The second annual Howe House Hoist definitely brought the muscle to the Historic Richard Howe Farmstead on Saturday.
Area residents came to the property to try their hand at lifting limestone boulders ranging from 100 to 300 pounds. On the list was Emporia firefighter Jordan Barr, who recently pulled a fire truck as part of separate activities. Barr is now well-known for his time in strongman competitions.
Barr says he likes the challenge and the camaraderie.
Barr also became the first person in the two-year-old event to successfully lift a 300-pound rock onto a three-foot pedestal.
Lyon County History Center Director Greg Jordan says the Hoist pairs well with other activities at the Howe House, like the Good Way Gardens concerts and vintage baseball. Jordan says people may not realize the history behind the Howe House.
In general terms, September is active for the History Center — just how Jordan likes it.
On Sept. 13, the History Center will take part in the Great American Market. On Sept. 27, it hosts a crazy quilt stitching workshop before serving as host to the third and final Latino Awards Adelante celebration.
*Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including a YouTube Short from the Howe House Hoist.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
