CATO, Kan. — The Cato Historical Preservation Association hired Fort Scott contractor Josh Regan recently and his crew to paint the 109-year-old Cato Christian Church in Cato, Kansas. Two grants were used to complete this project. One was from the Timken Foundation in Canton, Ohio for $4,100, with one of their 48 locations in the U. S. being in Ft. Scott, Kansas. The second grant was from Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative based in Girard, Kansas for $2,500.
Every year in the fall, Cato HPA host 600-700 area school children to Cato. Presenters are under homemade tents to learn about history, Civil War, farming and horses, blacksmithing, games, 1800s weaponry, Native Americans, and much more. There are presenters also in the 1869 restored rock school and recently built cabin.
Also at this time, Cato’s annual tour is held. Music always starts in the church at 9:30 a.m. followed by a schoolhouse presentation. Ham and beans cooked under an open fire is served at noon. A wagon ride is scheduled at 1 p.m. to historic sites around Cato.
Cato Kids’ Day this year is Thursday, Oct. 19 and the annual Cato tour is Saturday, Oct. 21.
Cato is located between Pittsburg and Fort Scott. Turn west off of I-69 on 720 Ave. and follow the signs.
