Small Town Living at Its Best

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life.











Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Outdoor Wednesday - Tallgrass Festival 2006


My BFF, Yvonne asked me to come down her way to go to the Tallgrass Festival in June a few years back. The Festival is held at the restored farm and ranch of cattleman Stephen F. Jones, which is called the Spring Hill Farm and Stock Ranch. The home and grounds are available daily for tours and feature the 1881 limestone second empire house, and three story barn, as well as other outbuildings. The Tallgrass prairie is alive with color and scents, and is very pretty that time of year. For more information on the Tallgrass Prairie in Kansas, please search it out on the internet. It has a lot of history and is very interesting.

When we were there, they were having an art and craft show. They invite established artists to come and paint, draw, sketch or whatever medium they chose to use, and make an art piece that day. Later on in the afternoon, the pieces are auctioned off to raise money. One of Yvonne’s friends from work who is an artist also, had been asked to paint a picture that day, so we went to cheer her on!


Upon arriving the first thing you notice is this HUGE barn.
Upon closer inspection you notice that it has at LEAST 3 stories!. It’s built into the hill, so that makes 2 levels approachable from the ground. I’m thinking they must use the 3rd level for attic space or something, right?


No! When we get to the north side of the barn, we see that there are actually ramps for the tractors to drive up, unload their load, and drive out the other side. It was amazing!


The house is quite majestic, but we were surprised how small the rooms are. The family that lived there had several children, and the upstairs is not viewed by the public. The downstairs is really about 4 rooms, two of which are now a gift shop. Of course no indoor toilet, or running water, so there was an outhouse shown below.

There was a butcher shed that they used to slaughter the animals and cut them up. Even the ice house was a very nice building.


The grounds that day were covered with artists and their equipment, drawing, painting, and sketching the grounds from all directions. We thoroughly enjoyed the day, and our friend’s painting was purchased at the auction by a prestigious gallery in Kansas City.

Thanks to Southern Day Dreamer for hosting us today for a beautiful Outdoor Wednesday. Join she and the others at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ to see more outdoor fun!

15 comments:

  1. Ohhhh, that is such a lovely place. I would love to be there sketching. The house is a perfect picture in it's self. Thanks for sharing, I'll go look it up.

    ReplyDelete
  2. How very interesting to have an ice house and a butcher shed. The house does look majestic :0)
    Happy OW to you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Our fort Superintendent was the first Supt of Tallgrass. Love the Flint Hills. I've not been to the festival but it might have to be on my agenda for next year.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Absolutely beautiful, no wonder artist were there doing what they do best. I must say though I don't believe I have ever seen such a fancy out house. Thank you for sharing.
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  5. It sound like a wonderful day was had by all. That is some mighty nice looking outhouse.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This looks like such an interesting place to visit. That barn is enormous and such a picturesque home!

    Kathy b

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful place. Happy Earth Day and Happy Outdoor Wednesday!

    ReplyDelete
  8. love those old large houses and how lucky to live in a place like that with wonderful outside as well

    ReplyDelete
  9. I enjoyed the tour of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve very much. I especially like the photograph of tools and round window, I believe it is in the ice house. Happy Outdoor Wednesday.
    Joyce

    ReplyDelete
  10. Interesting.
    Joyce (the other Joyce)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Sandi, just beautiful pictures....so serene.

    Happy Outdoor Wednesday.

    Barb

    ReplyDelete
  12. That home is spectacular! LOVE the photo in your header!
    ENJOY!
    Fifi

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great choice for today's OW! Awesome pictures and your header is great!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love the barn!! And the house is grand!! Happy Earth Day :-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sorry I am late getting around to visit... I hope you had a Happy Outdoor Wednesday....and that you will participate again soon! Thanks for sharing your photos.~ Susan

    ReplyDelete

Every word is read, every comment listened to, every friendship treasured. Please leave me a message.