Gardner Memories
Gardner was founded where the Santa Fe Trail and the Oregon/California Trails divided as a Free-Stater settlement in 1857. Settled primarily by emigrants from Massachusetts, it was named for Henry Gardner, then governor of Massachusetts. Four years after its establishment, it became the first community in Johnson County—and perhaps the first in the state—to experience an attack by Confederate forces. The first post office in Gardner was established in 1858.
Gardner has changed significantly since it was founded, growing from 203 people in 1880 to 23,287 people 2020,
but it has retained aspects of a small town.
This section of the website contains memories of Gardner shared by residents as a way to preserve the history of
Gardner and our surrounding area.
Click a Title to Read a Memory
Click a Title to Read a Memory
"The Pool Hall" (Claude Steed)
"2 Springs: Santa Fe Trail/Gardner Lake" (Ross Bryan)
OHP = Oral History Project
(listed by birth year of interviewee)
Lerne Maxine Knabe (nee England) (bn. 1930) - OHP
Ina Joan Jones (nee Sawyer) (bn. 1931) - OHP
Phyliss Thomen (nee Riley) (bn. 1931) - OHP
Ruth M. Hermon (nee Frazier) (bn. 1932) - OHP
Kenneth Garrett Moll Jr. (bn. 1935) - OHP
Betty Keller-Chanay (nee Losher) (bn. 1935) - OHP
Marlin Chanay (bn. 1937) - OHP
Harold Quaintance (bn. 1937) - OHP
Patricia D. Ray (nee Henderson) (bn. 1941) - OHP
DonnaBelle Didde (nee Bray) (bn. 1948) - OHP
Do You Have a Memory to Share?
Do You Have a Memory to Share?
Please e-mail me at the address below with:
- Specific memories of Gardner or the surrounding area, any time period, from you or your ancestors. Send text and photos (if possible)
- Any questions you may have
- If you need help or suggestions for submission
- To make an appointment to view family files
Or you can share your memories by filling out our
"Oral History Project" form
Laura McCarthy
Laura McCarthy