Walk the Read
We challenge you to embark on a 10,000-step adventure of literary landmarks.
Categories: Featured Travel Stories
By: Meghan Saar 03/01/2008
William Allen White
Emporia, Kansas, has not forgotten its greatest editor, as seven sites pay tribute to him. His 1885 home, where he lived until he died in 1944, supposedly housed six presidents who visited with him. Take a drive along the memorial drive. Visit his namesake elementary school at 902 Exchange, which features photographs of White and his family in the lobby. The memorial library contains the author’s letters, manuscripts and photographs. The park named after him and his son William is next to The Emporia Gazette headquarters, home to the newspaper he purchased in 1895. You can visit the museum here if you make an appointment.
The last site, Peter Pan Park, shares a loving but sad story, as it was named in memory of the editor’s daughter Mary, who was killed at 16 during a horseback riding accident. Like Peter Pan, she never wanted to grow up. Since 1952, Kansas schoolchildren have selected a children’s book honored by an award named after the prominent editor.
Road Trip Music
“Don’t Let’s Start” by They Might Be Giants. White’s smiling face graced the cover for the single, as well as large cardboard cutouts posted during 1980s concerts when the alternative rock band played this song.
DIGG | del.icio.us | REDDIT