Americana, Road Artwork and Angel Wings in Abilene Kansas • Touring with Reason Americana, Road Art and Angel Wings in Abilene Kansas : Touring with Goal
I promised a lot more enjoyment in Abilene, so let us explore this sweet tiny town dripping with all items Americana. If you’re subsequent together on my cross-nation street vacation, our final end on Working day 4 was at the Eisenhower Presidential Library campus in Abilene, Kansas.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “Americana” as “materials regarding or characteristic of The united states, its civilization, or its culture. broadly: issues usual of The united states.” They could just as very easily have explained, “See Abilene, Kansas.”
By the way, if you’d like to get started studying about my cross-nation street trip from the commencing, you can start with this post.
Downtown Abilene – Little Ike Park
I stated Small Ike Park in my past write-up and this will be the setting up issue for checking out the historic downtown area. I located a parking place at the corner of Third Road and North Spruce Road and began walking. My very first shock was finding a printed map of the “Downtown Abilene Mural Strolling Tour”. If you make a prevent there, verify for a rack in close proximity to the entrance to Minimal Ike Park (from the north side – free parking great deal – not this arched entrance on the avenue facet).
In the park, you are going to uncover a statue of Dwight D. Eisenhower as a boy in overalls, perched on a limited brick column. A metallic arch and American flag welcome you to relax, take pleasure in the flowers, and even offers a shaded picnic desk. This ideal location to relaxation was completely refurbished and re-opened in 2019.
I’m together with a copy of the map I picked up, but organizations change and there may perhaps even be far more art additional, so I advocate checking at the park to be absolutely sure you have the most up-to-day strolling tour map.
Mural 1 – Abilene Mural
The to start with prevent on the tour is immediately powering Tiny Ike Park. Look carefully and you are going to see that every single letter in this Abilene Americana mural is a reminder of some thing special about the town and its background.
A – The purebred Greyhound dog represents the Greyhound Hall of Fame in Abilene and the Countrywide Greyhound Association where by all racing greyhounds are registered.
B – This painting exhibits the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library that I wrote about in my past post. It’s just down the street from the main road.
I – Charles W. Parker has a very long history in Abilene in the carousel and amusement company. The antique 1901 C.W. Parker carousel is the oldest operational carousel that is however open up for rides. A person carousel experience is bundled with each child’s admission to the Dickinson County Heritage Center.
L – Cleyson Leroy Brown developed his initially telephone trade, named the Brown Phone Company, in Abilene in 1898. Above the yrs, C.L. Brown purchased many other phone exchanges and the merged company became identified as United Phone and Electric. The title of the corporation ongoing to adjust, finally becoming Dash.
E – C.H. Lebold, a neighborhood banker, realtor, and politician developed this beautiful mansion at 106 North Vine Road in 1880. It was crafted on the internet site of the household of the founders of Abilene. The mansion began as a residence, then turned a home for phone operators, an orphanage, then an apartment constructing.
N – From 1867 to 1871, the renowned Chisholm Trail finished in Abilene, Kansas. Cowboys drove tens of millions of Longhorn cattle from Texas north to Abilene where by the livestock was loaded on trains and transported East to be bought.
E – The American flag represents the 34th president of the United States. Dwight D. Eisenhower (Ike) grew up in Abilene. You can find out a lot more about him and the Presidential Library in my former submit.
Say Good day to Ben Franklin
Head north on North Spruce Street toward Fourth Avenue. When you attain the corner seem throughout the street and you will see a life-size sculpture of Benjamin Franklin. He’s calming on a bench, keeping the Declaration of Independence, beneath a shady tree in front of the Abilene General public Library, 209 NW 4th Street. An American Eagle is retaining him company perched on the back of the bench.
This Ben Franklin sculpture was designed by George Lundeen of Loveland, Colorado. Inhabitants, Ron and Shirley Russell donated the piece to the library in 2010. What a generous gift for the community to appreciate! Make a end right here to converse to your children about our forefather and for a enjoyable image op with Ben.
Mural 2 – Eisenhower Road Mural
After hanging out with Ben, continue East on 4th Street past North Buckeye Avenue. Appear for the smaller signal for Meysenburg’s Liquor Keep, 405 N. Buckeye Avenue. On the appropriate wall of the creating, you are going to see this huge digitized black and white portrait of President Eisenhower. He lived in Abilene from the age of two until finally he still left dwelling for West Issue Navy Academy – the starting of his illustrious military job. William Counter, a community artist developed this in 2007.
