Welcome to the Little Arkansas Community Coalition’s History Page.
Here, we’ll be exploring the rich and diverse history of the Little Arkansas River community, from its earliest inhabitants to the present day. We’re starting with a look at the iconic Minisa Bridge, a landmark that connects our past and present. This page is a work in progress, and we’ll be continually adding more stories and cultural information, including the history of the Native American tribes who first called this area home. Join us as we uncover the fascinating layers of our community’s past!
The History of Minisa Bridge will be presented in installments, beginning with the dedication in 1933.
Transcription of the above:
“THE SUNFLOWER”, Official Student Publication of the University of Wichita
February 10th, 1932
NAME BRIDGE IN HONOR OF COMPOSITION
New Structure Over the Little River Name “Minisa” Honoring Poem
IS UNANIMOUS
Suggestions for the Name Included Names of Pioneers
“Dean Thurlow Lieurance, Dean of the College of Fine Arts of the university, has been chosen as the name of the new bridge construction constructed across the little Arkansas River near Wichita high school north.
Prompted largely by actions of the students of the high school, the members of the Wichita city Commission officially adopted the name at their regular meeting Monday night, according to word from the office of the city manager. The name “Minisa” which had been submitted along with others to the students of the high school north, failed to be chosen unanimously by the students by only one vote.
The name borne by the composition of the university’s composer was given the solid support of the students and faculty of the school at the meeting of the Commission while the name of the pioneer Wichita resident was favored by a pioneer society.
The background of the of the controversy over the name started some time ago when teachers of Wichita high school N started a movement to have the bridge built in the same architectural style as the school building. Prominent Wichita businessmen were interviewed and with few exceptions favored the name chosen by the students and the Commission.
The bridge on which work has already started, is to be completed in the same style as the building with the same colors and motifs. Buffaloes and Indian heads will form an important part of the architectural plan. A plate on which the name “Minsa” is to be inscribed will be made at an early date, to be placed on the bridge at its completion.
Though a move has been made by the students of the high school north to have the “Minisa” bridge completed for dedication at the North High water carnival this spring present plans call for the completion in the late summer.