Those who studied local history might be tempted to paraphrase the old axiom and suggest that Ray “Jiggs” Schulz forgot more about local farming history than most people ever knew, except that those who knew him would argue Schulz never forgot anything.
At any rate, the late local historian’s understanding of the importance of farming to the development of this region of the nation is being memorialized with a local monument, the construction of which began with funds that were left to the Great Bend Foundation by Schulz.
Former mayor Bob Parrish, who helps head the foundation, explained that work on Breaking the Sod Memorial is moving ahead, and the council approved acceptance of the monument and approved having it placed on city land at 10th and K-96.
B&B Metal Arts, which did the decorative metal signs at Hoisington, will be doing the work on the large monument, which will feature an early Kansas farmer, using oxen to break sod, Parrish reported.
The monument, which will be constructed of stainless steel, will be nine feet tall and 20 feet wide and it will stand on a foundation on concrete that is dressed to look like native stone, Parrish added.
The monument will be lighted at night.
Breaking the Sod Memorial Committee member Dan Bonine told the council, “we’ve had a great committee and we’ve learned a lot” in the process of making sure the memorial will present its theme in a way that is true to the strict historical discipline that Schulz advanced in the community.
Parrish added the committee is researching the design down to exact details. “The big discussion now is getting the harness right. We’re trying to do a good job.”
City Engineer Robert Winiecke noted the monument will be placed on the city-owned corner of land at 10th and K-96 in such a way that is will be visable to drivers on both highways and should be noticeable both at day and night.
County Engineer Clark Rusco, who is also on the memorial committee, reported that B&B Metal Arts plans to begin work on the project in April.