A giant Erector set. That’s how Ray Schenkel describes Schenkel Construc-tion’s latest project, the disassembly of an landmark Lustron home north of Hoisington and its reassembly on the grounds of the Barton County Historical Society Museum south of Great Bend. It will become part of an exhibit honoring Great Bend’s designation as the Lustron Capital of Kansas.

His crews started carefully taking the historic post-World War II era metal prefabricated house apart Monday morning. “I don’t know how long this is going to take,” he said. “No one knows.” Dan Brack and a crew of four men built the house for Marion Weeks in just seven days back in 1949. But, that was 56 years ago and time has taken its toll on the pastel tan-colored structure. “This is going to be an experience for everyone,” Schenkel said.

The house is shrouded in juniper bushes, other trees and tall grass, most of which must be removed before it can be taken down. However, crews braved sweltering conditions and started on the inside first. Several arm loads of period items were also removed and taken to the museum, as well as miscellaneous trash that had accumulated over the years. Schenkel said he found a man who built a slew of the homes back when they were the rage. He also has an instruction manual. This guidance will come in handy.

“There are lots of parts,” he said. “You find where it says ‘start here’ and go to that point and go backwards.” “It’s not just tearing down a house and rebuilding it. We’re preserving an historical exhibit,” said Bev Komarek, historical society director. In addition to the Lustron’s unique porcelain-baked steel panels, there are original metal cabinets and other fixtures that must be saved as well. Schenkel said each piece will have to be numbered as it is removed.

The house has sat vacant for some time. As Schenkel and company dig in to the project, they may find bolts or caulking that need to be replaced, or rust that may have to be fixed. Komarek said there is no definite date to have the project completed, but they want to get up and going as a functional, climate-controlled exhibit as soon as they can. This may require additional insulation. Crews poured the home’s foundation Friday morning.

“We are going to set it up as a dwelling,” complete with 50s-era furnishings and landscaping. Some furniture has already been promised. A sidewalk that runs past the society’s outbuildings north of the museum will be extended to pass the house. But, all this takes money, about $20,000, Komarek said. A committee has been formed and the society is in the midst of a fund-raising drive to reach this goal. The house, located about 12 miles northeast of Hoisington just barely in Russell County, was donated to the society by the Weeks family, Komarek said.