(By Diane Dowell)
"Beyond the City Limits" typically refers to areas outside the defined boundaries of a city (Salina) or urban area. These regions can vary widely in characteristics such as population density, infrastructure, and economic activities compared to urban centers. They often include rural areas, and sometimes wilderness or agricultural zones. Exploring beyond the city limits can provide contrasting perspectives on lifestyle, environment, and community dynamics compared to city life.
LET'S GO on a little road trip around Saline County! 🚗
5th Stop:
BROOKVILLE, KS
Let's head west out of Salina on Old 40 and go about 20 miles and make a stop in Brookville. Brookville is set right along the highway which sits next to the railroad line and the elevator that once served the local farmers.
The first settler in Brookville was John Crittenden. The residents of Brookville had a rough start once settled in. The Indians attacked the residents their first year there because the railway was pushing west into their hunting grounds.
While the post office was undergoing construction, mailboxes were temporarily moved to the front of this building.
A common factor when towns were being established was the railroad, and the same goes for Brookville. Around 1867, the Kansas Pacific Railway was extended to this point. April 1870, the plan was to make Brookville a major shipping point, so the land was surveyed, and the site of the town was plotted, with Main Street running parallel to the railroad tracks. February 2, 1870, the first post office was established. It is currently undergoing renovations with plans to be reopened in the near future.
The town grew rapidly and was incorporated as a city of the third class, electing William Brownhill as the first mayor. Hotels were being constructed, one of which did business for more than a century.
Brookville Hotel's restaurant, initially called Cowtown Cafe, was a popular spot for travelers from all across the USA, featuring its family-style fried chicken dinners. The establishment closed and moved to Abilene, KS and it has since reopened under a different name. This building, which was once the Brookville Hotel Restarant was undergoing renovations to be a private residence but has been sitting untouched for years.
Once boasting a population of nearly 800 people, Brookville was filled with businesses: four general merchandise stores, a furniture store, hardware store, jewelry store, a millinery, wagon shop, boot and shoe store, a drug store and a tobacco store, one elevator, a restaurant, a flour mill, two hotels, a livery stable, and two lumberyards, along with a Methodist Church and a Catholic Church.
Mike and Ann Haug are the owners of Sandstone Saloon located at 102 Anderson St. The establishment is full of historical information with walls bearing photographs of many people and places from throughout the years. Mike has a deep interest in the history of the area. Sandstone Saloon is open Friday-Saturday from 5PM-Close and on Sunday from 3PM-10PM.
In 1942, Camp Phillips covered approximately 47,000 acres consisting of over 1,200 buildings and was located southwest of Salina or directly south of Brookville. Families who were located on the land were given notice to vacate for the training camp to be established. Since all the people within the 47,000 acre area had to evacuate, this caused a significant hit to the economy and to the population. With families relocating and the young men being sent off to war, German POW's that were being held at Camp Phillips were then put to work in the surrounding agricultural area, including the Brookville area.
Camp Phillips was decommissioned at the conclusion of WWII in 1946. Much of the land was sold or returned to private ownership. Smoky Hill Bombing Range and Camp Phillips both located near Salina during WWII, occupied different areas and served different purposes. Smoky Hill Bombing Range did not occupy the land that was part of Camp Phillips. Although they were close in proximity and part of the larger military infrastructure in KS during the war, they were distinct entities.
As populations decline, many small communities lost their hometown schools due to unification, and Brookville fell to the needs to unify as well. The Brookville High School mascot was the Brookville Cardinals. The Brookville Cardinals won the Kansas State High School boys class BB basketball championship in 1952.
Nowadays, Ell-Saline High School serves the area students, with the mascot still being the Cardinals. The high school is in the original building with additional space being added on throughout the years.
Located on the west side of Brookville is the baseball diamond.
The Brookville Grade school was built in 1880, featuring 2 1/2 stories, constructed with brown sandstone. The grade school fell victim to consolidation around 1996. Today it serves as a private residence.
The City Park is under construction and a new walking path has been installed.
Large barn located just to the east of Brookville
Brookville is full of rich history, including its proximity to the significant WWII sites like Camp Phillips and the Smoky Hill Bombing Range. It provides a quiet retreat with a strong sense of community.
As you explore its historic streets and enjoy the warm hospitality of its residents, you'll find that Brookville is not just a place on a map, but a destination where the past and the present meet in a uniquely Kansas way. Stop by. You'll be pleasantly surprised!