins with an informal cocktail hour at St. Thomas More Hall, where light appetizers, beer and wine will be provided. At 6:30 p.m. she will speak on “If This Ground Could Talk…The History of Early South Kansas City.”
The program will include a slideshow as well as artifacts on display. These include rare photos lent to the event by private families and the Trailside Center.
Euston says she will focus on the Santa Fe Trail in south Kansas City and the large landowners who profited from the area.
The event is a fundraiser for STM-for-All and BMA. STM-for-All helps fund special education at St. Thomas More. “Special education classes are underfunded in most schools, let alone private schools,” says Euston.Tickets are $25 at the door or can be purchased on Eventbrite.com or at the St. Thomas More School office or pay at the door. Contact Elisa Pomianek at pomianekfam@gmail.com with any questions.