america's warmaking center

Today we all played on the Atomic Cannon, a big gun capable of firing an 11-inch projectile over 20 miles. The idea was that the cannons would be able to hurl nuclear shells far enough not to kill the people firing them. This 42,500 lb monster was built in 1955 and deactivated in 1963. According to the sign, there are only three such cannons left in existence.

In the valley stands Fort Riley, the old calvary outpost and current army base boldly referred to on the nearby water tower as "America's Warmaking Center." Just down the road is the Dreamland Motel, whose infamous former tentants include Oklahoma City bomber Timothy MacVeigh. Neighboring Junction City is the so-called "wicked little town" where Hedwig shared a trailer with Sgt. Luther Robinson, groomed Tommy Gnosis for stardom, and sewed the musical seeds for the fictional fab-rock act, The Angry Inch.

After our play-session with the decommissioned artillery, we drove to the dedication ceremony for the Wetzel Log Cabin, which has been newly relocated and restored. This historical structure was the site of the first Lutheran church service in Kansas way back in 1861, and the home of my great-great-great-great-grandfather, C.F. Wetzel. A bunch of nice folks were on hand to celebrate with hymns and lemonade. There was even a horse-drawn wagon, for history's sake!

Before driving back East, we pulled off 1-70 to eat at Cracker Barrel. The cornbread wasn't great, but the okra was delicious. My grandma had packed a cooler, so after dinner we stood in the parking lot and drank Molson Golden from styrofoam cups. Brother Peter opened a package from Sam Stepp, who sent him a boomerang and Shrek towel all the way from Australia. People eyed us a bit funny, but we didn't even have to use our AK (atomic kannon). Today was a good day.