Even though TAWGS has been meeting in the Preston Hale room at the Ward Meade mansion since our inception in 1998, few people had ever seen the inside of the living quarters of the mansion. It was a real treat for all of us for Ray Schroeder to give us a tour of the mansion, log cabin and drug store following our potluck supper June 20.
Building of the limestone and brick Victorian mansion was started in 1870. Upon completion, it was the largest house in Topeka at the time. It was located along the banks of the Kansas River near the area where a ferry was operated. Travelers were welcomed at the house as they passed through the area.