Ramona Dirt Gambler's Museum open this weekend
The Dirt Gambler's Heritage Museum in Ramona will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
This little museum started by the "California Sisters" and their aunt, Gertie Schubert, is making a daring move to open on the first Sunday afternoon of each month on a regular basis. "Typically we're open by appointment and on major holidays," says Pat Wick, one of the sisters.
"Why not come to Ramona, have Sunday dinner at the Ramona Café, and then stroll on over to the old bank building for a reminder of days gone by," says Jessica Gilbert, Pat's sister.
Right now this homespun museum is featuring a sampling of women's fashion spanning over a hundred years, most of which belong to Johanna Brunner Kaiser of Lincolnville, who is approaching her 102nd birthday.
The Dirt Gambler's Museum, located in the former bank building is dedicated to preserving the history of rural life in Kansas. It especially honors Ramona families and farmers in the community.
Myron Bentz, a distant cousin of the sisters, once said farmers had to be gamblers, and the sisters said to each other, "Someday we should write a book called The Dirt Gamblers." They're working on the book and in the meantime, they started a mini-museum.
"We love hearing these stories about the olden days in Ramona," says Wick. "And we're always on the lookout for people who have grown up in Ramona.
"If you know of anyone who grew up in the Ramona area, do spread the good news that the little Dirt Gambler's Heritage Museum is open by appointment (785-965-7110), on major holidays, and now, on the first Sunday of every month. Admission is free. Come on by and share a story or two," said Wick.
