James and Alice Bryan
James and Alice Bryan and sons Ray and Virgil lived in Woodbine at three
different times.
The first time they came in 1919 and lived in the railroad section house
just west of the tracks. James was a section foreman. They left in 1920 and
returned again in 1921 to 1923. There was no place to live when they returned
in 1921 so lived above the Roy Maybee shoe shop for two months and then bought
a house from William Johnson.
In 1925 they returned again and this time Woodbine remained the family
home until 1981 when Mrs. Bryan passed away.
Virgil and Ray both graduated from Woodbine High School. Ray attended
Kansas State University graduating in 1930.
When coming back in 1925 Ray remembers basketball was introduced and goal
posts were put up on the school ground. Gillett's gave lumber from an oil well
site and Enoch Schmidt allowed the boys to move hay in the livery stable and
Wesley Herren put in light so they could play evenings.
James Bryan and his sons provided a lot of entertainment for the community
by putting in a roller skating rink in the community building during the years
1927 - 1931.
Ray married Marie Horner of Abilene and Virgil married Twila Huitt who
taught in Woodbine. Both Ray and Virgil are teachers.
James Bryan, born July 7, 1883 died April 15, 1941. Alice Bryan, born March
17, 1886 died June 12, 1981.
Source: Woodbine, Kansas Centennial, 1887 - 1987,
Woodbine through the years pg. 69
Submitted by Ray Bryan