Caney Valley Historical Society & Museum

12/06/2026

Caney's American Legion Commander and Historical Society President Dale McBride talks about the importance of recognizing Highway 75 as Brigadier General George H. Wark Memorial Highway.
In this four-part series, hear more about the legendary man, why this honor is long overdue, and how you can help recognize his contributions to our city and state.

08/06/2026

If you have enjoyed our series about General Wark, please help us fund the highway signs for his memorial highway. Help us honor the incredible life of a man who was not just a local attorney - he was a state senator and military hero who cared deeply for his hometown.

05/06/2026

George H. Wark – part 4

When WWII began, Wark was anxious to be in the thick of the U.S. military effort. He served at Camp Robinson, Arkansas for a time, and then called for a physical examination. He said “I knew what those medical examiners were supposed to find in a man of my age, and they did.” He joked that “They gravely announced that I probably wouldn’t live until morning, but I think they are all gone now. Their only positive finding was that I wasn’t pregnant, so in 1941 they retired me.”
A keen student of history and political science, Mr. Wark was vitally interested in politics until the end of his life. He was intensely loyal to the Republican party, where he served as the Republican City Chairman & County Chairman. He served as the city attorney under several mayors, attorney for the board of education, and was known as “the man to see” when any aspiring officeholder decided to cast his hat into the political ring.
Wark served as president of the Montgomery County Bar Association. He organized Caney’s first Chamber of Commerce, had been a member of the Presbyterian Church, the Masonic Lodge and its various related groups including Mirza Shrine. He was affiliated with the Ancient Order or Modern Woodsmen of America, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Kansas Historical Society and the Havana Country Club.
Even with all of his military honors and ranks, his brilliant legal mind, and his life in politics, one of the proudest times in Wark’s life came on September 9, 1973, when the Caney Memorial Park was renamed Wark Memorial Park. The old general, a bit unsteady on his feet but with shoulders squared, mind alert and a smile on his face, beamed during the program that was attended by Caney admirers and numerous members of Company D. “This is sure a mighty fine thing for you to do,” he told the audience. “I really appreciate it.”
Brigadier General George H. Wark, 95 years old, Caney’s beloved soldier attorney, died September 23, 1974, in the Caney Municipal Hospital. Burial was in the Wark mausoleum beside Mrs. Margaret Wark in Sunnyside Cemetery. A full military burial was provided with a unit from the Kansas National Guard giving him an eleven-gun salute, followed with a salute from three Howitzer cannons. Three flags – the American Flag, the Kansas National Guard flag, and the General’s flag were placed beside the coffin.
George Wark was an attorney, soldier of honor, patriot, historian, and community leader who was a remarkably gifted individual who generously shared his talents and spirit with his country, his community, and all who knew him. We were truly fortunate for him to call Caney his home.

01/06/2026

George H. Wark - Part 3
At the conclusion of WWI, General Wark helped organize the Caney American Legion in 1919, naming it the Ernest Brown American Legion Post 138. Ernest Brown was the first Co. D soldier killed in WWI. The Caney Post is still active today. Wark was the Legion’s first commander.
Also in 1919, there was a serious coal strike in Crawford and Cherokee counties. Violence escalated and Governor Henry Allen called for a special session of the legislature to respond to the strike. Governor Allen dispatched four companies of the Kansas National Guard to restore order. Following the resolution of the strike, he appointed Senator Wark to the newly established Court of Industrial Relations, recognizing his innovative legal expertise and his key role in shaping industrial relations law through his contributions to drafting the Industrial Courts Law.
Wark returned to Caney after his term was over and restored his law practice. He married Margaret Porter in April of 1921. She was the daughter of Col. Samuel Porter, who was also a Kansas State Senator, as well as a prominent attorney and empire builder.
** Note: A prior series shared here on our page was on Col. Samuel M. Porter.
Wark was appointed Probation Administration Officer by the Internal Revenue Service for Kansas. Later his responsibility and territory was expanded to include Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas. He retained this position until 1933.
In 1921, Senator Wark helped reorganize the Kansas National Guard. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1933. He took an examination at Fort Leavenworth and was named Brigadier General for commanding artillery units. In 1981, Wark was considered a pillar of both the legal community and the military, and was posthumously honored as the 15th person inducted into the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame, which only has 131 members today.