Mural 3 – Angel Wings – Ideal Photo Op
Continue on East on 4th Street to Kirby Street. Turn correct (South). When you get to the Hardware Retailer, transform around and you are going to see these heavenly angel wings on the richly textured brick wall, situated driving Aksent Boutique. Graffiti artist, Whitney Kerr, designed this interactive angel wings mural. Be sure to tag #WhitneyKerrPaints if you strike an angelic pose and share it on social media.
Mural 4 – Kansas Pacific Railroad Teach Mural
Following, cross Kirby Avenue and you will promptly see the Practice mural on the side of the Abilene Printing & Business Provide constructing, 207 NE 3rd Avenue. This slice of Americana depicts a Kansas Pacific Railroad teach with cattle autos from the 1800s. It highlights the historical past of Abilene as a cowboy town and the final halt on the famed Chisholm Cattle Path. Longhorn cattle were being herded north from Texas, then loaded on trains right here for transportation again to the Eastern U.S. Whitney Kerr also painted this mural.
After you admire the enormous teach mural, walk across 3rd Road and head west toward the major section of the historic district. When you arrive at North Buckeye Avenue, turn still left (south) at the Publish Business office.
End for a moment and look at out the historical marker in entrance of the Abilene Article Office environment. It reads “This boulder marks the northern terminus of the Texas Cattle Path above which, in 1867-1871 journeyed herds numbering more than three million head and it is dedicated to the Pioneers of Abilene in recognition of their achievements. Erected by the Abilene Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1925.“
Mural 5 – Wild Monthly bill Hickok Mural
Proceed south on North Buckeye Avenue toward the railroad tracks. Just in advance of you cross the tracks you will pass the storefront for Dave’s Guns, 201 N. Buckeye Avenue. Ironically, on the 2-tale south exterior wall of this gun keep you’ll find the Wild Monthly bill Hickok mural.
James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok initially acquired notoriety as a gunfighter in 1861 when he shot three men who were all attempting to eliminate him. In 1871 he took in excess of as the Marshal of the tough cowboy city of Abilene – one of the most lawless towns on the frontier. Hickok also labored as a stagecoach driver. Throughout the Civil War, he worked as a teamster and spy for the Union Military. Historic accounts say that Hickok killed in excess of 100 men during his life time.
You might have also heard about the infamous poker playing cards he was keeping when he was shot dead – a pair of black aces and a pair of black eights – because then it is regarded as the “Dead Man’s Hand”.
If you’d like to discover more about this rugged symbol of Americana, look at out these guides about Wild Monthly bill Hickok.
They Identified as Him Wild Bill: The Lifetime and Adventures of James Butler Hickok
Abilene Conference & Guests Bureau
Head out from the Wild Bill Hickok mural and cross North Buckeye Avenue. Wander north again toward 2nd Avenue. Switch still left (west) on to Next Avenue and carry on strolling. You will see several stores on the correct (north) aspect of the street, community parking on the left facet, then the Abilene Conference & Visitors Bureau on the remaining in the aged educate station, in close proximity to the corner of North Spruce Road, 201 NW 2nd Street.
If your agenda will allow and you’re looking for additional strategies about matters to do in Abilene, halt by and speak with the welcoming ambassadors at the Readers Center. Take note: The Visitor Center was shut when I was there.
Mural 6 – Interact With the Local Road Artwork
Soon after you leave the Customer Bureau, continue on walking west on 2nd Road. You’ll pass North Broadway Avenue, then on the proper (north) aspect of the street, you’ll see a much larger-than-lifestyle mural of Abilene resident, Harmon Geissinger. You are inspired to interact with Harmon. Choose a photograph shaking his hand or dangling from his fingers. Be resourceful. You can use the artist’s hashtag #whitneykerrpaints or #AbileneKS for this a person much too.
Mural 7 – American Bison on 6 Cent Stamps
Abide by 2nd Street west to North Cedar Avenue, then turn correct (north) onto North Cedar Road. As you round the corner you’ll come experience to face with two giant American Bison. You could connect with this a buffalo. Do you know the big difference in between a ‘buffalo’ and ‘bison’ in The usa? There is none. The only change arrives from the men and women who use the words and phrases. These huge mammals of the open up plains were named different names in diverse languages. As the names advanced the confusion commenced. Buffalo is the widespread name utilized by several Americans now, but Bison is technically the accurate utilization.
The bison is a quintessential Americana impression. You can locate the animals nowhere else in addition to the United States. Though they were being nearly hunted to extension in our early heritage, preservation initiatives have introduced them back. Listed here are some areas the place you can still see live bison in Kansas.
