Today certainly hasn’t felt like autumn, the temperature is in the 90’s, the air conditioners are running again, and there is a strong south westerly wind, blowing in the smoke from the wildfires out by Pueblo, Colorado. Come back Autumn!!
Praying for the safety of the firefighters and everyone who is in the path of the fire.
Amana Lutheran Church – Scandia, KS
Established in 1873 – Present building completed in 1912
Danish Lutheran Church – Jamestown, KS
Services at the Danish Lutheran Church are only offered on Christmas Eve, with NO electricity. The only lights are candles and a large wood stove supplies the heat. What a beautiful service that must be †
I always loved reading that story to my son.
Beautiful Kansas moon. The first full moon after the Harvest Moon is the Hunters Moon. The fields are barren after the harvest and the prey is unable to hide in the crops. This is the time to hunt and stock up for the winter. With the full moon hunters were able to stalk the prey at night. This moon is especially important to Native Americans.
Nicodemus is located in Graham County, KS named for the Biblical figure Nicodemus. A National Historical Site Nicodemus is the only remaining western town established by African-American following the Civil War. Founded in 1877 by a group of former slaves from Kentucky, the town prospered and supported a hotel, two stores, school, and three churches.
The town made an effort to attract a railroad route thru Nicodemus, but none of the railroads brought their tracts to the town. The failed attempt to attract a railroad marked the end of growth for the small town.
After being named a National Historical Landmark the community has seen some improvements, a water tower, paved streets and some housing units.
The Emancipation Celebration, has been renamed Homecoming and it is celebrated annually as a gathering of old residents to celebrate their roots and community. Current population is approximately 20.
First Baptist Church – 1907
District 1 Nicodemus School – 1918
Just south of the school is the home of:
Ola Wilson Home – School Teacher
African Methodist Episcopal Church – 1885
St. Francis Hotel
Two story stuccoed portion the hotel was built in 1881. Originally was cut limestone. Also served as the post office, the first school and a stage coach stop.
Township Hall – 1939
Main Street Nicodemus
Such a beautiful evening after a beautiful although windy Kansas day.
A beautiful day to find these Churches Of The Prairie
Our Savior’s Lutheran – Norway, KS
Ada Lutheran Church 1884 – Courtland, KS
One of the more unique monuments.
GAR – Grand Army of the Republic was composed of veterans of the Union Army, Union Navy, Marines and the US Revenue Cutter Service (Coast Guard) who served in the American Civil War for the Northern forces. Founded in 1866, it was dissolved in 1956 when its last member died.
Saron Baptist Church 1877 – Jamestown, KS
They had been forecasting a severe outbreak of storms for a couple of days. We had one roll through at 3 am this morning. Lots of loud thunder and lightning. Wylie woke me up to let me know it was storming. The day was rather nice although it was windy. Late this afternoon storms started developing just west of us. After this cloud passed we received some heavy rain, no hail. I love watching storms coming in.
God bless everyone who is in the path of Hurricane Matthew.
A windmill is something I have always wanted. They stand as proud sentinels on the Kansas plains.
So many of them no longer operating and showing the ravages of time and weather.
When Wylie and I are out on the backroads, we occasionally (always) find a place to shop that has treasures from the past and present. There is a great shop in Lucas, Auntie Gurtie’s Art & Antiques (please check out her page of Facebook!) On a recent trip to Lucas, I finally got a windmill!!!
Unlike the time I asked Mr. Farmer to hang a galvanized bucket upside down in the chicken house for a chandelier, his reply “You want me to do what?”, he liked the idea of hanging a windmill wheel on the outside wall of the house. If you follow Pinterest you have probably seen these half wheels, they are very popular in decorating.
Mounting the half 6′ wheel required some thought on how to secure it so it wouldn’t rattle in the wind. Mr. Farmer designed some brackets to hold it securely.
Wylie supervising from a safe distance.
The job was not without injury. While cutting an anti-rattle device (plastic hose), Mr. Farmer cut his thumb. He also designed his bandage!!
I love art work, especially re-purposed art!
Old sewing stand and sink. A treasure from Julie’s Birdboxes in Lucas, KS
Here is a link to her page: Julie’s Birdboxes
Christ Cathedral at Salina was honoring St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, with a celebration of the Blessing of the Animals. I wouldn’t miss this opportunity to present Wylie before the altar to receive blessings and for me too, so that I will be guided for his care.
Christ Cathedral – Salina, KS 1908
Please be kind to all animals great and small ❤️🐾
(and people too)
St. Peter’s Church – Aurora, KS
Built in 1892 and then re-erected in 1909
The only time we were in this beautiful church was for the burial of our dear priest and friend Fr. Steve Letourneau, who was killed in a car wreck on Palm Sunday April 4, 1993. We would go to early Mass at the Chapel and Fr. Steve would drive to another small town to offer Mass, then he would come over for Sunday dinner, followed by a nap.
Farmer Days 