I remember traveling across Kansas in an old dodge dart, heading for Colorado.  Nothin to see in those days but wheat, corn, the occasional oil well.  Time would pass slowly on a hot summer day.  Why one would get excited to see a hawk flying just to break the monotony of it all.  We all played road games to pass the time.   By the time you get past Hays, you are tired of the games.  Couple hours later, the signs would appear.   Largest Prairie Dog in The World.  50 miles.    Signs would be red with white writing, much like the Burma Shave slogan signs of days gone past. 

Burma Shave was a shaving cream. Back before the big billboards that cross America now, Burma shave would place 4 to 6 signs in a row, with slogans on them. The last one would always say Burma Shave.

They would have all sorts of humor or tips on them. Some examples.

Shaving Brushes

You’ll soon see’em

On a shelf

In some museum

Burma Shave.

And

He tried
To cross
As fast train neared
Death didn't draft him
He volunteered
Burma-Shave

and

Doesn't
Kiss you
Like she useter?
Perhaps she's seen
A smoother rooster!!
Burma-Shave

The signs would count down the miles, and tell of the wonders within. "5 legged cow" Two Headed Rattle Snake" They would get your curiosity up. You could see Prairie Dog Town on your left as you were heading west. They had a huge sign and a statue of a prairie dog. We couldn't wait. Route 66 had nothing on this. We were all tired of sitting in the car and had to have a restroom break to boot.

We got off the exit and crossed over the highway. We stretched our legs and went inside. They had a gift shop. There were all kinds of signs and taxidermied animals. They even had real authentic stuffed Jackalopes! I had to get a couple of postcards with the Jackalopes to show my friends back in St. Louis I wasn't pullin their legs.

We paid the nominal entrance fee and headed out side. They had all kinds of critters in cages. Coyotes and rabbits. They had a steer with 5 legs, though it almost looked as though the appendage was sewn on and was just kind of hanging there. It was a little sad, but he seemed to take good care of the critters. Their areas were clean. 

Now it was summer and the hot prairie winds were blowing, we were tired and had to make Colorado Springs by dinner time so that we could eat at The Depot.  We were standing by the little prairie dog town, all nice and fenced off.  We asked the fellow (I think he was the owner) now where do you keep the Big one?  You know, the one on the signs?  He just kind of chuckled and pointed to the big statue "why he's right there!".  Now back in the days when this happened, you could see him from the highway.  I see that now he has put up a big fence.

We paid our money, took the tour. If you are ever going down Hwy 70 through western Kansas, it would be well worth your time to stop and visit Prairie Dog Town.