Iola Explorations
Learn more about Iola by following the links below:
Funston Boyhood Home - Original SiteAddress:
North of Iola on the Old 169 Hwy (State Street)
Email Address: achm@aceks About this Exploration: In 1995, the Kansas State Historical Society decided that it no longer would maintain the Funston Boyhood Home. Clyde Toland, a city attorney and an avid historian, was instrumental in saving the home and moving it into town.
The smokehouse is the only thing that remains at the original site. Originally, it was thought that it could be disassembled and brought to town with the rest of the complex, but it was not financially feasible. This former home site is an explorers' paradise. Go north from the intersection of U.S. 54 and Old Highway 169 (now called State Street, McDonald's is on the NE corner of this intersection). Go four miles north and find the home site on the east side of the road (just beyond an A- frame home on the west side of the road), You'll see a clump of trees to indicate where the site is.
There is a gravel pull off, and you can walk alongside the north edge of the trees and see the smokehouse. If you want to walk through the weeds, you'll discover the cement foundation of the original home built before Kansas was a state. Then, come to the Iola square on Madison and Washington Avenues, and see the original home site and well house. Also, there is a statue of Major General Frederick Funston to the south of the home as well as a Funston Museum.
To tour the home and museum, the hours are the same as the Allen County Historical Museum. You can call for special tours.
Open May-October Tuesday-Saturday 12:30-4p.m.;
October-May Tuesday-Saturday 2-4p.m.
If inclement weather, the Funston home is not open.
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