Powell Pumpkin Patch
So, what does a pumpkin patch have to do with square dancing? Lots. Peggy & Leland (Pioneer Plus Club) York's family run Powell Pumpkin Patch near Louisburg, KS. If you dial 913-837-2212 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm you will hear the pleasant recorded voice of Peggy giving directions to the pumpkin patch, and it's hours of operation. The 36-acre "patch" is located at 25695 Spring Valley Road. On US 68, go about one mile west of US 69 Junction (west side of Louisburg), turn north and drive about three miles (gravel road) and you will not miss seeing the entryway into the farm.
The following photos were taken during a recent visit (October 11, 2005) with Peggy & Leland. Northrops and Rainbolts were returning from a square dance weekend at Mountain View, AR, and it being a very pleasant autumn day, thoughts naturally turned to pumpkins, then the recollection of an invitation from the Yorks to "come out and visit the pumpkin patch." They are just off our route home, so why not? The quarter-mile driveway to the "pumpkin shed" is lined each side with smaller pumpkins, no doubt catching attention of all small visitors. At the time of our arrival Leland had a trailer load of kids, towing behind his tractor to some particular spot. There he would dismount, unload the kids, point out and explain entertainingly, the life cycle of pumpkin vine, how the bud, flower, and pumpkin grew. He walks with them as they scramble about the area, selecting their perfect 'lil pumpkin they would place onto the trailer to bring back to the pumpkin shed.
Son Darrell and his son Logan are the main farmers at the patch. They do all of the planning and planting of the crop. In fact, it is Logan's full-time job for most of the year. Son Dan designs and builds intricate mazes each year in a cornfield just north of the pumpkin patch. Peggy proudly displays a photo album of his creations. That is a whole 'nuther story in itself. We elected not to traverse the maze for fear of not finding our way out and back to Lawrence.
Other family members who work at the farm are Regina (Darrell's wife), Katie (Logan's wife), Marty (Dan's wife), Lizzy (Dan & Marty's daughter), daughter Sandy, daughter Barb, Bryan (Barb's husband), and Bryan Jr. (Barb & Bryan's son). You most likely will meet some of them about any time you go out there. The pumpkin patch is truly a family affair.
Oh, you might want to check out their website at www.powellpumpkinpatch.com.
Powell Pumpkin Patch sign and scarecrows greet you as you turn into the driveway. The "pumpkin shed" is in the distance.
A view from mid-field back toward the pumpkin shed.
View from southern part of field towards creek, low-water bridge, and road to York's home, nestled in trees. The field area between the road in foreground and trees is where Leland plants the big pumpkins, some very impressive.
View from pumpkin shed toward southwest. Pumpkins as far as the eye can see.
Peggy & Leland discuss loading up the trailer with another group of kids. Leland pulls trailer, with one of his farm tractors, through the patch via several pathways.
Daughter Barbara gives Lloyd a few pointers on how to select the perfect pumpkin.
Rosalee seems to be be overwhelmed at the selection of pumpkins.
Lloyd and son-in-law Bryan (Barbara's husband) discuss pumpkin farming while kids load trailer with pumpkin picks.
Leland and Peggy take a short break to pose with Bob. I wonder how they selected that particular color for their jackets?
Rosalee selects a few small items from the fall harvest bins while Connie surveys another.
Peggy pauses to ponder pumpkin pricing.
Lloyd & Connie seem pleased as punch to have found another perfect pumpkin to take home.
Connie & Rosalee were successful in rearranging luggage in order to pack their prize pumpkins for the ride back to Lawrence. In addition to our own luggage, we were hauling that of Alexanders, Boehles, and Grovers (who came back home yesterday), as they were scrunched in their vehicle and no room for the square dance outfits.
As you depart the pumpkin patch this scarecrowess on north side of drive bids goodbye.
And also on the south side of drive. Now we know how Peggy recycles her old square dance dresses.
