Contents

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO 6

WELCOME TO PARSONS 8

WELCOME TO LABETTE COUNTY 10

HISTORY OF PARSONS 12

OAKWOOD CEMETERY 13

OSWEGO 14

IMPORTANT NUMBERS 15

2024 EVENTS 16

THINGS TO DO 18

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 24

HEALTHCARE 26

EDUCATION 27

TOURISM 28

ABOUT THE CVB 30

MEMBERSHIP LISTINGS 31

BUSINESS DIRECTORY 31

Parsons Chamber of Commerce

506 Main Street | Parsons, KS 67357

620-421-6500 | parsonschamber.org

This publication was created and produced by Town Square Publications for the Parsons Chamber of Commerce.

Copyright © 2024
Town Square Publications

P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006

(847) 427-4905 | tbusby@tspubsdigital.com

www.TownSquarePublications.com

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square is prohibited.

Chairman, CEO and Publisher | Douglas K. Ray

President and Chief Operating Officer | Scott Stone

Vice President / Director | Scott Ray

Managing Director | David Small

Director of Production | Ryan Moore

Director of Operations | Joseph Nugara

Sales | Dede Harmell

Senior Editor | Rebecca Anderson

Project Manager | Sandy King

Who we are and

what we do

The Parsons Area Chamber of Commerce is a leadership business organization serving Parsons and the surrounding communities. The Chamber is focused on supporting and advancing business growth by increasing our members’ visibility and connectivity, as well as bringing area businesses, the community and new opportunities together by providing tools, resources and educational opportunities to increase tourism in the area.

The Chamber is our members. Their combined knowledge and diverse business skills are a foundation of tried and tested ideas and perspectives just waiting to be tapped. We work to help our members initiate and build relationships while promoting commerce and tourism in Labette County.

WELCOME

to Parsons

Welcome to Parsons, Kansas, a charming city that encapsulates the heart of the Midwest. Situated in the southeastern part of the state, Parsons offers a blend of small-town warmth and modern amenities. With a population that epitomizes the friendly spirit of the region, visitors are sure to feel a sense of hospitality as they explore the community.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Parsons’ proximity to outdoor treasures. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore its parks and recreational areas. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll along the Tolen Creek Trail to admire the sculptures of acclaimed artist Stan Herd or a picnic in Forest Park beside beautiful gardens maintained by a small army of volunteers, the city’s green spaces provide a tranquil escape.

Families will especially love our world class children’s museum, Curious Minds Discovery Zone, and the new free splash pad located at Forest Park. The PKY Skate Park located near our downtown offers a unique way to enjoy time outside.

History buffs will find Parsons rich in heritage. The city has a storied past, with landmarks and museums that showcase its historical significance. From the iconic Parsons Historical Museum to the historic downtown district, the architecture and artifacts tell the tale of Parsons’ evolution over the years.

Whether travelers prefer a sleek and modern hotel, a clean and comfortable budget-friendly motel, an Airbnb with space for the whole family or a specialty curated, antique-filled bed and breakfast, Parsons stands ready to accommodate all.

The community spirit thrives through local events and festivals that bring people together. Parsons celebrates its culture with enthusiasm, fostering a strong sense of unity among its residents. As you navigate the streets of Parsons, you’ll encounter a blend of tradition and progress, creating a welcoming atmosphere that defines this quintessential Midwestern town.

Thank you for taking the time to look at all that our beloved city has to offer for visitors, new residents, and lifelong friends. We think you’ll love it as much as we do.

With gratitude,

Liz Cochran

Executive Director

Parsons Area Chamber of Commerce

WELCOME

To Labette County

We are best described as nestled where the tall grass prairies meet the Ozark foothills. Our unique location brings a mix of people and geography located in the Southeast or otherwise known as the “green corner” of the great state of Kansas. Lakes, rivers and rolling countryside surround the rural city of Parsons here in Labette County bringing the great outdoors to the footstep of small-town charm.

The area is rife with historical ties to the pre-civil war era and the western expansion of the early American railroad. The abundance of wildlife is astounding, and thousands of visitors make Labette County their home for several weeks of the year to fish, hike, hunt or simply enjoy the expansive great outdoors.

We hope you find your special place whether it be strolling the shops located in our award-winning downtown or exploring the thousands of acres of public land on your own expedition. Labette County has something for you to explore around every corner.

Welcome!