29/05/2026

George H. Wark history - Part 2
Wark’s formal military interest was initiated May 14, 1909 in Caney, where Wark was inducted into "K" Company, Second Division, Kansas National Guard.
The Induction Ceremony was conducted in the Brown-Born Building, which is the old Blackledge building in downtown Caney, currently owned by the Lyons. At a later meeting, an election of commissioned officers was finalized, and Wark was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
Wark's local clientele for his law practice increased, and by 1915 he was doing well. In 1916, he was elected to the Kansas State Senate, assuring him a bright future.
WWI was ignited in 1917, and then, Captain Wark was requested to organize, in Caney, a Kansas National Guard unit, "Co. D", 3rd Kansas Infantry Regiment. This unit would eventually face lots of military action in France as part of the 139th US Infantry.
"Co. D" trained at Camp Doniphan, Fort Sill, OK and was nationalized in 1918. It was combined with a similar company as part of the 139th US Infantry. After the merger, Capt. Wark was transferred to Camp Funston to command Co. B, 129th Machine Gun Battalion. It was also in many engagements in France.
It was during the battle of the Argonne that Capt. Wark received the Silver Star medal and a presidential citation for bravery in action, coolness in the face of extreme danger, ability to command and for conduct that inspired others.
He returned from the war as a statewide hero, and it was said he could have been elected governor had he desired to enter the race.

In Part 3 you will read about his life after WWI and his public service career.

25/05/2026

George H. Wark is considered Caney's "favorite son". Highway 75 through Caney has been renamed in his honor, extending from the four-way stop to the state line. We are seeking donations to help purchase signs that will be displayed along the highway in recognition for his life and legacy.

Enjoy this 4-part series about George Wark:
Born on December 19, 1878 near Liberty, KS. His family was one of the first to locate in Montgomery County in the 1870's. His father, Emanuel M. Wark, a civil war veteran, and his mother, Lydia (Long) Wark were progressive farmers. Other children were May, Marian, and Neleah. In 1900 he graduated as a member of the first class to complete the course in the new Montgomery County High School in Independence, KS. He was the first member of the Alumni Association of the Montgomery County High School to be elected a member of its Board of Trustees. From high school he entered the University of Kansas Law School and in 1903 received his LLB degree, his first professional legal degree.
As the 24-year old Wark arrived in town as a Santa Fe train passenger, he walked briskly from the station to the business district. Then a muddy but busy village on the verge of an industrial boom brought by the discovery of oil & gas. Mr. Wark loved to describe Caney of 1903 as "a busy little city of 1,355 souls, saved and unsaved, five saloons, three gambling houses and two drug stores with bars behind the prescription departments." Wark also added "There was one town Marshal, who was a reformed outlaw. There were seven lawyers and three preachers. Is the community better or worse? You be the judge." Wark set up his law office in the Porter Building in downtown Caney and lived at the Palace Hotel.
Source: Banquet speech from Bud Bridenstine in 2000.

More on his military career in part 2 of the series.

22/05/2026

The Museum will be closed May 22nd and 25th for the Mayfest weekend & Memorial Day events.

18/05/2026

Stop by the museum and enjoy the stories of the Moments that Made Us!
The project was developed through a partnership of state humanities councils and museums, and made available through the Kansas Museum Association. The exhibit explores pivotal moments in American history that have defined the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.

15/05/2026

Planning your summer vaca yet? Not sure where to go?
The Great American Road Trip is a fantastic guide to a multitude of destinations in celebration of our nation's 250th birthday. Follow along with The Great American Road Trip for iconic landmarks and scenic routes to inspire your adventure! Use this link for more information:

The Great American Road Trip follows a family across its most iconic landmarks and destinations in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

11/05/2026

Help us honor Caney’s “favorite son,” Brigadier General George H. Wark.

A decorated war hero, respected attorney, and Kansas State Senator, General Wark proudly served his country and spent a lifetime working to improve the community he loved. In recognition of his legacy, Highway 75 from the 4-way stop in Caney to the Oklahoma state line will soon be renamed the Brig. General George H. Wark Memorial Highway.

To install official KDOT signs at both ends of the highway, we need to raise $15,000. The American Legion Post 138 and Caney Valley Historical Society are asking for community support to make this tribute possible.

📬 Mail donations to:
Caney Valley Historical Society
P.O. Box 212

📱 Or scan the QR code to donate through Donorbox (PayPal, Venmo, or bank account).

Thank you for helping us honor a man who gave so much to our town.