Of all the things that J.C. Rogers brought back to Wamego from the 1893 Columbian Exposition, the works of art are the most impressive. Everyone who grew up in Wamego prior to 1950 knew of the six large oil paintings that hung on the walls of the theatre. No one alive knew that fourteen more paintings from the 1893 Fair were hidden away under the stage.

Whether it was the familiarity with them, not knowing the history, or just plain ignorance, most locals considered the paintings to be worthless. However, the Foundation determined that research into their background was important. During the two years of research numerous art historians, government agencies and Chicago based historians were contacted. Included among this "Who's Who" of experts were the Chicago Historical Society, the National Archives, the Smithsonian and several nationally known university art professors. more....