Letter from Linda

I want to commend the Osborne County Tourism group and other citizens of Osborne County for their dedication in trying to preserve Osborne County's history. What a thrill it has been for me to return to my hometown and rural community and see what efforts have been made. The Sod House Days tour and markers relate a lot about the homesteaders in the Kill Creek and Tilden Townships. And, it is gratifying to see that the rural cemeteries have been maintained.

When I visited Osborne over Memorial Weekend, it was such a thrill to gather with relatives from Oregon, Colorado and Texas. Most of them I had not known nor met until recently. Their interest in our county and their ancestors' heritage made me realize once again how blessed I was to grow up in that area. Seeing their excitement in exploring the area and their discoveries have enthused me even more to learn more about my ancestors and my rural community.

Thank you, Osborne County folks, for all that you have done and continue to do......for the rest of us!

Linda Guyer Rice
Manhattan, Kansas

Newest Markers

The Enterprise Church located southwest of the City of Osborne.
























Pleasant Plains Church and Marker, South of Alton
and near the birthplace of candy maker Russell Stover.

Preparing a Marker for Placement

Von Rothenberger, Historian/Author/Publisher, is putting the final pieces in place on one of the newest hisotical markers for Osborne County. There are over 130 markers to date placed throughout the County. Many of the markers provide information and sometimes photographs about a school, church, or town that used to be located at that site. Others give information about rural cemeteries, colorful people, and events.... like how Osborne became the County Seat.

Joe Hubbard and Von load up the markers and the appropriate digging tools to get the job done and head out to the sites to be marked next.

If you would like more information give us a call at 785-346-5565 or 785-346-2715.

Tag Tree Day at Jay and Lisa's

Osborne County Tourism members explored their way to Jay and Lisa Yoder's place near Partridge Kansas, on Saturday, March 15th. Each one carried their "tag" for the 'Tag Tree'. Bob Topping, Leavenworth Kansas did the hard part. He scaled the tree, nailed the tags on, and made it back to the ground safe and sound!

The State of Kansas now has a 'Shoe Tree', a 'Chairy Tree', and now a 'Tag Tree'. Get out there and Explore Kansas.... you never know what you will find along the way. As Marci Penner, Director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation and the Kansas Explorers Club, says, "It's The Journey"!

Read the Book - Take the Tour

On their way to stop # 1

Dedication of 1st stop of Self Guided Tour