Shields family receives preservation award
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
The family of Virginia Shields and the late Fred Shields has received the Heritage Preservation Award from the National Santa Fe Trail Association.
The award was presented Saturday at a banquet during the organization's national convention in recognition of the family's efforts to preserve the Old Lost Spring, located two and one-half miles west of Lost Springs on the historic Santa Fe Trail.
Old Lost Spring has been designated a historic site by Kansas State Historical Society. The Shields family has owned the site since 1902.
It was a well-known camping spot during the existence of the Santa Fe Trail from 1822-1872. Old Lost Spring was the next source of water for travelers after Diamond Springs, about 15 miles to the east.
At its peak, often hundreds of prairie schooners (covered wagons) and freight wagons were parked in the area for the night. There were no trees, but the cool, sweet water from the spring provided welcome relief from the heat of the day.
A supply station was established at the site in the late 1850s. It was purchased by Jack Costello in 1859. He bought the 160 acres around it but later sold it and moved to Marion.
When J.B. Shields bought the land in 1902, the station was long gone. The Shields family has collected many artifacts from the site. Some of them are in Marion Historical Museum.
J.B. wished to preserve the historical site. He solicited donations from Marion County settlers to buy and erect a monument at the site. The monument was dedicated July 4, 1908.
In addition to the monument, the family erected a sign containing historical facts about the spring. They recently had it repainted and the lettering redone.
The family has been generous in sharing the privately-owned site with others. It is in a pasture. Many groups have camped or held picnics there, and Fourth of July celebrations were held there for many years. A walk-in gate allows access to the spring at all times.
Virginia Shields has given numerous informational talks to groups gathered at the site.
Gavin Shields, Virginia's grandson, said people visit the site almost every day. He said in the past, when he was working in the area, people would stop and he would visit with them.
The family is looking at ways to enhance the site and make it more convenient for visitors.
