Caching in Seibert, Flagler, Stratton & Vona 6/10/2010

Well this was an experience staying in Seibert, a town of 180 people and 1 cache. Well we did that cache which was in the town park, yes they do have a town park, and we were off to Flagler, CO about 10 miles west of here. Flagler had 2 caches one in the Flagler Cemetery and the other by a street sign at a intersection. You might want to look at the pink Cadillac on the pole which was in front of the 70's diner in Flagler. Then it was back east on I-70 to Stratton, CO and 2 more caches one in the Claremont Cemetery and the other in the Calvary Cemetery. Then we headed back toward the campgrounds and 2 more caches in Vona, CO. One was in the Vona Cemetery and the other at the site of the Vona Water Tank which has some history behind it.

As in all other U. S. Depression Era communities citizens in Vona were unable to make an adequate living. To Take advantage of the Federal New Deal programs, they had to travel elsewhere due to a lack of local work. Finally, in late 1935, a water system upgrade in Vona was approved for WPA assistance but due to other federal priorities actual work did not begin for nine months. During that interval, a terrible fire struck following a dance on a Saturday night in early June 1936, and half the business section was destroyed. The inability to control the blaze was attributed to poor water pressure in the existing Vona system. Work had barely begun in August following the fire, when it stopped again because the town was unable to provide the required matching funds for the WPA investment. The project languished for another year before work recommenced. The WPA project consisted of rehabilitating an existing concrete water tank. The walls were reinforced with the installation of a second concrete wall, with numerous vertical and horizontal steel rods inserted for extra strength. The tank was enlarged by adding 10 feet to the height, thus increasing the town's water storage capacity by about 60 percent. Work was completed around June 1, 1938. In addition to providing work locally for unemployed Vona residents, the improved water system elevated the level of fire protection for Vona, thus contributing to the long term survival of the town.

Well a little history that you or I didn't expect. Then we were off back to the coach for the rest of the day. By the way we finall got rid of the oppressive hot humid weather. It was only in the 70's here today and is going to be in the low 60's tonight. Well that's about all for today from the Plains of CO so until tomorrow we love and miss you all. Mom & Dad Dori & Dick