IF THIS HOUSE COULD TALK....

Last Updated 4/7/2025


Today, Tuesday, April 8th, is an exciting day for the Koester House Museum.  Today, we are starting our weekly blog of stories from Koester Family members, written by Earl Shreckengast.  We will be posting one of his stories every Tuesday.  It's also quite exciting because our museum season opens today.  The museum is under new management, we have new tour guides, and an optimistic outlook.  Museum hours are Tuesday - Saturday from 10am to 4 pm. and Sunday 1 - 4pm.  Tours can also be scheduled for groups by calling 785-562-8724.  Tours are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. 

Now on to our IF THIS HOUSE COULD TALK SERIES BY Earl Shreckengast.


I am Victorian in style.  I’m located at 10th and Broadway Streets in Marysville, Kansas, in what people call the Koester Block.  I was the home of Charles F. Koester, an early Marysville businessman, his wife, Sylvia Broughten, and their three children, Tinnie, Jennie, and Charles J.D.  I was gifted to the City of Marysville in 1972 by Charles’ grandchildren Julia Koester King and Charles W. Koester for the benefit of the community.

The City of Marysville has just deeded me to the Koester House Museum Foundation.  I’m elated that I will be under their stewardship. 

The Koesters were the only family to live here.  In the coming months, I want to share their stories, my history, and the things that I saw in a growing Marysville.  Tune in Tuesdays for these stories.  Like this post and follow us to be sure you’ll be in on the action.




IF THIS HOUSE COULD TALK - Blog #13I’ve been fortunate to have had family here long after Charles and Sylvia died. Jennie lived her entire life here. Tinnie, after she was...
Bonus Post for IF THIS HOUSE COULD TALK Charles J.D. Koester’s nineth birthday was memorable. When he was four, Charley was given a toy horse he called Old Hobby because he lov...
IF THIS HOUSE COULD TALK -- Blog #12IF THIS HOUSE COULD TALK ---Blog #12 I remember June 9, 1881, the day that Charles John Daniel was born. The night before was a restless...
IF THIS HOUSE COULD TALK -- BONUS BLOG -- JENNIE THE ARTISTJennie Lucy Koester Scott, Charles and Sylvia Koester’s middle child, was born 146 years ago. Affectionately known as “Jinks” by her fam...