Jim Zaleski

Director, Labette County Convention & Visitors Bureau

HISTORY

Parsons

Named for the president of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, Levi Parsons, Parsons has been one of the most dynamic communities in Kansas since it was incorporated in 1871.

Rapid expansion and civic improvements made Parsons a thriving frontier town, boasting a solid income from railroads and agriculture. By the turn of the century, a business college and a state hospital had been founded in Parsons. The city’s prosperity helped it to weather economic trends that damaged other towns in the area. Homes of the grandest design and most elegant detail were constructed, many of which survive today and contribute to the city’s beauty.

Throughout its history, Parsons has continued to identify progressive goals and to work to meet them. The Kansas Ordnance Plant was built here in 1941 to back the war effort. When the need for physicians and medical facilities became apparent in the late 1960s, Parsons began a construction and recruiting program that resulted in the most complete medical services in the surrounding area.

In the 1970s, a massive urban renewal program was undertaken to benefit the municipal facilities and the business district. Today, the cumulative effects of a proud history of fulfilled ambitious projects have made Parsons the showcase of Southeast Kansas.

Oakwood

Oakwood Cemetery opened on June 1,1872. The original tract of 20 acres was given to the City by the Parsons Town Company, which was set up by Robert Stevens, superintendent of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad. Mr. Stevens had bought 2,560 acres of land from the settlers to form the City of Parsons. The city was officially founded on March 8,1871.

The first person to be buried at Oakwood was Hilda Aliza Holmes, the nine-month-old daughter of Dr. William Court Holmes and Aliza Holmes. Hilda Aliza was born on August 29,1871 and died on June 10,1872 of smallpox. She was buried at Oakwood the same day.

The G.A.R. Circles

The Grand Army of the Republic (or G.A.R.) was a national organization created after the Civil War for the benefit of veterans of that war. Its purpose was to aid veterans and their wives in time of need and to help the veterans in obtaining government benefits to which they were entitled, including pension and burial benefits.

The Grand Army of the Republic, Antietam Post No. 64 was organized on June 2, 1882 by Civil War Veterans living in Parsons. Over 500 names were on the rolls.

They selected Antietam for the name of their post in memory of the Battle of Antietam fought on September 17, 1862 on the banks of the Potomac River. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Although the South won the battle, the tribute in naming the post Antietam was in memory of their lost comrades.

In May of 1886 the Antietam Post bought a portion of block 37, including lots 13 through 18 for circle number one. The original flag staff was placed in circle number one in 1887. It stood at the intersection of 18th and Broadway in Parsons.

Circle number two was created in 1889 with the purchase of Lots 7 through 21 of Block 38.

Prior to 1905 nearly $3,000 had been spent on circle number one and two. They were both enclosed with cut sandstone, coping and cap-stones. The two 8-inch Columbiad Cannons were a gift from the war department in 1898 and were placed in circle number one the same year. They weigh 9,250 pounds each.

On March 1, 1905, a half-mill tax was levied on all taxable property in Labette County for the years 1905 and 1906. The proceeds were to be applied to improvements of the G.A.R. burial grounds.

The concrete rotunda in circle number one was constructed in 1905 and stands twenty-eight feet in height. It is surrounded by a pyramid of cannonballs and an eagle.

In 1907 the concrete abutments were added to circle number two. The flagstaff was moved to the circle at that time. In 1911 the bronze statues were placed in circle number two. They were made by the W.H. Mullens Company of Salem, Ohio. The cast iron archway at circle number two was erected in 1913 and donated by the Ladies of the G.A.R. In 1921 the Sons of Veterans donated the memorial to the Unknown Soldier.

On November 11,1911 the gateway to Oakwood was dedicated. The cast iron gateway was a donation of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.). The Parsons chapter was also responsible for starting the movement for perpetual care at Oakwood.

Oswego

Oswego was founded as an outgrowth of a trading post established in the early 1840’s by John Matthews. The Little Town Well, dug and walled by his slaves around 1843 at the site of a natural spring, can still be seen at 4th and Union. Up to 1865 the area was described as “White Hair’s Village” after a Native American chief who lived there. In 1865, after the execution of John Matthews by Union forces, a number of settlers settled there and the name was changed to “Little Town”. Two years later the Oswego town company was organized and the city was named after Oswego, NY.

