Travel Tuesday: Nickletown, KS

If you know me at all, you know I have a passion for all things Kansas and Rural. I especially, love history and travel. The other day while hauling cattle to grass, CP took me to Nickeltown, he had told me about this town for years, but never had we,  "made the trip"

This is the only remaining building in Nickletown, The Nickeltown School.

When you google Nickeltown, KS the search comes back with usually two topics:  Nickeltown School or Nickeltown Cemetery.

Nickeltown is in Woodson County, KS. Through a little research I found this fun article called Every Man To Get Office in an old newspaper called the Stanstead Journal.

History Lesson:

The locals say that the school was the building that had a phone so if people broke down or needed something they would make their way to this building to make a call. Also, the oil industy and dericks around it are called, "The Nickeltown Development."

County: Woodson

Population: 0

Location:  Northwest Woodson Co, West of Hwy 75. Geographical Coordinates: 37.9964184,-95.8483214

Small exerpt from Chanute Daily Tribune January 21, 1915

A story in the K. C. Star of recent date recalled , old memories in Woodson county. The Star said: "The glory of Nickletown, Kas., is now like the glory that was Rome's gone. Time . was when Nickletown aspired to be the county seat pi Woodson county and 'to be rated .among the flourishing country towns of Kansas. But those aspirations, along with nearly all of Nickletown's population, have departed. Nickletown, however, refuses to relinquish its identity as a real town. It: is going to .hold a town election next spring and elect regular officers. There is one cheerful feature in it for the male residents of Nickletown all of them will get offices. There are now only four families left in the town. T. Q. Allen, Frank Willis, George Cowles and Oscar Mulsow are the men flow remaining. Cowles is at present police judge. He says that office suits him and he wants to keep it. The other three have agreed to let him have his little whim gratified. So the trio all plan to run for mayor and the two losers will constitute the town council. It's up to the women to cast the deciding vote as all three men say they will vote for themselves. Jt is considered likely that the man who treats his wife best in the time between now and election will stand the rosiest chance of getting to sign Mayor after his name. Nickletown is in the northeast part of Woodson county." Commenting on this the Neosho Fajls Post says: "It was probably thirty years ago that the. northwest corner of Woodson county was settled by a colon- of Menonites from Russia. As we remember it they had a town by the name of Nikkle- town. They built sod houses and livel in them until they were able to build more substantial ones.

Travel Tuesday: Castle Rock Badlands

I love Kansas, and fun and unique destination and am constantly trying to visit unique Kansas locations, I have the books, Kansas Curiosities, The Kansas Guidebook, and 8 Wonders of Kansas Guidebook. While coming back from the Stock Show in Denver last month we decided to take a little detour south of Quinter, Kansas to see the Castle Rocks. 


These are large limestone pillar landmarks in Gove County, in the Smoky Hills region of Kansas.
 Even before we arrived at the official Castle Rocks, you started to notice the unique rock formations in pastures. 

We drove about  11 miles south of I-70, and followed the signs. 

This was the "entrance" sign

The site has been designated as a National Natural Landmark, yet is on private range land. It takes you back in time, can you imagine riding a horse and come upon this formation? As you can see there is a simple path (on the left side of this picture). Its rather rough and some of the ruts are pretty deep. Being in a pick up was a plus. 

Taken from atop the major hill

A little history: Castle Rock has been used as a landmark for several hundred years. In the 1800s, the Butterfield Overland Dispatch followed the Smoky Hill Trail which passed just a few hundred yards north of the then larger chalk formation.

Ruts from the Butterfield Overland Dispatch trail can be found a few hundred yards north of Castle Rock. The Rock was named by Lt. Julian Fitch in June, 1865 while he was surveying the trail for David Overland's company. (courtesy of Kansastravel.org)

There are a few different paths to take, it was a cold and windy day so we did our sightseeing from the seat of the pick up. I hope to go back when its nice and be able to get up close and see the sites from angles you can only get from being up close and personal. 

 
This is cattle country, I couldn't resist taking a pictures of this fence that goes right along with the terrain. 

The last formation on our way out. 

Agriculture & Sports: A great combination

I grew up playing sports, and then when I “got old” I started coaching.  I come from an athletic family. 

My great grandpa played on the first baseball team in Manhattan. My dad as an athlete at the University of Nebraska, his dad boxed in the Navy. The list can go on and on.  All of my family appreciates the life lessons sports teach. 

