A closer look: Homewood
Copyright 6/29/2009 • www.ottawaherald.com
The first settlers in Homewood, southwest of Ottawa on Old Highway 50, were German immigrants who came in 1857.
The land around Homewood was purchased by a coal company that later sold the land to farmers.
Chippewa Indians often traded at a small trading post, owned by Capt. Abraham Funk.
The town served as a stop on the Kansas City, Burlington and Santa Fe Railroad when it was built.
Today, a small number of families reside in old and new homes in the townsite.
Several old, vacant business structures and a church remains
Information taken from “The History of Franklin County, Kansas,” compiled by the Franklin County Historical Society and Friends of the Ottawa Library.
Just the facts: Homewood
• Population — 493• Male — 48.9 percent
• Female — 51.1 percent
• Median age — 39.17
Government
The Homewood area does not have a city council, but it is represented by a township board. The Homewood Township Board consists of Chester Fredricks, trustee; Doug Higbie, clerk; and Audra McCurdy, treasurer.