Beyond the city parks, there are many so many cool things about Wichita. This is where I will try to introduce some new stories, shed some light on Wichita’s past, and highlight some of the unique points my city has to offer.
Farewell to a Wichita icon! “Kansas Daydreaming” mural, a true masterpiece from 1993, is moving on as the old transit station retires. We’re calling this one… Give a lonely art a home.
Explore the life and legacy of Daniel Heaton, a prominent figure in early 1900s Wichita, Kansas. Discover how his financial success and community involvement shaped the city’s history. Check out Wealth and Wisdom: The life and legacy of Daniel Heaton
we’re celebrating “Sockless Jerry” Simpson: Sailor, Populist Pioneer, and Wichita Icon. Check out the intriguing story of this remarkable figure who left an indelible mark on American politics. Check Out: The Populist Pioneer: The life and legacy of “Sockless Jerry”
Explore the extraordinary life of Major Sam Bird, a Wichitan whose dedication and service touched the heart of America. From leading the casket detail at President Kennedy’s funeral to his remarkable journey of courage in Vietnam, Major Bird’s legacy is a testament to duty, honor, and love for his country. Check out A Patriot’s Journey: The life and legacy of Sam Bird
Discover the trailblazing life of Dr. Martin Dewey, an American orthodontist and President of the American Dental Association. From his time in Wichita to his Broadway connection… check out Open Wide: The Life and Legacy of Martin Dewey
He battled discrimination, shattered records, and left a mark on the sporting world. We delve into the life of Sol Butler, a forgotten champion. This is a tale of triumph, resilience, and a legacy that deserves to be remembered. We call this one: Sprinting through barriers: The life and legacy of Sol Butler
Discover the fascinating story of “Father” Silas Bliss, a beloved member of his community in Wichita, despite his hoarding in his later years. We’re calling this one: A Hoard Habit to Break: The Life and Legacy of Silas Bliss
It’s been a southside icon for over 90 years. The beloved John Mack Bridge, or as I like to call it the “Jewel of the Arkansas.”
Journey back to 1974 through the faded pages of the Wichita Eagle. Explore a world of forgotten stories and uncover the movie ads of yesteryear. Amidst political changes and societal shifts, the magic of the cinema takes center stage. Discover the untold narratives that echo through time, waiting to be revived and cherished once more. Check out Silver Screen Whispers.
Discover the fascinating story of George Johnson, the “Drummer Boy of Shiloh.” Despite his heroism in the Civil War, Johnson’s life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes a victim of a mail-order bride’s treachery. We’re calling this one: Give me a beat: The life and legacy of George Johnson.
Fritz Snitzler’s Saloon, was the most popular bar in 1872 Wichita. It offered drinks, gambling, and prostitution. But Fritz’s was best known for its larger than life owner.
Discover the life of James Richard Mead, a prominent civic leader, who played a vital role in creating Wichita. Learn about his philanthropic work, civic leadership, and the legacy he left behind in Wichita.
A man raised in Wichita, moves to New York and becomes a Broadway actor. He leaves the lights of NYC for the stars of L.A. and becomes a cinematic legend.
He was a plumber, traveled with the circus playing trombone, ran several religious newspapers, fought in the Spanish American War, and holds several firsts as one of Wichita’s most well-known African Americans. Meet Captain Samuel Jones.
One of Wichita’s early leaders in business and real estate has ties to five city parks. We’re calling this one… Oh Henry! The Schweiter Parks of Wichita.
He was known as the “chili king of the West.” Checking out the legacy of W.A. Dye. We are calling this one… Chili to Dye for
As 2022 comes to a close. We take a look back at the top ten stories of the year. 2022: A Year in Review
Time to take flight at the Advanced Learning Library’s STEAM Garden. Colorful paper airplanes fly overhead creating a playful place to learn. We’re calling this, “Full STEAM Ahead.”
Bringing back childhood vibes from the 70’s, Kaleidoscope. A new exhibit at the Wichita Art Museum is bringing back bright colors and memories of a certain noon show on KAKE. You might want to check out the exhibit. Which reminds me of a line from a TV Classic… “Come and knock on our door… we’ve been waiting for you…” We call this one “Groove is in the Art“
Tucked away in a small park downtown, this lion represents two organizations dedicated to making Wichita a better place. We’re calling this one “The Art of a Lion.”
Long a victim of vandalism this statue still stands, representing Kansas and the Kansas artist that created her. We call this one the “Broken Arts Club“
A new exhibit at the Ulrich is worth a stop. A unique medium paints the everyday story of a couple. Check it out… best of all it’s free. Stop draggin’ my art around.
Pop Art at WAM. This is a bright, fun new exhibit, featuring some of the Wichita Art Museum’s best known artists like Warhol and Lichtenstein. Pop (Art) Goes the World
An excellent new exhibit at the Wichita Art Museum featuring a collection of Beth Lipman pieces including one she made just for WAM. We call this “A kick in the glass“
August 21st is the 210th birthday of one of Wichita’s founders. We are celebrating by taking a look at the man and his residence. We call this one This Old House.
