Hey, fellow history and nostalgia enthusiasts and fans! As the year winds down, it’s time to look at the biggest hits from icintheict.com—my digital haven for Wichita’s charm. So, buckle up for a rollercoaster ride through the top ten stories of 2023:
The Boulevard Theater: Where Memories Steal the Spotlight Kicking off with a trip down memory lane, we revisit Wichita’s Mann Theaters. The Boulevard steals the show as I spill the beans on my fondest childhood memories, including a run-in with Box Office legend Edna Kline. Dive into the Boulevard Theater—it’s more than just a single screen!
Road Trip: Caldwell: Shot Glasses, Surprises, and Small-Town Magic Join me and Jeremy on a road trip to Caldwell, where shot glasses become tokens of history. Unexpected encounters with a local historian and heartfelt thanks from the townsfolk turn a simple quest into a heartwarming tale. Who knew shot glasses could be so sentimental?
Mead Middle School: Navigating Personal Histories Venturing into Mead Middle School, the struggle is real when personal connections collide with a school’s rich history. Balancing nostalgia and objectivity isn’t easy, but hey, Mead’s legacy deserves a spotlight.
The Mall Cinema: Childhood Haunts and Projector Adventures 1974 takes center stage as we reminisce about the Mall Cinema—the theater of my childhood, my first job, and the place where I ran the last reel through the projector. Join me on this reel-life trip down memory lane!
Miss Fran Still Sees You: A Kansas Treasure Unveiled Join me in a heartwarming journey with Miss Fran—a Kansas Treasure who played a vital role in the lives of ’70s kids across the state. Technical glitches can’t dim the brilliance of this charming woman, and I’m honored to share her story.
Crest Theater: Beauty Lost in Time A classic tale unfolds as we explore the Crest Theater, a gem that no longer graces our skyline. Non-Mann, non-1974, yet a timeless beauty that lingers in the hearts of Wichitans. Let’s unravel the story behind the beauty lost in time.
An art as big as all outdoors: Light Tubes and Hater Repellent Venturing into the luminous world of McLean, Meridian, and Central’s light tubes, I admit my initial skepticism. Brushing off the haters with a touch of humor and mom’s advice: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Wilbur Middle School: Unveiling Architectural Wonders *Discover the mysteries of Wilbur Middle School—an architectural marvel that unexpectedly stole the spotlight in 2023. What makes this building so intriguing? Let’s peel back the layers.
Fritz Snitzler’s Saloon: Wichita’s Nightlife Maestro *Step back in time with Fritz Snitzler, the boisterous maestro of Wichita’s early nightlife. His story paints a vivid picture of the city’s lively past through one unforgettable character.
Give a Lonely Art a Home: Mural’s Last Stand Downtown Embark on an emotional journey with the downtown transit station mural. Triggering memories and stirring hearts, this iconic art piece faces an uncertain fate. What’s next as the city contemplates its future?
Here’s to another year of unraveling Wichita’s tales and preserving the magic of nostalgia!