This mural depicts two American Bison on 6-cent stamps that had been issued in 1970 to emphasize animal conservation. The mural also contains an Abilene, Kansas postmark. William Counter is the artist. A welcoming bench is available right here if you have to have to stop and relaxation.
Mural 8 – Kansas Sunflower Stamp Street Artwork
When you wave goodbye to the bison continue on north on North Cedar Avenue. At the corner of Cedar and Third Avenue cross the street, then transform ideal (east). You are going to likely by now see the Sunflower Stamp mural on the aspect of the Tossed and Sauced Pizza area. This U.S. Postal stamp was issued in 1961 to rejoice the 100th anniversary of Kansas’ Statehood. It is been a lengthy time given that we made use of a 4-cent stamp, suitable? Even postcard stamps are 35 cents now.
Eisenhower Painted Quilt Block Trail
If you are fascinated in discovering a distinct kind of Artwork Trail keep strolling east on Third Street. Wander past North Spruce Road to 104 NW 3rd Road. Listed here in between the 2nd tale windows, higher than the indicator for American Spouse and children Insurance, you will see what’s regarded as a Painted Quilt Block or Barn Quilt Block. These intricate will work of art can be uncovered all around the place mostly in smaller-city and rural The united states. They are painted on residences, companies, and particularly barns.
This blue, black and grey block is termed the “Sailor’s Star”. It was painted by the Abilene High Faculty Art Department.
To learn more about these Americana quilt trails and see all the addresses and descriptions of the Eisenhower Barn Quilt Path, take a look at the Kansas Flint Hills Quilt Trails website listed here. The Eisenhower Path addresses an space inside of the Abilene metropolis limits, but you will need to have a automobile to get to all the stops. If you’d like the entire checklist allow me know in the reviews under or deliver a brief electronic mail or notice on social media. I can send a listing of 32 different addresses.
Shops, Places to eat, Antiques and Americana
My street trip routine constrained my time and obtain on this excursion, but here are a several of the sites that would be worthy of a glimpse if you’re in Abilene.
As you wander around Abilene you’ll notice several antique retailers. When I was there, some were open by appointment only and others were being shut. I would have liked to wander all around these shops to see what momentoes of the Previous West and Americana have been concealed inside. Here’s a map exhibiting the locations of numerous antique retailers in city.
Cypress Bridge Candle Corporation
Cypress Bridge Candle Firm was only open up with an appointment, but I completely fell in enjoy with these cute gnomes in their keep window. They promote home decor, kitchen area objects, and a delightful range of scented candles. A lot of of their Americana-inspired objects are for sale on-line much too, so be certain to support compact corporations and examine them out even if you’re not visiting Abilene.
Rivendell Bookstore
Who does not enjoy wandering by means of a bookstore in the course of a street journey? And how could you resist a bookstore named Rivendell? This shop is housed in a historic developing which is about 100 several years aged full with comfortable chairs to preview your purchases. Rivendell Bookstore at 212 North Broadway Street, sells new and made use of books, as well as presents and looking at accessories. They’re pet-friendly much too, so bring your furry close friend on a leash and wander the aisles for your upcoming favorite highway trip read. You can also order guides on line.
If you wander more than to the bookstore, check out out an additional Painted Quilt block on the facet of the making.
Amanda’s Bakery and Bistro
Amanda’s Bakery and Bistro on 302 N Broadway Street is the perfect location to get started or end your walking tour. The gang there serves up every thing from breakfast sandwiches in the morning to soups, salads, sandwiches, and Bierocks (German yeast-elevated rolls filled with ground beef, sauerkraut, and a lot more) for lunch. The bakery delivers a wide selection of treats, like frosted cake pops, fresh new-baked pies, sweet rolls, and cookies for a fun afternoon take care of.
This little city was this sort of a refreshing shock in the center of my road trip. I really like it when I have a prospect to take a detour and obtain a concealed gem. What is your favored art on this strolling tour? Have you been to Abilene? What other stops do you advise?
Other Posts About My Highway Trip
My Nuts Cross-Nation Road Journey – Scheduling
Charleston West Virginia – Road Excursion – Day 1
Kentucky Parks – Road Excursion – Working day 2
Missouri’s Most effective Food items, Parks & Highway Vacation Fun
Highway Vacation Vacation spot – Manhattan Kansas – Day 3
Eisenhower Presidential Library – Abilene Kansas – Day 4
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Tags: Abilene, Abilene Kansas, Americana, angel wings, highlighted, murals, Street art, going for walks tours Category: Kansas, Just for Enjoyable, Midwest States, My Preferred Picks, Sites to Try to eat & Drink
