By Roger Eaton, grandson*
*Relation to Andy and/or Flora Lehr
For over forty years, the Lehr Restaurant was a fixture in the landscape of Augusta, Kansas. It was owned and operated by Andy Lehr’s cousin, Charles Lehr. Both were raised in Augusta. While I was always intrigued by the name and wondered if I was related to the owners, I only recall dining there one time. My wife, Marcia, and I were dining with her parents. The thing that made the dinner memorable was another customer. A woman who appeared as if she had leprosy. Her face was covered in bumps. I was in my early twenties and understood that leprosy was highly contagious – hence leprosy colonies. That made me eager to eat and leave. Later, I learned that some types of leprosy are not contagious. I later learned that the owner was a distant relative.
Their son, Jerry, was born in 1931. In high school, he participated in football, student council and chorus. He was tragically killed in an airplane crash in 1950.
Charles and Thelma devoted themselves to their restaurant business. Below is an article posted on Facebook by the Augusta Historical Society.
| We are continuing to share a few research papers from 1973-79 students of Miss Jeanette McDaniel, Augusta High School (AHS) Methods of Research English class. Material was secured from newspaper articles, interviews, public records and other limited printed material. Following is an excerpt from the research paper written by Tony Elder: A Mr. Watson was the owner of the restaurant and then sold the restaurant to Mr. Charles Lehr. The first restaurant was a very small place that had a seating capacity of approximately 25 people. The seating consisted of 6 stools at the counter, and 3 booths. All people were waited on by one person, Mrs. Thelma Lehr. The cooking space in the restaurant was very limited. Mr. Charles Lehr was the owner-cook-cashier. The cooking equipment consisted of a 20” grill, a 3-compartment steam table that kept the plate lunches food hot, and a very small French fryer area. The kitchen was set in a manner where Mr. Lehr could run the cash register while cooking. The restaurant was located at 502 State Street and was later expanded to include the building to the north. The restaurant was built in 1929 and was the first building in Augusta to have an air conditioner. The restaurant was run in that manner until it closed in 1943. Mr. Lehr leased another location across the street that was about the same size and moved his restaurant business. The move was mainly for the purpose of remodeling and the restaurant was located at 501 State Street. This location was leased in 1944 still carrying the name of Lehr’s Restaurant. That restaurant was sold to Mr. Fred Rhine in 1946. Later, Mr. Rhine sold the restaurant to Mr. Charlie Bell, who then changed the name to Ballinger’s. After Mr. Lehr sold the restaurant, he moved his business to Evergreen, Colorado, in 1948. The restaurant was much like the other restaurants in Augusta. From Mr. Lehr, Mr. Bell had leased a location on West 7th for the purpose of building a hamburger stand. When the lease terminated, Mr. Lehr opened the hamburger stand and sold hamburgers and a few plate lunches. The stand had a seating capacity of around 20 people and was located to the East of Ace Hardware. In 1953, Mr. Lehr built Lehr’s Restaurant to the East of the hamburger stand. This restaurant had a seating capacity of 40-50 people. Mr. Lehr was the actual builder of the restaurant, but Mr. H. H. Robinson, former superintendent of schools, did all of the blueprint work. On July 21, Mr. Jack Taylor, a nephew of Mr. Lehr, started work at the restaurant as a trainee on management and cooking. He was also a full-time partner in the business from the beginning of the building. In 1958, Mr. Taylor purchased the Augusta Skating Rink from Mr. Calvin Applegate, which was adjacent to the restaurant. Mr. Taylor and Mr. Lehr decided in 1961 to build a kitchen in the alley between the skating rink and the restaurant. The kitchen consisted of a salad maker’s bench and table, a sink with racks for the washing of pots and pans, the baker’s department which consisted of a 5-foot-long fryer for frying chicken, a 12-burner for the cooking of steamtable food, and an automated doughnut maker. The salad bar was another item used in the preparation of orders. The cooking equipment consisted of a double-tier oven, a 2-burner stove, 2 deep warmers, and a broiler area with separate broilers. The grill was a bigger grill than first used. It was a 40-inch grill. The French fryer area was larger. It had 2 separate fryer compartments about 15 inches across. Mr. Taylor purchased 100% ownership of the restaurant in 1964. Mr. Taylor did not purchase the motel until 1970 and at that time, the motel consisted of a maid’s cleaning room, 14 units for rent and the manager’s living quarters. The restaurant in its later years had a seating capacity of around 500 people, which included the coffee shop, the dining room, the Anchor Room and the Western Room. The front area had 9 booths, 2 small tables and 2 counters of 6 stools each. The dining room had 12 tables. The Western Room was used for large receptions, wedding rehearsals, private parties and the presentation of Community Theatre plays. The Anchor Room was mainly for the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club and the Optimist Club to meet and to eat a meal while discussing business. Photo: Lehr’s Restaurant and a 4-part menu |
Jack and Betty Taylor
Jack was Charles and Thelma Lehr’s nephew. He was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, on January 18, 1928. He married Betty Fish on August 1, 1948. Jack and Betty worked at the restaurant and eventually purchased it from Charles Lehr in 1964.
