The 7th Grade English Class at Kinsley-Offerle Schools worked with musician/songwriter That Beach to create characters from the 1930s. They designed postcards and wrote 3 messages describing a dust storm, Black Sunday, and when the rains returned. The original artwork and messages are on display at the library. An electronic exhibit of their cards and one message is below. 
JEREMIAH ALVIS
Character: Keith
I am 16 years old and live on a farm with my Grandpa and Grandma in the country outside of Kinsley. I have a dog named Dingo. I work on the family farm. I help milk the cows and get the eggs from the chickens.
Dear Grandpa,
Well, today I did my chores, milked the cows, got the eggs from the chickens. Then right as the roster crowed at noon there was a big ball of dust coming right at me. I ran as fast as I could and warned grandma and grandpa that there was a dust storm coming quickly. We put cloths around the windows and sat in the living room waiting for the storm to pass by. We lost 3 chickens and a cow in that storm.
Keith
JESSICA ATTAWAY
Character: Susy
I am 25 years old and live in a farmhouse on the prairie. I live with my husband Jhon, my 2 kids, Merisa and Lucy, and my grandma and grandpa, Lean and Bob. I cook for my husband while he farms and my grandpa helps. I am a teacher. It is really hard to get back and forth. My grandma is sick, and I have to take care of her.
Dear Mom,
I just went outside and milked the cow and dust came from Oklahoma. I ran inside and covered my walls and windows. It was dark and no one could see. Everyone had to go to school and we had to cover their faces. Rain just came and did not soak into the soil. Next rain came and it went into the soil and grew pepper grass. It stopped and everyone went back to normal.
Susy
LESLIE BARRIOS
Character: Jasmine
I am 21 years old and live in the little town called Kinsley, Kansas. I live with my best friend. My parents live about 2 miles from where I live. I am a doctor at the hospital. One of my patients is my sister-in-law. She got into an accident heading to work. I am not married but I am watching and taking care of my brother’s 2 kids. My other brother went to work on the railroad at Dodge City. My sister-on-law is Mary. The day that she got into the accident was the day of her birthday.
Dear Bryan,
Well today was the day we were finally bringing Mary home from the hospital. Everyone was happy and excited to finally see Mary again. As we arrived to the house I had David and the kids get Mary inside and I stood outside looking at the sky. I Was very sad when I felt tears running down my face. I just stood there not understanding why this was happening. Well all of a sudden it started raining. I was so happy and glad that I burst into tears of joy. Hope you come home soon.
Love Jasmine.
ANDREW BOGGS
Character: Matthew
I am 22 years old. I live in the country near Kinsley, not on a farm but near one. My neighbor uses my barn for his horses. My wife is Jenna and we have two kids, Gentry who is 3 and Kyle who is 13 years old. I am a barber and I often help out my neighbor by feeding and brushing the horses. My daughter loves it. I also have to get eggs from his chickens. I broke my hand between gates a few weeks ago feeding the horses. Most of my family lives in town. I don’t visit often because the road is bad. My dog, stump ran away a few days ago, and I don’t think it worked out for him.
Dear Auntie Jo, There is dirt everywhere you look if you can see. We tried but can’t go to the store. The cloth we put over our mouth is horrible. It barely stops the dirt. Are you supposed to wet it down? Sincerely, Matthew
JANINE CASTRO
Character: Olivia
I am 28 years old and live in Kinsley. It is a great town once you know everybody. I live in my own house just 2 blocks from work. I am a nurse and I work at the hospital close to town. Sometimes I go visit my sick little brother and my mom. My brother is 10 and he has dust pneumonia. When I don’t work, I am usually with my little brother and my mom. My mom works at the diner and makes fair money. Sometimes I take care of my brother and sometimes my mom does.