While I grew up in an athletic family I also grew up in one that is deeply rooted in agriculture.  This might be why I value and get kinda excited when sports meet agriculture! 

These two articles are circulating around. 

1. These 7 Professional Athletes are Also Farmers

2. NFL Owner Stan Kroenke Buys Texas Mega-Ranch Listed for $725 Million

I am excited to read about athletes that get their workout in the barn stacking hay or those that value working with their hands in the soil. 

Then I read the article about the Waggoner Ranch selling.  I was a little…what’s the word? hesitant, nervous, apprehensive, or maybe skeptical.  I am not really sure what to say. So, let’s be positive and go for “hopeful” When I read about NFL Owner Stan Kroenke buying the Waggoner Ranch. The Waggoner Ranch has been run by the same family for over 100 years. Let's hope the new owner is a good steward of the ranch and its employees. I hope he sees this place for what it truly is.... one of the truly great western ranches of history. I hope it stays under one fence. Hopefully for the history, heritage, and employees and families of the ranch he keeps it operating as is.

Because when agriculture and sports come together it can be great!

I moved....

To town that is! I never (again, never say never) thought that would happen. I grew up on a farm, and have always lived in the country until a year ago. Wow, I can't believe its been 1 year this month since I moved to town.

Taking my new job was too far from our family farm (over 1 hour drive) and one of the hiring requirements was to live within the 2 counties I would be working with/in.  I was given 6 months to find a place.

Finding a place to live for one person in a small town is harder than I thought it might be. Growing up near a college town, 1 bedroom apartments were common. I finally (5 months later)  found a studio apartment in a historic limestone building.

I really and truly liked this little place!

 Less space ,means less to clean and less room to fill with "stuff"

This too means, less craft space :(

I was content with my little studio apartment when a duplex closer to work opened. The rent was only $20 more and I would gain an extra bedroom, dining room, and garage. The garage happened to be too small for my vehicle but perfect for crafts & storage. So, I made them move, some days I want to go back to less space to deal with, but I think my duplex is perfect for now.

Things are different in town, not always bad but definitely different. This also explains why my post have been less and the topics are not as "country" as they were before. My job keeps me crazy busy so less time has been devoted to blogging and I am not on the farm daily. However, I am still involved in agriculture on a daily basis. Again, different but not always bad!

National Women Farmer Day

The best examples of women farmers I can think of are the ladies in my family (past & present), Thank you to those tough and amazing women who have gone before us and  grandma and mom! You ladies have set a wonderful example for me!

Give me a home where the buffalo roam.............

A week ago I helped host a group tour with members from across the U.S. One of the stops was a preserve that has a small herd of bison/buffalo. The herd is cared for by a local rancher and we were told that the buffalo recognize the feed truck the rancher has.  Well apparently its a Dodge. As we started to drive through the pasture the buffalo started running toward us.  

I was a little bummed that I was sitting in the middle and couldn't get as many or the quality of pictures I wanted. 

I think they would have eaten out of our hands, they came right up to the windows....very neat. 

 I mite have been more excited than some of the visitors in our group. 

This picture looks like its straight out of "Dances with Wolves" doesn't it?

Happy Birthday, Kansas!

It's my home state's 153rd birthday today! It also happens to be one of my best friends birthdays too, so here is to hoping that today is going to be great. Its 30 degrees out with a windchill making it feel like 19. Other than that is looking to be a good one!

I wanted to share a post over at Kim's Country Line that says it so well about the history of KS and those who came before us. Check it out!  Kansas is so rich in history, I have posted in the past about KS ghost towns, ( I need to start that back up!)  and am proud of all Kansas and Kansas Agriculture has to offer!

Did you know:

1. Dodge City, KANSAS  is the windiest city in the United States.(step aside Chicago!)
2. Kansas inventors include Almon Stowger of El Dorado who invented the dial telephone in 1889; William Purvis and Charles Wilson of Goodland who invented the helicopter in 1909; and Omar Knedlik of Coffeyville who invented the first frozen carbonated drink machine in 1961.
3. Wyatt Earp, James Butler"WIld Bill" HIckok & William B. "Bat" Masterson were 3 legendary lawmen who kept peace in the rowdy KANSAS frontier towns like Abiliene, Dodge City, Ellsworth (This is for you "A"), Hays, and Wichita. 
4. Barton County  is the only Kansas County that is named for a woman; the famous volunteer Civil War nurse Clara Barton.
5. Sumner County is known as The Wheat Capital of the World.
6.  And this final one is for CP ....Silent comedian Buster Keaton, of early film success, was from Piqua, Kansas.

