The Prairie Wanderer

Today we remember the 31 people loss in the 1970 WSU plane crash. The WSU football team was on its way to Utah for a game, unfortunately one of the planes the team was riding in crashed in Colorado. The victims included 14 players, as well as head coach Ben Wilson (and his wife), and athletic director Albert Katzenmeyer (and his wife). (I've linked a memorial page in comments.)

Sending photographs out into the world, hoping they find the people who recognize themselves in the land.

It's sunflower season. For this Wednesday Wander let's visit a sunflower field. There are many fields across the state. Each with its own unique story, purpose and blooming period. Here in northeast Kansas, the OG is Grinter Farms (blooming now). Fun fact: the sunflower was named Kansas' state flower in 1903.

I was hoping for a "ber" month miracle. That it would magically be a cool, crisp autumn day–but no it's 100 degrees. Happy September 1st.

You all are the first to know. I'm thrilled to announce the (very) soft launch of expanding my store to have more items–beyond prints. Introducing our embroidered "The Free State" vintage-inspired corduroy baseball cap. It's available in three colors. (Shop link in comments)

Hey, Kansans! Today is primary Election Day, but it’s the last day to vote on the Kansas constitutional amendment about Supreme Court judges.

This is a post of appreciation! Last night, before falling asleep, we had 4,999 followers. Sometime during the night, this page hit 5,000. Thank you to all who’ve liked/followed, hopefully you’re enjoying the adventure we are on. If you have travel or history suggestions you think others should know about, drop them in the comments. Thank you again! Let’s roam. - Andrea

How about we throw in a little whimsy on this Wander Wednesday? Let's checkout the characters of Galena, Kansas.

Located on Route 66, which is celebrating its 100th birthday, Galena is home to many characters from the Pixar movie "Cars." You may be asking why. Well, the inspiration for the beloved tow truck "Tow Mater" was actually an old tow truck in Galena.

Now, this next part, isn't so family-friendly but it's my favorite. Allegedly, Galena has a haunted house that is a former brothel. While the home is private property, and not accessible to the public, the house does have a stain glass window that seems to confirm the story. That's the last photo. :)

Kansas Route 66 Historic Byway Gearhead Curios Cars On The Route Kansas Historic Route 66 Association Route 66 Kansas