A log cabin at 3rd and Merchant was originally built as two log cabins connected by a breezeway. It is believed to be one of the oldest log cabins in southeast Kansas and the only one of three to remain on its original foundations. The log cabin is listed on the State Historical Register as is the Edwards house on south Ohio. Another site of interest is the Deming Mansion located on highway 59. The house was built by R. O. Deming Sr. in 1906 from parts of the Brazilian, Chilean and Venezuelan buildings at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Mr. Deming so admired the lustrous woods in those buildings that he paid to have them shipped by 42 railroad cars to Oswego.

Riverside park is the pride of the community. Established in 1887, it is a beautiful site high on a bluff overlooking the Neosho River. The pool house, shelter houses and bridge at the water plant, all WPA projects from the 1930’s, are listed on the National Historical Register, as is the Carnegie Library and US Post Office.

Important

Numbers

ALTAMONT

City of Altamont 620-784-5612

Police Non Emergency 620-784-5582

Public Works Gas Emergency 620-784-5582

Fire Non Emergency 620-784-5582

Municipal Pool 620-784-5759

CHETOPA

City of Chetopa 620-236-7511

EDNA

City of Edna 620-922-3841

MOUND VALLEY

City of Mound Valley 620-328-3411

Library 620-328-3282

OSWEGO

City of Oswego 620-795-4433

Fire Non Emergency 620-795-4433

Police Non Emergency 620-795-2131

Oswego Senior Center 620-795-2873

Community Center 620-795-2413

Public Library 620-795-4921

Public Works 620-795-2461

Swimming pool 620-795-4913

Water Plant 620-795-4823

PARSONS

City of Parsons (620) 421-7000

Parsons Fire Department (620) 421-7050

Parsons Community Development (620) 421-7030

Parsons Chamber of Commerce (620) 421-6500

Parsons Municipal Court (620) 421-7068

Parsons Municipal Auditorium (620) 421-7032

Parsons Police Department (620) 421-7060

Public Library (620) 421-5920

Parsons Public Works (620) 421-7000

LABETTE COUNTY

Labette County Appraiser 620-795-2548 x329

Labette County Clerk 620-795-2138 x307

Labette County Counselor 620-795-2754

Labette County Emergency
Management 620-421-4350

Labette County Helath Department 620-421-4350

Labette County Public Works 620-784-5391

Labette County Register of
Deeds 620-795-4931 x340

Labette County Sheriff 620-795-2565

Labette County Treasurer 620-795-2918

USD 503

District office 620-421-5950

Lincoln Elementary 620-421-3510

Garfield Elementary 620-421-3510

Guthridge Elementary 620-421-3510

Parsons Middle School 620-421-4190

Parsons High School 620-421-4190

USD 504

Board Office 620-795-2126

Neosho Heights Elementary 620-795-4541

Oswego Junior-Senior High School 620-795-2125

Service Valley Charter Academy 620-421-3449

USD 505

Chetopa Campus 620-236-7244

USD 506

Board Office 620-784-5326

Altamont Grade SChool 620-784-5511

Bartlett Grade School 620-226-3414

Edna Grade School 620-922-7210

Meadow View Grade School 620-421-1857

Mound Valley Grade School 620-328-3121

Labette County High School 620-784-5321

HIGHER EDUCATION

Labette Community College 620-421-6700

2024

Events

Parsons celebrates its railroad heritage and town history with the Katy Days Festival each year on Memorial Weekend. Renew old friendships, rekindle memories and enjoy food, entertainment and railroad-themed activities.

March 16 - Saturday St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Join the fun in Downtown Parsons for a parade, vendors, contests, music, and prizes!

April 27 - Saturday Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament - Bragging rights and cash prizes are up for grabs in this annual 3 person scramble at the Katy Golf Club in Parsons.

May 24 & 25 - Friday & Saturday Katy Days - Join us in celebrating the history of Parsons with a fun filled family festival incorporating the Katy Railroad, vendors, music, food trucks, and more!

June 8 - Saturday Labette County Garden Tour - Gain inspiration and ideas for your own garden spots by touring a variety of gardens in Labette County. Funds raised go to Operation Bright Touch, a volunteer organization that maintains the various gardens in public spaces.

June 8 - Saturday Altamont Flag Day - Celebrate Flag Day with food, fun, vendors, and more in Altamont!

June 28 & 29 - Friday & Saturday Mound Valley Flag Pole Festival - Hometown pride shines at this special 20th anniversary of the Mound Valley Flag Pole Festival. Music, fireworks, food, vendors and more will keep your family wanting to return every year.

