Geuda Springs, Kansas

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Geuda Springs is a city in Cowley and Sumner counties in Kansas. The population was 212 at the 2000 census.

1 Geography
2 History
3 Demographics
4 External links

[edit] Geography

Geuda Springs is located at 37°6′44″N, 97°9′3″W (37.112264, -97.150870)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.2 km² (0.4 mi²). None of the area is covered with water.

[edit] History

Geuda Springs.—On the line between Cowley and Sumner counties is a remarkable group of salt springs that flow from 100 to 450 gallons each per hour, that have been known since the earliest settlement of that section. These springs are situated on a branch of the St. Louis & San Francisco railroad, a little to the north of the town of Geuda Springs and about 7 miles from Arkansas City. The waters from these springs strongly impregnate the waters in the creeks in the vicinity. A lake formed by the creek near these springs has been greatly enlarged and improved by damning the creek and now covers about 50 acres, making it the largest body of salt water in the state. Geuda is said to be an Indian word, Ge-u-da, meaning healing springs, and the place must have been a well known stopping place with the Indians. Many improvements were made at the springs during the latter 1880's, including bath-house and hotel, improving the lake, laying out drives, etc. Much of the water has been bottled and shipped to points in Kansas and adjoining states, an analysis showing them to contain sodium chloride, sodium phosphate, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium nitrate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium biborate, potassium sulphate, lithium chloride, calcium sulphate, calcium bicarbonate, magnesium sulphate, magnesium chloride, iron bicarbonate, alumina, silica, and organic matter. About 1890 a dam with a flume outlet was built across the salt marsh just north of the springs, which was the means of covering the whole marsh with water and affording excellent boating.

As time went on into the 1900's Geuda Springs slowly dwindled in population, however, many generations of families stayed within this small town. Such families include Peter's, Lacy and a few other families, who have lived in Geuda Springs or the area for 100 + years. In the 1950's Geuda Springs also had a bar, it was run by local residents - Paul & Maxine (Peters) Morgan. It was said that slot machines were kept in the bar which also featured dancing and music. A volunteer fire department also exists in Geuda protecting the town and the surrounding area. Main fire protection comes from Arkansas City. In the 1990's, a new community center was built for the community and residents. It is surrounded by homes over 80 years of age and one very old church. Geuda Springs also has a cemetery just NW of town where tombstones read dates back into the 1870's.

The town was kept together, not only by the heritage roots of the families before, but by the local business. In the 60's, 70's, 80's (years need verified) by McDanial Grain Company who also ran the COunty line Cafe which is still in operation today. McDaniel Grain was a place where wheat farmers from all around would bring their harvest's for storage and selling. McDaniel Grain was eventually sold in the 90's to CO-OP which presently runs the elevator today.

The county line road sits as Geuda Springs main road through town, it takes you north to Oxford, south 3 miles to Hwy 166. Geuda Springs still has a working post office.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 212 people, 85 households, and 58 families residing in the city. The population density was 181.9/km² (476.2/mi²). There were 88 housing units at an average density of 75.5/km² (197.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.58% White, 0.47% Native American, and 0.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.89% of the population.

There were 85 households out of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the city the population was spread out with 21.7% under the age of 18, 12.7% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,250, and the median income for a family was $41,250. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $17,639 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,787. About 14.7% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.4% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those sixty five or over.