On this episode Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show we journey to Franklin, Southeast Kansas, to spotlight the Miners Hall Museum, located right on the historic Jefferson Highway. Our featured guest is Phyllis Bitner, Chair of the Miners Hall Museum Foundation, who shares powerful insights into the region’s coal mining legacy, rich immigrant history, and the iconic Amazon Army March led by women fighting for miners' rights.

Explore must-see local attractions like the Coal Camp, Arma-Franklin Sidewalk (the longest sidewalk connecting two communities), and Franklin Community Park. Phyllis also unveils exciting news about Dragline Park, a upcoming new free public tourist attraction that will feature the largest walking dragline preserved for display in the U.S., coming soon to Highway 69 & 47 on the Jefferson Highway.

We also dive into the museum’s role as a Jefferson Highway Tourist Center, and discuss the 2025 Jefferson Highway Association Conference, happening June 4-7 in McAlester, Oklahoma – another historic coal mining town – along with the Sociability Caravan, June 2-4.

🚗 The Jefferson Highway, known as the “Pines to Palms Highway”, stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana, weaving through communities with deep historical roots and cultural pride.

🔗 Learn more: - Miners Hall Museum: https://www.minershallmuseum.com/ - Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/

📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays) to the "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show focuses on the upcoming Annual Jefferson Highway Conference 2025 happening June 4-7 in McAlester, Oklahoma, with the Sociability Caravan running June 2-4. Plus, hear about the formation of the Jefferson Highway, as well as some of the McAlester's fascinating history.

FEATURED GUESTS: - ROGER BELL - Co-Host & President of the Jefferson Highway Association - BILLY SUMNER - Tourism Manager of City of McAlester. Visit: https://travelmcalester.com/ - ADELINE WHISENHUNT - Conference Organizer and Oklahoma Chapter of the Jefferson Highway Association.

The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway is also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway," that runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/

Learn more about the upcoming Jefferson Highway Travel Guide project and be part of the effort, here: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/

This Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except on holidays). Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/

Celebrate National Retro Day with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show takes focuses on unique lodgings, historic sites and exciting projects in Kansas and Iowa.

FEATURED GUESTS: - ROGER BELL: Co-Host & President of the Jefferson Highway Association.

- AARON PERRY & CASSANDRA RINGEL- Gearhead Curios (home to the first Jefferson Highway Information Center), and Petrol Motor Quart in Galena, Kansas. Follow them on Facebook: * https://www.facebook.com/GearheadCurios * https://www.facebook.com/PetrolMotorQuart

- JULIE VERRY, STEVE HANSON & MARY REYERSON LOW - The Historic Winifred Hotel (circa 1913) in Northwood, Iowa. Visit https://hotelwinifred.com/

The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway is also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway," that runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/

Learn more about the upcoming Jefferson Highway Travel Guide project and be part of the effort, here: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/

This Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except on holidays). Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/