ElDean Holthus, the current steward of the Home on the Range cabin, recognized for his dedication to preserving and promoting an important Kansas landmark
When Dr. Brewster Higley built a cabin in Smith County in 1872, he couldn’t have fathomed how “Home on the Range,” the poem he penned in that location, would influence not only the state but also the world. ElDean Holthus is making sure Higley’s legacy lives on far beyond where the deer and antelope play.
In 1947, “Home on the Range” became the state song, and the owners of the cabin, Ellen and Pete Rust, resisted high-dollar offers to own a piece of history. Today, the cabin and surrounding 240 acres are managed by Holthus, along with other family members. Holthus has lived six miles southeast of the cabin all of his life, in the home his father built in 1914.
“It may sound corny, but there’s no place like Kansas,” Holthus says. “You can’t beat being out in the country like we are. The range is unbelievably quiet. It’s not a static site; it’s dynamic.”
Holthus and his family supervise and monitor the cabin and its history for year-round, daily visitors. He has welcomed visitors from all over the world and all ages, including many school field trips.
One of Holthus’ favorite daily rituals is checking footage on the cabin’s security camera, but not for standard surveillance reasons.
“I see people visit the cabin throughout the day, and they walk in like it’s a cathedral,” Holthus says. “They stand in the center of the cabin silently and look around. When I see the admiration and respect for history they have, that’s a great reward.”
Ways to Stay Connected
More From Our Archives
View ALlFrom the Archives: A Rainforest in Kansas?
Jun 21, 2024Photography by Don Richards Journey into the Tropics: Topeka Zoo's Tropical Rainforest… Read More
From the Archives: Remembering John Steuart Curry
Jan 15, 2024Editor's Note: This article was originally published in the winter of 1992 by Don Lambert… Read More
From the Archives: Birth of the Helicopter
Jan 08, 2024Editor’s Note This article was originally featured in the winter issue of 1983 by Joan L… Read More
From the Archives: Kansas Outlaws
Oct 05, 2023The Sunflower State is known for its famous lawmen—but its infamous villains are legendary as… Read More
From the Archives: A Slice of Rural Life
Aug 24, 2023The Kansas Sampler Festival, the annual two-day gathering hosted by the Penner family on their farm… Read More