The Jay B. Rutan family moved to Medicine Lodge in May, 1940, from Pratt,
     where Jay operated a confectionery for nineteen years. Winter of 1939, he
     had bought Lyman Russell's confectionery, rooming with Marvin and Mae Parsons 
     until his family moved at the close of school.
       Rutan's Confectionery, 107 North Main, became popular for chili and
     sandwiches. During WWII Rutan's was the only eating place open nights and
     often remained busy until 3 a.m. on weekends - even though town lights 
     were cut off at midnight.
       Saturdays were exciting: farmers grocery shopped, Pratt Air Base soldiers
     were in town for American Legion dances, and regulars gathered to exchange
     news.
       Kids flocked to Rutan's backroom for dancing - until IRS slapped on a
     cabaret tax, over $1,000. During the auditing, Jay 'Banked' fruit jars in
     the family cellar.
       Chocolates, taffy, fudge, dinner mints - featured at Rutans' Pratt
     confectionery - were time-consuming and made only for special occasions
     at the local confectionery. Fudge was always made for April Fool's Day -
     with fresh onions!
       Medicine Lodge was growing. Gladys Spencer (Youngers) and sister, Mrs.
     Brooks, were beginning a Dry Goods business; Dye's Cafe (Thelma and Ed)
     occupied 103 North Main; and Charlie Hall (chiropractor) owned a street
     car cafe in the same block.
       Rutan bought the Hittle farm in the Forties, renting to the Ernest Riggins.
     Daughter Betty and family lived there 1947-1963; the place then sold.
       Failing health necessitated sale of Rutan's Confectionery to Herman
     Snyder, Sr., and Skeet Smith in 1946. They later sold to Hank Hart and
     Charlie Bain.
       Two Confectionery employees during Rutans' ownership were Alma Jarnigan
     (Haynes) and Ruth Porter. Alma 'came with the business,' leaving shortly
     to become City Clerk (1940-1978). Ruth met and married Frank Jones while
     working for Rutans. There were other girls employed - and serveral were
     fired by Clara, for chewing gum.
       Jay continued active, working in Harry Ladbury's Grocery, 201 North
     Main; and helped a good friend, Nick Baker, establish a corner grocery at
     413 North Main. Jay worked for Nick for several years.
       Jay Bartlett Rutan was born February 14, 1896, Carrollton, Missouri; died
     January 29, 1966, Medicine Lodge; son of Oliver and Tempi Mason Rutan.
       Clara Mae Bunting was born October 16, 1895, Guthrie, Oklahoma; died July
     31, 1973, Kiowa; daughter of Harry and Lola Bowers Bunting.
       Jay and Clara married May 29, 1919, Saint John. Children and grandchildren
     are Margaret Vaughn (February 18, 1920); Betty Frisbie (April 5, 1922); Bob
     (November 11, 1925); Eric Seward Vaughn; Kelly Frisbie, Glenda Rockefeller,
     Trachy Hudson; Teresa Farrar, Michele Rutan, Michael Rutan.
       Rutans first Medicine Lodge residence was 310 West Kansas; their final
     residence, 210 West Second. Jay and Bob built the rental apartment house
     connected  with this property, 303 North Oak. Several newlyweds; first
     homes were in Rutans' West Second basement apartment.
       Jay became active again in the Christian Church after semi-retirement in
     1946. Clara was baptized into the Church, and they attended faithfully as
     long as their health permitted. 
                
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas, pg. 400 
     Submitted by: Betty Frisbie