- NARRATOR: Every state has its folklore,
tall tales, and legends.
But sometimes there is a darker story.
A tale not so much told, as whispered.
- WOMAN: Kansas...
It's known for tornadoes and lost little girls. But...
there is more to it than that.
Take our town, for example.
It's got one of the most unique road-side attractions.
It brings in all sorts of people,
including that mother and daughter you're looking for.
- Hey, you...
- What?
- Come on, honey. Let's make this fun.
I mean, when was the last time we went on a road trip?
- Since Dad died.
- Yeah, yeah, that's right.
Oh! Remember that RV we rented. It...
It would break down every other town, and we--
- Just 'cause he's gone doesn't mean we need to move.
- It's complicated, OK.
[intense music playing]
Hey, how about we, uh, we stretch our legs? Yeah?
Hey, come on.
Hah! Wow, look at that. - What is that?
- MOM: That is our new house. You love it?
- GIRL: Very funny.
So this is what people did before the Internet.
- MAN: Excuse me.
Can I help you?
- N-- no, we're fine. We're just here to see the ball.
- Where are you from?
- Hang on there.
We don't wanna scare off any new friends.
Especially, when they're here to see our pride and joy.
- It's, uh, yeah, certainly impressive.
- What do you think, young lady?
Isn't it great?
- Hey.
- I'm gonna go. - What...
- Children have an affinity for the ball.
I mean, let her see it on her own.
I'm sure she'll enjoy herself.
- WOMAN 2: Yeah. She's probably sick of me, anyways.
[intense music playing]
[instrumental music playing]
- MAN: Welcome to Francis, Kansas,
home of America's largest ball of twine.
Started by Greg Cawker back in 1954,
it weighs almost 20,000 pounds
and stands at 14 feet tall.
Our ball is a modern marvel
wound from sisal, or as our farmers call it,
baler's twine.
Where ordinary folks saw simple string,
Mr. Cawker saw possibility.
Mr. Cawker, a doting father,
created the ball as a memorial to his two children.
He would dedicate hours a day for 29 years to growing the ball
until it was time to unveil his creation
to his town. - [children laughing]
From then on...
- Hello?
Hello?
- MAN: ...what does the future hold for our precious ball,
only time can tell.
- Hey!
[intense music playing]
This isn't funny!
[child laughs]
[creaking]
[screams]
- SHERIFF STALLINGS: So...
Where are you from?
- Oh, Overland Park.
- I meant, originally.
- Overland Park. Born and raised.
- You speak really good English.
- Uh, well, um, I better get going.
[sighs] Hey, honey. I'm ready to get out of here.
[instrumental music playing]
Amelia. Come on.
- MAN: Welcome to Francis, Kansas,
home of America's largest ball of twine.
Started by Greg Cawker back in 1954... - Honey?
- MAN: ...it weighs almost 20,000 pounds
and stands at 14 feet tall.
Mr. Cawker, a doting father
created the ball as a memorial to his two children.
Our ball is a modern marvel,
wound from sisal, or as our farmers call it...
- Amelia!
- MAN: ...baler's twine.
- Amelia!
Amelia!
Did you see her come out?
- No, I haven't even seen her.
- What? She was just right here. Amelia!
- SHERIFF STALLINGS: She probably just wandered off.
- Excuse me, ma'am. Did you see my daughter?
She is about this tall and... Amelia!
I'm sorry. Excuse me, did you see my daughter...
Amelia!
Pick up, honey.
- AMELIA: Hey, it's Amelia. Leave a message...
- Amelia!
[intense music playing]
- AMELIA: Mom!
Mom!