Established in 1887, Kensington bills itself as "The Biggest Little Town of its Size in the State of Kansas!"
Established in 1887, Kensington bills itself as "The Biggest Little Town of its Size in the State of Kansas!"
Long after J.C. Holland designed the Kansas State Capitol, he was the architect for the Jewell County jail and sheriff's residence. Created from native limestone with a brown streak, this double-walled jail (in use until 1978) is topped with a striking galvanized metal cupola.
You’ll be in awe of this mural representing the Ad Astra sculpture on top of the state capitol dome. It was created for the 150th Anniversary of Mankato and painted by Callum McNichols. Look for it on the south side of Hidden Treasures Quilt Shop. To learn all about it click on the Read More link below.
From Norway, 4 1/2 miles west on K-148, 1 mile north on 50, then 1/2 mile west on Valley. This limestone country church is one you come upon unexpectedly and is a pleasant find. In the church cemetery an anchor marks the grave of merchant marine S.A. Haggman (1842-1930).
You get a two-fer--lunch and antiques--at this rustic store. Enjoy homemade specials and a search through a large variety of antiques. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; store hours, Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Around 1890 Swedish immigrant John Sederlin built a limestone barn with a unique arch. A few years ago his descendants donated the arch (and additional limestone) for the archway and the wall around the nicely manicured garden adjoining Courtland Art Center.
Although the track had its beginnings in 1880 as a race venue for horses, it was transformed for auto racing in 1910. In 1937 the WPA built the limestone grandstand and converted the flat track to a high-banked oval. Belleville High Banks is known as the fastest half-mile dirt track in the world. During the BKRT, the track will be open daylight hours and people are welcome to come in and sit in the stands, walk the track.
Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Clint Bowyer are just a few who got their start on the High Banks dirt track. The history of the track, the racers, and the cars is preserved in this hall of fame and museum. Even if you aren't a race fan, these streamlined racing cars will impress you. May-September, Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m-5 p.m.; October-April, Wednesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
During the Great Depression people were urged to create handicrafts and be paid for them through the WPA. Now on permanent display are some results of that work: costume dolls wearing international or period clothing, images of Kansas landmarks, paintings of Kansas wildflowers, and intricate wooden models of American industry. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
From Baird, 1/2 block west on Lynn. Union veteran John Davidson came to Cuba in 1884 and built a native limestone blacksmith shop, which he operated until 1892. Closed in 1970, the shop has been restored and is open for demonstrations. Phone number listed is Cuba City Hall.
After the theatre closed in the late 1990s, its Spanish Colonial facade was restored, the interior renovated, and the 1928 theatre reopened in 2008 as a state-of-the-art movie theatre. Thursday-Saturday 7 p.m.; Sunday 3 p.m.
The many canals you cross while traveling in Jewell and Republic Counties fall within the Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District Canal and Lateral system. The system is part of a Bureau of Reclamation project that began in 1931 for irrigation development and flood control. Construction finished in 1968. To see locations of the canals click on this Google Earth Link. https://earth.google.com/web/39.89389577,-98.08682388,523.13454772a,73754.53626442d,30.00001263y,0h,0t,0r/data=MikKJwolCiExWDY4aFBKYkE4V1lQRDZjcnVuYXFwWml3VnJlWTY1bGYgAToDCgEw?authuser=0
Renowned architect for the Kansas State Capitol. Holland designed the Burr Oak School in 1900, now the Burr Oak Museum (NRHP) at 220 Kansas. During the Dust Bowl, the citizenry planted spirea bushes. Some of them survive to this day. In 1912 he designed the United Methodist Church (NRHP) at 974 Pennsylvania. Museum hours TBA.
From Courtland, 6 1/2 miles south on 30, 1 mile west on Xavier, 1/4 mile north on a private drive. Jim Elliot built this picturesque 20x80-foot covered bridge and clock tower from Western Red Cedar. A covered walkway with windows provides a view of the quiet landscape. The current owners, Mike and Kili Land, welcome BKRT visitors to stop by to see the bridge. The Land's also own the nearby Snow Goose Lodge on a salt marsh overlooking the Jamestown Wildlife Refuge.
Around the courthouse square, four historical information kiosks relate the stories of Belleville beginnings transportation the WPA and agriculture.
Each March community boosters host a week-long Rock-a-Thon at Cuba's 1930 auditorium, Ceska-Narodin-Sin (Bohemian Hall). Two rocking chairs are kept rocking 24 hours a day for an entire week. You pay to rock, and proceeds go to community projects. This hall is the heart of the community.