Thursdays in June & July Parsons Music in the Park - Join the fun each Thursday of June and July in Forest Park for a free concert featuring local talent and bands from around the region. With a new music genre each week, you’ll never grow tired of coming back each week!

July 20 thru 27 Labette County Fair - Our classic county fair features animal, food, and craft competitions plus concerts and rodeo fun. Join us in celebrating some of what makes our area a favorite for families!

August 23 Moonlight Madness - Kick off the school year in Downtown Parsons with sales, vendors, live music, games, and fun! You don’t want to miss this annual event!

October 5 PK Festival of Art in downtown Parsons

October 12 - Saturday Oswegofest - This hometown festival in beautiful RIverside Park features vendors, games, prizes, and food and celebrates the history of Oswego and her people.

October 24 - Thursday Monster March Downtown Parsons - Children through 5th grade are welcome to celebrate Halloween a bit early by dressing in their best costume and parading through Downtown Parsons to collect candy and prizes from local businesses and organizations.

November 11 - Monday Veteranś Day Parade - We pause to honor our brave veterans with a parade through Downtown Parsons. All veterans are invited and encouraged to walk, roll, or ride the provided floats. Local school children and the public witness the importance of honoring those who have bravely served our country.

November 21 - Saturday Chetopa Pecan Festival - Join us in Chetopa, the Pecan Capital, during the heart of pecan harvest season to celebrate all things nutty. Fun, vendors, food, and games make this a celebration to remember!

December 5 - Thursday Parsons Christmas Parade - Local teams, businesses, organizations, and groups come together to celebrate the kick off of the Christmas season in Downtown Parsons. Over 90 entries line up to strut their stuff, give away candy, and make a joyful noise on this chilly evening. There’s a rumor that Santa might even show up in a firetruck!

December 7 - Saturday Duke Mason Band Concert - The Christmas Season would not be complete without a free, fun, raucous concert by the Duke Mason Band. This event collects donations that sponsor the Parsons Police Department’s annual Shop with a Cop campaign.

December 14 Hometown Holiday Celebration - Keep an eye on the Parsons Chamber of Commerce website and Facebook page for more info on these events and to find out what else is added to the calendar!

THinGS

To Do

Labette County is rich with culture, charm, and fun for everyone. Our many festivals and events are unique and make a visit to our parks, downtowns, rivers, lakes, and special events.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the picturesque native grasslands alive with wildlife that include whitetail deer, seasonal waterfowl, beavers, opossums, cottontail rabbits, and bats. Native plants such as Indian paintbrush, bachelor button, daylily, and the state flower, the sunflower, dot the native grass landscapes, painting the views with a different shade of beauty each season. Don’t neglect a trip to the Parsons Arboretum, a beautiful outdoor space with walking trails, gardens, and a pond. It’s a peaceful place for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.

Patrons of the arts will appreciate the impressive sculptures by renowned artist Stan Herd at the Tolen Creek Park just off the intersection of highways 59 and 400. The “Ancient Man” and “Turtle Island” sculptures were placed in 2016, having been commissioned by the City of Parsons for Tolen Creek Park. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy more than 1.5 miles of natural walking trails, bird watching through the native habitat, fishing in the pond, or enjoying a picnic by the Stone House circa 1895. Little Labette Creek runs through the property as well providing for diverse wildlife habitat.

More fun can be found at Big Hill Lake, a scenic reservoir that offers opportunities for anglers, swimmers, hikers, and boaters. Take advantage of the natural beauty of the area by hiking, biking, or camping in local parks or nature reserves.

Explore the historic downtown area of Parsons, where you can find charming shops, restaurants, and historic architecture including a Carnegie Library building now used as an arts center and a recreation of the historic Katy Train Station housing Labette Bank. Take a stroll and enjoy the local atmosphere anytime, but especially during annual festivals such as the St. Patrick’s Day parade in March, Moonlight Madness in August, PK Arts Festival the first Saturday of October, or PK Hometown Holiday the second weekend in December.

If you enjoy golf, check out the local 9 hole courses for a round of golf.The Katy Golf Club is located in northern Parsons and the Oswego Golf Course is northwest of the town. Both courses offer a beautiful location for a round of fun and relaxation.

Fans of disc golf will find four courses in Labette County ready to accommodate any number of players. In Chetopa, check out Riverview Park. Oswego’s nine hole course is located in the historic Riverside Park. Altamont boasts an 18 hole course at Idle Hour Lake, and Parsons 18 hole course can be found at the Arboretum.

