Since trees were not exactly abundant in western Kansas during the early years (nor today), settlers were forced to find other building materials other than wood.  In the Rooks County region, native limestone was a material that was in abundance.

 

It became customary to not only build homes, outbuildings, foundations, etc., with the limestone, but to also create things like fence posts, gravestones, and signs.  Today, the native limestone signs that dot the landscape in front of businesses, schools, and private residences are considered decoration rather than serving the necessary purpose of previous years.

 

Several companies in the Plainville area have capitalized on the demand for these signs and now combine the usefulness of the material with their artistic abilities.  The result is signs that are both eye-catching and functional.

 

Driving around town you will see numerous examples of residential homes, businesses, schools, and parks that display limestone signs.   See how many you can spot.