Carl F. Etrick Collection

Carl Etrick was a Dodge City business owner involved in his family’s print shop from about 1920 until his death in 1954. He also held jobs with the Works Progress Administration during this time, as well as the U. S. Army in a civilian position in the quartermaster’s department during World War II.

Carl was born to early Dodge City businessman F. A. Etrick and his first wife Mary Peacock Etrick on 12/23/1896. He was born on a farm owned by his parents in Richland Township a few miles west of Dodge City. He was the oldest of 4 children. All 4 siblings helped in the shop as youngsters, and as adults they all worked in, and became successful, in the printing and publishing field.

Carl graduated from Dodge City High School in 1916. In 1917 he enlisted in the U. S. Army and served in Europe. He was on active duty in the Argonne region of France when the armistice that ended the war was signed.

Carl returned home and went to work in the family business. In 1922 he designed and wrote the copy for a souvenir book related to the semi-centennial of Dodge City that same year. He became involved in local politics, and in 1924 he was the Democratic nominee for the office of Ford County Treasurer. He kept active in the Democratic party throughout his life.

In 1925 Carl and his 2 brothers entered a 4-way partnership with their father to operate the printing business. It was noted by the Dodge City Daily Globe that Carl had designed a new style of graduation invitation for the Dodge City High School Class of 1931.

The Kansas Soldiers Home at nearby Fort Dodge chose Carl as the quartermaster of supply in 1932. He remained in this capacity until sometime in 1934. Newspaper articles mention his continued tenure at the print shop during this period. Carl also served as a director for several projects administered by the Works Progress Administration during the late 1930’s. During World War II, he was appointed as the first civilian who served as chief clerk of the quartermaster department at the Dodge City Army Air Corps Base.

In late 1934, the Globe noted that Carl had sold his interest in the family business to his brother Herbert; his father, F. A. did the same.

Carl was respected in Dodge City. He was a member of the St. Cornelius Episcopal Church when he passed. He donated his time and talents to several civic organizations that served the public good. He was involved in the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Kiwanis Club. He helped several other boards and committees complete beneficial projects in town. Carl, along with other members of the Etrick family, collected and maintained an archive of items and documents relating to Dodge City’s past. Because of this, Carl was recognized as a legitimate authority on local history, as well as being known for his talents in art and design.

Carl F. Etrick died on 04/14/1954 at St. Anthony Hospital in Dodge City after a prolonged illness.