Worth visiting is the one-room country school that was moved into town thanks to Rock-a-Thon dollars.
So beloved was this town's doctor, "Doc McClaskey", that the community restored his office building. In recent years it has evolved into a heritage center where you can see several of the famous Jim Richardson National Geographic photos and original Sokol equipment. Sokol was an athletic cultural and fraternal organization founded in Czechoslovakia during the mid 1800s.
The abandoned two-story, limestone structure was built in 1903 by the Shimek family. Baxa and Hulka were the stone mason and carpenter for this iconic Czech post rock house. It has a presence that few can resist stopping to admire and photograph. From Cuba, 1 mile north on Brandon to Hwy 36, then 3 miles north on 26 Rd, then 1/4 mile east on Lincoln.
So says the town's entrance sign!
The Esbon Community Church invites visitors to see the church's stained glass windows designed and created by local artists. The church started out as a sod house in 1875, was eventually built with wood, and has a long history of unifying and changing denominations. The original structure of the framed building is what still remains and worship services are held each Sunday morning at 8:15. To see the exquisite stained glass window, plan on visiting between 9-9:30am on Saturday morning or attend church services on Sunday. The church is located one block west of Grand (the Main Street) at the corner of Henry and West. Click on READ MORE below to learn more about the stained glass.
Esbon, population 63, is clearly proud of their name. A limestone welcome sign greets you on the edge of town and big block letters proudly display the town name and centennial years on the water tower. The area where the town was eventually established was named Ezbon, for the son of A.B. Kellogg, one of the first settlers in the area. However, when the first newspaper was printed in 1892, it was named The Esbon Leader. The spelling stuck and it’s been spelled that way ever since.
Norwegians settled this small community in 1870. You'll find Scandinavian names on the stained-glass windows of the Lutheran church on K-18 and in Norway Cemetery just east of town.
From Smith Center, 3 1/4 miles west on U.S. 36, then 3/4 mile south on M. One of the largest battles among Plains Indians happened in this area in July 1853. Known as the Forks of Beaver Creek Indian Fight, the clash engaged 1,000 Cheyennes and their allies (Arapahoes, Sioux, Kiowas, Comanches, and Crows) in a revenge attack against some 800 Pawnees and their allies (Otoes and Potawatomis). The Pawnees' success was due in part to the timely assistance of the Potawatomis and their rifles. The old Pawnee Trail from the Pawnees' earth lodge villages (see Pawnee Indian Village State Historic Site entry-Republic County) to their hunting grounds passed through here. Look for a marker on the west side of the road.
The story of the 1909 Formoso School is told on a sign at Patterson and Spencer. After a fire destroyed the school in 1960, the city and alumni erected this sign to honor the 536 students educated here.
A fort of four-foot-thick, seven-foot-high sod walls was erected near here in 1870 after Indians killed three men along the Solomon River. Look for a marker where the fort once stood, located on the southwest corner of Maag Memorial Park.
As a local newspaper related, when a woman broke a butter mold her little boy said, "Take it to Frank, he can fix it." Beloved by all, blacksmith Frank Herrmann was known as a man who could fix anything but a broken heart. He donated this land to the city for a park for the children of Webber. The anvil that his father brought from Germany in 1908 rests steadfastly next to the limestone park sign.
A paved walkway between the Cedar Porch and Hope Floats will lead you to an enchanting space complete with gurgling water, a serene mural by Glen Lojka, and seating areas surrounded by charming flower gardens and rock landscaping.
From Lebanon, 1 mile north on U.S. 281, then 1 hilly mile west on K-191. Get centered at the geographic center of the 48 contiguous states. In a small park, a limestone pedestal with a plaque and flagpole mark the exact point. Thanks go to the Lebanon Hub Club for erecting the marker in 1940. Notice the nearby abandoned motel behind the park. Built pre I-70, the motel succumbed to new traffic patterns created by the interstate in the 1960s. Like many businesses along this route, a dream became an abandoned relic. A finalist for the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography category.
Standing in front of Cuba City Hall, this 8,000-pound limestone sculpture was a gift from artist Glen Lojka to his hometown. Dedicated in 2005, Czech Immigrants depicts a typical Czech family arriving on the prairie in the late 1800s.
