June 7: Garden of Eden and Mac

As promised, here is the second installment of the Mystery Cruise from last Saturday.







The Garden of Eden, located in Lucas, KS, was built by Samuel Perry Dinsmoore, a retired schoolteacher, Civil War Veteran, Farmer and Populist politician. You can see some of his political view points in his sculptures.

He began building the garden and his home in 1907 at the age of 64. Over 22 years he fashioned 113 tons of cement and many tons of limestone into this unique cabin (it's made of limestone but shaped to look like logs) with its surrounding sculptures. In 1924, at the age of 81, he married a 20 years old and they had two children - both now living outside of Kansas. His son, John, is the youngest surviving child of a Civil War veteran.


Dinsmore built this 40 foot tall limestone "log" mausoleum for himself and his first wife. He is laid rest in his hand-made, concrete coffin that has a side window for viewing his mouldering body.






From Lucas, we headed east out into the country roads. We stopped at the Vonada Stone Co. Farm. Here they make limestone signs and markers of all types. Also, benches and sun dials. We got a demonstration on engraving limestone and one on actually making the limestone fence posts. Our tour guide, Brenda, drilled a hole for the stake and wedge that help split the rock. We then went on a very scenic trailer ride out into the pasture to look at a small quarry and some Oak trees planted on a hill that were part of an original homestead act that required planting of trees on your land.






The day ended up in Lincoln, KS where we enjoyed dinner at the Hungry Hunter. A great time was had by all.










On the way home, I took this picture from Ron's car as it traveled down the highway. The thunderheads were over Newton and were gone by the time we got there.


And special thanks to Ron for taking all these great shots for me.






On a sadder note, my mother's companion and dancing partner for the last 9 years passed away on Sunday the 5th. Gene and I drove down to be with her for several days. The memorial won't be until around the 20th and we won't be able to be with her then. She seems to be doing well but misses Mac very much.