The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-11-06

second floor and on the roof. There
are a number of rooms, however that
are kept locked securely against the
curious throngs that flock to the old
mansion.
The building is in a remarkable
state of preservation considering the
immense number of people who have
been through it since the time when
John D. Knox, the builder of the cas-
tie, lost everything in financial panic.
The old house has been empty for
many years, and most of the time it
has been used only for an occasional
dance or Halloween party. 1t is an
ideal place for an affair of the latter
named variety
Not Marred by Vandals.
It is a peculiar fact that of all the
vast professions of people who have
been allowed to roam through the
castle, very few acts of vandalism
have been practiced. That may be
over you when you enter the massive
portals of that ancient, cavernous
tomb, of a fortune lost in one rush of
money mad people clamoring for the
safety of their savings in the bank
with which Mr.. Knox was connected.
The walls in several of the rooms
are marked with initials of parties
who, through a peculiar turn of mind
have a penchant for getting their
names before the public, in this prob
ably the only opportunity offered
them. Several door knobs, carried
away for souvenirs, are missing and
in some places the rich handcarving
on the Staircases has been married, by
accident or design. The paper, of
course, is falling from the walls and
ceilings and the outside decorations
are cracking and deteriorating, but the
light fixtures are still in place and the
plate mirrors about the numerous
fireplaces are still intact.
Builder Was Wealthy Man.
A long story of the rise to proIni-
hence and power, the downfall, the
years of poverty within the walls of
builder CT the mansion, is easily real
lied when one stands within the large
front hall and gazes into the many va
cant and silent rooms, once gay, and
echoing with the laughter and talk of
happy parties; the footsteps of child
rem and the soft cooling of lovers sit
ting before the fireplace.
Many years ago John D. Knox was
one OF the wealthiest and most promi-
nept bankers of this part Of The coun-
try. He was president of large trust
company in Topeka Then came the
panic and Mr.. Knox lost everything
with the exception of the home. The
family lived in the castle for several
years after this. Mr.. Knox was agent
for a book firm for a short time pre-
ceding his death.
The castle stands on the summit of
a slight hill in the center of a seven
acre tract of land. The ground slopes
away from the building en- all sides.
The old weather beaten. faded mansion
is one of the best known landmarks
of the city and is one of the few old
residences left within the limits OF
Topeka
From the balcony around the cen
trail turret an excellent view of the
country may be had. Tho
Kaw river may be seen winding away
to the west from the lofty perch
above the roof of the castle. Far
away to- the southeast can be seen the
buildings of the Industrial institute.
and the forbidding heights of Calhoun
bluffs are visible to the northeast.
In more fortunate days the castle |
boosted every convenience. every con-
private Waterworks and a system of
electric bells operated by home-gen-
Grated electricity, were amonS the !
many features of this famous home
Several plans whereby the old build |
ing might be utilized have been sug-
gested, but the castle is still used only
for parties and for the delectation of
sightseers.
Recently when the Methodist
church society was planning for new
Old Peoples home, the proposition of
the plan was thought to be unfeasible. |
The society built a more modern
building and the old mansion remains I
as monument to the memory of the |
man who built it during the climax of |
success and who died poor within the |
walls of the castle.