Dear Dad,
On April 14th 1935 there was a huge dust cloud. It started out as a delightful day but then suddenly there was this really bold cloud coming toward mom’s house. My brother was outside playing. Me and my mom were worried about John. I went outside with a wet rag in my hand to get John out of the dust cloud. After that dust cloud ended everything was covered with dust. I think John got sick because of the dust cloud. That’s everything that happened here. What about your dad?
Olivia
MATT DOCKENDORF
Character: Mathias
I am 21 years old and live in the country, about 10 miles northwest of Kinsley in Edwards County, Jackson Township. People call me Matt. I have 10-20 cows and raise crops. On the downtime I work at Popp’s Market. I go help my relatives when they get sick. I am getting sick of this dust. It is getting old. I hate how it is always getting into my food.
Hello Nick
Today I got a lot of rain but it just flooded everything. When I saw it first come down, I thanked god for the rain. Then I dug up 5 inches of dirt and saw it was dry. I almost cried and I cursed the day away.
Mathias
JOSENA FRAME
Character: Caitlin
I am 15 and live on a farm in Kinsley. I live with my father, 2 older brothers and 2 younger sisters. Momma used to live with us but she died of dust pneumonia. I help my father farm and sometimes I work at Edith Weyrich Children’s store in town for some extra money. My 16th birthday is coming up in 2 days and I hope my cake does not get buried in dust.
Dear Susie-Sue,
Hello there. Yesterday I had a heck of a day when I was coming home from work. Then dust just started rolling in when I came out of work. I put my mask on and covered my mouth but the dust was so black I couldn’t find my way home. I was completely lost. I was scared ad was wondering if I would ever make it home. A couple minutes later I started to feel a rain drop and then another one and by golly it was raining! Soon the whole sky was cleared! I made it home to my father, brothers, and sisters. I finally got to see my whole farm! I ran and jumped in my father’s arms. We both had tears in our eyes. Maybe since the rain came I’ll have my 16th birthday dust free.
Sincerely Caitlin
ISABELLA GARDEA
Character: Adillen
I am 18 years old and live in the country outside Kinsley with my mom, dad, 14 year old brother and 9 year old sister. I work on my parents’ farm and help with livestock and gather eggs and feed horses. My grandfather went on a trip to Scott City and was buried by the dust and he passed away.
I went to my friend’s house and on my way back, I couldn’t find my way home because of all the dust. It was everywhere. My grandfather went on a trip to Scott City and was buried by the dust and passed away.
Adillen
LEVI HAYNES
Character: Joseph
I am 14 years old and live 18 miles out of Kinsley on the farm with my dad and uncle. I live with my mom, dad, uncle, and 3 brothers. They are 18, 12, and 7. Me and my younger brothers help my dad and uncle on the farm. My older brother works for the WPA and lives with a friend in Dodge City.
Dear Brother,
I got your previous postcard. A couple of days ago I was in the field when the storm hit. I freaked out. I didn’t know where I was or what direction I was facing. I couldn’t hear anything except for the whistle of the wind
Joseph
AARON HOLGUIN
Character: John
I am 15 and live out in the country by Lewis with mom, dad, and my younger brother Billy who is 9. I work on the farm. I have a friend named echo.
Grandpa,
It finally rained this week, and we don’t know if it’s going to rain again, but let’s pray for more.
John
EVAN JOHANNING
Character: Frank
I am 35 years old and live 2 miles southwest of Kinsley. I live with my wife Marcy and my 2 sons which are both 11, and one new born daughter. I work for the railroad in Dodge City. I have been taking care of my wife because she got lost outside on Black Sunday and has developed dust pneumonia. I have an aunt in Missouri.
I couldn’t get the front door open because the dirt was clear up to the roof. I had my sons shovel the door clear of the dirt. It was about 2 a.m. My wife just passed away. It is just me and my children but we are still hanging on. The dust has been shorting out the electrical so I have not worked for a few days. Please come help us.
