By Ronald Ahrens

Here it is, the blue door and lintel that was a signature of Tillotson Construction Co. style from its first concrete elevator in 1939 all the way through the 1950s. This one made a special impression when I visited the Montezuma, Kan. elevator after dark on Monday, June 8, 2026.

The light suggests ongoing activity. Certain townsmen were already suspicious of me and my car with California plates, though, so I didn’t peek inside, didn’t knock, and sure didn’t try to open it.

The worst-case scenario: It would be hard to explain why I fell down the stairs.