Kansas
is the "wheat state" and visitors
often purchase products made from Kansas wheat
including flour, pancake mix or Butter Braids.
But most don't consider taking the raw product
home as a souvenir. However, members of the
National Association of Wheat Weavers encourage
visitors and residents to do just that.
North
on Main Street, almost out of town, a
subtle white metal building sets back
among the trees. On a weekday, the parking
lot is mostly full with a few spots marked
"visitor" saved directly in
front of the doors. A passerby might assume
it's just another office building.
A
Basement in Belleville
Cross
through the weathered archway, the patio
of retired Rock Island Railroad ties and
beyond the suspended porch swing to the
enchanting home of Bud and Pat Hanzlick.
The door opens almost before the knock:
every visitor is warmly welcomed into the
unassuming headquarters of internationally
known Bekan Rustic Furniture.
And
it all started with a complaint.