Don’t forget to take time to check out Forest Park in Parsons for a ride on the Kiwanis “Pancake Special,” the train that runs Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the summer. Each Thursday of June and July, a free concert is offered at the Seaton Family Pavilion during the Music in the Park Summer Concert Series.

Finally, rainy days or cold weather don’t have to mean boredom with a new Family Fun Center located on the east side of Parsons. PK Bowl also offers evening fun. Curious Minds Discovery Zone provides hours of fun play and enrichment opportunities to children, and the Parsons Recreation Commission offers martial arts, tumbling, and dance classes as well as seasonal sports, both indoor and outdoor.

Education

Parsons USD 503 offers engaging, rigorous curriculum for all ages under the guidance of award-winning teachers and award-winning programs. In our diverse district, we welcome ALL students. We believe all students deserve a quality education and believe in educating the whole child, beginning in pre-K through 12th grade. USD 503 prepares students academically and socially to be successful and contributing members of our community, our state, our nation and our world. It’s always a great day to be a Viking!

Our goal at USD 504 is simple: to provide quality education to each student. With that goal in mind and much hard work by dedicated professionals, USD 504 is one of the most accomplished districts in the state, having earned numerous state and national awards and accreditations. With two grade schools and a combined junior high and high school, USD 504 is able to offer small class sizes without compromising on quality of education.

USD 506 is a district full of opportunities, made up of five grade schools spanning Labette County, with the high school located in Altamont. With a mindset of preparing students for life, our goal is not to only teach students in the classroom, but to give them hands-on experiences and real-life applications from kindergarten to graduation. We take great pride in our district and strive for students to feel valued and that they have ownership in their education. From building and trades programs to theater, art, health science, agriculture and more, Labette County truly has small school advantages with big school opportunities.

Tourism

Tourism in Labette County focuses on mostly outdoor recreational opportunities provided by the many natural resources in the surrounding area including the Neosho River, Lake Parsons, Big Hill Lake and of course the Mind Land Area managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Southeast Kansas and Labette County are a very popular fall hunting destination, with the city of Parsons being named as one of the Top-10 Whitetail Towns in the Country by Outdoor Life Magazine.

Other popular outdoor recreation includes fishing, duck and turkey hunting both with special seasons designated by Wildlife and Parks. For those looking for small town charm Parsons offers an award-winning downtown with quaint shops, places to eat and a completely ADA accessible Main Street area.

To learn more about things to do in Parsons and Labette County check out our calendar of events in this publication. For up to date info on what’s happening and to learn more about our festivals and events produced in cooperation with the Parsons Chamber of Commerce visit www.parsonschamber.org or visit us on Facebook and be sure to sign up to get e-mail updates.

About

the CVB

The Labette County Convention & Visitors Bureau was founded in 2007 as a department of the City of Parsons moving through stages where they were known as Greater Parsons and Labette County Tourism and the Parsons Tourism Bureau, however in February of 2020 the Parsons Conference Center opened changing the organization’s name to the Labette County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The CVB now represents more than 250 hotel rooms Citywide including the 80-room Holiday Inn Express, which sits next to the 8,000 square foot Parsons Convention Center.

While opening in February of 2020 wasn’t the smoothest time to enter the market, after making it through the tough years of the covid pandemic the hotel is still strong, and the convention center business is constantly building. Parson’s hotels show an extremely high occupancy percentage Monday through Thursday and the CVB’s job is to fill the hotel rooms on the weekends. This is done mainly through special events such as fishing tournaments, 3D archery competitions and several disc golf tournaments held throughout the year. Labette County boasts five, first-class disc golf courses, hosting several professional level disc golf competitions each year.

The CVB is maintained through a bed tax on hotel rooms through marketing efforts and collects no local property or other sales tax for its operational budget. The expansion of the tourism product in Labette County has progressed nicely since the beginning days and the CVB now welcomes more than 30,000 visitors annually to the city of Parsons.

The CVB also partners with the Chamber to provide a 24-hour visitor information center and several visitor information racks around the destination. A number of tourism friendly businesses and attractions are located in and around Parsons including the Kitchen Pass, a locally owned full service restaurant; Timber Creek Meats, a home grown butcher shop with specialty meats and jerky and our own Iron Horse Museum chronicling the early days of railroad expansion with exhibits and rail cars from the past. The Labette County CVB hopes you enjoy exploring all that our wonderful destination has to offer.

Callie Carpenter

Marketing Director Labette County CVB