Special Collections
Policy for usage of the Special Collections area.
There are a number of different collections within this room. Researchers are welcome to use the collections anytime that the room is open.
- C Collection
Rare books in the "C" collection are located in both the Special
Collections room and the Center for Ethnic Studies. These books were removed
from the general collection to more secure areas because of their physical
condition, age, or value. Materials are not allowed to be checked out.
- Model Buildings
Display
The Special Collections Room in Forsyth Library is home to the Catharine Model
Buildings Display, which consists of twenty-five buildings, plus some
outbuildings such as a barn, a storm cellar and silos. The display includes the
St. Catherine Catholic Church, the Casino Hall, the Sisters Convent, the
General Store/Post Office, the Catharine School and a number of houses. A model
building of St.Andrew Episcopal Church, located north of Hays, can also be seen
in the display. The models were built by Jerome Schmidt beginning in 2001
up until 2008 when he donated them to Forsyth Library. The display accentuates
the Volga-German heritage of this area, which is documented by materials
located in the Center for Ethnic Studies, also located in the library.
- Western Collection
If
you like researching or reading about Kansas, then you will feel at home here.
This collection contains fiction and nonfiction material about Kansas and the
American West. Topics include railroads, the cattle trade industry, cowboys,
Native Americans and frontier life. The Elmer and Eartha Pugh Trust Fund
provides a wonderful opportunity for us to add new materials to the Western
Collection. Their generosity is appreciated.
- Graduate Theses
The
Graduate Theses collection has one copy of each thesis written by master's
degree candidates from Fort Hays State University. A second copy is available
for circulation from the general collection, but there are several second
copies in the Western Collection due to their topic.
- Fort Hays Genealogy
Society Collection
This
collection consists of periodicals, books and newsletters owned by the Fort
Hays Genealogical Society. Patrons are welcome to use these sources and members
of the Society can check these items out.
- Cecil B. and Laura G.
Currey Archive of Military History
Dr. Cecil B. Currey, a noted military history expert and FHSU alumnus, donated his
personal papers and library of military history to Forsyth Library. The collection,
dedicated in 1997, contains items on the American Revolution, the Civil War,
World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Viet Nam
Conflict. Correspondence, memorabilia, telegrams, photographs, declassified Army
documents,and transcripts of interviews are among many things that are a part
of this distinctive collection.
- William D. Pashchal
World War II History Collection
Dr.William
D. Paschal, a retired dentist from Wichita, Kansas, donated this collection to
the archive of military history in 1998. It contains books, declassified
government documents, maps, photographs, and other materials focusing on World
War II. Materials about Edmund Pfannenstiel, a Munjor native,are also included.
Dr. Paschal and Mr. Pfannenstiel served time in the same German prison camp,
Stalag IX B, located in Bad Orb, Germany. Dr. Paschal later recommended Mr.
Pfannenstiel for the Distinguished Service Cross.
Related Information
Bibliography of
Interest
A bibliography of genealogical materials for Hays and Ellis County available in
the Special Collections room and the Center for Ethnic Studies. It was first
compiled in 1999 by Judith Salm; it was updated in 2006 by Patty Nicholas.
Bibliography of some
Primary Sources in the Western Collection - (pdf format)
A bibliography of sources of western history found in the Western Collection of
Forsyth Library.