Imagine crossing the prairie years ago, with no roads or trees and farmhouses to guide you. A large boulder jutting out of the ground on a small hill is very likely used to help guide prairie settlers as they travel across the area.
Located north of Brewster, near the Pat and Doreen Habeman acreage, the rock will soon be relocated. Pat Haberman recalled his uncle farming around the boulder. “It was probably six foot above ground, and on top of a hill, so it could be seen from a long distance, with just prairie grasses around.” That was the perfect location for a landmark, before roads were created and trees were planted.
Mary Smith had taken a ride in a small airplane piloted by her cousin one year, following spring plowing when the ground was black, and noticed a yellowed path leading towards and away from the rock which was located about three miles north of Brewster. The partially buried rock was noticeable from the sky as well as the ground.
“You could see the yellowed lines from the air,” Mary explained of the trail leading to and from the rock. The black dirt had been churned by the wheels of Conestoga wagons as the hauled grain, food and other necessities from Jackson towards the Fulda and Slayton areas. Pointing out it was one of those times she wished she had a camera with her, Mary indicated that the clay in the ground had been churned up, and a yellowed trail was visible from the sky.
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