Volunteers Work to Restore Greensburg's Big Well

July 20, 2007

The basement is all that's left of the building that stood next to Greensburg's famous big well. Volunteers stepped up to the dirty job of sorting out what's trash and what they can salvage on Friday.

"It's a monumental task we're doing so I'm just honored to be a part of it," says WenDee LaPant. LaPant is the Assistant Director for the Kansas Sampler Foundation.

The group has been leading the effort to clean-up and restore the world's largest hand dug well. Dedication that is leaving the well's staff nearly speechless.

Karen Martin is the Manager of the Big Well Tourism Center. She tells Eyewitness News that "I am overwhelmed and amazed. Humbled by all the support and help from all over the state."

Martin and others are planning a "Well be Back" celebration on August 4th. And thanks to the sweat of the volunteers on Friday, the group is one step closer to giving this attraction back to the community.

"Many people who live around here had a grandfather or great grandfather who actually help dig or construct that well, or carried rock or whatever, and they still live around here and they're very proud of itm" adds Martin.

And dirty or not, the volunteers are proud to be helping. Michelle Massood says, "It'll be a wonderful part of Kansas history because it's the world's largest hand-dug well and now I can say I had a hand in bringing it back to the community."

LaPant adds, "It does make you feel good to see that before and after and you knew your helping."

Pride that not even the world's largest hand dug well can hold.

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