We are going to Cawker City, Kansas now.   Another small town trying to attract tourists like us.   Here in Cawker City we see this huge ball of twine.

Largest ball of twine in Cawker City, KS

A circumference of 43 feet.   This ball of twine was started by Frank Stoeber in 1953.   Oh, a clarification.

World’s largest ball of Sisal Twine

This is the world’s largest ball of sisal twine.   Over 8 million feet of twine and more than 10 tons.   That is huge.   Here it is.

Ball of twine. Ready for Halloween

We were there in late October, a few days before Halloween.   The giant ball of sisal twine is ready for Halloween also.   When Frank Stoeber died in 1953, other cities were making larger balls of twine.   Cawker City, Kansas didn’t want to be beat, so they started an annual Twine-A-Thon.   All citizens are encouraged to bring their twine and add to the size of this record setting ball.   But, only sisal twine.   No string.  No yard.   Across the street from the world’s largest ball of sisal twine, we see this restored 1930’s gas station.

Old, renovated gas station

But this is not a gas station now.   It is a mini hotel.

Now tiny hotel

From the sign, you can see there is a vacancy here.   The maximum occupancy of this hotel is 4 humans.   This is a cute town.   The gift and information shop for the ball of twine was not open when we were there, but other shops offer crafts and merchandise with a twine theme.  Near Cawker City, we stopped for this bridge.

Double Arch Bridge

This sign and the bridge are made of local limestone.  This is a double arch bridge.

Double Arch Bridge

At one time it was the main bridge for this road, but as traffic increased and the road was widened and straightened; the new road bypassed this bridge.   Progress happens, but sometimes we like to see the old things.   When you drive through Kansas, slow down, drive the local roads and enjoy viewing unusual things.