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La Cygne is a community with a lot of heart! I love visiting!
Barbara ChalkerAnderson
Moran, Kansas
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SE Kansas
La Cygne Explorations
Learn more about La Cygne by following the links below:

The Blind Watchmaker

Address: 300 N. Broadway
La Cygne, KS 66040
Telephone Number: 913.757.4478
Second Telephone Number: 913.757.2151



About this Exploration:


In 1938, John H. Smith, or "Blind Johnny" as he was known to the locals, was featured in "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" as "The Blind Watchmaker." His super sensitive sense of touch made it possible for him to take apart, repair, and reassemble a watch in as little as 45 minutes. A copy of "Ripley's" cartoon and a newspaper clipping about Johnny can be seen at the La Cygne Historical Society Museum.
 
Throughout his life, Johnny and his wife, Elsie, owned and operated an appliance store on Broadway. Here he sold appliances and repaired electronics such as televisions and radios. His acute sense of hearing also helped him in tuning
pianos. Many of the devices he used at the appliance store are also on display at the museum.
 
Johnny and Elsie are buried in Oak Lawn Cemetery in La Cygne.
 
 
 
 
 
 

contact info
Chris Waddell
209 N Broadway
La Cygne, KS 66040
Phone: 913.757.2151
Fax: 913.757.2405
 
Janet Reynolds
209 N Broadway
La Cygne, KS 66040
Phone: 913.757.2151
Fax: 913.757.2405
 
 
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