Back in 1915, Snowden D. Flora of the US Weather Bureau wrote, “Kansas has been so commonly considered the tornado state of the country that the term ‘Kansas cyclone’ has almost become a part of the English language.” Flora’s words still seem to ring true. Whether called a twister, a tornado, a vortex, or cyclone, these catastrophic events have shaped lives in the Sunflower State for generations. Just a few destructive moments forever changed places such as Irving, Udall, Topeka, Andover, and Greensburg. Even before Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz helped equate the tornado with Kansas, the turbulent nature of local weather seemed to parallel an equally turbulent history, with the fury of people such as John Brown compared to a cyclone. Even if they have never seen a funnel cloud themselves, those who live in Kansas have come to accept the twister as a regular and always unpredictable neighbor.

Kansas: In the Heart of Tornado Alley (Images of America)

History

Price, Jay M.

Torbenson, Craig

Corns, Sadonia

Nellis, Jessica

Wondra, Keith

Americas

Arcadia Publishing

<p>Situated in the heart of the Great Plains, Wichita has been a city of energy and change. The Great Depression and World War II brought both challenges and opportunities. During the postwar years, commercial and business activities downtown thrived, while shopping malls and drive-ins appeared in new suburbs. Meanwhile, African Americans, countercultural figures, and other groups struggled to reshape local affairs. Urban renewal transformed whole sections of the city, while redevelopment brought new life into older structures. Events such as Riverfest and a host of museums have improved the quality of life. A strong entrepreneurial tradition has remained, and populations from Asia and Latin America have brought new perspectives. Aviation has remained the economy’s heart, although health care, higher education, and other ventures have made their mark as well. Through it all, the rhythms of everyday life have continued, creating a vibrant, complex community facing the dawn of the 21st century.</p>

Wichita: 1930-2000 (Images of America)

Arts & Photography

Photography & Video

A history of the Orpheum Theatre in Wichita Kansas. It opened in 1922. It was designed by John Eberson and it was the first "atmospheric" theater.

From the Land of Andalusia to the Wheat Fields of Kansas: A History of Wichita's Historic Orpheum Theatre

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Growing from 4 gardens in 1987 to 29 in 2015, Botanica, The Wichita Gardens has become a regional attraction. The dream of a botanical garden in Wichita started in the early 1970s with John Firsching, superintendent of landscape and forestry with the Board of Park Commissioners, and in 1987 the gardens opened on the site of Wichita's Sim Park. Images of Modern America: Botanica, The Wichita Gardens tells the story of the people, events, and stories that have shaped Botanica into Wichita's garden. Included are images of Botanica throughout the gardens' 28-year history and the earlier history of Sim Park, many of which have never been published before.

Botanica: The Wichita Gardens (Images of Modern America)

Wichita 1930-2000

Price, Professor of History Jay M

Arcadia Publishing Library Editions

The Munger House: A History of Wichita's Oldest House

Vannurden, James

Rowfant Press

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Books by Wondra, Keith