I grew up in Topeka, and have vivid memories of the 1966 tornado that tore half the dome off of that Capitol building. I recently learned the secret of those 100 year-old wood framed houses you are admiring. Kansas always had few trees - so no lumber or other convenient building materials. The original pioneers (including my great-grandparents) built their first houses out of sod. When it came time to put up more substantial structures, they literally ordered them from Sears Roebuck. Sears had an operation near Chicago that collected lumber from other parts of the country, assembled them into complete Craftsman home kits that included everything you needed to construct one of those houses. The kit was packaged onto a boxcar and shipped to Topeka by rail. This strikes me as a brilliant solution, since without a complete kit you would inevitably forget minor pieces - and in 1920 it was long, long way to home depot. This explains why you'll see houses a few blocks apart with identical floor plans.

@joycelebaron2582

Жыл бұрын

Oh that's right, I forgot about the Sears Roebuck kits but had heard of them. Logical because I wasn't even thinking that Kansas doesn't have many trees and presto, beautiful wooden houses!

@richardfortner1251

Жыл бұрын

@@joycelebaron2582 The Eastern third of Kansas does have many trees/forested areas, all natural. The Western two thirds not so much, thus sod homes. The Western two thirds had to resort to what was available. The main reason a greater population of the state lives in the Eastern third.

@joycelebaron2582

Жыл бұрын

@@richardfortner1251 Oh, that's right, too now that I think about it. Thanks.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Great comment. Thank you.

@toupac3195

Жыл бұрын

I live in Andover, KS. I raise you one tornado. And I call. 🤪

Topeka is a really strange city. It truly depends on what block you're on - literally one block will be large, beautiful renovated century homes, and the next block over it can be bad - like abandoned and burned-out houses bad. It's a very diverse city, both in terms of ethnicity as well as social class.

@cyberus1438

Жыл бұрын

We need to get money flowing into the working class of the city if we want to fix that particular issue. As it is there are way too many House flippers and landlords running around

@cfgyvr6321

Жыл бұрын

@@cyberus1438 sadly that is not going to happen any time soon. $100 BILLION just sent to Ukrain with both parties supporting it but never ever any money for Americans or society as a whole. Flint still has polluted water. Don't expect any money injections into the Topeka economy any time soon. War in foreign countries takes presidents

@cyberus1438

Жыл бұрын

@@cfgyvr6321 that isn’t how that works, and is a trivial dollar amount compared to general budgetary matters that before you say it do not work in the same galaxy as household finances, and is actually netting a net long term benefit to national security by not only changing the international stage but also updating the national arsenal. Not to mention how wealth flows within the country is largely a policy in economics issue. All of which is a long way to say that regurgitating taglines of issues you have no comprehension of serves nothing let alone domestic policy.

@cfgyvr6321

Жыл бұрын

@@cyberus1438 I don't know what you are talking about. America has $100 BILLION at the snap of a finger for a war they pretend they aren't even fighting in yet there is no money for a living wage, medicare for all, student debt relief, free tuition, high speed rail service, fix homelesnes, etc. If it is something for the American people the Government can't afford it. If it's money for the millitary it's an open cheque book. That is why city's like Topeka are going down hill with high crime rates. Can you imagine if the Federal Government gave $1 BILLION to 100 city's the good it would do for Americans? They will never do it. America is a failed state

@cynthiaziegler6558

11 ай бұрын

Yes, my area is a quiet older neighborhood a few blocks over not so much

The man in the mural is John Brown, a nationally prominent abolitionist during the years leading up to the Civil War. He was hanged in 1859 after a failed attempt to incite a slave insurrection at Harper's Ferry. Kansas was a free state and being anti-slavery is an important part of the state's founding and history. The murals throughout the state capital were painted by John Steuart Curry beginning in 1937 and depict a variety of moments of Kansas' history as well as notable aspects of the state. They're beautiful.

@chadtiemeyer2175

Жыл бұрын

I'm not sure I agree with the word insurrection in your comment. Slave revolt or uprising feels more appropriate.

@deadbeat-vc9kg

Жыл бұрын

@@chadtiemeyer2175 Depends on what side you are on. If you stand with the people, it was a revolutionary act. If you sold out to be a government agent, you will see it as an insurrection. John Brown should have been given a medal, not hanged.

