From Bull Cit to Alton - With Pride (History)
Alton, Kansas, founded as Bull City on September 12, 1870, is a proud community with a rich heritage. Flanked by a meandering river and compelling limestone bluffs to the south and Highway 24 on the north, Alton is securely anchored in the heart of the fertile South Solomon River Valley.
A flip of the coin determined that Osborne County's first town was named after its co-fonder, General Hiram C. Bull, who was known throughout the country for his charismatic leadership abilities. Bull's behind the scenes partner was Lyman T. Earl, a man who accomplished things with little fanfare.
Bull, never one to know fear, was gored to death by his pet elk after entering the enraged animal's pen on October 12, 1879. Six years later, the town's name was changed to Alton when a few leading citizens deemed that the original name was too vulgar.
Those who love Alton today strive to replicate its proven standard of excellence. From their ranks have risen the dedicated volunteer leaders of far-reaching organizations: Alton PRIDE (est. 1985), Bull City Community Foundation (BCCF, est. 2001)) and Alton Rural Fire District #3 (est. 1990), to name a few.
The annual Alton Summer Jubilee, held the fourth Saturday in August since 1985, is the crown jewel for an award-winning PRIDE organization recognized throughout Kansas. PRIDE's annual Chocolate Festival, held the first Saturday of December to honor the community's claim to native son Russell Stover (born 11 miles south of Alton in 1888), dates back to 2001.
Thanks to dedicated volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life, the community of Alton embodies this true pioneer spirit: “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
City Clerk
Julie Peterson, Office: 785-984-2263
After hours, Julie Peterson: 785-346-6604
The city office is open on the first five business days of the month, 9:00 am-5:00 pm.
This is where you pay your water bill.
Mayor
Eldon Hartzler: 785-984-2506
City Maintenance
Pat Conway: 785-984-8039
Post Office: 785-984-2202
Library
Diane Moore, Librarian: 970-599-0249
Open every Wednesday from 2 pm-5 pm, the fourth Monday from 3 pm to 9 pm, and the second and fourth Thursday from 3 pm to 5 pm
Alton Rural Fire
Craig Poore: 785-984-8016
ALTON, KANSAS, AND ITS CLAIM TO FAME
1. First Osborne County town site, co-founded on September 12, 1870 by Gen. Hiram C. Bull, who was killed by his pet elk on October 12, 1879. The death of Bull and two other men made national headlines in Harper’s Weekly and other major publications of the time.
2. Birthplace of Russell Stover (May 6, 1888), the candy maker. A large sign designating Stover’s 1888 birth site was dedicated at the August 1996 Alton Summer Jubilee.
3. Birthplace of Bruce Goff (June 8, 1904), renowned international architect. Goff’s 1982 obituary made the New York Times and other major newspapers. (In the architectural world, Goff’s name is as big as Frank Lloyd Wright’s.)
4. Birthplace of Rolla Clymer (July 23, 1888), newspaper editor of the El Dorado Times. Clymer was known as “The Sage of the Flint Hills” and one of the most beloved editors in the state of Kansas. (Clymer and Russell Stover were born only a few miles and weeks apart in 1888.)
5. Home of Sarah Post, whose drink Postum reputedly led to the Post Cereal Company. (Further conclusive research needs to be finished.)
6. Home of legendary coach Everett Gouldie and the Alton Wildcats, whose 51-game winning streak set from 1962-1968 was the Kansas football record for over 30 years. (Record was broken by Smith Center Redmen.)
VIP Reviews of Alton, Kansas
“The (town) site is one of the prettiest on the river, and is bound to command the attention of businessmen and pleasure seekers.” Republican Valley (Concordia, KS) Empire, Aug. 31, 1872- Reprinted in High Plains Journal Sept. 4, 1972
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“The PRIDE Committee can be proud of its 1999 Jubilee Parade.” Kansas City Star, Sept. 5, 1999- James J. Fisher, columnist, 1999 Alton Summer Jubilee attendee
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“This tiny town isn’t about to give in. They have a synergy and desire to see that Alton stay alive and thriving.”