Jack’s great grandson, Skyler Rawlings, inherited several Lehr Restaurant artifacts. Photographs of some of the artifacts are included in this post.
Jack Taylor Obituary
| Jack Stanley Taylor, 94, of Augusta, KS, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2022, in Wichita. Visitation 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Headley Funeral Chapel, Augusta, KS. Service 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Augusta, KS. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery Augusta, KS. Jack was born in Ponca City, OK on January 18, 1928, to the late Flossie (Brenner) and Luther Taylor. On August 1, 1948, he married, Betty (Fish) Taylor, in Wichita, KS who survives him. He is also survived by daughter, Jacque Wilcox and husband Paul; son, David Taylor and wife Mary; grandchildren, Jason Rawlings (Teresa), Jarrod Rawlings (Lainie), Ty Wills (Charlotte), Todd Wills (Shala), Tiffany Pressnell (Keith), Logan Ohman (Kyle), Kelsey Zorn (Nathan); 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Wills Lee. After Jack’s birth, his family relocated to Wichita, KS, where he spent the rest of his childhood until enlisting to serve his country in 1946 as a baker for the U.S. Navy. After returning to Wichita in 1948, Jack wed the love of his life, Betty. Jack and Betty moved to Augusta in 1953 with their two daughters, Jacque and Judy, David soon to follow. Jack went to work for his Uncle and Aunt, Charles and Thelma Lehr, at Lehr’s restaurant later becoming the owner until 1996. During this time, Jack also constructed and opened Lehr’s Motel. Jack was a pillar of the community, employing many locals from Augusta and surrounding communities. Jack couldn’t go anywhere without being recognized and took time to talk to all. Jack was a man of great faith. He was an established figure within the First Baptist Church, dedicating much time supporting various boards and activities. He spent years preparing and serving dinners to the members and community on Wednesday nights. Jack was the only remaining member of the Building Committee, which orchestrated the build of the current church in 1959. Jack loved his family most of all and loved to spend time with them. Jack designed and built a home in Augusta and a cabin in Colorado for his family to gather. Jack and Betty spent their summers at this cabin where family and friends would visit and make lifelong memories. He had workshops at both his home and cabin and was a master woodworker, carver, and stain glass artist, as well as a phenomenal cook and baker. Many hours of his wonderful life were spent in the workshop and kitchen with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jack’s family rejoices in knowing he is in heaven, with our Lord, being welcomed by family and friends, free to woodwork, cook, and watch over us all. |
Headly Funeral Chapel
Memories of Jack
| Jack was a great guy. In my youth, many a dinner was shared at Lehr’s. Once when the state bowling tourney was held in Augusta I was asked (along with several of my friends) to be a part of the serving/busing group in the old skating rink portion of the restaurant. While cleaning up following the meal a friend of mine and I tried to carry a huge tray of sliced pie back to the main kitchen (had to use the outside as the door between buildings wasn’t ready yet.) We were almost to the kitchen door when my partner on the other end of the tray asked: “What time is it?” I rolled my left hand over so I could see my watch and in doing so the whole tray slipped out of my hands and pie hit the ground — Jack and Betty’s dogs enjoyed a special treat that evening. Thanks for being a part of my family’s life. Bob Firebaugh, December 7, 2022 |
| Jack was such a kind man and always made my family feel like part of his. We all worked for Lehrs in some way over the years and it was something we were all proud to be part of. Thank you to the Taylor family for many years of memories, opportunities and friendship. Jack will be missed but his legacy to this town will not be forgotten. Love and Hugs to all. Shannon Steinbauer, December 6, 2022 |
| Such a sweet and kind man, always happy to talk with you, fondly remember going to Lehrs for dinner often when our kids were little and Jack always came to everyone’s table and visited for a bit. Our sincere sympathies to Betty and the family. Karen Valkenaar, December 5, 2022 |
| Jack became a grandfather figure for me in my later life. He was a great man and I’ll miss him in Colorado. Jack also became a mentor to my artistic son Garrett. Garrett would visit with Jack about his wood carvings and began working on his own. Jack hired Garrett to mow his yard at the cabin and Garrett in return used the money to buy Jack a kneeling bench that he could use while working in his flower garden. You will be missed sir and it was an absolute honor to have known you. James Watkins, December 5, 2022 |
| My thoughts and prayers are with the family! Enjoyed going to Lehrs for meals and gatherings. In kind of a coincidence, but I was thinking of Lehr’s salad dressing this past Saturday. I have no idea why it popped into my head Carla Gilbert, December 5, 2022 |
| My family has many fond memories of Jack and his wife Betty and all the wonderful meals prepared lovingly for the church and the community. With our sincerest sympathy. Linda and Jeff Marley, December 5, 2022 |
| I enjoyed Jack & his visits at the eye doctor office. One day he surprised me with a German chocolate pie after hearing it was my favorites at Lehr’s. His kindness overflowed & so many have been blessed by knowing him. My sincere condolences to the family. Phyllis Brewer, December 5, 2022 |
Betty (Fish) Taylor Obituary