Glenda Trecek purchased every building in this one-block downtown and renovated them all. Her amazing efforts and intent to do something good for the community were aided by her husband, Millard, and friends. Although pats on the back are in order, Glenda and team would really rather have visitors! Stroll the block and enjoy an old-fashioned soda fountain, shop for home and garden decor and antique furniture, and peruse the museum and library. There's even a place for small group events.
From K-9 at Harlan, 1/4 mile north on Q (becomes Commercial). In 1880 the United Brethren conference established Gould College near Harlan to provide education for students in western Kansas. It was named for railroad mogul Jay Gould with the hope that he would be a benefactor for the new college. Gould's new fortunes were never bestowed. Harlan Church, north of town on Commercial, is all that remains of the college. A plaque describing the college location is found on a rock monument just north of the church.
In 1917, Dr. Charles Herschner opened a hospital in Esbon. It was the only hospital in Jewell County for 40 years. He was well-known for specializing in proctology and rectal diseases. Patients came to the hospital from Kansas, Nebraska, California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Iowa, Wyoming, Missouri, Texas, Illinois, Idaho, and Arizona. The hospital closed in 1957. It is now a private residence and is drive by only.
What looks like a limestone jail with a fancy door is really a bank vault. The stone walls are part of the vault that once stood inside the First Commercial Bank. When the bank was razed, the vault survived!
Successful dry goods merchant S.T. Stevenson mail ordered the design for his 1894 house (NRHP) from George F. Barber and Company. It is an exquisite example of a high-style Queen Anne structure with a tower delicate spindle work and a variety of exterior wall textures. Drive by only.
From Athol, 3/4 mile west on U.S, 36, 8 miles north on K-8, then 1 mile west on 90. Follow the mile-long, narrow driveway to the 1872 cabin and former home of Brewster Higley. Standing in this peaceful setting beside the woods and Beaver Creek, it's easy to see how Higley was inspired to write the poem "My Western Home," known today as "Home on the Range." Inside, the cabin contains simple furnishings, photos of the renovation process, and other mementos. On an outside wall the words and music to "Home on the Range" are engraved in stone, with credits to Dan Kelly for the music. Kansans (and Kansans at heart) might enjoy standing here and singing the song named the Kansas state song in 1947.
Built by farmer O.W. Francis in 1909, this lovely home on the outskirts of town, stands out with its turret tower, wraparound and pillared porch, Palladian windows, and patterned siding and gables. The story goes that an early-1900s coffee shop wager started a contest on who could build the fanciest and biggest house. Locals claim that the winner was the O.W. Francis home, 2264 KS-128 and the 1909 Wellman House, 249 South, was a viable competitor. Although additional contestants are no longer known, other large, decorative turn-of-the-century homes in the area might well have been contenders. Drive by only.
Built in part by the WPA in 1937, this art deco structure designed by architect Joseph Radotinsky features native limestone walls and trim. Note the two 3D lime- stone medallions on the west side, and a bas-relief of the book and scales of justice-with a corn stalk! Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
See the newly-renovated exhibit featuring the Columbian Mammoth. Remains of seven mammoths have been found in Jewell County, more than anywhere else on the Great Plains. Several structures house the museum's diverse collections, including the Wint Smith building, which features exhibits about Brigadier General Smith. Thursday-Saturday 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Local volunteers keep Lebanon's history alive through alumni records, genealogy and history books and displays of historical interest. Stop in on Friday and Saturday, 12-4 p.m.
From K-14 and Pearl, less than 1/4 mile west on Pearl. Enjoy a pleasant walk on the crushed white limestone trail that takes you around the lake. Bring your fishing pole and a picnic lunch or let the kids loose on the playground.
Want to find out what the official precipitation totals are for Smith County? Check out the weather service board near downtown Lebanon. From Highway 281 travel east on Kansas Street for one and half blocks. The weather board can be seen on the south side of Kansas. The report is based on the WxCoder area coop weather observer that reports to the National Weather Service in Hastings, Nebraska. "WxCoder is a system developed by the National Weather Service that enables Cooperative Weather Observers to send weather observations on a web-based (on-line) system." Just east of the report board you can view the 'official' rain gauge issued by the government for reporting. The weather board is used by locals and travelers alike to keep track of the local precipitation. And, that's always a big deal in Kansas! Learn more about the WxCoder at the Read More link.
From U.S. 36, 8 1/4 miles north on K-14. Completed in 1957, the reservoir was developed for flood control and irrigation but is also used for recreational purposes. Free admission first weekend of May! Cabins available, reservations required.
