|
Lustron Home Walking/Driving Tour
Juxtaposed: Post-War Development and Pioneers' Rest
Toward the west side of Great Bend, there exists a juxtaposition of post-World War II development and the memories of the pioneers who settled Great Bend and Barton County some 75 years before.
On the north side of Broadway, one of Great Bend's main thoroughfares, lies the Great Bend Cemetery. In the northwest part of these hallowed grounds rest the earliest burials: pioneers and immigrants, Civil War veterans and cow town denizens, graves marked and unmarked. Theirs' are the stories of the founding of Great Bend.
Yet, on the south side of Broadway, is a housing development that was originally planned for "the most modern advancement" in post-World War II housing: the Lustron Home. Constructed of metal panels, these houses were developed to make use of factories that were idled when the war ended and to provide homes for returning veterans and the "baby boom" they would create. Great Bend is the "Lustron Capital of Kansas," boasting more of these houses than any other city in the state.
Nestled between other post-war bungalows and ranch houses, brick and wood, these small, but well-appointed houses gave haven to many returning members of "the greatest generation." If you are not content with a glimpse of the outside of these interesting homes, please be sure and visit the Barton County Historical Society, where you can tour one of them. Disassembled and reassembled, piece by piece, in 2005 and 2006, this house is complete with authentic period furnishings.
Cultural Tours:
|