| Betty (Fish) Taylor, 92, of Augusta, KS, passed away Friday, February 17, 2023, surrounded by family in her Augusta home. Visitation 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at Headley Funeral Chapel, Augusta, KS. Service 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 23, 2023, at First Baptist Church, Augusta, KS. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery Augusta, KS. Betty was born in Wichita, KS, on June 28, 1930 to the late Bessie (Vogel) and Merle Fish. On August 1, 1948, she married, Jack Taylor, in Wichita, KS, who preceded her in death just two months prior. Betty is survived by daughter, Jacque Wilcox and husband Paul; son, David Taylor and wife Mary; grandchildren, Jason Rawlings, (Teresa), Jarrod Rawlings (Lainie), Ty Wills (Charlotte), Todd Wills (Shala), Tiffany Pressnell (Keith), Logan Ohman (Kyle), Kelsey Zorn (Nathan); 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Wills Lee, and brothers Earl Micnhimer and Bill Fish. Betty grew up in Wichita, KS, where she attended Allison Intermediate and North High School. Betty worked at Cord’s Bakery on Douglas Street, starting at the age of 14. This is where she met her future husband, Jack Taylor who was 16 years old. Just a couple months after Betty’s High School graduation and turning 18 years old, she married Jack. They resided in Wichita with daughters Jacque and Judy where they eventually built a modest home on Taylor Family land. In 1953, Betty and Jack moved to Augusta so they could both work for Jack’s Uncle and Aunt, Charles and Thelma Lehr, at Lehr’s restaurant where Betty was a waitress. Their son David was born two years after their arrival to Augusta. Betty and Jack later took ownership of Lehr’s Restaurant and Motel. As the children were growing up, Betty enjoyed playing cards with other couples who became lifelong friends. When the new bowling alley was built, Lehr’s Restaurant sponsored a team and for many years she was part of the bowling league with her best friend, Norma. She loved sewing, needlework and baking cookies for her children and grandchildren. Betty and Jack enjoyed the summers in Colorado at their cabin. Betty was the most gracious hostess and she made great friends in their Riverside and Allenspark communities. Betty had the most brilliant story telling ability. She was able to recall such valuable details that made her stories come to life. This ability fed the creation of her autobiographical book, “Memories By Request”. Betty was devoted to her faith, belonging to both the First Baptist Church of Augusta since 1954 and as a summer associate member of the Allenspark Community Church in Colorado since 1992. She was a member of the Loyal Heirs Sunday School class, taught Sunday School in the primary department for seventeen years, was the Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, was part of the Christian Education committee and played in the Bell Choir for over twenty years. Betty led a faithful and joyous life where she is now reunited with Jack just short of their 75th wedding anniversary, daughter Judy and many other family and friends, free to entertain again and tell her glorious stories. |
Headly Funeral Chapel
Memories of Betty
| Jacque and David, Charles and Thelma Lehr and Jack and Betty Taylor were icons in Augusta’s business community. We are sorry for your loss and grateful for the memories. My favorites are Friday nights after the football games where we celebrated victories or commiserated over our losses with friends and French fries. Or later when they hosted The Augusta Community Theater … the buffet and Shrimp Peel … then the motel and swimming pool. And those are just a few of their contributions to the community. We appreciate all they did. Cathy Bohon Wheeler, February 24, 2023 |
| Jacque and David and Families,Your mother was such a gracious woman. We are so glad God put her and your dad in our lives. We will remember their faithfulness, kind and loving hearts, great hosts and a spirit of making everyone welcomed. So glad we were able to visit them in Augusta. Our love and prayers and comfort for the Lord be with you. Jim and Pat Becker – Allenspark Community Church, February 19, 2023 |
| Aunt Betty was a second Mom to me. Her guidance and wisdom gave me hope and opened so much courage in me. She was kind , loving and the best storyteller and author in the family. God opened his arms for her and Uncle Jack to continue their love song. I’m sure Judy has planned a grand welcome so friends and family will all be together. My sympathy and love. Nancy Vohs, February 20, 2023 |
| Another strong person from my Past. So sorry for your loss Betty and Jack were both great role models They both also were good friends for my father after mom died Condolences Paulette, February 18, 2023 |
| When Jim and I moved to Augusta, KS in 1987, Jack provided a home for us right next door. He and Betty provided more that just a house, they provided a home with the best neighbors! They provided our first KS friendship. They provided answers to our many questions. They provided a great example of fun, respect, endurance, and love in a relationship. A relationship that will now continue in heaven. Shelly Dunsmoor, February 22, 2023 |
| Betty & Jack Taylor were the Hilltop Guild’s CHEFS of their famous Chicken Potpie Luncheons for the annual Bazaar. They trained many ladies to create their delicious pies serving 200 / 300 visitors on the first Saturday every August! They were devoted and faithful to the Hilltop Guild, Allenspark, Colorado. We loved and have truly missed them! Blessings to their entire family and friends! Darlene L. Thompson, Past President of Hilltop Guild |
Resources
Augusta Historical Society, Facebook March 3, 2025
newspapers.com
https://www.headleyfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/Jack-taylor
https://www.headleyfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/betty-taylor