This huge building was part of the downtown scene as early as 1886, operating as the Chicago Lumber & Coal Company, a chain of lumberyards at that time. Sold to the Burr Oak Lumber Company in 1920, it functioned as a lumberyard until the late 1990s.
Named after community supporters, Kenneth and Eula Maag, this well-groomed park is a great place to let the kids work off some energy while you relax under the charming gazebo. The park also includes a small RV campground with electrical hookups, dump station, access to drinking water and showers.
Fridays are sale days at the Mankato Livestock barn where you can stop by the cafe for homemade meals and desserts. Opening at 10:30 a.m. the cafe stays open until the cows go home (4-11 p.m.).
A rare Kansas memorial to Thomas Edison stands across from the old high school now the Rock Hills Elementary School. The inscription reads in part "for gratitude for his illustrious inventions and services."
Relihan Row (also known as Millionaire Row) were homes for the wealthier folks in early Smith Center, four generations of Relihans! Still used as residences, the homes are at 102, 108, 112, 114, 118, 120 and 204 E. 3rd.
Extremely well preserved, this 1879 depot is at home in City Park. On the building's exterior a chalkboard provides town announcements, and inside, the depot doubles as the town museum and contains railroad memorabilia. This classic little structure has been renovated, painted a welcoming yellow, and is well kept by volunteers.
Located north of Cuba at 280 and Diamond, Narka was named in 1887 for the daughter of a railroad employee. Little remains of this town which is tucked away in the northeast part of the county. Its claim to fame is the water tower. Or is it an alien spaceship? See for yourself and try to find the geocache hidden there.
From Lynn, 1 block south on Baird, 3/4 mile east on Linden, 1 mile south on 270, then 1/4 mile east on Queen. Inscribed names such as Kopsa, Lesovsky, and Huncovsky leave no doubt that you're in Bohemian country. At one time Czechs were denied burial in some cemeteries, so they created their own where any Czech could be buried without regard to religion.
Jim Richardson, photojournalist for National Geographic, is famous in our state for photographing life in Cuba. The stunning black and white photos were published in National Geographic and featured twice by CBS News Sunday Morning. Jim is a resident of Lindsborg and a native of Republic County. See the photos at the Cuba Heritage Center. Photo courtesy Jim Richardson. https://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/about/index
The flag on a monolith provides the town's founding date, stating in part, "Norway 1869."
(Wagner Park). Much of this mill is a replica of the original octagonal structure built by native German Charles Schwarz near Reamsville in 1879-1882. It used wind power to grind corn and wheat until a kerosene engine was installed in 1913. A rare structure on the Kansas landscape, the mill was moved to Smith Center in 1938 as part of a National Youth Administration project. Imagine sailcloth on the mill's 60-foot fan blades! That must have been quite a sight around the turn of the century. The mill caught fire in 1955 and everything on the inside burned.
In 1889 J.R. Burrow built this lavish red-brick structure complete with granite pillars, circular steps to a corner entrance, limestone-accented arched windows, and a turret. Over the years the former bank fell into major disrepair, but thanks to local effort, a restoration was completed in 2015.
The mission of the Palmer Museum is to preserve the history of the community and the lives of its residents. Housed in the former office and publishing house of the Jewell County Republican, the museum presents the history of the community as well as offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of small-town newspapers. The museum is named for the Palmer family who owned the paper from 1870 through 1965. For more information email jewellpalmermuseum@gmail.com.
A Wrought Iron Company bridge remnant has been repurposed as an archway entrance to City Park. When the bridge was removed from south of Gaylord, a local welder and artist saved several pieces to create the entrance.
From U.S. 36, 8 miles north on K-266. On this site an early-1800s Pawnee village once comprised 40 earth lodges and 2,000 inhabitants. A museum, which encloses the excavated floor of the largest lodge, features panoramic exhibits and, of special interest, a rare Pawnee sacred bundle. This is the only site in the state dedicated to one of the indigenous tribes and is of major archeological significance. Open April-October. Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m-5 p.m. Admission charge.
Kansas Stream is the title of this 1939 Section artwork by Birger Sandzen. The mural depicts a Republican River scene near Scandia. The Public Works Administration provided part of the funding to construct the 1937 post office and pay the artist. Section Art is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Art finalists. Click on Read More to see a list of all 21 locations in Kansas where you can view art in post offices. Lobby hours: Monday-Saturday 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Built as a 1939 Public Works Administration project, a New Deal economic recovery program, this structure is said to be the best example of courthouse art deco architecture in the state. It has a marble interior with staircase rails of brass and stainless steel. Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m-4:30 p.m.
