Golden Rule Days- Author Event with James Kenyon

The author, James Kenyon, is a former Kansan whose latest work is Golden Rule Days an account of the former high schools of the state of Kansas. He made 12
trips back to Kansas from Iowa where he lives. Kenyon traveled to all 105 counties and a story from each county is told in this book. He traveled on highways, county roads, gravel, and dirt roads to see these old schools if they were still standing and talked to people who attended these schools. He made so many wonderful new friends who shared their memories. It became a labor of love.

The early history of the communities, the naming of the towns, the first schools, and the formation of the high school is told for their historical significance. Legislative actions, the Barnes Law, the establishment of Rural High Schools, and consolidation all were important to these communities and their schools. The bus drivers, cooks, custodians, principals, and superintendents were important cornerstones for Kansas education. These stories are shared by alumni, families, teachers, and community historians.

James Kenyon was born and raised on a third-generation family grain and livestock farm. He grew up caring for cattle, pigs, chickens, and horses near the small town of Bogue, Kansas, with a population of 300. It is natural for James to record the histories of small-town schools and thus the life and times of communities that no longer shape their youth this way. James served his community as a veterinarian for 35 years in a mixed animal practice in a beautiful Iowa college town. Today, James continues the family tradition with 24 years of service on his community’s school board (President and Vice President).