Stafford 4H members tour Big Well

The Jolly Workers 4H club recently traveled to Greensburg to visit the newly reopened site of the Largest Hand-Dug Well, one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas.

The members learned of the origin of the well, which was dug in 1888 because a reliable water source was needed by the railroads that were laying tracks to the west. The well is 109 feet deep and 32 feet across.

In the circular building that houses the Big Well the history of the well is printed on the walls with many interactive drawers. The walls also have photo and debris from the devastating 2007 tornado that destroyed much of Greensburg and the original well museum.

Upstairs there is a 365 degree view of the town.

"The kids enjoyed descending to the bottom of the well and casting pennies in," said 4H leader Sara Fisher.

For lunch the group ordered sandwiches form Kook's Meat and had a picnic at he park beside the museum.

The next stop was the Silo Eco-Home. The demonstration home was built using the same method and materials typically used to construct a traditional grain elevator or silo. The six0inch thick concrete walls can withstand the high winds of a tornado, while many green features in the home show techniques for sustainable living.

"The kids loved climbing the spiral staircase to the roof for another 365-degree view of the city," Fisher said.

The final stop for the club tour was the Kiowa County Historical Museum where the members had the opportunity to visit the museum and "best of all, got o enjoy some Root Beer floats, shakes and ice cream at the soda fountain," according to Fisher.

Jolly Workers 4H meets on a monthly basis along with two other 4H clubs in the county. For more information about 4H contact the Stafford County Extension office at 620-549-3502.