KINSLEY — Sixty-four members and guests of the Santa Fe Trail Wet/Dry Routes Chapter enjoyed a fried chicken dinner at Strate’s Cafe Sunday, Jan. 19.  
The group, under the direction of David K. Clapsaddle, Wet/Dry Routes chapter president, reconvened at the Kinsley Municipal Building for its annual business meeting and program.  
Announcements included new members Bruce and Linda Peters of Lakin and the Old Guard “Mess & Muster” program and dinner on April 26.
Officers for the 2014 year were elected —  president and program director David Clapsaddle; vice president Rosetta Graff; secretary/treasurer Diane Dodez; and appointed were historian Carolyn Churchill, and membership director Alice Clapsaddle.  
The Faye Anderson Award was presented by Joan Forrest to Lea Harding representing the Northside Elementary School of Larned for the many years of interpretation of the Santa Fe Trail to children in the third and fourth grades.
Bill Bunyan, president of the Dodge City chapter, reviewed the moving of the marker at the Point of Rocks site west of Dodge City with the expansion of the highway.  
Dr. Leo Oliva presented the text and design for the Melgares Memorial Marker to be placed four miles southwest of Larned on U.S. 56.  The dedication of the marker will be in September at the 2014 Rendezvous.  The theme of this year’s Rendezvous is centered around the Hispanic influence of the trail during the historic period.
Ranger Ellen Jones of the Fort Larned Historic Site, assisted by David Clapsaddle and seventh-grader Nate Bauer of Larned presented the traveling trunk program “Letters from Sarah,” featuring an 1831 original document box, pictures and artifacts.  
Anyone interested in a program from the many traveling trunks available may contact the Fort Larned Historic Site, 620-285-6911.  The spring meeting will be in April with date and time to be determined at a later date.