On it was a note that read "Welcome to Lucas!"
Hmmm . . . I think I made the right move!
But it was not easy by a long shot - physically or mentally. Osborne to Lucas, Kansas is only 32 miles, but when you drive it 20 times and more just moving things, it gets to be pretty long! My sincere thanks to Sue Parker and Joe Hubbard, who in spite of all the boxes worked up a sweat to get me from one place to the other.
The all-important bed and dining table makes it way to their new home.
And so do the chests of drawers, file cabinets, and bookshelves as well. The former home in Osborne is in the background.
First shots of the new home. Here is the living room . . . .
And more of the living room . . . isn't it cosy . . . .
and here is the kitchen . . . .
Another view of the kitchen . . . .
We would show you the office, but I'm afraid that at the moment this is all the farther one can get in to it!
And so welcome to Lucas, population just over 400 to just over 600, depending on what source you use . . . .
Lucas is the home to interesting things and interesting people, like the director of The World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things, Inc. Here is director Erika Nelson in the company car.
There is natural art in the backyards . . . .
And even man-made art in the alleys.
The downtown has places to visit . . . .
And elsewhere in town there are natural artificial critters to watch out for!
Even the area harvest becomes art in Lucas . . . .
The town has a bit of everything, including the local hair salon.
Throughout Lucas' history they have had far-seeing citizens . . . .
While in the present day the local lumberyard keeps busy!
Turns out the Methodist Church on North Main was bricked by the Rothenberger Masonry Company of Osborne, Kansas (my uncle and my father) . . . .
And Lucas is the home to the legendary Brant's Market, one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Commerce and as original as they can get these days!
In Lucas the old and the new are side by side (Moran won the November 2010 election for U.S. Senator from Kansas) . . . .
And where else can you still find a public pay phone in a town this size?
In Lucas they come up with unique ways in which to celebrate the various holidays . . . .
And the Baptist Church in town is both architectually interesting and welcoming!
For Halloween all the kids in the community are treated to a hayrack ride to houses all over town . . . .
And while they no longer use the old city jail, they keep it around for show.
Local artist Eric Abraham points to a picture of himself inside his Flying Pig Art Gallery . . . .
While also downtown the hardware store welcomes customers sone and all.
Oh, yes, there's that major folk art attraction also in the town . . . .
Whose downtown does get busy whenever there is an event - and there are a lot of events!!!
Even the local bank has a bit of flair in its name . . . .
While the local Troy's Grocery Store might sound plain, but it has pretty much everything.
This fall they started a marvelous mural on the side of the grocery store . . . .
Which when completed in 2011 (winter has asserted itself) will tell of the history of the region.
Witches have a tough time of it in Lucas . . . .
Where the flag flies proud!
Along the streets is the unusual artwork Lucas is known for . . . .
But in this community one must also look in the alleys!
Nature gets into the act here in regards to creating art . . . .
And if one looks up one can discover still more classic old man-made art!
The Grassroots Art Wall of Fame can be found here . . . .
Right next to the soon-to-be-finished Bowl Plaza - the public restrooms that will have to be seen to be believed!
There is unintentional artwork to be found . . . .
In addition to even more irrevelant man-made art!
Only in Lucas can be found a sign reminding you of what town you are in . . . .
As if you need yet another reminder, amidst the middle of an American Fork Art garden!
In Lucas the downtown is Wi-Fi'ed and has a very discernable line down Main Street . . . .
And local pride can be found in the fabulous all-volunteer Theater!
Downtown Lucas is made safe for your protection . . . .
And the city office shows its pride with pride!
There is a Lucas Public Library . . . .
And older buildings downtown sport even more architectural wonders!
Ah, yes, the Grassroots Arts Center is here in Lucas . . . .
And they are ready for Halloween!
Lucas does have some very interesting signage . . . .
And some classic stone carvings as well!
A throughly modern volunteer fire department can be found here . . . .
And again in the back alleys can be found more interesting gardens and fences.
In Lucas you can find wire Bald Eagles . . . .
And classic churches . . . .
Not to mention the random land serpent.
Yes, Lucas is the birthplace of K-18 Baseball, which gave hundreds of kids over many decades great fun . . . .
And one of the first things one notices about the town is that it is a green-topped water tower town.
There is great tinwork to be found, if you once again look up once in a while . . . .
And did we mention the unusual signage?
And now that we've roamed our new Home, we really do need to get back to that ice cream! Thank you, Lucas!!!