WeKan Dec. 2000 – Jan. 2001- Marci Penner, Kansas Sampler Foundation
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“…new businesses and the formation of the Bull City Foundation show that the work and forward-looking attitude are year-round attributes of the citizens of Alton. Osborne County Farmer, Aug. 30, 2001- Sandra Nichols, Editor
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“I predict the town of Alton will be a survivor because of its people.” Grass and Grain, Sept. 4, 2001
Gordon Morrison, columnist, 2001 Alton Summer Jubilee parade judge and former AHS teacher
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“It was truly a great slice of Americana at Alton. Don’t underestimate the spirit of your rural brothers
and sisters.” The (Topeka, KS) Capital-Journal, Sept. 7, 2001- Jim Suber, rural columnist, 2001 Alton Summer Jubilee parade judge
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“…my family (helped) that go-getting’, pride burstin’ community celebrate its Summer Jubilee.” Successful Farming, Oct. 2001- Loren Kruse, Editor-in-Chief, 2001 Alton Summer Jubilee church speaker
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“This first place (float’s) family-farm oriented content was just one of many outstanding tributes to Kansas’ No. 1 industry.” Kansas Farmer, Oct. 2001- Bill Spiegel, Field Editor, 2001 Alton Summer Jubilee parade judge
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“Folks who inhabit tiny towns like Alton remain viable because of civic pride and a willingness to give
back to their community.” Colby (KS) Free Press, Sept. 10, 2002- John Schlageck, Managing Editor of Kansas Living, 2002 Alton Summer Jubilee parade judge
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“Little Alton…keeps acting more like a Goliath, or at least the little town that can…” Osborne County Farmer, Sept. 26, 2002- Michael Wilson, Managing Editor
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“Alton, like many other little towns out there, does not have much commerce anymore. But…look around, and you see a little oasis here and there. What is lacking in numbers, communities can make up for in spirit and new ideas.”
Hays Daily News, Aug. 31, 2003- John D. Montgomery, editor & publisher, 2003 Alton Summer Jubilee parade judge
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“It’s great to see small communities (like Alton) that can work together.” Dr. Doug Watson, Oklahoma Baptist University- Will Rogers (impersonator), Bull City Community Foundation’s dinner theatre - Oct. 30, 2004
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“Success is nothing new to Alton.” Kansas Country Living, Feb. 2006- Larry Freeze, Editor
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“What a tremendous showing for a small community that gives evidence of the great pride that you take, not only in your community but in the history of that community.” Ted Hayes, Executive Director, Kansas Sports Hall of Fame- Speaker at Osborne Co. Hall of Fame Banquet held in Alton- Mar. 4, 2006
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“Leadership, creativity, and a high level of commitment…(are) really par for the course in Alton.” Dan Kahl, Extension Coordinator, Kansas PRIDE Program, 2005 Alton Summer Jubilee Parade Judge- Quote from letter sent to the Osborne Co. Hall of Fame Banquet held in Alton on March 4, 2006
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“We hold the Alton (PRIDE) Committee up to others across the state.” Osborne County Farmer, Dec. 7, 2006- Connie Hoch, Kansas PRIDE Program Associate and 2006 Choc. Festival judge
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“Don’t write off Alton, or whatever town you call home. We’re not about to give up, and we’re not
done yet.” Hays Daily News, Dec. 24, 2006- Darrel Miller, retired editor/publisher of the Smith County Pioneer and Lebanon News and Times - Osborne Co. Hall of Fame member and 2008 Alton Summer Jubilee parade judge
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“Today, the Alton PRIDE organization keeps the city moving into the future while maintaining a sense of pride in its heritage. During the past twelve months Alton PRIDE has reported raising $4,701.00 and contributing 5500 hours of community service! Never doubt what a small number of community volunteers can do.” Difference Makers Blog, Sept. 6, 2013- Trudy Rice, Kansas State PRIDE Office, 2013 Alton Summer Jubilee parade judge
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“Alton PRIDE is no secret to (winning) awards. My three favorite PRIDE communities in my region are Alton, Lucas and Lenora.” The Alton Empire, Aug. 18, 2016- Dan Steffen, Kan. Dept. of Commerce, Regional Mgr. for 24 counties in NW Kansas- 2015 Chocolate Festival Judge – 2016 Alton Summer Jubilee Parade Judge
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“The Alton Jubilee is an event people in this part of Kansas look forward to and will for years to come. It’s great to know you hail from a small town in Kansas, and that’s what the Alton Jubilee is all about.” Osborne County Farmer, September 6, 2018- John Schlageck, Managing Editor of Kansas Living (KFB’s magazine), 2018 Jubilee parade judge
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“This town of about 100 people in northwest Osborne County serves as an example of what can happen when people work together to make their community better. That was evidenced by the Alton PRIDE winning – yet once again—awards for their endeavors during Saturday’s annual Jubilee.” - Hays Daily News, August 26, 2018- Juno Ogle, HDN Reporter and 2018 Jubilee parade judge
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“Alton is the epitome of volunteer spirit.” Osborne County Farmer, December 12, 2019 Paul Gregory – Osborne, Kansas, attorney. (In 2019 the “Sarver Charitable Trust” and “McFadden Charitable Trust” each awarded $1,000 grants that kick-started Alton PRIDE’s “Christmas in Alton” project. Paul, a board member for both trusts, led the first time ever public countdown to the new lights coming on.)
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“Alton, they’re one of our smaller (PRIDE) communities, but…I tell you what, their organization, it’s phenomenal. They are so well organized. For example, every year they put on a Jubilee that rivals their county fair.” Kansas! Magazine, 2002 Issue 3- Jaime Menon, extension state leader for community vitality and co-coordinator of Kansas PRIDE
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