I could go on and on for days, but that should be a few for you to think on!

61 and counting!

Today is my grandparents 61st wedding anniversary. They are truly God's example of love and what a marriage is intended to be like! I am blessed to have them as a shining example.  Since I was out of town for my grandpa's birthday this past Tuesday, we are celebrating big time tonight! Oh, and don't think they look or act their age! Grandpa still picks grandma wildflowers from the pasture while out checking cattle and grandma says she still gets butterflies every time she sees him ride up horseback. So sappy, but I love it!
Speaking of those flowers he gets her......As I drove into my mom's driveway this afternoon I saw these beauties blooming.

They were started by my great-great grandmother over 100 years ago and have been blooming on our family farm since then. It make me happy and proud every time I see them bloom.

Bethlehem Revisited

One of the best experiences I have had in years. In the little town of Keats, KS a church puts on an interactive "play" called Bethlehem Revisited. Its amazing, I honestly don't even have the words to describe how awesome it is! The entire time I am walking through this living museum/play I kept saying," Oh My Gosh, this is awesome!"

My blog post doesn't even begin to do this justice!

We had a guide, that started off by making us feel like we were back hundreds of years ago.
Our first stop was to meet Moses

Then onto David

These "prophets" were giving background information.

Then we went to see where the angel came to visit Mary.

 

Its amazing how these sets/structures were built in the middle of a farmers pasture. I would say this takes up at least one acre, and includes over 100 volunteers.

 

Onto Bethlehem.

Here the Roman Guard took a census ( I haven't heard how many people attended this year)

This was my favorite part.....While walking through the marketplace you felt a part of it, as if you were really there.

And finally.......

 

 

There were more parts that were absolutely amazing. I wish each and everyone of you could have been there! I was truly blessed by being able to attend this year.

 

Fashion Friday-Cap & Gown

Today, I get my Masters from Oklahoma State University. Next Friday I will have pictures!
 Its been awhile since I have give a Fashion Friday along with history lesson so here is goes! Short and sweet as usual.

1222- was the first year (as far as I can find) that gowns were worn by graduates.

Robe or Gown: The three types of degrees each have a different style gown. Master's gowns have oblong sleeve, open at the wrist, with the base hanging down, and rear part of the oblong cut square while the front arc cuts away.

Hood: Academic Hoods are black, made from the same fabric as the gown. They vary in length depending on the degree from three feet to four feet, and the doctoral hood is wider. Lined with college or university colors, they typically have one field color and one chevron color, though sometimes there are school specific variations. The edge of hoods are velvet in the color of the degree subject

Mortarboard or Cap: Mortarboards are flat rather than "poofy" at the top, are not made from velvet, and are also usually black but come in a variety of colors and variations are more frequent than with tams. Mortarboards have only four sides, and typically have a tassel with a single button at the top, usually in the color of the degree-granting institution.

You can read more here.

Traveling Tuesday-Mildred

A while back I mentioned that I got my grandpa a book on Kansas Ghost Towns, well I don't think I've let him read more than 2 pages worth. I have confiscated it and have been inspired to look up these towns as I travel to visit friends, advocate for agriculture, or for "work" related trips.
One of my really good friends took me to some of the Ghost Towns or those on the verge.

Best know for:

History Lesson: Founded in 1907

The town went from being a cornfield to a booming town and now back to a cornfield, all within about 40 years. The building of a cement plant was a huge draw to the town and the real reason for establishment. Yet once hard times hit in during The Depression, most of the cement industry was moved to other towns and  Mildred dwindled.The cement plant is still stands and is a reminder of what the community once was like.

County: Allen

Population: As of 2010 is was 28

Location: Along Highway 59

Scenic Sunday-Hay Capital of the World

YATES CENTER

History Lesson:
-Established in August 1875.
-County seat of Woodson Co.
-The  Courthouse was moved from Defiance to Yates Center along with several houses.  Today there are 30 buildings included in the historic Courthouse Square.
-The Yates Center Courthouse Square Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in May of 1986.





Took this picture because a friend of mine's last name is Steiner.

Happy Birthday Kansas!

