Presenting the Faye Anderson Award in honor of the late Paul Bentrup was Alice Clapsaddle. Receiving the award on behalf of Bentrup was Dub Couch, Santa Fe Trail board member. The award is presented annually by the Wet/Dry Routes Chapter in appreciation and recognition of unusual efforts to preserve the Santa Fe Trail.

Paul Bentrup, a true Santa Fe Trail ambassador was known by many names, Dirty Shirt Bentrup, Bulldog Bentrup, Publicity Hound Bentrup, Sheep Dip Bentrup, Lamb Dyer Bentrup, Clown Prince of the Santa Fe Trail and Fastest Tongue in the West. No matter what you called Paul, if you met him just once you knew him for life and would never forget his out spoken personality. Paul always had conversation about something and would never miss a chance to jump right into a heated discussion that was going on with his own opinion.

Paul Bentrup was the steward of a place called Charlies Ruts. They are located three miles west of Deerfield, Kansas on the north side of US 50. At this location there is a pullout to a Kansas Historical Sign and a place to get out of the car and walk in the ruts and see just what they are like. The mail box at the location has information about other Santa Fe Trail sites and other area places to see. But most important about this site is;
"Don't forget to sign the Guest Book"!!

Santa Fe Trail Research Site
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Larry & Carolyn Mix
St. John, Kansas
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