In addition to the county displays inside outside you'll find an antique farm implements building, blacksmith shop, country school, church, log cabin, barn, caboose, and round limestone smokehouse. Monday-Friday 1-5 p.m. Admission charge.
Visit this beautifully restored 1930-era gas station that doubles as a visitor center. Inside the air-conditioned building you'll find local tourism information, historic photos and artifacts, coffee, water and a bathroom. Go across the street to check out the old jail. Might be perfect for a photo op!
Here, at the local cemetery, George White's eerie message greets you on the first gravestone on the right: "Remember friends as you pass by, as you are now so once was I." Concrete tree fences surround family plots in this cemetery, which holds many Scandinavian names.
A great camping and RV park can be found at Rocky Pond at the east end of 12th. Water from this historic pond was once used by the Rock Island railroad to run their steam engines.
A miniature scene (built with 8,557 hard-carved pieces by Allen Larson) of a wagon train attack is one of the museum's highlights.
The Scandinavian Agricultural Society of Chicago formed a colony here in 1868. Its original name, New Scandinavia was soon shortened to Scandia. The Colony House stood 200 feet west of the historical marker on U.S. 36 that describes this immigration. Most of the early settlers were Swedish, Danish and Norwegian.
Dale Cherney of rural Agenda saw a picture in a farm magazine some 30 years ago of shoes nailed to a post. He liked the idea, so he and his son Chris erected a post and nailed some family shoes to it.
Start in this 1920 limestone courthouse to explore Smith Center and the area. In the lobby outside the courtroom, you'll find information about the Old Dutch Mill, a mural documenting the mill's construction, and a Nelson Chubb painting of Brewster Higley sitting beside his cabin. The bright green and pink floral pattern tile running throughout the courthouse adds a classic touch. Inspirational poems highlight the outdoor veterans memorial. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
From the intersection of K-9 and K-281 east of Gaylord, travel 1 mile south on U.S. 281. A Statue of Liberty replica, erected by the Boy Scouts in the 1950s, stands at a roadside park surrounded by a first-rate, 360-degree view of cropland, river valley, and open sky.
Made with colorful tiles, a mural depicting bridges and roads can be seen above the entrance of Reece Construction Company. The mural reflects the company's business--building bridges and roads.
Renowned architect for the Kansas State Capitol. Holland designed the Burr Oak School in 1900, now the Burr Oak Museum (NRHP) at 776 Kansas. In 1912 he designed the United Methodist Church (NRHP) at 974 Pennsylvania. Drive by only.
The American Indian with colorful headdress design forms an impressive historic marquee on the 1905 Ute Theater. Movies shown during the winter months.
In City Park a rock on a chain hangs from a sign that serves as the Athol Weather Station. Very scientific--a wet rock indicates rain, a swinging rock wind, an invisible rock fog, and so forth.
Inside this old-fashioned post office, even the post boxes date to an earlier era. Stop in and buy your stamps here?more purchases earn the post office points that help keep it open. The city hall shares space with the post office inside a nicely renovated depot. Monday-Saturday 7:30-9:30 a.m.
From U.S. 36 north of Formoso, go 5 miles north on 280 to the ghost town of Lovewell, 2 miles west on V, 4 miles north on 260, 1/2 mile west on Z, then 1/4 mile north on Lamm into Webber. This 12-mile route on gravel and blacktop is a drive through beautiful Jewell County scenery. First you'll approach a line of hills south of White Rock Creek, then cross the Lower Courtland Canal and find yourself in the former town of Lovewell. As you continue west and north to Lovewell Reservoir, notice more open canals, all part of the Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District. Pass the reservoir and continue north to Webber. If you have more endurance in your tank for more back roads, continue west from Webber to K-14, then meander southwest following roads near White Rock Creek to Burr Oak. It's a great tour past fertile cropland and through wooded and hilly terrain. This dare-to-do-dirt drive is a true test of Explorer fortitude. Consult your GPS or DeLorme Kansas Atlas.
City Park features several WPA projects including the art deco band shell, tennis courts, and other structures. The band shell, completed in 1937, was constructed of monolithic concrete (a building style first used by Thomas Edison).
You don't see many original YMCA buildings anymore, but you will at 210 N. Commercial. The old First National Bank building (NRHP) at 201 N. Commercial is of the Richardsonian Revival style and completed in 1888. Drive by only.