K. C.'S KITCHEN

Across the Fence 

By Arvord Abernethy 

This old spirit of accommodation still exists in many places. Recently, Mrs. Betty Lamb and party of Somerville, Texas ate dinned at KC’s Kitchen and while there noticed many of the old articles that are on display. Among them was that historical map of Hamilton County that was drawn by Wayne Durham and Eugene Angerman in 1964. When the Lambs paid for their meal she told Mamie Craig, who was the cashier that day, that she would certainly like to have one of those maps. Since they have all been sold, Mamie volunteered to try to find her one or at least have a copy reproduced. 

Mamie called me concerning our map to use in reproducing another. We have since learned that the Chamber of Commerce is now considering the reproduction of many of them; possibly making them a little smaller than the original. 

If you enjoy looking at antique articles displayed in unique ways, you should drop by KC’s Kitchen and visit awhile. I thought at first that KC meant that it was a Kansas City style restaurant, but I found out that it stands for our own Katherine Craig who is assisted by her husband, John Krauss. 

Be sure to go on back to the second dining area as that is the part that is known as “John’s Room”. Wanda Dalton crocheted a name plate entitled “John’s Room” and it is on display there. She won first prize on this article at the Dove Festival. You will find this room quite different, but interesting. 

Among the pictures and articles you will see a black and white pen drawing of the courthouse which was done by Joan Crumrine. Joan also did a water color painting of the old rock fence and entrance on the east side of the Graves-Gentry Cemetery. The family plot of the Lee Cates’, Katherine’s grandparents, is just inside the gate. 

Nearby in the room are some old calendar pictures that were found in the Cates’ home, one was dated in 1928 and one from the Lawson Gin was dated in 1936. Also nearby is an autograph picture of Doak Walker, the great football star from SMU, who is a cousin of the Craigs. Among other relics is an old check dated in 1917 that Mr. Cates had given to P. M. Rice for some legal services when he bought his land here and moved from Mart. 

If you wonder what that bunch of mules in a picture was doing on the courthouse square, ask Katherine. She will tell you that it was a First Monday picture made shortly after the turn of the century. If you ask her what a first Monday is, she will tell you that on the first Monday of every month farmers would bring in any horses or mules that they wanted to trade off and trade with someone, or sell the animals. 

On another wall are several of these old-type outlaw-wanted posters that Katherine has artistically decoupage. 

As you go on toward the salad bar, you will see that some of the food is sitting on a low, sturdily built four wheel cart. It is thought that this cart is an old trunk that Katherine has refinished, and the tray of the trunk acts as a container for the different kinds of crackers. Also on the cart is a small pickle barrel holding pickles. 

To add to the enjoyment of John’s Room, they have an electric organ which Arlene Schrank plays every Friday and Saturday evening from 6 ‘til 9. In many cases, she will play one of your favorite songs for you. 

On one wall is a small cabinet that has several curios in it, such as small scales that Mr. R. E. Craig had when he operated his produce house here in 1910. There is a 1935 Hamilton phone directory that had many names you would remember, but no number that you could use. There is a picture of Katherine’s father, the late Frank Craig, and his first commercial truck, a Diamond T. There is also a picture of Frank and the boxer, Joe Louis, when they were in service together at Ft. Riley. 

This picture of Joe Louis had some influence in getting John and Katherine interested in the sport of boxing. They have a large number of pictures of boxers on one wall, even am autographed picture of Jersey Joe Walcott. 

John grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where his parents were connected with the famous Skyway Lounge. It was his privilege to meet and get autographed pictures of many of the entertainers who would show there. You would recognize many of them. One picture that wasn’t from Cleveland is of our own Mark Harelik taken when he was in a production about Hank Williams. 

In case you don’t get enough distressing news about conditions today, read the October 1, 1862, issue of the Boston Evening Traveler and its stories of the Civil War. It is there handy to read. 

After you have feasted your eyes on the many interesting things, find a table and look over the menu on which Joan has sketched some points of interest around the dining room, then order a delicious meal for you to feast upon.

ACROSS THE FENCE