Emporia State University > Lifelong Learning > Elderhostel

Program 1: Santa Fe Trail / Intersection of Culture / Life on the Prairie
Program 2: Ghost Towns / Prairie Springtime / Folklore
Program 3: Harry & Ike: Great Presidents From America's Heartland

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Santa Fe Trail / Intersection of Culture / Life on the Prairie

*I didn’t realize the wealth of history and information this area has. I believe Kansas is more interested in presenting their story than many of the states I’ve lived in. 

*I felt I acquired a lot of information on the Flint Hills, the Kaw Indians, and the Santa Fe Trail, at least on this end. I was pleased that Carolyn had the bus drive out to see the grass burning.

*I never dreamed that the tall grass prairie was so complex. I learned much about the prairie and hope for its preservation.

*Carolyn is perfect for Elderhostelers! She is very friendly and a joy to be with. We enjoyed the extras like the prairie fire. - Thank you -

*The trip to see the "ruts" was unforgettable. Not many alive today can claim they made ruts on the Santa Fe Trail. Snow on the Tall Grass & Open Prairie field trips made a very memorable experience.

*A really interesting mix of local churches & restaurants. All hosts were charming. Appreciated the bottomless cooler of water bottles.

*[The facilities were] very comfortable and clean - looked like going to Grandma's house.

*A very enjoyable experience. I liked the variety of eating places. Everyone was so friendly. Carolyn & the bus driver were so good to drive until we could see the prairie fires. It's great to have a leader who knows the area and its citizens.

*An unusual opportunity to eat in churches and small-town cafes.

*Carolyn Nelson showed a great deal of unflappable ingenuity as she dealt with things like the bus getting stuck and the snowstorm.... She was always cheerful and very hard working.

*I really enjoyed the Kaw Heritage presentation by Pauline Sharp. I appreciate her sharing her family heritage with us.

*I was very impressed with the work the McClintocks did to restore and preserve historic buildings. What energy and perseverance!

*All the instructors, films & subject matter were great. Meet great people. The Meals were very good.

*Carolyn was a splendid leader/guide. She kept her equanimity and sense or humor throughout - Kind to all!!

*One of my best Elderhostels even tho I live close & knew the area & Flint Hills.

*The quality of the Instructors is high as is their enthusiasm.

*This was a great Elderhostel and a very informative leaning experience. Thank you!

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Ghost Towns / Prairie Springtime / Folklore

*Great program – knowledgeable and gracious hosts and instructors. Great idea to eat at different local places. Also, having “older” residents speak of their towns and their memories is great. 

*The idea of prairie had intrigued me after reading some accounts of early wagon travel – I had no idea what a complex process it has been to form a prairie and how it is maintained and I’m familiar to Land Institute.  I’m glad you shared so much info with us.  Thank You

*Wonderful stories and excellent music.

*The University presenters were very well prepared and conducted informative sessions.  Dr. Eddy “suffered” through several changes (due to weather) and added significantly to our enjoyment.

*Amazing how Carolyn managed all the changes not only in places but of course the meals that had to be re-scheduled in other places.

*Dr. Hoy is a superb presenter with an amazing grasp of the fields that embrace the Flint Hills grazing industry, ecology, and Western Culture and folklore

*This was a very good program. I enjoyed it all. The country cafes were fun, the speakers all knew their stuff and were entertaining as well.

*Carolyn professionally handled several weather emergencies, altering the schedule, changing dinner plans and kept the session together – a job very well done.  The flooding and power failure could have caused a disaster but was reacted to exceptionally well!  The program met and exceeded my expectations. 

*This turned out to be overall excellent.  And we will be back to visit the Preserve in other seasons.

*Locations for meals outside Emporia were fun and provided added interesting material. Hearing from the locals in several communities was especially enjoyable and gave us historical details and a sense of each place that we couldn’t have gotten any other way.

*Dr. Eddy opened a new world for me, and I hope to do some extensive reading of prairie fields studies and books about the region’s cultural history.

*Our coordinator was unflappable and innovative and knowledgeable in coping with many adaptations she arranged to accommodate the weather situation.  Excellent and personable!

*Tom Eddy leaves no doubt that he has a love and passion for the prairie. Relaxed, organized, focused within a context for the audience. It was a superb program – informative and enjoyable.

*This week has been fun, informative, stimulating, amusing, and entertaining. The bus rides were great. Everything ran on schedule. The food was great. It has been a wonderful week that has exceeded my expectations.

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Harry & Ike: Great Presidents From America's Heartland

*Best Elderhostel I’ve attended. Fellow participants were enjoyable to be with. Their interest in the topic and knowledge of the Truman and Eisenhower eras added a lot. Plus they had a variety of careers pre-retirement and were interesting individuals. You are terrific!!

*Ed and Judy Butler provided us with extraordinary care and attention every step of the way through this very rewarding experience. Dr. Pennington and Dr. Lovett’s attendance at our sessions outside of classroom were much appreciated, especially in the libraries.

*I was delighted and appreciated the 1st time opportunity to look into Eisenhower archives at letters regarding Eisenhower’s visit to VA in 1960 to visit his mother’s childhood home near Stanton. The hospitability and interests of David J Haight, archivist. The many contributors of Dr. Pennington. Thanks to everyone.

*The impersonations of Harry, Ike, Bess, and Mamie were highlights. I like first person presentation.

*This is the very best Elderhostel that I have attended. Every detail was covered well. Daily schedule was very much considered for our interest and comfort. Enjoyed Ed’s stories and Judy’s gentle concerns and kindnesses.

*Information about state and local area was great for this out of stater. Super! Thanks.

*On a scale of 1-10, this experience was definitely a 10+. Our praise cannot be high enough – Ed and Judy, you are simply fantastic people in every respect. We thank you. Keep the jokes, Ed. Also, you are totally unflappable! Do you ever lose you cool! Obviously not!!!

*I feel all presenters knew their field of interest very well. A job well done – Congratulations to a very excellent host and hostess. It made the whole week enjoyable. The whole group of participants were friendly. It was a fun experience.

*Food was great – great variety and complimented Kansas cuisine and variety of menus.

*Handling “the real thing” in the Eisenhower archives was a very exciting experience.

*I was very impressed by the exhibits at the libraries. I liked being able to see behind the scenes at Eisenhower Library. They were both very educational.

*Meals were very pleasant. Loved Emma Chase Café! Dinner at Brookville was like being in an era of history – elegant, delicious. The “picnics” were fun, too.

*Well planned field trips to important sites. I appreciate opportunities for research in archives.

*This is the first Elderhostel that I have evaluated that has received excellent in all fields. Thank you. I appreciate your efficiency in all areas. Hope to see you again.