History of
Clover Cliff Ranch B&B -Imagine the year 1860. Kansas was still a
territory. It was the year that Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the
United States. It was also the year that 26-year-old J.R. Blackshere left his
home and dry goods business in Virginia to pursue a serious interest in
agriculture, especially livestock. He traveled west to the bluestem pastures of
the Flint Hills. He staked a claim, built a one-room cabin – the back of the
current home – to make it a legal homestead. His family home in Virginia was
now located in the new West Virginia, just one result of the turbulent Civil
War era; same location, different state. The family – his wife and four
children, returned in 1867 to Chase County, Kansas to make their home on what
would become the Clover Cliff Ranch. Mr. Blackshere raised the first successful
alfalfa crop in Kansas. He introduced black Galloway cattle to Chase County and
the Clover Cliff. This breed of cattle originated in Scotland and was known for
long curly hair that resisted the cold Kansas winters. A heavy coat eliminated
the need for excessive body fat, producing leaner meat for the market. The
Blacksheres also made major additions to the limestone house in the time they
called the Clover Cliff Ranch home. The house was complete in 1883.Mr. and Mrs.
Homer Prather bought the ranch in 1912 from the heirs of Jacob Blackshere. The
Prathers added modern plumbing and electricity as they became available. They
converted the wooden porch to a wrap-around stone veranda and also built the
three other houses that surround the main Ranch house. Mr. and Mrs. Prather
generously opened their home to entertain in a style that brought a more formal
culture to the surrounding community. In addition to their family and an
extended community of friends, they also opened their home to more notable
visitors, including the poet Vachel Lindsay. In 1987 James and Joan Donahue
bought the Clover Cliff Ranch from the Prather heirs. Their diversified
business interests included a manufacturing plant in Durham, Kansas as well as
a significant ranching enterprise in Marion County, Kansas. Their intent was to
expand their farming operation and also to renovate and maintain the historical
and aesthetic value of this 19th century treasure. They devoted serious efforts
to recognize, preserve and restore the unique features of the home. You will
notice the copper, lead and tin alloy roof and also the roof railing that dates
to the Blackshere era. The entry door has special charm with its beveled,
leaded-glass insets. The dramatic serpentine staircase connecting the two
stories is constructed of walnut with railing support posts made of maple.
Other features that reflect a culture of gracious living from an earlier day
are notable throughout the home. The Donahues also continued the longstanding
tradition of hospitality at the Clover Cliff Ranch. They entertained a number
of famous individuals, including the crown prince of Dubai, who came with his
entourage to participate in the 100-mile World Championship Equine Race. Warren
and Susie Harshman are proud to be the fourth owners of this historic
150-year-old ranch. Through the years and subsequent ownership the ranch has
maintained its agricultural focus. The Clover Cliff Ranch was established as a
working cattle ranch, a tradition that continues to this day. In addition to maintaining that agricultural
heritage, Warren and Susie take seriously the tradition of gracious hospitality
that has been such an important part of the ranch. They look forward to keeping
that spirit alive.
After our Bed and Breakfast stay, we stopped at an old west town with Luke and explored. It was a little like Living History farms, but with so many more stores and buildings. It was a great little chance to walk and travel back into history.
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