The Active Historian

Hey, friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to show you the historic marker for the Kunc 1889er Homestead in Edmond, Oklahoma. Let’s get started!

Historic Marker Transcription

“James and Kathrine Kunc and son, William, made the run and homesteaded this quarter section April 22, 1889. That pioneer family continuously occupied the farm until William’s son, Stanley Kunc, sold the land in 1982 for commercial development. 

In 1923, Everett Bradbury and family purchased one acre of land from the Kunc family on the northeast corner of the homestead to establish a camping ground and filling station. 

This intersection was the junction of U.S. Highway 66 and U.S. Highway 77 and became known as Bradbury Corner. In 1925, Bradbury Station moved across Highways 66 and 77 and expanded the filling station to include a general store.”

Who were the Kuncs?

James and Katherine Kunc moved to Edmond during the 1889 Land Rush. They would have four children: two sons, William and Frank, and twin daughters, Lennie and Lillie.

The Kuncs helped establish the Catholic Church, build and repair county roads, and coordinate the construction of telephone lines. James worked at the Fairview School as an officer, while Katherine served as a midwife to many of her neighbors.

Visit

3840 East 2nd St

Edmond, OK 73034

TRAVEL TIP: This historic marker is in front of the Holiday Inn Express. You’ll see it if you pull into the parking lot from 2nd Street.

Sources

Historic Marker

“Notable Niners.” Edmond History Museum.

“Lennie Leonard Jorgensen.” The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), July 24, 1995.