Running the Roads-Sat., July 17th

Who knew that Kansas has a rich history in oil, or that it had hills?  I surely did not.  There is a great museum here at the Butler County History Center that is all but devoted to the industry and the towns that grew up around them. The Flint Hills are full of oil and gas.  This 10 acre museum has accumulated many early buildings and “company” houses that were similar to the company houses of the coal industry in WV.  How they raised their families in them is still beyond me.  One of the exhibits talked about the early settlers and the sod houses they built.  I was very impressed with the “history lesson” this morning and Curt enjoyed himself, too, since there was a ton of machinery to look at.  A trip to Walmart(seems we are there every other day, but we are putting away gallons of fluids in this heat)to replenish some supplies and an afternoon in the AC of the RV. You've got to tip your head sideways to see the derek cuz I haven't learned how to rotate the photos yet in the new program.  They've been harnessing wind here for generations with the traditional windmills but in recent years the big ones have taken hold.  Oil is necessary for so much of our daily lives in ways we don't really think of.  Next time you use your cell phone, thank the oil industry.  The photo is an older display, but o ur way of life is no less dependent on oil now as it was a couple of years ago when the display was put together.  What else can you think of that depends on oil?