Town's history lost among the ashes

Last Update: 11/06 6:23 pm

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WILSON, Kansas – When flames took down the 100-year-old opera house hundreds of years of history, memories and culture went with it. Some believe the Czech Capital of Kansas will never be the same.

Buried under smoldering debris of the Wilson Czech Opera House is the entire history of the town. The Wilson Museum occupied the opera house’s basement.

"I was just speechless,” said resident Jennifer Kepka. “I could not believe we lost one of the greatest buildings in this town."

Built in 1901, the Wilson Czech Opera House served as the town’s entertainment and cultural center, hosting weddings, dances and the annual Czech pageant.

Ronald Whitmer saw his first movie at the opera house.

“That's what I'm considering is the biggest loss here in this fire is the opera house, cause there was so much history of Ellsworth County and Wilson,” Whitmer said.

Whitmer practiced medicine in Wilson for more than 30 years. He was able to remove patient records from the clinic early Friday morning before he watched the fire destroy his business.

"Wasn't pleasant, kind of felt nauseated to tell you the truth,” he said. “Didn't feel good at all, it was really emotional.”

The fire destroyed three city buildings in all, including an auto repair shop where the fire is believed to have started. Residents spent the day taking pictures and sharing memories.

"In small towns like this, we cherish our old buildings and it's very sad,” said resident Jennifer Kepka.

The non-profit Wilson Czech Opera House had fire insurance, but residents say they can't even think of rebuilding at this time, because much of what was inside is irreplaceable.

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