Today is Kansas's 151st Birthday. Entered the Union Jan 29, 1861

Get to know us a little more
State Symbols
flower:sunflower (1903)
tree:cottonwood (1937)
bird:western meadowlark (1937)
animal:buffalo (1955)
song:“Home on the Range” (1947)

Motto: Ad astra per aspera (To the stars through difficulties)

Name Origin: From a Sioux word meaning “people of the south wind”

A little History:
"Spanish explorer Francisco de Coronado, in 1541, is considered the first European to have traveled this region. Sieur de la Salle's extensive land claims for France (1682) included present-day Kansas. Ceded to Spain by France in 1763, the territory reverted to France in 1800 and was sold to the U.S. as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Lewis and Clark, Zebulon Pike, and Stephen H. Long explored the region between 1803 and 1819. The first permanent white settlements in Kansas were outposts—Fort Leavenworth (1827), Fort Scott (1842), and Fort Riley (1853)—established to protect travelers along the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails.
Just before the Civil War, the conflict between the pro- and anti-slavery forces earned the region the grim title of Bleeding Kansas."

Fun Facts: Here


*Happy Birthday to my best friend Abby too, thank goodness she shares her birthday with Kansas or I might never remember :)

Honey in Hillsboro

This is kinda a review of 2 in 1. Check out Golden Heritage Foods and Milk & Honey B&B
Two years ago Kansas Agri-Women had their August meeting at the Milk & Honey B&B. It is a wonderful facility for a retreat, family reunion, or just a fun weekend away.
This is where we learned that they too make honey. I had seen the brand Busy Bee and our family had used it before. Little did I know it was Kansas made!
Please go to their website, they have great facts and info on the honey, bee keeping, processing, and more.

Location: Hillsboro
Contact: 120 Santa Fe Street
Hillsboro, KS 67063
Phone: 620-947-3173
History:" Do honey bees fascinate you? That captivation drove Esra Barkman to jump a train from Kansas to Oregon in the 1920's to work and learn in Bee Apiaries there. Esra eventually returned to Hillsboro, Kansas where he established a family tradition of beekeeping that now spans three generations. Esra began selling his honey during WWII when sugar was rationed, soon partnering with his son Richard in the late 1950's, to establish a migratory beekeeping operation. With increased production, Barkman Honey Company, a processing and packaging operation, was born in 1960 with a brand, BUSY BEE." 

"In 2004, Barkman Honey became Golden Heritage Foods, LLC., with a continued commitment to preserving the integrity and future of the industry from blossom to bottle and delivering trusted products throughout the U.S and abroad"

Why I like it: -It tastes good. I had the "plain" clover honey-yummy.
-The use bee honey that is from the US and local beekeepers.
-Family Owned
Products: They carry Agave, Molasses, and More

Whipped Honey might be my favorite, so I'm hoping to try theirs next.

Scenic Sunday-Volland, KS

Last week my Mom, Uncle, and I took a little tour of rural Kansas. My best friend Abby had taken me to the "ghost town" of Volland and I thought this would be a great stop for my fam, they like things like this. Plus, I though he might be able to capture some great pictures for his photography work.


I also bought my Grandpa for a Christmas present a book on the ghost towns of KS. Abby enjoys small towns, so I thought this would come in handy for us and a girls roadtrip someday.


Volland
History: Volland was once a hoppin place with busy stockyards. Until 1920s it was a major cattle shipping point on the Rock Island Railroad.
The old general store still stands. I was told that the owner retired, locked the door and walked away. The contents are still inside.
Volland was originally named Grafton but in 1888 the name was changed to Volland, which was a prominent family name in that community.
To read a little about the history of Volland: Mill Creek Memoirs: The Roots of a Ranching Community, Volland by Scott Williams. I found quite a bit of info from the book Ghost Towns of Kansas, A Travleer's Guide. by Daniel Fitzgerald.


Location:"Volland is located about half way between Alma and Alta Vista, via Old Highway K-10, going straight West out of Alma.. When you arrive at the intersection of Volland Road and Old K-10, turn left "
There is a sign for Volland.

Abby and I think this would make a fun restaraunt/bar. With outdoor seating leaving the roof off. I got a second on that from my family. For now, I'm just going to have to keep dreaming.

Raise your Glass to the New Year......... High Noon Saloon

This evening if you are planning on having an alcoholic beverage besides champagne. I suggest a brew from High Noon Saloon.  I'm not much of the drinker, but this Kansas Made product gets my approval, for what its worth.  High Noon Saloon donated Annie's Ale to the American Agri-Women convention. The cans were super cute.

