Darren J McMannis

Roadside Crosses Darren J McMannis

Travel of every kind, in every locality, has carried along with its passenger a certain element of danger. Whether as a pedestrian or horseback rider, or traveling by buggy, bicycle, train or automobile, families have tragically lost even the most careful travelers by these accidents. Serious and deadly roadway accidents were known to happen at this American crossroad with regularity, but not so frequently that each one failed to shake the calmness of the community and to bring sadness and shock to our residents. While Harvey County, Kansas is not a large county, it is representative of most areas on the central plains, as are the types of roadside accidents it has witnessed. Roadside memorials to the victims are often seen around the country, placed as a loving tribute by family and friends. This book is a similar memorial, providing on-the-scene reports from actual newspaper accounts of many of these conveyance accidents from 1872 through 1930. "One of the most painfully sad accidents ever occurring in this city..." begins one such story. "The most sudden and horrible death we have ever been called upon to report..." begins another. However, these stories chronicle not only the manner of such tragedies but also honor the victims in reporting the sympathy of the entire community. Nearly 400 roadside accidents are recorded which include some humorous telling of some near-miss events. Observe how the modes of travel have changed as well as the dangers inherent in each, and how one intersects the other with disastrous consequence, and witness how these events help shape the character and attitudes of a community.