THE WOMEN OF WICHITA FALLS
Our Kitchen Namesakes
In each Kitchen, we take our “Chef” hats off to the great women of Wichita Falls!
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Lula’s Kitchen
Lula Kell (March 16, 1867 – September 16, 1957)
Lula Kell was the spouse of Franklin Kell, an early entrepreneur of Wichita Falls in the late 1800’s. The couple had six daughters and one son. Lula was best known for being a trendsetter in the community and was frequently described as a consummate hostess often entertaining visitors on short notice.
Lula was a charter member of the Civic League and active in its efforts to have a clean, progressive town with streets, parks, and a hospital. Her projects were viewed as those that could improve the life of all citizens in Wichita Falls. Lula’s favorite cooking recipe was homemade bread.
Willie May’s Kitchen
Willie May Kell (September 8, 1888 – January 24, 1980)
Willie May Kell was the second oldest daughter of Lula and Frank Kell. She was a highly intelligent and independent woman of her day. An avid world traveler, Willie May spent time in Japan, China, and Russia collecting antiques and bringing back different plants from all over the world. She was a dedicated gardener and civic volunteer when home.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Texas, Willie May was a volunteer for the American Red Cross where she served in France during World War I. She was a colorful storyteller and had a great sense of humor. Willie May’s favorite cooking recipe was corn bread.
Sadie’s Kitchen
Sadie Kell (September 26, 1886 – May 24, 1960)
Sadie Kell was the oldest daughter of Lula and Frank Kell. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Texas in the early 1900’s.
Sadie married William Bullington inside The Kell House in 1911. The couple had one son. Upon marriage, her parents built a house for the couple on Fillmore Street. Sadie was active at church and in the community. Her favorite cooking recipe was fudge brownies.
Mary Joe’s Kitchen
Mary Joe Kell (September 28, 1906 – October 12, 1981)
Mary Joe Kell was the youngest daughter of Lula and Frank Kell. After graduating from high school, she attended two colleges in the early 1920’s. Mary Joe married Malcolm Davis Putty in The Kell House in 1932. The couple had two children, a son and a daughter.
Her husband was the founder of the Broadway Theater League, and Mary Joe regularly attended the shows with her sisters. She loved attending theatrical events and was active in her church and community. Mary Joe’s favorite cooking recipe was chocolate cookies.
Flora’s Kitchen
Flora Kemp (January 14, 1861 – October 10, 1957)
Flora Kemp was the spouse of Joseph “Jodie” Kemp, an early entrepreneur of Wichita Falls in the late 1800’s. The couple had four daughters and one son. Flora was a well-known community organizer and participated in the American Red Cross and the Civic League.
Flora had a friendly demeanor and was affectionately known as the First Lady of Wichita Falls. She organized the Young Women’s Christian Association in 1912 and gave her first home on Indiana Street to young women in need. She was dedicated to her family and the community and especially enjoyed baking jelly rolls.
Emma’s Kitchen
Emma Sibyl Kemp (September 12, 1884 – June 15, 1961)
Emma Sibyl Kemp was the oldest daughter of Flora and Joseph Kemp. She was known by her middle name. Emma married William Maer in the late 1800’s, and the couple had one son.
Emma was active in church and enjoyed all community activities and events. Her favorite cooking recipe was apple pie.