Members of the Mule Barn Theatre Guild gathered at Tarkio Technology Institute May 14, 2024, to begin a new year. Musical entertainment was provided by Tarkio High School music students Bailey Wennihan on the flute and Connor Morton on the marimba in the Rotary Theatre. The instruments were donated by the Tarkio Rotary Club. The band instructor is Nathaniel Wehmeyer. Members of the Tarkio Rotary Club were special guests at the event.

The Mule Barn Theatre Guild was formed in 1976 to advance the cultural program of Tarkio College through financial and physical contributions to the Tarkio College Mule Barn Theatre that was located in the David Rankin mule barn on the Rankin farm (Ranch 12) on the perimeter of Tarkio, now named Park Street. Although the barn was completely destroyed by a devastating fire in 1989, the Guild has continued to sponsor theatre in Tarkio.

When the Atchison County Historical Society Museum closed downtown, members of the Guild re-established the museum on the third floor of Thompson Hall/Curnutt Center on the campus of Tarkio Tech. The location for the David Rankin Museum . . . a journey through the history of Tarkio, is provided by Tarkio Tech and is open Monday through Friday. Group tours are also possible.

Along with the Atchison County Development Corporation, the Guild sponsors the Battle of the Books. This popular event is for fifth, sixth, and seventh graders in Atchison County. Betsy Chapin has served as chairperson for the event for 18 years. At this year’s event, Donald White, Guild president, presented Betsy with a plaque honoring her for her work and dedication to the success of the event.

Plans and ideas for the coming year include the continuation of the Artist Series in the Tarkio Tech Rotary Theatre this fall, and agriculture/farm photo contest, and an arts awards ceremony in the spring. Guild meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in Thompson Hall on the TTI campus. The annual Guild membership drive is underway. Proceeds go toward the Guild events during the year. Membership chairperson Robin Winger encourages everyone to join and support the Artist Series, the Battle of the Books, and the David Rankin Museum.