Just a few miles from Coffey County, the historic community of Arvonia, Kansas, is keeping its rich Welsh heritage alive through preservation, community events, and a passion for sharing local history.

Susan Atchison of the Arvonia Historic Preservation Society recently welcomed the Coffey County Chamber of Commerce to the historic Arvonia School for a special interview. She shared the fascinating history of this small Kansas community, the efforts to preserve its historic buildings, and some exciting events bringing visitors to Arvonia.

We're here at the historic Arvonia School. Tell us a little about this building and its history.

We're in the Arvonia School, which was built in 1872 and designed by John G. Haskell, one of Kansas' first architects.

It was originally a two-story schoolhouse, but after about 25 years, the second story was removed because people were concerned that the strong Kansas winds might blow it down.

The school remained in continuous operation until 1949, when it consolidated with the Lebo schools.

Tell us about your connection to Arvonia and how you became involved in historic preservation.

I moved to Arvonia in 2009, but I've been connected to the community my entire life because my great-aunt and great-uncle lived here.

The historic buildings were beginning to deteriorate, and we knew something needed to be done. We were able to get both buildings listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, and we added the Township Hall a little later.

From there, we got to work preserving and restoring these buildings. Today, we use them for tours, events, and other activities.

We see Welsh dragon flags throughout Arvonia. What's the significance of the community's Welsh heritage?

Arvonia was founded in 1859 as a Welsh community. The owner and editor of a Welsh-American newspaper purchased land here and advertised in Wales and the eastern United States, encouraging people to move to Kansas.

At one point, more than 700 people lived here. Today, there are about 13 people living in the town itself.

Many of the early settlers arrived during the community's first several years. Coal mining was also part of the area's history, which made sense because many Welsh immigrants had experience mining coal in Wales and Pennsylvania.

Although Arvonia was originally a predominantly Welsh settlement, other cultures and nationalities eventually became part of the community as well.

How did Arvonia's history and development compare with neighboring communities like Lebo?

There were originally three railroads planned to come through Arvonia, but none of them ever did.

As a result, many residents eventually moved to communities where the railroads were established, including Lebo, Reading, and Emporia.

Then, in the early 1970s, the construction of the lake affected additional property in the area, further changing the community.

For someone interested in exploring Arvonia's history, how can they arrange a tour?

We offer tours of our historic buildings and love sharing Arvonia's history with visitors!

Anyone interested in scheduling a tour can contact me by email at arvonia[email protected] or call 620-794-3917.

You also travel to events around the country to promote Arvonia and its Welsh heritage. Tell us about that work.

I'm currently on the board of the National Welsh American Association, which organizes the North American Festival of Wales each year. The festival moves to different locations, including destinations in Canada and throughout the eastern United States.

In 2023, the festival was held in Lincoln, Nebraska, and we helped co-host it. We welcomed a bus tour of 35 people who visited Arvonia before continuing to other historic sites in Emporia.

We also participate in events like the British Fair in Kansas City, where we have a booth to sell items and promote Arvonia and the Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project. We partner with that organization for many of our events.

We have to ask about the famous Welsh cakes! What makes them so popular, and where can people try them?

Paula's famous Welsh cakes are always a favorite at Welsh events!

We'll have them at our annual Welsh Tea, held on the first Thursday in March at the Lebo Methodist Church. It's a free event where everyone is welcome to come, visit, and enjoy themselves.

We also offer gift boxes featuring Welsh cakes and tea, which make wonderful Christmas gifts or a special treat for yourself.

You're also planning the second annual Arvonia Summer Kickoff. What can visitors look forward to in 2027?

We're excited to bring the Summer Kickoff back for another year!

We already have hot air balloons lined up, and we're hoping for beautiful weather like we had last year.

We'll also have food trucks and local organizations sharing information about their summer activities. For example, area libraries will be there to promote their summer programs.

It's a great opportunity for families to discover activities and events happening throughout the region.

The 2027 Arvonia Summer Kickoff will take place Saturday, May 1, beginning at 4:00 PM. We're expecting the hot air balloons to begin going up around 6:00 PM, weather permitting.

Is there anything else you'd like people to know about Arvonia?

Come visit us!

Arvonia is actually well known among Welsh heritage enthusiasts throughout the United States, but we're working to spread the word closer to home.

We're located in the southwest corner of Osage County, just a few miles from both Coffey and Lyon counties.

And we may have one of the most photographed schoolhouses in Kansas!

Plan a Visit to Historic Arvonia!

Whether you're interested in Kansas history, Welsh culture, historic architecture, or simply discovering something new close to home, Arvonia offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Through the dedication of Susan Atchison and the Arvonia Historic Preservation Society, this small community continues to preserve its remarkable history while welcoming visitors and creating new traditions.

Interested in visiting?

Contact the Arvonia Historic Preservation Society to arrange a tour:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 620-794-3917

Mark Your Calendar!

• Welsh Tea: First Thursday in March at the Lebo Methodist Church
• Arvonia Summer Kickoff: Saturday, May 1, 2027, beginning at 4:00 PM

The Coffey County Chamber of Commerce appreciates Susan for sharing Arvonia's story and for her continued dedication to preserving the history and heritage of our region.

Sometimes the most remarkable destinations are right in our own backyard!