Join Us On The Road

Kansas

May 2007.............

Abilene: First cattle boom town, founded in 1857. From 1867 to 1872 nearly three million head of cattle were driven up the Chrisom trail from Texas, to Abilene, the end of the Chrisom trail and the center for the Texas cattle market. It was one of the west's most notorious "wild & wooly" towns. The first town marshall was Tom Smith - he tamed the town with his fists - then came Wild Bill Hickok in 1871. The quickness of his guns is still talked about today. Wild Bill shot Phil Coe in front of the Alamo saloon with one gun and his deputy and good friend, who was standing across the street, with the other gun. That was the end of his reign in Abilene. We spent three days in town at a Newmar chapter rally and took the opportunity to visit some of the attractions. It's a great example of small town America.

Eisenhower Center: This is a piece of history not to miss. The center consists of a visitor center, Presidential Museum and Library, the family home, and the Chapel, the final resting place of Ike and Mamie. We Kansan's are proud of the accomplishments of President Eisenhower and hope you will stop and visit the facility - it's well worth your time. It's open daily 9 to 4:45 except major holidays. Cost range if $1.00 to $8.00.

Kansas

Seelye Mansion: Built in 1905, this three story Georgian style mansion was built by AB Seelye, a patient medicine magnate. The home is on the National Register of Historic Places and contains most of the original furniture and Edison light fixtures. It has a fireplace by Tiffany, a 1920 Steinway piano, a 1905 Edison Cylinder Phonograph (that still plays), Havalin china, leaded glass, and a bowling alley that is older than any in the National Bowling Alley Hall of Fame. (everyone gets to bowl). The gentleman that owns it and lives there first saw the mansion as he passed through town many years ago. He tried to get in to see it for eleven years, stopping whenever he was in town. It was owned and lived in by the elderly Seelye daughters, who had never married. Finally they let him in to see their home and a year later he purchased it, he told us in the 1980's. He and his twin brother planned to live there, but since the house was so large (25 rooms) he told the sisters they could continue to live there for life. He was very interesting to visit with, as were the two ladies that gave the tours. It's open Monday to Sat, 10 to 4 and Sunday 1 to 4. Cost is $10. per person.

Kansas