Historic Dick Building and Ellinwood Museum

The Dick Building was built in 1887 and is listed on the Kansas State Historical Register. It was bought by Matt Dick in 1889, and housed the first telephone company and hardware store. The building currently houses the Ellinwood Museum whose historic underground tunnels have been opened for public tours to share the history of the underground during appointed tours.

Businesses we know occupied space in the tunnels were Jung’s Barber Shop, which in those days included a public bath, Wolitz Shoe Shop, John Wever’s Sample Room, Petz Meat Storage, and a Drummer’s Sample Room under the Wolf Hotel.

Upon entering the tunnels you will see the leather harnesses as they were left hanging on the pegs in the harness shop. Along the tunnel is Jung’s Barber Shop with its original flooring, wallpaper, and barber’s mirror. From the barber shop you will enter the “Bath” room with its bare, but luxurious accommodations of the time.