Additions to Leo Beuerman marker in downtown Lawrence help tell his story

photo by: Rochelle Valverde

Local leaders, relatives of Leo Beuerman and others gather Aug. 17, 2018, for the unveiling of additions to a marker commemorating his life.

New markers near the northeast corner of Eighth and Massachusetts streets will make it easier to learn about a one-time downtown fixture who became the subject of an acclaimed documentary.

On Friday, local leaders and relatives of Leo Beuerman gathered for the unveiling of additions to a marker that has commemorated the life of Beuerman. Plaques added to the sides of the cement marker display the website leotheman.org and a QR code for accessing the website, which tells of Beuerman’s life.

Though Beuerman was only a few feet tall and couldn’t walk, he would drive a specially designed tractor from his family’s farm to downtown. The tractor had a pulley system that he used to lower himself to the street in a red wooden cart. Beuerman, who also could not hear or speak well, would park his cart on the corner of Eighth and Massachusetts streets to sell pencils in the 1960s. A short documentary about his life was nominated for an Academy Award.

photo by: Frank Janzen/Contributed Photo

Leo Beuerman sold pencils out of a handmade wooden cart in downtown Lawrence during the mid-20th century.

A handful of people gathered at the corner Friday afternoon, including Vice Mayor Lisa Larsen and Douglas County Administrator Craig Weinaug. Weinaug, who knew Beuerman growing up, said that Beuerman inspired people during his life and continues to do so through the film.

Debra Kasson-Jones, Beuerman’s great-great niece, was one of a few relatives present Friday. Kasson-Jones said Beuerman’s mother kept him close as a child and that despite his disabilities, what Beuerman wanted most was the ability to “strike out on his own and do his own thing.” She said he designed the tractor and cart system himself, and he was able to do just that.

In his short autobiography, Beuerman describes his life, beginning at his birth, where he wrote he was born “oh so weak and frail, hardly nothing to me.” He chronicles his boyhood and his later years using the tractor, writing, “To this day I have ran it almost 30,000 miles. And I will not part with it until I must!!”

Lawrence resident Frank Janzen was involved with the creation of the website, which includes photos, video clips and links to various documents related to Beuerman’s life, including his autobiography.

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