Still Chilly!!!!

The farm land which belonged to Judi and Lee's ancestors













Republic County Historical Association

And then we went to lunch on the town square!

It has been a crisp fall day here in Belleville Kansas. We are pulling out all the clothes we have to try to stay warm. At 9:00 this morning we met Vicki at the Historical Society. She welcomed us and helped find as much information as possible about Lee and Judi's family. Their father and grandmother left in the 1930's and came to California but they were able to find the address of the family home. But unfortunately it had been torn down to make way for some new residences. There is still confusion about where the family restaurant was but it was a wonderful experience trying to fit the pieces together with Vicki's help. Their curator who is about to retire dropped by and turns out she and her husband bought about 300 acres from descendants of the Davis family. They gave us directions on how to get to the property and, though there are no structures left, it was fun to see where it all started for Lee and Judi here in Belleville.

The Historical Association building was built specifically for this county museum and they have worked hard to preserve the history of Republic County. The exhibits at the museum were very well done and the Tool Shed was amazing! I particularly like the barbed wire display. Who knew there were so many types of barbed wire. Not a big item in Los Angeles, or even Watsonville, these days but critical to the Plains! Enjoy the pictures of their museum, parlor display, the tool shed, and Vicki.

She also gave us an idea of the town of Belleville. They are beset with many of the problems of urban areas, an aging population, drugs, high cost of fuel, but on the other hand they don't lock their doors, know everyone in town, generally have a lower cost of living, and live at a slower pace. The problems of the small farmer are certainly true here and unless someone inherits land it is virtually impossible to get a start. I also picked up some ideas to use at our own historical association. We spent a very informative morning and they sent us on our way with good wishes and directions for the Purple Splash for lunch (see the picture of the 2 GGG's) and the Bar and Grill for dinner. The Purple Splash is an old drug store and the tile floor and tin ceiling are pure late 1800's. Dinner tonight at the Bar and Grill and I might add pool parlor was deliscious. A no nonsense kind of meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and coleslaw. To use our favorite food phrase--Yumm-O!

Our accomodations here in Belleville have been comfortable and affordable, the people have been very friendly and helpful, and the GGG's have wondered if we would make good farm girls! The jury is still out on that question.

Nighty night