Echoes of Ellis

Where We Began

When you wander down the brick streets of our downtown and cross the river, imagining the future of our town while walking over the history that brought us here - I wonder how many truly know the rich tales Ellis holds.

From the rumble of buffalo herds to the bustle of storefronts, from boarding houses run by brave women to dancehalls lit by mirrored globes, from the boyhood home of a future automotive pioneer to limestone walls still standing, Ellis was created by dreamers-for us today. These legacies are not lost or long forgotten, and our goal is to share them to continue the memories of strength, perseverance, and stories worth telling.

Introducing Our New History Blog Series: Echoes of Ellis

This series invites you on a journey through the events, people, and places that shaped Ellis into what we know it as today. With each post, we'll spotlight a story from our past, encouraging you to dive deeper into how these figures connect us to each other, to the land, and to the future we're still creating.

Books curated by the Community Foundation of Ellis offer additional insight into many of the lives and families that built this town. These are available for purchase online or at our office. We hope you'll explore them alongside this series and find new appreciation for the stories Ellis carries.

We look forward to sharing spotlights of our past and giving you a look into what life was like for pioneers like:

• Mother Smith who arrived to Ellis with seven children and no home, but stayed and helped create a town.

• Walter P. Chrysler as a child, who played marbles in our streets before making waves in the auto industry.

• Marshal Andrew Miller, who sacrificed his life for our town in the line of duty.

Want to Be Part of It?

Do you have a bit of Ellis history, a photo, newspaper clipping, or fond memory that reminds you why Ellis is so great? We'd love to hear it, and we'd love to share it!

Email us at ellisallianceoffice@gmail.com or message us on our website, or Facebook page.

Help us keep these stories alive, for our children, neighbor's and the generations still to come.