Newton in Harvey County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Mennonite Settler
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011
1. Mennonite Settler Marker
The "Mennonite Settler," designed and sculpted by artist Max Nixon (1915-2000), was dedicated by the City of Newton September 10, 1942. Funding came from citizens of Newton, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Works Progress Administration (WPA).
Local wheat farmers often contributed to the fund by giving a few bushels from the fields at harvest time. The limestone sculpture represents a farmer standing in his wheat field. He holds his hat in his hands in a gesture of reverence. The tile mosaic has the message: Commemorating Entry into Kansas from Russia of Turkey Red Hard Winter Wheat by Mennonites 1874.
In 1997 the monument was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. A thorough restoration was completed and the rededication took place on October 1, 2000.
Erected 1942.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 10, 1756.
Location. 38° 2.769′ N, 97° 21.409′ W. Marker is in Newton, Kansas, in Harvey County. It is on Athletic Park Drive 0.1 miles north
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Kansas and in Greater Wichita. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Newton's Cowboy Era (approx. 0.6 miles away); Newton Carnegie Library (approx. 0.6 miles away); Midland National Bank (approx. 0.6 miles away); 1871 Water Well Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); Railroad Savings and Loan Building (approx. 0.7 miles away); Anderson Book and Office Supply (approx. 0.7 miles away); Ragsdale Opera House (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Masonic Lodge (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newton.
More about this marker. Marker added in about 2000.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Mennonite Settler Statue. National Register of Historic Places nomination (Submitted on March 13, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Athletic Park, Newton, Kansas. City website entry (Submitted on March 13, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
3. The Culture of Wheat in Kansas. "Wheat in Kansas" article (Submitted on March 13, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011
2. Mennonite Settler Statue and Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011
3. Mennonite Settler Monument Base
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011
4. Mennonite Settler Monument Base - Russian Homeland
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011
5. Mennonite Settler Monument Base - Transatlantic Journey
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011
6. Mennonite Settler Monument Base - Rail Journey to Kansas
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011
7. Mennonite Settler Monument Base - New Life in Kansas
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011
8. Mennonite Settler Monument at Sunset
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011
9. Mennonite Settler Statue
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,075 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on March 13, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