@Dulcimerea

10 ай бұрын

@@deadbeat-vc9kg Thank you. For more, read "A Plea for Captain John Brown" by Henry David Thoreau.

@dreaziemobbins

8 ай бұрын

the raid at harper's ferry was to steal weapons from the armory, not to incite the insurrection, but those are the big brushstrokes

@amyshehi4731

2 ай бұрын

I love the John Brown mural. The band Kansas put it on an album cover I think.

It's crazy that I've lived here my entire life and didn't know about half of the things covered in this video! It's nice to see more of my town, I've never had much chance to go exploring.

@pickleddolphinmeatwithhors677

Жыл бұрын

I'm sorry

Thanks for the great video. A few years ago, I was in Topeka for a week filming at the BNSF yard. On my downtime, my wife and I drove around the town. It was Halloween and we stumbled upon the Potwin neighborhood. It was absolutely amazing. We have not had a chance to get back but we did enjoy our time there. I was very pleasantly surprised at how beautiful it was and how much we enjoyed it.

I discovered your page just a few days ago when this video regarding Topeka popped up on my KZread feed. I've lived in Topeka all of my adult life and it was great seeing someone explore my neighborhood (capital area) and give their perspective as an outsider. It's really great to see my neighborhood and so many others from an outsider's perspective because you are able to recognize the diversity and beauty that we so often take for granted because we see it on a daily basis. I've watched many of your videos now and I appreciate the fact that you don't go to the touristy areas and explore more of the heart of cities. You've got a new subscriber who is living for every moment of your explorations across the country! Amazing channel! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your wife And I can't wait to see what your next adventure brings!

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cool! I'm glad you're here, Racheal!

So nice to reminisce. Spent my college years in Kansas and have only fond memories of the area, terrain, and people. Very underrated state like so many "fly over" states in the eyes of elitists along the east and west coasts. Nice video, Spoda.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

I'll take these towns in Kansas over California or New York any day.

@bobdroll6381

Жыл бұрын

May we know where you live now?

@pickleddolphinmeatwithhors677

Жыл бұрын

@@bobdroll6381 only if we can have your date of birth, mother's maiden name, last 4 of your SSN, name of your first pet, address, marital status, employers name, and credit card number.

@pickleddolphinmeatwithhors677

Жыл бұрын

@@bobdroll6381 jk by the way

After he was in the Civil War my great-grandpa became a homesteader in western KS.While most homesteads were NOT successful my ancestors was, and in 1922, the state sent someone around from the Historical Society to interview all the original homesteaders to document their stories. That's how I found out about him, for some reason I Googled his name, and it was right there on my computer! So i am proud of him, as part of a important part of American history. I was born in Goessel, but, raised in CA. I have never been to Topeka, so I enjoyed this, tkns!

@joycelebaron2582

Жыл бұрын

So interesting! I'd love to hear your great grandpa's story. Is that where he homesteaded, Goessel?

@anderander5662

Жыл бұрын

That "giant" was John Brown.... I can't believe you didn't know who that was

@estelleadamski308

Жыл бұрын

@@anderander5662 Of course, I knew it was John Brown on the mural. When did I say anything about him at all? You must have me confused w/someone else.

@krausearchery8749

Жыл бұрын

Never been to Topeka well Topeka sucks there's nothing to do here they're 50 years behind Denver

@QueenTaco24

Жыл бұрын

The fact I know where Goessel is makes me feel cool 😂😂 I had friends I met through FFA that lived in Goessel so I would go there and hang out with them when I could. It wasn’t a horrible drive from Great Bend.

I have been enjoying your videos for a few months. I went to Topeka High School, loved every minute. Just a point of fact, Topeka High School was the most expensive educational building built in the USA to that time (1932, I think). One thing you missed in the video/tour was the mast of the USS Constitution at the East entrance of the school; it serves as the school flagpole. There is also memorial to passed military at Constitution Plaza. I wish you could have gone to the Evel Knievel Museum, it is great; I grew up just a few blocks away. Also, years ago, you could take stairs to the top of the dome of the capital building; my Mom took us there every summer. The mural that you were fascinated by was the rendition by John Curry Stuart depicting John Brown, outrage of slavery and the conflict in Kansas between slavery and anti-slavery. Thank you so much for the video of my hometown.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

That's the most amazing HS I've ever seen. :)

@JamesBond-uz2dm

Жыл бұрын

The USS Constitution is in Boston, the oldest commissioned US warship. It has all its masts from what I can see. They must have donated a mast to that school and replaced it. A Topeka/ Boston connection few people know.

