Today is Kansas day! Kansas became the 34th state admitted to the union on January 29th, 1861, on the eve of the American Civil War. The state has produced some pretty amazing people over the years. Clyde Tombaugh, a Kansas farm boy, discovered Pluto. The inventor of the microchip, Jack Kilby, grew up in Great Bend. Charles Curtis, from Topeka served as Vice President.
George Washington Carver, famous for his work with peanuts is from Ottawa County. Gordon Parks, from Fort Scott, was a famous photographer. William Allen White, from Emporia, was a very prominent newspaper editor. Walter Chrysler, of Chrysler Motors, grew up in Wamego.
Clyde Cessna of Rago and Walter and Olive Beech, were huge innovators in the aviation field.
Otis McIntyre, from Gardner, invented styrofoam. And, what would the world be without basketball. James Naismith, inventor of basketball and the legendary Phog Allen.
Don’t forget Ottawa’s own Steve Grogan, star athlete at Ottawa High, standout at Kansas State and played for the New England Patriots for 16 years.
And, of course, Ottawa’s Semi Ojeleye. Star Cyclone Basketball player, all time state scoring leader and currently playing for Valencia, in Spain.
