Episodes
Friday Dec 08, 2017
Oral History: Jackie "Jack" Eugene Brannum
Friday Dec 08, 2017
Friday Dec 08, 2017
Jack Brannum was born during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl and moved as a toddler to Russell, Kansas, home of Robert Dole. Jack graduated from Russell High School in 1951 and moved to Independence, Kansas, where he met June, his future wife. Jack joined the United States Army and is a Korean War Veteran. When Jack came back from Korea, he and June were married and they had 3 children. Jack has always tried to live his life by his father's rule: "always give them 110% to their 100%," giving them more than what is expected. Jack and June lived for a time in Pella, Iowa and this year they returned to Independence, Kansas.
Here is Jack's yearbook photo as a senior at Russell High School, class of 1951.
Sunday Jul 30, 2017
Oral History: Ralph J. "R. J." Osborn
Sunday Jul 30, 2017
Sunday Jul 30, 2017
This interview took place July 8, 2014, at the Independence Public Library. Ralph J. "R. J." Osborn was born 10/26/1923, in Pawhuska, OK. He lived there until he was about 10 years of age. He graduated from Independence High School with the class of 1941 and attended junior college in Independence as well. He served in the United States Navy during World War II from June 1943 to February 1946. RJ passed away on July 10, 2020.
Thursday Jul 27, 2017
Oral History: Alfred James Baden
Thursday Jul 27, 2017
Thursday Jul 27, 2017
Alfred James Baden was born September 8, 1924, at 600 S. 4th St., in Independence, Kansas. He was known as Bud to his friends and as Opa to his grandchildren. He served in the United States Army during World War II and he loved fly. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and was employed by Sinclair Oil Corporation (later ARCO) for 33 years. Bud always had a smile and was ever curious about the history of Independence; the Baden family was a founding family. This interview took place on May 11, 2016. Bud passed away January 12, 2017.