Bent-Ward Home; Kansas City Treasure

The history of the Bent-Ward home is a history of early Kansas City.  The land passed through many hands, including early Mormon settlers, until William W. Bent bought the property in 1858. He built a two-story brick structure on the site.  The building above was constructed in 1871 by Seth Ward  (Ward Parkway) a man who made money as a fur trader and then as a banker and in real estate.   The home is the 44th Symphony Designers Showhouse and is open to visitors through May 19th.  It's located at 1032 West 55th Street just east of Ward Parkway.                      http://showhouse.org/?p=787

The original farm was part of the Battle of Westport as one of its pastures is now Loose Park.   

                                     The west side of the house has a small pool with fountains.

 Architects believe that the original brick structure built by Mr. Bent was incorporated into the new building by the Wards.  Above looking north, below looking east.

                                    Above, the east side of the house has a pool and garage.

A Familiar Sight

This scene has been recorded countless times, but I never grow tired of seeing it.  Taken from the Liberty Memorial.

Liberty Memorial

                                     Dusk at the Memorial.   The National World War I Museum.

Chalk Walk 2013

 Pretty much rained out on Saturday, Chalk Walk came roaring back on Sunday with artists making concrete efforts in design and imagery.   Held each year at the Concourse it's put together by Northeast Arts KC.

 The Remy-Ribera clan.....above.

 Kids love the jungle gym, er, bike rack..

 Tree rescue courtesy of dad.

 The Stalder Family.

 Above, my young friend Kathryn,  below, my young friend Madeline by her drawing.