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| Couple Shared Love Of History With Community |
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| Opinion | |||
| Written by Grady Atwater | |||
| Wednesday, 28 July 2010 08:00 | |||
Howard and Dora Brown worked together as a team to preserve Osawatomie’s history and heritage from the 1930s until the 1980s. They were historians who studied John Brown’s life and effects on U.S. history in depth. In 1985, Howard Brown wrote in The John Brown Forte newsletter, published in Chicago.  “I have researched the old fellow and his activities in Kansas,” Howard Brown wrote. That is an understatement. Howard Brown’s knowledge about John Brown was rivaled by few, and he educated Osawatomie citizens young and old about John Brown’s role in history and his connection to the town Howard Brown continued in The Forte: “I have been active in the Osawatomie Historical Society for several years.” “Active” also is an understatement. The Browns were instrumental in educating Osawatomie citizens and the public nationwide about the town’s history. In addition, they played an important role in preserving its historic sites. Howard Brown also wrote about he and his wife serving as curators of the John Brown State Museum for several years: “This we found to be a very interesting and rewarding experience and by this we became pretty well-acquainted with the old guy.” The Browns made John Brown State Historic Site a welcome place for kids. They patiently answered questions from young people with a caring spirit that fostered an interest in history on the part of their listeners. The Browns’ interest in history was infectious. Visitors to the John Brown Museum left with a deep appreciation of the importance of the abolitionist and Osawatomie’s nationally and internationally important history. Howard and Dora’s passion for history was evident in how they presented the history associated with John Brown and Osawatomie. Their zeal for history was inspiring and sparked an interest in engaging in deep study of history. Upon Howard Brown’s death on July 12, 1987, the Osawatomie Graphic made a statement that applied to both he and Dora: “Perhaps no individual in this community served it longer and in more areas than did Mr. Brown. He and his wife, Dora, were involved in countless activities ranging from railroad unions to the Democratic Party.” The Graphic further noted that Howard’s “favorite field was in history. Specifically, the history of Osawatomie and this area. He spent countless hours working and preserving the history of an area that he loved so well, and his death leaves a void in that field. “In fact, the challenge to this community is to find someone — several — to pick up the reins that Mr. Brown held on to for so many years. Osawatomie, Kansas and the nation are better places because Howard L. Brown passed our way.” Howard and Dora Brown inspired others to study the town’s history and to pass on this invaluable inheritance to future generations. We owe them a debt of gratitude and respect. — Grady Atwater is administrator of John Brown State Historic Site.
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