The Smoky Hill Museum will host "Feel Your Oats (with Help from a Goat)," a presentation discussion by Jerry Harper, Thursday, June 6 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
When J.R. Brinkley established a medical clinic in Milford, Kansas in 1917, few imagined the success he would achieve with his questionable practice of transplanting goat glands into humans, a dubious cure for flagging male virility. To many, Brinkley was a quack and a con man. For others, he was the great rejuvenator, a man of the people and a marketing genius. This presentation looks at Brinkley's life to see what cautionary lessons might prove helpful in today's world.
Jerry Harper is a semi-retired lawyer with an ongoing interest in Kansas's more colorful characters.
"Brinkley is always good for a few laughs, but the fact is that by the time of his death, 'Doc' Brinkley had a thriving medical practice in three states," said Harper. "He transformed radio broadcasting, revolutionized political campaigns, and almost became Governor of Kansas."
"Feel Your Oats (with Help from a Goat)" is part of Humanities Kansas's Movement of Ideas Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and workshops designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum, in the heart of downtown Salina, Kansas. This FREE museum is open Tuesday-Friday 12-6 and Saturday 10-5. Also, be sure to stop by the Museum Store for a wide variety of regional and Kansas products, local artwork and gifts for all ages.
For needed accommodations, please call Nona Miller at (785) 309-5776 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities. For material or speech access, please call at least 5 working days prior to the event.