Ample spring rainfall in North Central Kansas created a beautiful carpet of green in the hills, fields and pastures in late May 2007. As Ken and I traveled mile after mile on Highway 36 and other Washington County, Kansas country roads we noticed filled-to-the-brim pond after pond dotting the countryside.
The geographic differences between our home in West Central Nebraska and our Kansas Memorial Day weekend destination brought forth much conversation between the two of us. We rejoiced that moisture had been so plentiful this spring. Rainfall that had filled hundreds of ponds. We pondered the exact number of ponds in Washington County and if an actual count existed.
Where hills turned to valleys conservation dictated ponds be utilized. This was, after all, the area where spring and summer rainfall is precious. The center pivots so prevelent in our home in Nebraska are no where to be found on the Kansas hillsides.
Many of the ponds I recognized from my childhood in years long past. Many of the ponds weren't of such vintage. We saw ponds of every configuration as nature had carved differences in the terrains. I was tempted to take pictures of every pond but that idea met with resistance from Ken, who happened to be driving.
I did manage a dozen photos between rain drops and traffic. I share the beauty of the green and lush countryside and hope internet viewers will someday be able to view the ponds of Washington County, Kansas.
When I was contacted about doing a remake of the Washington County website in the summer of 2006 I had no reservations about doing the project. I was raised at Haddam, in Washington County, Kansas, and am webmaster for the Haddam, Kansas website. I having always been appreciative of the education I received, what better way to pay back the communities that provided my education and it is something I can easily do from 300 miles away.
I must admit I hadn't fully researched all the pages and information on the county website before I started the remake. Thus the project turned into a several month project as I completed my working career, prepared for retirement during the day time and did web design in the evening.
In early September I toured Washington County, Kansas. After all, it had been 55 years since I lived in the county. Viewing the beautiful scenery throughout the 900 square miles from adult eyes was awesome. Discovering what the county was all about in 2006 was informative and inspiring. I covered roads and streets that I had never toured as a youngster. There were many photo opportunities as I traveled through most of the county on that particular Sunday and I ended up going back to Nebraska with over 400 digital pictures.
I do want to give credit to the Baptists in Washington for the sunshine that day. Rain started early Sunday morning, the only day I had available to take pictures. Even a novice photograph recognizes that pictures taken during a rain don't make pretty pictures.
One of my stops that Sunday was at the Baptist Church in Washington where I was invited in ahead of the arrival of the parishners. The minister was preparing for the service and the singers and pianist were going through their songs. Wearing blue jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers, I wasn't properly dressed for church and had miles to travel before nightfall so I declined their offer to worship with them that day.
Upon leaving the church I did asked them to pray for some sunshine so I could accomplish the task-at-hand. It worked! The skies were sunny to partly sunny the rest of the day. The picture of the Washington County Courthouse, with large puffy clouds in the background, on the Home Page of this website was taken that day.
A September Tour of Washington County
If you have any thoughts or ideas for something you would like to see on the Washington County, Kansas website or if you would like to contribute a blog about something old or new please contact me. This page will change from time to time.
Anita R. Childerston, Webmaster