Ramona News read from coast to coast
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
A Ramona area newsletter edited by Pat Wick and Jessica Gilbert is popular with people having connections to Ramona or an interest in rural Kansas lifestyles. It is sent all over the United States.
Soon after taking up residency in Ramona several years ago, the "California Sisters," Pat Wick and Jessica Gilbert, whose grandparents lived at Ramona, wrote a newsletter for Ramona area residents. It was a natural extension of "Ramona Rambles," a family newsletter they had published for 10-12 years.
The premiere November 2000 issue of "Ramona News" was printed to let everybody know about a new event in town, the Festival of Lights. About 100 copies were made and distributed.
"We wanted everybody to be on the same page," Jessica said.
The newsletter was such a big hit that a one-time resident wrote and offered to sponsor the next edition. Thus, a new tradition began.
Published quarterly, the newsletter reports on recent city events, new people in town, and interesting stories about Ramona's history and former residents. It also reports city business, publishes old photographs, and heralds upcoming events.
The sisters have tackled the task with enthusiasm and excitement.
The attractive newsletter has a professional touch. It is prepared on their computers and printed in Salina on high quality paper. It contains colorful, glossy photos.
"It's all about connection," Jessica said. "For us, it's an affair of the heart. The reason we exist is to bring joy to people."
There is a waiting list of people who wish to donate $100 toward publication of an issue. The sponsor's ancestors are featured and/or any topic of interest.
A subscription price of $10 per year is suggested but contributions of any size are appreciated to cover printing and postage.
The most recent edition, published in September, is 14 (8 1/2"x11") pages long. Three hundred and fifty total copies were printed. About 45-50 were distributed to town residents, but most were sent to other places throughout the United States.
Copies are available at the sisters' office in Ramona, Ramona Bed and Breakfast, Ramona Cafe, and Norma's Attic Antiques.
The current issue features the Dirt Gambler Museum, which was open Labor Day weekend. The sisters said the museum has been a boon to them and to visitors alike. It is located in the former Ramona bank building, where they have their office. They expect to have it open on all major holidays.
Jennifer said family roots bring people to town. When they tour the museum, they often give donations to the sisters because they appreciate their preservation of Ramona history.
"People are looking for a familiar name," Pat said, "and they get very excited when they find pictures of relatives or others they have known in the past."
One section of the museum is devoted to military servicemen. Their pictures are prominently displayed.
"This wall has become very important to people because they want their loved ones to be remembered," Jessica said.
Another section of the museum is devoted to school memorabelia, another favorite browsing spot.
Johanna Brunner Kaiser, 101, of Lincolnville, who grew up at Ramona, has donated ladies' dresses from the late 1800s through the 1900s for display. It even includes an athletic outfit worn by Johanna while a student at Chapman High School.
Pat sent the latest "Ramona News" to a friend in California. She received this reply: "I just read this issue from cover to cover and I feel like I've just met someone new."
The Ramona High School Class of 1953 recently celebrated its 50th class reunion. The members collectively are sponsoring the next issue of the newsletter.
"Of course, it will revolve around school history," Jessica said.
She has a friend who has never been to Ramona but wants to sponsor the newsletter.
"Sponsors become part of the Ramona family," Jessica noted. "The extended family keeps growing."
People may be added to the mailing list by calling the sisters at 785-965-7110 or writing to them at PO Box 12, Ramona KS 67475. Their e-mail address is PatandJess@California Sisters.com.
In addition to the newsletter, the sisters promote many community events. They teach art at Centre Elementary School and are sought after as inspirational speakers. They also serve on the town council.
Their newest initiative, announced in the newsletter, was a neighborhood block party held Sept. 25 at the town park.
Addressing residents, they wrote: "We've had quite a number of people move into town and we even have people living on the edge of town who don't know our old-timers in town. We'd like you to get acquainted so that you know your neighbors in and out of town."
As Jessica said, it's all about connection.
(Ramona is located eight miles north of 290th on Quail Creek Road. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town had a population of just 93 people in 2002. The area was first settled in the early 1880s. Before the 1930s, Ramona had a population of 250-300.)
