Kansas Inventers
In 1889, Almon Stowger of El Dorado, Kansas, invented the dial telephone.
In 1909, William Purvis and Charles Wilson of Goodland, Kansas invented the first helicopter.
In 1920, Tom Henry of Arkansas City, Kansas, invented the O'Henry candy bar (first known as the Tom Henry candy bar).
In the 1950s, Virgil Coffer of Ransom, Kansas invented the first riding lawn mower, called the Virginia Wonder Mower.
The autopilot was invented by David D. Blanton of Wichita, Kansas, in 1954.
In 1961, Omar Knedlik of Coffeyville, Kansas, invented of first frozen carbonated drink machine, the ICEE machine.
Wheat Capital of the World
Sumner County, Kansas, is known as the Wheat Capital of the World.
Address: Wellington Chamber of Commerce,
207 S. Washington, Wellington, Kansas 67152; 620-326-7466. Web: http://www.co.sumner.ks.us.
World's Largest
Ball of Sisal Twine
A ball of twine in Cawker City, Kansas, measures over 38' in circumference and weighs more than 16,750 pounds and is still growing.
It is located along Wisconsin Street in downtown Cawker City.
Address: Cawker City Community Club,
P O Box 178, Cawker City, Kansas 67430;
785-781-4713. Email: twinetown@nckcn.com.
Web: http://skyways.lib.ks.us.
