David Rankin was born May 28, 1825. A celebration to celebrate our founder’s 200th birthday is planned for May 25 and 26, 2025. Historic buildings such as the First National Bank, the Opera House, Hanna Travis & Co./Walnut Inn, Midland Manufacturing, Tarkio Molasses Feed Company, Tarkio Popcorn, the C.B.&Q. Railroad Depot, Curfman Hardware, and T.J. Emmert Grain Elevator will be featured in their original locations.

The headline in the February 25, 1888, Tarkio Avalanche follows: TARKIO, the Metropolis of Atchison County, A Young, Vigorous and Progressive Town, Large and Costly Business Blocks and Elegant Residences, Wealthy and Enterprising Businessmen, Fine Church Buildings, Large and Substantial Educational Institutions.

The article continues: There are four large general merchandise establishments in Tarkio where anything in the way of dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, groceries and indeed everything can be had.

A complete copy of this newspaper is available for viewing in the David Rankin Museum . . . a journey through the history of Tarkio in Thompson Library/Curnutt Center on the campus of Tarkio Tech. If you would like to help with this project, please sign the registration book located in the museum.