Part 4
As Cow Town began portraying more than just a TV western theme, ideas like
Victorian living and agricultural life took higher esteem. Our event Christmas
Through the Windows began in 1975 and remains today as Victorian Christmas. The
Harvest Home Festival began in 1977 and continues today as County Fair Day.
Permanent volunteer groups took shape. The Cow Town Social Club began in
1975 and remains today. Wilma Sehnert founded the Dixie Lee Saloon Girls in
1978; they continue to perform today as Daisy Longstem’s Saloon Girls.
The 1970s saw more buildings added. The Carpenter Shop was built in 1970 by
Women in Construction of Greater Wichita, Kansas Chapter 120. The 1874
Murdock House was moved here in 1974 and took almost a decade to restore and
open. The 1890s building currently housing the Masonic Lodge exhibit arrived
in 1975. Lakeside was built as a visitor’s center in 1978 and currently houses the
museum administration offices. The 1905 Henry Wulf House arrived in 1979
from near Highway 17. There was even a shops area added to the western side of
the property that salvaged houses from urban renewal; they contained small
businesses like a popcorn stand, antique store, photography studio, and even the
Midwest Genealogical Society.
