My Own Private Kansas
During my trip in 2004, I saw again the places I had knew so well that were still there, but different now, and the places that weren't there anymore, but should still be remembered. This inspired me to try and record, especially in pictures, the places that mean the most to me. This Web site covers--not necessarily in any ordered or logical way:
- Topeka, Kansas
- Hiawatha, Kansas
- History and neat buildings
- My experiences in Kansas from 1951 to 1980
Another reason to consider Kansas--Free Land! Yes, a couple of places are hoping you'll join their neighborhood. Get a your own plot of land just like the my ancestors did when they first rolled into Kansas.
Kansas was built by dreamers of the typical 19th century North American breed. They knew that they could find a good place that would grow to be a great metropolis and testament to their vision and path finding. The names often reflected reflect this sense of potential greatness, for example: Troy or Enterprise, or, as more often, recognition of the dynamic leader or individual, e.g., Nicodemus or pioneers, e.g., Iola. For this reason when setting up towns folks thought big and did their best to build the finest structures they could. When your town was going to be the next St Louis or Cincinnati you built for the future.. This local boosterism has resulted in Kansas towns with outstanding examples of architecture. Hiawatha is a prime example of this faith in the future. In addition to the classic county court house, there are many fine commercial buildings, an auditorium (sorry no photo), and the high point of the town square the turret clock.
Note: Sadly, boom times never last, and the busts resultrd in population loss. This lack of population pressure on land use and property values has resulted in a treasure trove of architecture styles from many periods, for example this Barry Byrne's church in Acheson built during the 1950s.
Note: A lot of good information on towns in Kansas. Try it! Once you start clicking the towns' histories and current development you'll be drawn in.
