By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Blacksmith enjoys hot, dusty hobby
fort larned 7-2 002
Photo by Jim Misunas Great Bend Tribune Blacksmith Pete Bethke of Larned fashions some metal work at Fort Larned. A full compliment of volunteers portrayed various aspects of the Fort Larned era July 4.
FORT LARNED — Pete Bethke of Larned remembers watching westerns on television when he was growing up as a youngster. He’s always had an appreciation of history, even dating back to the bustling Fort Larned days.Bethke, a Fort Larned seasonal ranger, gets to recreate the blacksmith’s version of living history on the weekends at the Fort Larned National Historic Site. “My favorite part is telling a historical story that relates to a particular time period,” Bethke said.