Celebrating 25 years, The Babysitter continues to keep an eye on her ward and Wichita’s Hyatt. We call this one You’ll be in my art
July 23 marks the 85th anniversary of a beloved Wichita icon. We call this one Rally Round the Flag.
The Peabody Hotel has famous ducks, and so does Disney and Warner Bros. But did you know Wichita has its own mighty ducks?
A look at the sculpture, “Journeys into Imagination” led me on a journey to find more Wichita works by Gary Lee Price. We call this one, Put a little love in your art
“Interrupted Flight” holds watch over the Arkansas River and A. Price Woodard Park. It is also one few pieces from he artist has a title. We call this one Home is where the art is
It started as a unique fountain, it’s life cut short by vandals, and now it sits awaiting it’s demise. Check out the musical fountain at Parkstone before it’s gone. This one is called, With Art and Soul
She created the pioneer woman that stares across the Arkansas River and the jester that welcomes theater lovers to Century II. Dorothy Koelling also created several other installations. This one is called, Follow You Art.
An art installation on Mead Middle School was meant to teach Wichita about abstract art. Forty-six years later it still stands, continuing to inspire and enlighten. We call this one, “To Your Art’s Content.”
A look at two Wichita exhibits on Art Deco and a few of Wichita’s favorite buildings. We’re calling this one You Deco-rated My Life.
He invented several planes, the car radio, and the 8-track tape… and he lived in Wichita… We call this one… Lear-ning to Fly.
It’s one of Wichita’s best looking Art Deco buildings, we take a tour of the Wichita U.S. Courthouse.
A playful statue dedicated to all the children of Wichita, check out, “The Future of America”
To take a trip down memory lane, you just have to take a trip to Augusta, KS. A motorcycle museum is offering a look at some icons from Joyland.
Taking a closer look at one of my favorite Wichita statues, both demonstrating and representing “The Promise of America”
December 21, 1916, a fire breaks out at the Kansas Masonic Home. Five people lost their lives, the building was a total loss, but somehow, the chapel survived.
Seek the truth, seek the codes.
Like something out of a Dan Brown novel:
Keep it classy southside. A bridge is demolished and replaced with an iconic look that shines day and night. Check out The Bridge on the River Arkansas
A look at Wichita’s own Walter Anderson, he created the hamburger bun and the slider, and he created an industry that we all crave.
Much like Indiana Jones.. this was an adventure to find a lost treasure of Wichita history. Check out Kevin Crockett and the Search for the Trading Post Marker. But unlike Dr. Jones, there’s no action, sex, comedy or snakes.
I could not think of a really great tease to use for this story on Freedoms Stand, so I’ll just give Wichita the bird.
Evoking the amber waves of grain, the Railgrass bring light, art and nature to a Wichita neighborhood.
A real Wichita benchmark. The mystery behind the benches at Cancun and English.
He’s been seen worldwide, but this story is all about Wichita’s Boy with the Boot.
It’s a beautiful piece of art and a fitting monument to those that fought in the Civil War. And wait until you hear the famous last words of our county’s namesake. Sedgwick County Memorial Hall and Soldiers and Sailors Monument
It’s a fantastic art project across several city blocks bringing culture and color to one of Wichita’s oldest neighborhoods. Check out the 9th Street Redevelopment Project.
Subtlety placed along McLean, these winds-ical art pieces both catch the eye and block an eye-sore… But do they really play music when the wind blows? Take a moment to visit The Mighty Wind Organ.
Dad and I got a tour of the Orpheum Theater… Cue the John Williams Star Wars theme… we’re calling this one The Return of the Usher.
When your crusing down Kellogg doing 60 mph, you might miss one of Wichita’s biggest pieces of art. It’s time to slow down a take a look at The Wind Spirit Gateway
He made it easier for Americans to travel down the road, but it was this Wichita’s own road into mental health issues that ended his career. Meet “Woody” Hockaday
His mom and two other Wichitans played a part in the story of Billy The Kid. We call this one Legend has it, and truth be told
Rust in the Wind. Honoring Wichita’s train history with an unique art project.
It’s About Time: Forty years ago, the clock tower was struck by lightning. A look inside and out of a Wichita icon.
Not all romance in theaters happens on the big screen. This is the story of a young couple who fell in love in Wichita’s Orpheum Theater. We’re calling this one, An Usher and A Gentleman
Paragon Part of the city council did not want this sculpture, until the artist said, “Everything out here is horizontal, you need something vertical.”
Fast Times at Planeview High At one time it was called the “Miracle City.” A city within a city, with its own shops and even a high school. Studying up on the home of the Gremlins.
Riverfront Stadium A look back at LDS and a closer look at the amazing art the new ballpark has to offer.
Two Steers What happened to the “Two Steers” bumper sculptures at The Kansas Coliseum?
Redbud Trail A historic Wichita railway becomes a recreational path and a look at Wichita’s Black History.
Jesse Chisholm A local legend and national hero.
South Vietnamese Veterans Memorial Find out why this controversial monument is not part of the Veterans Memorial Park.
Idlewild Park An Oaklawn Park
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