Board Meeting in Piqua

Today we had our Kansas Sampler Foundation board meeting in Piqua, home of board member Shelia Lampe and her husband Don.

Directions to her house were "turn right after you pass the water office and then turn left at the Farm Store." In three blocks you go from the west end of town to the east.

After the board meeting, which featured Shelia's homemade soups, we all went down to the water office where they have the Buster Keaton museum. Judy, the water office administrator was still at work but if she hadn't been Shelia had an extra key.

In 1895, Buster Keaton's parents were touring with Houdini and the troupe had stopped in Piqua for a performance. But the encore of their stop was that Mrs. Keaton delivered her baby in a house (that belonged to Don's great grandmother)! The museum room has photos, newspaper clips, and play bills telling about the life and career of Buster Keaton. The water office, and thus the museum, is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. It's a classic Explorer stop.

We all could have continued our Explorer adventure by going over to the 1922 St. Martin's Church to help clean but we left Shelia to do that without us. The church is now only open for weddings and special mass -- like for Christmas. Because so many people come back for the Christmas mass the townspeople (well, the women) want the church looking spic and span. Today was the designated cleaning day. Judy, from the water office, had already headed over to clean before we left the museum. (Christmas mass is 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve).

Had we stayed, we could have enjoyed a cold beverage and a terrific chicken fried steak at the Silverado bar and grill before we left town.

Spend some time in Piqua and it'll help you "Get Kansas!"

KE #2 Marci Penner

Can I Help You Get to Know Kansas?

Not every town has a butler (like Tavern on the Plaza in Coffeyville) to serve up some tasty tips of knowledge but you can learn any exploring info you need from the librarian, post master, barber, cafe crowd, at the gas pumps, or from someone walking across the street.

Small towns are the best for engaging in conversation with a "local." Just ask them about their town and they'll love telling you more than you want to know. These conversations are what really puts meat into your adventure.

I was researching for the Kansas Guidebook for Explorers one day in Longford. I was in the middle of the street taking pictures of the old Dakota Sandstone bank when the hairdresser ran out wearing her smock and flailing a scissor in one hand, as if she was between clips. She asked what I was doing and before I could say more than a few words she told me to come in and tell all the girls because they'd want to know, too.

Another day I was in Frontenac and stepped inside Pallucca's Market -- a grocery that dates back to 1909 when Attilio Pallucca started his store as an Italian-American Cooperative for the area miners. I asked the clerk some questions and before I knew it they had escorted me to a little room in the back of the meat department to meet the owner -- another Pallucca. I felt like I was meeting the patriach of the First Italian Family of Kansas. He looked kind of gruff but before you knew it he was telling me how the store came to be... (unfortunately they are now having to close). Meeting him and talking in back of the store in a small little cluttered office is something I'll never forget.

One last story. I stopped in Prairie View in Phillips County one afternoon and went to the new library that I had heard so much about. It was a new metal building and i was disappointed to see a closed sign. I put my nose up to the window trying to get an inside view. Then I saw a man about a block away come out of his house and start galloping towards me. His head was down and his manner was urgent so I thought I was in trouble!

Turns out this man, in his 70s, just wanted me to know how proud he was of his town of 138 for building this library. He asked what I was doing so I told him my name and what I was doing. He got this grin on his face and started directing me to follow him to his house. He said, "My wife is a big fan of yours! You've got to come over and have a cup of tea with us."

Talking to the locals can add time to your trip but there is no better way to "Get Kansas!"

KE #2 Marci Penner

Where is this place?

This place is in Kansas. It was a campsite for the 1825 Santa Fe Trail survey team. Across the street is a red house, one of the first structures in Larned (brought over from the fort post).

President John Quincy Adams appointed George Sibley as one of three commissioners to oversee the Santa Fe Trail survey. In his diary, Sibley referred to these as the Cliffs of Soft Rock.

The site has been quarried since those early days and you'll see that a ladder was added at some point. Where is it...

There is a historical marker at this camp site to learn more.

Have you figured out where this is yet? It's at 2nd and State in LARNED!

Knowing all aspects of Kansas history helps you "Get Kansas!"

KE #2 Marci Penner

An Explorer Christmas Tree Outing

We borrowed Dad's pickup and headed to K-61 Tree Farm between Inman and Medora. There was an open sign but no cars. We drove to the little red building and what we found had us smiling from beginning to end of our Christmas tree hunt.

The sign said to cut your own tree and then slip a check for $25 into the slot in the door. The saws were supplied and the trees were easy to see. We picked one that we liked and had it cut in no time. We drove back up to the little red building and just put the check into the slot.

The only thing better would have been if it were snowing! We smiled all the way home...

An honor system works for Christmas tree buying for those that "Get Kansas."

KE #2 Marci Penner

Let's Party!

These two are lead singers at the Renaissance Cafe in Assaria!

They are there every time I go whether it's for Nathalie's noon meal or Kevin's evening weekend specials.

A good time is always had at the Renaissance!

The food is tip top inside this 1919 school but to study the walls and appreciate the gym floor will help you "Get Kansas!"

Call for reservations. 785.667.5535.

KE #2 Marci Penner

Adventure in shopping

You'll find everything from handmade brooms to antique door knobs at the Old Hardware Store in Halstead and it'll be an adventure, too. The "back room" might be the best of all featuring an old wood stove and lots of old tools and barn things. It's almost like a museum but you can buy what you see!

Located at 208 Main, Margaret Kraisinger is a true historian and you'll feel it in this retail store. Phone 316.835.2446.

Ask Margaret why she'd open such a niche store in a small town and it will help you "Get Kansas." KE #2 Marci Penner

Explore Rural Kansas

Tomorrow about 20 representatives from rural communities are coming to the Kansas Sampler Center near Inman to discuss the concept of promoting rural Kansas as "an attraction."

If we could interest visitors into our small towns like Erie (picture) to find old-fashioned soda fountains and a million other things it would really help the world "Get Kansas!"

KE #2 Marci Penner