November 15, 2024
Interdisciplinary team to present on Marlatt Homestead at Riley County Historical Society meeting
The Marlatt Homestead, home of the first Bluemont College president and the assistant he married, is the featured topic at the annual meeting of the Riley County Historical Society in November. Come learn about the homestead preservation efforts at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Manhattan Public Library Auditorium, 629 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan Kansas.
Made of local limestone in a colonial American style, the home is considered the oldest standing stone house in Riley County. Davies Wilson, a surveyor and land speculator, built the home around 1856. Washington Marlatt purchased the property in 1858. The property stayed with Marlatt’s youngest son until Kansas State Agriculture College (now Kansas State University) purchased the homestead in 1918. Kansas State University still owns the property.
Presenters for the historical highlight will be Professor Ray Yunk, professor in Kansas State University's GE Johnson Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science, and several students who are working on the project. Upon request from the Marlatt Task Force, Yunk assembled an interdisciplinary research team of students and faculty to assess and provide preservation and adaptive reuse advice for the home, barn and site.
Along with the Marlatt Homestead feature, the annual meeting will include a teaser about the new RCHS seven-year strategic plan, election of 2025 officers and new board members, and light refreshments. The meeting is free — no reservations needed — and all history buffs are welcome.