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Harper,
KansasPopulation: 1,567 (2000)
Latitude: 37 17' 12" N
Longitude: 98 1' 32" W
Elevation: 1330
School District: USD 361
Zip Code: 67058
Area Code: 620Located in north central Harper [HP] County, Harper is, strangely enough, not the county seat. Even though it lacks a courthouse it has wide shady streets and many beautiful turn-of-the-century homes.
At the main downtown intersection of Central & Main, the old fountain has been restored. It served the citizens of Harper from 1909 to 1969. When it was originally presented to the town by a group of ladies, it cost $365.
North of the downtown area between Seventh Street and the tracks is the old brick AT&SF station. It still seems to be used by the railroad for maintenance work. I was struck by the size of the area that the station complex took up; look at the old concrete walls that define it.
Highway US 160 and the Santa Fe railroad run east-west through Harper. K-14 runs along the west side of town, leading north into Kingman county, and K-2 runs northeast to Wichita.
History
Sgt. Marion Harper was killed in 1863 in a Civil War battle in Arkansas. Both the town and the county are named for him.
Current Events
The city of Harper has a social calendar jam-packed with all sorts of fun community events. These include:
Harper County's annual 4th of July Celebration at the Anthony Lake (6 miles north), it draws hundreds of fun seekers for the many events such as the Fishing Tournament for youngsters, Homemade Boat Race, Talent Contest, 1 mile and 5k Run/Walk, Sand Volleyball Tournament and the ever popular Food Court. An awesome Fireworks Display over the lake leaves you speechless.
The annual Harper County Fair in August. This event includes a Demolition Derby, Horseshoe Tournament, Carnival, Parade and many other fun activities for the young and young at heart.
In the fall many Harperites gather for the annual Apple Fest, in the spring Founder's Day is celebrated.
Many beautiful Kansas evenings will find Harperites supporting the local ball teams or gathering together to support the local fundraisers. These include the annual Mennonite Church Pancake Feed and the Masonic Lodge Chili Feed. Some gather to play bingo at the local VFW on Saturday night. For whatever reason, Harperites and visitors will always find ways to gather together.
Interesting Places in Harper
- The old Runnymede church, now in Harper.
- The Harper train station, 7th Street
- The Martha Kiefer House (1907), Central & US-160
- The Old Harper Fountain, Central & Main
