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Welcome to Glen Elder, Kansas -- Home of Waconda Lake & Glen Elder State Park

Glen Elder
-- Heritage & History --
Wilson Neff
Wilson Neff Park

Glen Elder City Hall
213 S Market, Box 55
Glen Elder, KS  67446

Phone:
785-545-3322
Fax:
785-545-3342
E-Mail:  glcity@nckcn.com


History/Heritage    West Hampton    Our Schools    Ernie Norris    Wilson Neff    Statue of Liberty    Waconda Springs


 

Read Stories from
Glen Elder's Past

Memoir Lane

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Today
Early Day
Out On the Farm

Married to Lucille "Jeanette" Humes on May 1, 1938, Jacob "Wilson" Neff and his new bride moved to their home in Glen Elder for what would be the rest of their lives. In 1943, Wilson and Jeanette purchased the Clover  Farm Store, and renamed it "Neff's Grocery." (Now occupied by the Pawnee Mental Health Office) Here the couple worked side by side for years to come, even after Wilson took a job with the city in 1956.



This material was edited from the GE History Book.


Needless to say, Wilson had "green thumb" and was very handy with tools. Likewise, he was a living example of helping one's neighbor. Enough cannot be said about how much Wilson loved Glen Elder, something he often "proved by deed, not by word" as he mowed over-grown lots and aided residents about town. Likewise, both he and Jeanette, were faithful members of the Glen Elder Christian Church, where they worked unending  hours assisting in any capacity needed.

The City Park, named in his honor as the Wilson Neff Park, was celebrated by him. Wilson loved nature, and flowers were his hobby. All one had to do was glance at the City Park to see the results--here were hundreds of pots of blooming flowers and plants which he'd spent hours nurturing during the winter months in his make-do greenhouse above the City Hall…of which, for all to enjoy, he distributed throughout the park during the spring and summer months. Similarly, he cared for the Glenwood Cemetery, grooming it meticulously before each Memorial Day and throughout the year.

After his retirement from the city, Wilson continued to work in the park. He built a greenhouse at home where he spent many enjoyable hours. A woodworker, he constructed several projects for himself and city folks alike, as well as being the designer and instigator of many of the Christmas yard decorations seen throughout our city. Jeanette, after her retirement, was often by his side helping with the projects.

Parents to three children and grandparents to 13 grandchildren--Jeanette died on June 29, 1997… Wilson died April 10, 1999 …their work and memories remain in all corners of Glen Elder. They are both at rest in Glenwood Cemetery.




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