NATALIE JONES
Character: Clary Fray
I am 19 years old and I live on the edge of Kinsley with my aunt and mother. I have a job at the Palace Theatre. I also have to balance time so I can take care of my mother who has dust pneumonia. She isn’t doing well. The doctors say she has only one month to live. It helps a lot as my Aunt came. She takes care of my mother and keeps her company. My father is gone to work at the railroad. I’m afraid if he doesn’t come home soon he won’t see mother again. I also take care of the chickens. They are annoying. I am afraid of what is going to happen, but they give us food.
Simon,
Last month was the first rain in 3 years. Everyone was astonished and delighted until they discovered it wouldn’t penetrate the topsoil and soak in. Thankfully thought things started to grow. It is the best business has been in years. I’m glad you finally wrote back. Mom has been fighting hard. Come home soon.
Clary Fray May 22, 1935
COLE KATZ
Character: Darrel
I am 22 years old and live on a farm in the country between Kinsley and Offerle. I have a wife, 1 son, and 1 daughter. I work on the farm. My sob feeds the cattle, 8 hogs and also helps me doing harvest. My mom and dad live about 1 ½ miles down the road.
Dear James,
Are we still having lunch together and going to the General Store on Tuesday?
Sincerely, Cole
KAYLA KINDSVATER
Character: Cassy
I am 14 years old. I live near Kinsley about 7 miles out of town on a farm. I take care of all the chickens, the horses, our 3 dogs, 1 barn cat and her kittens. I milk the cow twice a day and do the dishes and wash the clothes. I also have to clean the house and take care of my 6 year old brother and 4 year old sister. Just a out 5 months ago we moved here and I go to school in the winter. I had a very special friend named Mary. That’s where we came from. My father stayed behind to sell our feed store. He should be heading this way soon. We all miss him so much especially our mother.
Dear Mary,
It finally rained here in Kinsley. The plants are starting to grow again and everyone is smiling now. I wish you could be here to see the joy come back to our town! I miss you so much and wish you could come visit us sometime soon.
Love, Cassy
WILSON KONRADE
Character: Billy
I am 26 years old and live 3 miles outside of Kinsley where I work in my garage. I am a mechanic and work on cars, tractors, trucks, and anything that runs. I have a wife and 1 child. We live in a big white house. I am an only child and I’m taking care of my parents.
Timmy,
We went to the store. We had to stay in the store because it was so dusty. One day I was in my barn and all of a sudden a big dust storm was coming. Everybody but me made it to the house. I stayed in the barn. We had a blanket in there and I covered up the door and stayed there all night. And the next morning grandma said we should call that Black Sunday.
Billy
TIFFANY KRAFT
Character: Carly
I am 18 years old and live with my mom and dad and my 4 younger brothers on a farm in Edwards County. I work at the Drug Store. I help my parents out on the farm during the evening. It is hard doing the chores outside but we never give up.
Dear Grandma,
I wasn’t receiving any postcards from you. How have you been? I was outside one day taking care of the animals and all of a sudden I seen a dust cloud and I told my mom “let’s get the animal put up.” Then black Sunday came and we had to find a candle.
Carly
ASHTON LOFING
Character: Lilly
I am 20 years old and live oust in the country in Scott County, Kansas. I live with my grandparents and brother. I milk the cow, gather the eggs, and feed the horses. I also work at the general store and I take care of my brother because he caught dust pneumonia.
Hey mom, Hey dad,
How is Sunday back home? Ours went horrible here. While we were having Sunday dinner which included grandma’s homemade fried chicken and corn, plus mashed potatoes and gravy. While we were eating it started getting dark. A huge dust storm was coming our way. We all then ran inside and bundled up under a blanket.
Lilly
KEAIRA MENARD
Character: Elizabeth
I’m 12 years old. I live in Kinsley. I help my dad with all the horses. He trains the best horses in town. I help my mom cook in the evenings as well. I also have to do the laundry. I live with my 14 year old sister, 9 year old brother, my other 7 year old brother, my 4 year old sister, and my 1 year old brother. My dad doesn’t have an exact job but selling his horses which is doing OK. But my mom and my older sister work at the tailor’s two days a week.
