Here you have it. Strong Street. Unfortunately 709 North Strong Street no longer exists. The fences, barn and out buildings are not there. Neither is the cactus in the front yard, or the Catalpa trees we climbed or the shed where my Dennis calf died or the chicken house. The out house collapsed years ago. What is there now is a double wide trailer house. Reinke's house is gone as is Jake Smith's the Ayer's and Goodricks. Hank Windiate's house is there but it has been added on to and painted. All vestiges of my growing up years are turned to dust and blown away. So on to the cemetery.
Even the sign out here is new. I could not see which tree my kite was tangled in so we headed over towards the Ailmore place. That was not there either. Just more trailers. I did not know there were that many trailers in Reno County. Main Street was deserted and looked like a ghost town with the empty, decaying buildings. Berridge Grocery seemed to be doing a thriving businesss, but nothing else. I forgot the card for my camera so I was at the mercy of Karen and Donna and nothing I saw was really worth the effort. We did get to the Stroh place though. I think the house has been updated and I do not remember so many trees.
This is the drive going up and the house is tucked in the trees. The barn is off to the right. It is much as I remembered it, but sadly it is not going to be standing much longer if you look at this close up.
That is sad because it was very majestic in it's hay day! I know we had a big yellow tomcat when we lived there because it ate one of momma's baby chicks.
Well, my friends, it has been a long 3 days and I am very tired tonight. I need to get some stuff done so I can take the drive to Hutchinson again next weekend. December is a sad time of year for me, but Christmas is coming. If I do not see you between now and then, Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
NAMASTE!