ANNIE’S AMBER ALE2011 (Twice) & 2009 SILVER Medal,
2004 BRONZE Medal,
World Beer Championship, Chicago, IL.
The first beer produced here, and it’s still a favorite! A smooth, malty amber taste highlighted with caramel notes and just the right amount of hops. Alcohol by volume: 5.5% Now available in 12oz cans on premises and in KS liquor stores: Kansas City metro, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Lansing, Topeka.    

Why I like it: They are a micro-brewery, Historical, it's Kansas made. It has a western feel to it, with names such as Rough Rider Pale Ale, Stampede Stout,and Lewis & Clark Lager. Check out their complete listing here.

History:  Leavenworth KS was the site of 10 German breweries
and 69 saloons at the turn of the 20th century

Another plus is they have a restaurant. I ate there this past summer and recommend it. The food was good, but the atmosphere in the old historic building was great!

Salvaged Barn Board Boxes

I wanted to share this wonderful gift that my granparents recieved as a Christmas gift and my mom recieved as a houswarming gift.The boards used in these boxes were off my great-great granparents barn built in the 1800s.The bows are from one of our walnut trees.

ENJOY!

I love that he kept the old nails in the board.

Saucy Diane-Free Shipping Offer

I met Diane of Saucy Diane at the AAW convention. She was set up as a vendor and this is where I fell in love with her PB Party. It is a delicious peanuty, creamy, sweet, yummy spread.

Location: Baldwin City

History:"Saucy Diane produces gourmet sauces in small batches. All the sauces are delicious on ice cream but are also good to eat with other foods."

Mission:"Offering an elegant yet affordable splurge for the main food shopper in each household. Educating the public about the many culinary uses for these three sauces. Being a "green" company by reusing the glass jars the product comes in."

Why I like it: It's Peanut Butter...HeLlo!!! But  seriously,I really like that she is "going green" I love old jars and think they shouldn't be tossed aside.

Contact Info: dianemyer@juno.com

Here is the great part..........Order from Saucy Diane-mention Home on the Range and get FREE SHIPPING! Did you hear that?! FREE SHIPPING.

Original Juan & 25% off

Again, this Saturday I am focusing on another Kansas company that donated to the American Agri-Women convention. Original Juan. These people are great. I was in Kansas City a couple weeks ago driving along and saw the sign for Original Juan OUTLET STORE! I mean come on, how could I not stop?! They donated to AAW & it was an Outlet Store. My mom and I swung in and right away I would tell it was going to be great-you could smell the spices. They have a quality store with not only food products but adorable home decor. I finally got to meet Marissa that I had talked to about donations-she super sweet.

History- "Original Juan has been creating specialty sauces, salsas, snacks and dips for wholesale, retail and co-pack/private label customers since 1998.
About-"Original Juan Specialty Foods is housed in a 60,000 square foot facility on the historic Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas. The building is a delight to the senses with tantalizing aromas and festive colors. When visiting the Southwest-themed facility, you will find Original Juan’s Factory Outlet Store within the entrance of the building. Customers are encouraged to step up to the tasting table to try one of the company’s 150 products manufactured under 13 different brands. Some of the company’s most recognizable brands are Pain is Good, Da’Bomb, Fiesta Juan’s, Bilardo Brothers and Mama Capri. Original Juan also manufactures custom food products under co-packaging and private label arrangements for over 100 companies throughout the world."

I can't say enough good things about them. They are willing to work with me and Kansas Agri-Women in the future, so I'm pumped. Now....onto the products.Three of my favorites that I have tried.

Spicy Vodka Pasta Sauce-  I got this one at the outlet for 99cents-on special :)
It wasn't spicy to me, very cheesy with a typical marinara dipping sauce taste.  It says on the back, " Sweet tomatoes and aged Romano cheese simmer until infused with vodka to intensify the sharp flavor of the cheese. Each bite of this smooth velvety sauce leaves your mouth begging for more" This sums it up!

Chipolte Raspberry Sauce- Wonderful. Sweet with a little kick. Perfect topping to cream cheese for a quick and tasty appetizer.







Harvest Apple BBQ- Great addition to pork. The apple isn't over powering but adds something different to the BBQ flavor.



They have recipes for their items as well-how handy!

Next I want to try CHEESECAKE IN A JAR!

For the month of December everything on their website is 25% off!

Please go to their website for a complete listing of items. If you are in KC make sure and stop, they will treat you great and the prices are hard to beat.