Drifter and I went to the FTA convention last weekend. On the way home, we took a little detour to check out a museum -- The Homestead National Historical Park. I'd heard a rumor that there was an exhibit there in honor of one of our very own Tman admins, and since it wasn't too far out of our way, we thought we'd swing by and check it out.

For those that don't know, white17...aka Ken Deardorff, was the very last American to be granted a deed to a homestead under the Homestead Act of 1862. The Homestead Monument in Beatrice Nebraska has an exhibit commemorating it.







When you walk into the main entrance, the first thing you see is Ken's old Allis-Chalmers tractor. They actually airlifted it out of the Alaskan wilderness with a helicopter.



They even have the tractor on a t-shirt they're selling in the gift shop.



The rest of Ken's exhibit is in the museum portion of the building, along with other exhibits. There isn't really much need for commentary, as I think the pics will tell the story. If you have any questions and ask nicely, Ken may even answer them.

....continued....















So anyways, just thought I would share with y'all (OK, so maybe Paul kinda twisted my arm to make this post ) But it was pretty cool to see all the exhibits there, ranging from the first homesteaders, to the last, and especially cool because the last one was one of our own Tman administrators.

… Whites’ the man !

X2

That’s top tier awesome

That was very interesting and nicely done. Thanks for posting it.

An amazing man. He was the first to install running water in his cabin , if I recall correctly. He was for working smarter, not harder , if he didn't have to.

Very proud of him.

Glad you got the chance to visit there, Angela.

… what caliber was the rifle?

Mr White … tell us your best adventure story- over

That is super cool. I was involved in flying a tractor out of the Wilderness in Idaho in 92 and that is no easy feat. I would give the left half of my manhood to own that Model 70 too just because of it's history.

It is a post 64 model 70 in a magnum caliber based on the factory red recoil pad.

Thanks Sharon. Me too! Pretty cool!

That is too cool! Ken stands pretty high on my list and just went a few notches. Impressive Mr Ken.
Angela thank you much for this post.

Nice!
Thanks for posting.

Very nicely done. I had no idea. That would be an interesting stop for sure.

Wow...this is incredible!

You da man Ken!

FINALLY, a reason to go to Nebraska.

No lawn mowers in Alaska?



I think he lived a Man’s dream!

Thank you for sharing. What a great piece of history.

And, Ken is a great guy to boot.