Howdy,

Welcome to Historic Delano. Allow us to introduce ourselves.

We are a group who volunteer our time to promote the historic Delano district, just across the river from downtown Wichita. The group was started by Nancy Lawrence and Jim Martinson, two long-time Delano residents and business owners with an interest in Delano's history.

Historic Delano's activities are intended to benefit the entire district. We do not charge dues or membership fees in order to be included. Each project that we undertake will pay for itself through sponsorships or advertising sales and participation in any project is open to all on a voluntary, pick and choose basis.

In addition to this web site we also produce a printed Historic Delano Visitors Guide (2008 Visitors Guide currently in production) which will be distributed through the Greater Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as local businesses. The guide will include some highlights of Delano's colorful history and a map with a business directory. Advertising space is available on a limited basis.

Planned for the future are a monthly calendar of events (on the website and a printed version), quarterly cooperative promotional campaigns (print ads, radio, television), decorative banners on the light poles and a "Welcome to Delano" packet with information for new businesses to help them settle in.

We are currently trying to identify others who would be interested in working on a long-range plan for Delano and enlist their help. We especially need people skilled in graphic arts and design layout as well as marketing; but anyone with an idea is welcome to give their input.

Nancy Lawrence

Nancy grew up in Delano just 2 blocks from R.E.'s Little Discount House, the business that she and her sister would eventually own. Nancy and Zandra purchased the business in 1986 and changed the name to Central Plains Novelty. They are starting their 22nd year in business together.

Delano has always had a rich history and recently received a face-lift. After the completion of the Douglas Avenue Streetscape a Delano Fall Fair was held to celebrate; and to show off the new Delano to the citizens of Wichita. Nancy was one of the organizers of that event and her work on the Fall Fair made her aware of how much interest there was in Delano's history. For two years Nancy hosted a local television show called "Delano Today" which explored Delano's rich history as well as current happenings in Delano.

Nancy may be reached at: Central Plains Novelty • 905 W. Douglas • Wichita, KS • 67213 • 316-267-1260 • e-mail: nancy@historicdelano.com

Jim Martinson

Jim is a fourth-generation descendant of Ola "Otto" Martinson, one of Wichita's early settlers and real estate developers. Otto was involved in transforming much of what is modern-day Delano from virgin prairie into a thriving community. He donated 14 acres of land for the Garfield University (later Friends University) and was instrumental in the building of Mt. Carmel Academy. Martinson street and Martinson School were both named for Otto, and three other streets - Charles, Clarence and Earl (later changed to Athenian) were named after his three sons.

Jim grew up on the west side (near 13th & Meridian) and moved to Delano in 1991. Soon after that he started working with Mary Lou Rivers and several other local business owners to form the River West Merchants Association, continuing his family's tradition of community involvement. Jim was also involved in the creation of the Delano Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and in negotiations with the city over the Douglas Avenue Streetscape design.

Jim currently works remodeling and restoring older homes.

Jim may be reached at: Delano Properties • P.O. Box 3235 • Wichita, KS • 316-706-6283 • e-mail: jim@historicdelano.com