Bancroft My Home Town

Growing up, we heard the "Legend of the Lady with the Shotgun." She is said to have threatened the railroaders and this led to naming the town Shotgun. We know the "town" wasn't named Shotgun. The Switch was referred to as Shotgun, along with Glascow Crossing, Woodburn and several other names. The railroad made its first run in December of 1887 and the Switch was added in 1889; the post office followed along with the telegraph office and a grocery store.

A history concerning Nemaha County states David Keyser, Elia Woodburn and Samuel Allen were the board members for Bancroft District 31. F.K. Keller was the teacher. This added to the confusion surrounding the town's name.

The Bancroft Town Site Company was founded in April of 1892. Officers elected were

A surveyor came out, laid out the town plat and the town was ready to go. Bancroft had a barbershop, doctor, hardware store, restaurant, elevator, blacksmith shop, bank, creamery and more businesses. These establishments provided everything needed from day to day. The train brought all kinds of things also.

In 1893 the Union Church was organized and built. The United Brethren, Methodist, Baptist and Christian Churches took turns holding the services.

The "old school" was built on the south side of town in 1901. In 1918, a brick building was erected on the north side of town. We were the smallest town school in the county, but we had pride in our school and did not doubt we were as good as any other school. The High School closed in 1951 and the Grade School closed classes in 1961.

Bancroft was a popular recreation site, especially in the "early days." There were teams from the school in addition to "Town Teams." The Town Teams had uniforms and were a credit to the community. Everyone attending school at Bancroft played basketball, at times, perhaps, when they were not supposed to. In the minutes of a school board meeting in the early 1900's, someone had complained that the students were playing ball when they should have been in class. There were some really outstanding teams, both boys and girls, Grade and High schools.

Swimming was usually a group affair. We had many good times, whether swimming in the creek, Mac Wesley's pond or Pfrang's pond.

The women of the community were active in the Ladies Aid, Red Cross and the New Idea Club, which still meets. At one time there was an Odd Fellows Lodge.

Music and programs were always a treat. Bancroft had some outstanding bands and real musical talent. Home dances were popular. The furniture was pushed back, the music played and the dancing began. My oldest brother told about going to the Law home to dance when he was little. Vocal music, solo, duet etc. was plentiful for programs or just singing for the fun of it. Good singing can still be heard at the Bancroft Church. We really looked forward to the P.T.A. meetings each month where a committee would furnish the program. In addition, there was Flag Day, Children's Day, Vacation Bible School and Christmas programs. I did not know there was so much food in this world until the first time I went to a "Last Day of School Dinner." There were community picnics, some connected with the Church and some with the Lodge.

Nemaha County's first millionaire, was from Bancroft. Green Campbell, brother to John Campbell, made and lost fortunes in Gold and Silver Mines.

F.W. Blackman's Kansas, Volume 1, states Bancroft, a village of Nemaha County, had a population of 125 in 1910. The decline in population began with the closing of the railroad in 1919. There were two bad fires that destroyed business places. The exodus to the West Coast during the depression of the 1930's claimed a large toll and the closing of the schools was the final blow.

Bancroft, however, still has one active business. The Davis Garage is owned and operated by Francis Davis. The Community Church is open Sunday mornings. Another asset is the Depot Museum. This is the pride of all of us who call Bancroft, "My Home Town."