Grandpa,
I was helping daddy with the horses and a big gust of wind came so we put the horses up real fast and ran inside. Afterwards we went outside and the barn and been closed in. It took two days to get the horses out of the barn. How is it there?
Elizabeth
BROOKLYN PICKERING
Character: Annabell
I am 14 years old and live with my mom, father, and brother on a farm outside of Offerle. I help my dad with the horses. I help my mother around the house and me and my brother get up every morning to collect eggs and milk. When we go to collect the eggs and milk we have to hold onto a rope get to the barn.
Hi Mallory, it’s Annabell again. I just wanted to tell you about some stuff that happened last week when me and my brother were out in the barn feeding all the animals. Dad called our names and told us to grab the rope and to hurry and get to the house before another big storm hit. We were almost to the house when Oklahoma’s red dirt came in. It was all dark red. Your eyes burned worse that they did before Oklahoma’s dirt hit us
Sincerely, your friend, Annabell
DRAKE RUTLEDGE
Character: Jake Brake
I am 13 years old and life in Kinsley with my mom Jane, my dad John, sister May and brother, Billy. My dad works at the general store and my mom is a housewife. My family is away. It is just my sister, grandpa and grandpa here now.
April 15, 1935
Dear Dad,
Yesterday I was walking to school when in the distance I saw dirt, just a huge cloud of dirt. When it reached me, I was in front of the school house but could not even see my hand in front of my face. I tried to get inside, but I heard a crash and screaming! So I tried to follow the screaming but couldn’t find anything. But finally I found a girl and she was under a car that had hit her. Her leg was broken. I moved the car and and put her leg back in place. Then I carried her to the school house. How are things where you are? Hopefully things get better, but what if it never does.
Sincerely, your son Jake
DEMI SAENZ
Character: Joanne
I am 13 years old and live on a farm in the country outside of Scott City. I live with my mother and father. I have one older sister who is 16 and 2 younger brother who are 6 and 7. I help my mother and father on the farm. I also help with my younger siblings. I help my mother with chores around the house. I plan on becoming a cosmetologist. I will start trying to become one when I am 16.
- Dear Aunt Amanda,
We finally got rain! My brothers and I were outside watching it come down. At first the ground wasn’t absorbing any of the rain until the pepper grass opened up the crust and the ground finally absorbed the rain. I’m so thankful for the rain.
Joann
ANDY SANDEZ
Character: Jack
I am 25 years old. I live with my wife and my two kids in town next to Popp’s Market. I work at the hospital as a doctor. I do a lot more than try to cure dust pneumonia. I try to cure and work the dust situation at home.
Hi Joe,
I am glad you told me how you are doing great. It had rained and I noticed the rain did not get very far into the soil. That is not a good sign to see. I am doing great over here. You should come visit.
Jack
CORBIN SCHMIDT
TALYN SEXTON
Character: Tim-Buk-Tu
I am 19 years old and live in the country outside Junction City. I recently got a job with the military. I live with my mom and leave when I go to work. I am an only child. I use the money to help with the medical expenses for my dad because he has lung cancer. He got it from breathing in all the dust.
ANNE WHEATON
Character: Judy
I am 13 years old. I live with five brothers, my mom and dad in Wayne Township in the country outside of Lewis. I help my father by cooking meals and bringing them to the field. Their favorite meal is fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy. I also help by cleaning my brothers’ clothes from working all day in the dust. Every Sunday we make homemade ice cream for a treat after all the week’s hard work. My older brother has his own hay business putting up alfalfa and hay in Scott city with his wife, son, and daughter.
Dear William,
Remember when we were having Sunday dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy and then all of a sudden we look outside and it is pitch black. That’s where we got “Black Sunday.”
Your sister, Judy
