Chicflat Loc: Tulsa, Ok,

On a day trip to Springfield, Mo., I made a last minute choice to drive home by way of U. S. 66 veering off Old 66 at Baxter Springs, Ks., rather than following my original intention. Tulsa, like so many places lies at the junction of several highways. My thought is that I will cross one or another road leading home so I can't get lost. Well, on this route variant, we came into Chetopa, Ks.
Population1200 people the town was originally an Osage Nation village. It was founded in 1857, but was incorporated in 1868. Statehood came in 1861. The town was named after an Osage chief, but with a variant spelling. Henson' Mill was built in 1896. It was powered by the verdigris River. At some point the mill had closed and someone tried to open a business in the adjacent building. The waterwheel would have been moved then I suppose. All this information I gleaned after I got home from the internet. I found several sites that had posted pictures of the mill, but little information. The mill is popular as a subject apparently These images are mine .
Anyway, I saw the mill as I drove through the town, and I immediately wanted to photograh it. I had not really noticed the adjacent structure until after I got out to set up. I did walk past the mill from the other side of the street and worked my way back taking as much time as my patient wife Dorothy would allow. I hope you enjoy them. Too, for all you guys from Saskatchewan. thanks for your images that inspired me to try for these.

Henson,s Mill

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The complex

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Waterwheel and sign

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Second view of the wheel

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rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Very cool buildings and stuff. This is one of those examples of the path less traveled and finding some treasures.
--Bob

ejones0310 Loc: Tulsa, OK

Route 66 is a treasure trove of history from a hundred years ago to today. I’ve ridden my motorcycle on Route 66 from end to end twice and have about 4000 shots that I took along the way. I encourage you to explore it more.

Chicflat Loc: Tulsa, Ok,

Thanks Bob. I prefer avoiding interstaes, and experiences like this are the reason.

Chicflat Loc: Tulsa, Ok,

Besides old 66, I like highway 51 and highway 11. I didn't know you were from Tulsa. I took the bus from Chicago to outside L.A. a number of times in the late 50's and early 60's, so I know the old rad well. After marrying, my wife and I visited family in Californis, and it was on those drives that I learned to get off the interstates as much as I can, Thanks for looking and your comments.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Nice set. Thanks for the narrative, too.

Hereford Loc: Palm Coast, FL

Looks like this old treasure is crumbling down. Hard to imaging there was ever any water stream to turn this wheel.

ELNikkor

Nice photos and history of an otherwise obscure place. You might want to check the name of the river that powered the waterwheel. It is the Neosho River that runs by Chetopa.

blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area

Great find.

ejones0310 Loc: Tulsa, OK

In my near past, I rode my motorcycle all over Oklahoma. I really like Hwy 10 down the Illinois river, especially when it’s not summer. There’s too many rafters in the summer and you chance getting hit by a car running up and down the road.

Another good road is Hwy 20 near Spavinaw. The spillway and river there is a personal favorite.

There are just lots of old roads in Oklahoma that offer scenic views and photographic opportunities.

Chicflat Loc: Tulsa, Ok,

Thanks.

Chicflat Loc: Tulsa, Ok,

I'm guessing there was a diversion from the river which is a few blocks east of the site.

Chicflat Loc: Tulsa, Ok,

I think I got it wrong from Google maps or something. I barely remember crossing the river into the town. Sorry for the error and thanks for a polite correction in a time of virulent misinformation often.

Chicflat Loc: Tulsa, Ok,

thanks. there are many out there if you are willing to take the slow pace, as so many of your shots indicate.

Chicflat Loc: Tulsa, Ok,

I've been down 10 a little once. I can't remember ever being on 20. I'll find an opportunity. Thanks again. David