HPA honors Banwart as an amateur historian

Connie Banwart, left, poses with HPA President Arnold Schofield holding a photo of a Fort Scott street scene. (Submitted photo)

Connie Banwart attended the May 12 meeting of the Bourbon County Historical Preservation Association to give a Freedom's Frontier presentation and found out there was more in store for her.

HPA President Arnold Schofield presented Banwart with a photograph of a Fort Scott street scene from the early 1900s. The photograph was presented to her to show the HPA's appreciation for everything she has done as an amateur historian.

"Her dedication and long years of service in the study of the history of Fort Scott and the preservation of the buildings in Fort Scott," Schofield said. "We just thought that she deserved something special."

"I was truly honored," Banwart added. "Very unexpected and probably unearned."

Banwart has been quite active in the history of Fort Scott. She participated in the historical research for The Fort Scott Tribune's coverage of the many 100-year celebrations in 1984. She also researched 130 downtown buildings between 1989-1990 while trying to seek the recognition of the downtown area on the national register.

"I get a lot of credit for things I don't know I have really done that spectacular," Banwart said. "I just enjoy playing history."

Schofield said one of the main reason the HPA wanted to recognize Banwart is because of the part she and her husband, Jim, played in the preservation of the Melrose Block. Banwart said the decision to keep their business in the downtown area was intentional. She added that it would have been cheaper to build a new building, but it wouldn't have the character.

"One of the best examples that we have of building preservation is the Melrose Block," Schofield said. "They have provided proper maintenance to the building because it is still being used."