| Author |
A Farm of My Own:  Free land in Kansas  |
|
|
sugar1
Farmgirl in Training
19 Posts
Diane
Fostoria
MI
USA
19 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 01 2005 : 4:21:43 PM
|
| I just have to pass this on--There are several small towns in Kansas giving away land! The lots seem to be in town, but I calculated some of the sizes and it looks like some are 1/2 acre or so. The website is http://www.kansasfreeland.com/ if anyone is interested! Even though our roots run deep here in Michigan and we're not moving anytime soon, it's hard not to be inspired about Kansas after the article in the last issue of MJF. |
|
|
MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2005 : 7:18:42 PM
|
Hi Diane! Thanks for posting that link! I live in Salina, here in Central Kansas not far from some of the towns offering free land. I can honestly say that if anyone is wanting a slower pace of life, but mind you still progressive, friendly, helpful, caring native folk, and some of the "untouched" rural Americana we got it here. These towns are beautiful in a pristine, earthy sort of way. Many still have the original limestone buildings and homes built by settlers in the 1800's. Main street is lined with antiques shops at still affordable prices, sundries style stores like a general store, hardware stores with old oak counters, Mom and Pop cafes, grocery stores tucked in between fabric shops and a Dentists office. Then there is the wide open space of that prairie earth and blue sky. I was so excited when Mary Jane did an article on my home state, and a little surprised too. But as I told her, Kansas is the best kept secret there is...
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
 |
|
|
countrykat
True Blue Farmgirl
85 Posts
kathy
paola
kansas
USA
85 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2005 : 10:10:47 PM
|
My Mom sent me information on this a while back, which I thought was funny because I already live in Kansas. I think it's a great idea too. I know of two of the towns that are offering free Land. Both are beautiful and offer many convienences as well as rural KS living. One is close to a County Prison, which would offer employment opportunities.
It's a great way to inject the community with new people. We've ridden our horses at just about every State Park in KS and I can't tell you how many deserted towns we drive through on our way somewhere. My mind gets to wondering who was the last citizen to move or pass on and how long did they stay. We've heard great stories of land that was homesteaded and seen actual homestead foundations that still remain. I remember one such home site we were poling around when I came across a low limestone wall and one of the "bricks" was carved Aug 18 1897 (my birthday plus about 70 years!)
Really neat. |
|
|
|
MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jun 02 2005 : 07:02:31 AM
|
Kathy, Where did you find that limestone wall? My mother's grandparents' original homestead in Russell county still stands. They were German immigrants who were expert masons and the limestone was carved around the door and window frames exquisitly. Have you ever read or heard of the book Land of the Post Rock? It came out about 30 years ago and tells the history of limestone use by the settlers here in Kansas. You can still see the post rock in fields in Western Kansas. They are so beautiful.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
|
|
|
countrykat
True Blue Farmgirl
85 Posts
kathy
paola
kansas
USA
85 Posts |
Posted - Jun 02 2005 : 7:22:38 PM
|
I saw the limestone wall in Rush County, KS, between Timken and Rush Center. I am very familiar with the post rocks. Most of the ones around here are decorative but you can very much still see them in use all over Kansas. Use what you have.
I have never seen any that were ornately carved as you mentioned. Web search coming up. |
|
|
| |
A Farm of My Own: Free land in Kansas |
|
Free land in Kansas
