John Webb had died in January 1903.
Shortly after John died, Anna moved the family to the town of Larned. She decided she’d be better able to raise five children with a job in town instead of farming. She moved to the “Rock House.”
The “Rock House” has an exalted position in family lore. We’ve all heard stories about it.
Family events
The house was the center of Webb and Buhrer events in town for several decades. Some of Anna’s nieces moved from their farms and lived in the rock house while attending high school in Larned. Anna’s parents and siblings visited when they came into Larned.
Ralph Jarvis and Chleo Webb married and lived in the rock house. My father, Mel Jarvis, was born in the rock house.
And, of course, Anna’s own children were raised in the rock house.
Anna Webb’s family – (l to r) Myrtle, 14, May, 18, Jim, 16, Laura, 11, Anna, 40, Chleo, 6
The history
The house was one of the earliest structures in the town of Larned. It had gunports, small openings for watching for danger and for rifle openings.
The stone quarry
The rock for the foundations and walls was quarried on site, so the house was surrounded by the rock outcroppings.
On this 1902 map, you can see the location of the house and stone quarries. Anna bought the east half of block 37.
The quarry surrounding the north and west sides of the house must have been a great playground when the children were young. In later years, the quarry provided the backdrop for photos.
The gardens
Anna must have liked gardening, as there are lots of photos of the grounds around the rock house. Of notable fame are the iris beds. Several family members have iris today that came from the rock house.
The Rock House today
Sadly, the Rock House is gone. In a research trip to Larned, I explored the site. Parts of the foundation remain, a row of hand hewn rocks. The stone face of the old quarry remains on the north and west of the property.
Here’s my imaginary reconstruction of the house.
Site of Rock House, looking north 
Quarried Sandstone 
South foundation wall, looking north, foundation wall in foreground 
Can you see it? 
Chleo Webb at quarry wall 
View from top of quarry wall
Here’s the location on Google Maps.
Sources
- Photos – The Rock House, quarry, gardens – Jarvis Family Documents – Chleo Webb Jarvis collection
- News article – Rock House History – Panorama of Progress – The Tiller and Toiler – 1972
- Map composite – Plat Book of Pawnee County, Kansas – Northwest Publishing Co. – Minneapolis, MN – 1902
- Map and Street View – Rock House – Google Maps 2021
- Photos – contemporary photos of site of rock house – Mark Jarvis – 2017
Family Nibbles 