05/31/2026
I want to address a comment I recently received regarding my Joyland research and publications.
For those who know me and have followed my work over the years, you know that my mission has never been about making money. My mission has always been about historical preservation, education, and keeping the memories of Joyland alive for future generations.
Researching Joyland has required thousands of hours spent interviewing former employees, collecting photographs, preserving documents, scanning newspapers, attending events, traveling, and documenting the park's history before it is lost forever. These projects are funded almost entirely out of my own pocket.
As I have shared before, I recently spent nearly $5,000 producing A Day of Joy at Joyland Park! and have recovered only a fraction of those costs. The majority of any revenue generated goes directly back into printing, research expenses, preservation efforts, and future projects. It certainly does not compensate for the countless hours invested.
What saddens me is not criticism itself—healthy discussion is welcome. What saddens me is the assumption that preserving local history somehow has less value because a book, board game, or educational project is offered for sale. Historical preservation requires resources, and without those resources many stories, photographs, and memories would simply disappear.
Every photograph I share, every article I research, every book I write, and every project I create is done because I believe Joyland mattered. It mattered to Wichita. It mattered to the families who spent summers there. And it matters to those who want to ensure its story is not forgotten.
If my work is not for you, that is perfectly okay. But I ask that people respect the purpose behind it. Joyland deserves to be remembered, and I will continue doing my part to preserve its history for future generations.
Thank you to everyone who has supported my work, shared their memories, contributed photographs, attended signings, purchased books, or simply followed along on this journey. Your support makes this preservation effort possible. 🎡❤️📚
