Keep on Rollin' Along

I had an unusual invitation several months ago. Connie Werner of Werner Wagon Works in Horton, Kansas, emailed and asked if I would come and join her for the opening of her boardinghouse. Connie and her husband, Don, have owned their wagon works for many years now, but Connie decided she wanted to expand a little and open a boardinghouse at their “homestead” outside of Horton. (That's Connie at the right with one of their wagons and the caisson below is being restored for use at Fort Riley, Kansas.)

The Werners started the wagon building and restoration business on a part-time basis and as the business grew, Don was able to commit himself to fulltime restoration and building of wagons—and wagon wheels. They build wagons from the ground-up and Don receives orders for lots of wagon wheels in addition to his other work. They even constructed a wagon that was in a parade in Washington D.C. and delivered the Christmas tree to President George W. and Laura Bush while they were in office.

So, with an opportunity to tour the wagon works, see the rooms Connie has created for her bunkhouse, and speak to some aspiring writers, how could I refuse? To make matters even better, the weather was absolutely beautiful and I enjoyed the drive to Horton—a small town northeast of Topeka that I’d never before visited. I want to go back in December. Connie tells me they will celebrate the twentieth year of their CHRISTmas Luminaries where there are nineteen living scenes of the life of Christ. The scenes are lighted by more than 1400 candles along the way. Doesn’t that sound magnificent? I’m marking my calendar and hoping the weather will cooperate.

As usual, I wasn’t the epitome of organization. I took my camera, but failed to take pictures of the bedrooms in the bunkhouse, but they are delightful. I also was so busy talking to the gals about writing (go figure) that my camera sat neglected on the table. However, I did have my camera in hand when I went for my private tour of the Wagon Works. If you ever have questions about wagons, these folks are authorities. PLEASE visit their website and look at some of Don’s magnificent work. (That's Don on the right--hard at work--even on a Saturday afternoon). Connie and Don recently returned from delivering one of their wagons to Arkansas, so I missed seeing that one, but you’ll see everything from stagecoaches to spring wagons that they’ve authentically reproduced or restored on their web pages. http://www.wernerwagonworks.com/

Connie gifted me with a “leaving doll” as I was departing for home. I had to take a picture of her and hope you can read the message that came with the doll. The afternoon proved a wonderful time of relaxation and restoration while enjoying the beauty of a spring day.

May you find joy as you discover new and interesting history and meet the people who strive to connect us to our past. ~Judy