A 1908 picture postcard mailed from Bavaria, Kansas, to Ellsworth, Kansas, has a photograph of Anderson Avenue and City Park on the front, which is actually located in Brookville, Kansas. Brookville is in Saline County, like Bavaria and Ellsworth.
Bavaria, Kansas, is now a small unincorporated community located in central Kansas. Despite its regress, Bavaria has a rich and interesting history that reflects the development of rural communities throughout the American Midwest.
Bavaria was established in the 1860s during a time of rapid settlement and expansion in Kansas. Many of the first settlers in the area were of German descent, which is reflected in the community’s name—Bavaria, after the region in Germany. The town was strategically located near the Smoky Hill River, which provided vital water resources for agriculture and livestock.
In the late 19th century, Bavaria grew to include a post office, general store, and several other businesses serving local farmers and residents. The arrival of the railroad in Saline County helped foster growth and made it easier for residents to transport goods and travel to larger cities, such as nearby Salina.
The post office in Bavaria was established in 1867 and operated until 1960, serving as a hub for communication and commerce in the area. The community developed a reputation for being close-knit, with local churches and schools playing a central role in daily life.
As the 20th century progressed, Bavaria—like many small rural communities—faced challenges due to changes in agriculture, transportation, and population trends. The consolidation of farms, improvements in highways, and increased mobility led many residents to move to larger towns and cities. By the mid-20th century, Bavaria’s population had declined, and many of its businesses closed.
Today, Bavaria still remains an unincorporated area, a ghost town, with its historical significance preserved in local records and memories. Though small, it continues to be a symbol of the pioneering spirit and community values that shaped rural Kansas.
While Bavaria may no longer be a bustling place, its legacy lives on through its contributions to the region’s agricultural development and the stories of the families who once called it home. The old schoolhouse, now torn down, and other historical landmarks still standing, serve as reminders of the community’s vibrant past.
Mrs. Friend Hoover in Ellsworth was the recipient of her husband’s postcard. He was either in Bavaria or Brookville on business, having picked up the Brookville card at their local railroad depot.
“Sept 1, 1909
You will see us all tomorrow morning if nothing happens at lest that was the arrangement Saturday when I left the girls.”
Friend Herman Hoover was born in Greenleaf, Kansas, on February 22, 1887. Friend’s mother and father were Herman and Mary Elizabeth. Married on March 21, 1912, they had three children, Leroy, Herman, and Joyce.
During his work cycle, Friend worked as a farmer, at the Ellsworth Salt Works as foreman and fireman, culminating his career at retirement age as a tire repairman in an Ellsworth service station. He died in Ellsworth on September 18, 1960, at the age of 73.
Emma Mary Barkow-Hoover was born on October 21, 1884, in Ellsworth. She passed away on December 25, 1961. Emma was 76. Both Friend and Emma are buried in the Ellsworth Cemetery.
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