Here is what Bob Christiansen (Host) had to say about he evening:

It was a privilege for my wife and I to open our home on Thursday Oct. 18th for the benefit of Neosho County Community College Foundation.  We have  been blessed by the opportunity to be a "Steward" of this significant piece of Neosho County history.  The home is 107 years old and is a living piece of Southeast Kansas history and it is a privilege for us to be able to share it.

The evening was magical, maybe a better way to describe it, the event was almost "Spiritual."  The combination of classical music, beautiful original art (and giclee limited edition prints) on display, good food and drink, and the opportunity to walk through a piece of the past history of Chanute, was, well, just amazing.

The 80 or so people who had the opportunity to attend this event had the chance to experience the above.  I want to thank Marion Bryant and Trish

Christiansen for their willingness to share their art pieces with us.   I want to thank Treca Jackson (keyboards) and Reyna Almond (violin) for blessing all who attended with "music from heaven."  I want to thank Barbie Weber for helping us get ready for this very special evening and for working non-stop all night.  Thanks to Clark and his staff at  Great Western

Catering for the wonderful food AND to all the people who financially donated. And last, but certainly not least, thanks to NCCC staff Michelle Ponce and Laura McDonnold for all their efforts on making this evening a success.

I heard story upon story from folks who have had personal  experiences with the "Old Victorian" on the corner of Sixth and Highland over the years.   I heard from people who remember seeing Mrs. Markham out watering her trees every day with a pail and a ladle.  I heard from people who came to church in the "Grand Old Lady."  I heard from parents whose children had owned the home for a time and helped keep her grand....amazing history.

Thanks again for all who had a part in making the evening happen, to all who so generously gave and to all who attended the evening of "Victorian Elegance"!

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