@karladenton5034

Жыл бұрын

@@JamesBond-uz2dm Yes, the one there now is actually the second decommissioned mast that has been donated to THS.

@Sample-Text.

Жыл бұрын

A friend in ROTC that goes to THS told me that they bought/asked for the mast fand then the dude that asked for it make it illegal for other schools to have a mast flagpole lol

@karladenton5034

Жыл бұрын

@@Sample-Text. wouldn't surprise me any. There's a huge high school rivalry in this town and THS is very proud and protective of the historic legacy. (full disclosure - I'm an alum, as is my son.)

I'm a Topekan now and have lived here my whole life. I'm 53 years old. Overall I'd say I really like living here. We have a lot of crime, however if your a normal everyday law abiding citizen you don't get mixed up in all that nonsense. Be in at a decent hour, lock your doors, and I recommend cameras on your house as to deter any foul play. That I think is the best anyone can do these days. I know Topeka high is a very beautiful school, I graduated from there in 1988. The Bell Tower is beautiful, heck the whole school is beautiful, 3 floors. I hope that you enjoyed being in Topeka. Thank you all for the positive feedback of our town.

@PaulPavloPablo

2 ай бұрын

I was thinking about moving there but now I'm not so sure since you said there's a lot of crime. i don't want to be in fear of my life while living there.

@teenage_rage

Ай бұрын

There's also the Seaman District!

@MsSkipperkim

21 күн бұрын

Or Shawnee Heights. Nobody wanted to go to THS when I was in high school.

Yes, several cities in Kansas have Native American names. Especially in the Northeast part of Kansas. Topeka is definitely the tale of two cities where the downtown is pretty cool looking and then some of the residential areas get pretty sketchy. And of course there are some really nice areas! But the best part of Kansas from a money perspective is Overland Park, Lenexa and Olathe - but yes Topeka has usually had a higher crime rate for one reason or another…Yes, my daughter is a Senior at Washburn University! She picked it over both K-State and University of Kansas. Great video!

I enjoy every single one of your videos so much! Your tone of voice is calm and relaxing. And the mood of curious exploration is so inspiring. Thanks a lot for your content!

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you, Andrew!

Wow loved Topeka! Thank you so much in sharing this video.

The reason there is asphalt over the brick is the cost of maintaining a brick street is so much higher. (25:15) Inside the capitol, the elevator is operated by a person, that’s why there is a chair inside and it was not in operation. The capitol was remodeled a few years ago and the new main entry was added. What you thought was a dungeon was the basement and was used as storage before. Some of the things stored needed to be secured. Fun fact, the capitol was built in 3 phases. The east wing was built first, then the west wing. This left the space in the middle (under the dome now) empty. A wooden tunnel connected the east wing (Senate chamber) to the west wing (House chamber). This was nick named the Tunnel of Wind. Once the dome was completed the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate could see each other when the chamber doors were open. This was so both chambers could start their session at exactly the same time. They laser checked both desk and they were only a quarter inch off of being perfectly level! And if you didn’t notice, the arches in the hallways are different in each wing. One side has squared arches and the other has curved. Why? The time of construction was so long between phases that there were different State Architect in charge for each phase. Great video!

I do love your videos. Being a geography major (at one time) I appreciate how you present the facts and show us the towns and neighborhoods.

Topeka born and raised! Thanks for this awesome video showcasing our unique city.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

We really loved it there. :)

@pickleddolphinmeatwithhors677

Жыл бұрын

I'm sorry

Amelia Earhart was indeed a native of Kansas, having been born and lived for the first 10 years of her life in Atchison. By the way, I'm eagerly looking forward to your coverage of a few more state capitol cities, Jefferson City, MO and Columbia, SC (both previous hometowns), and Springfield, IL (my current home).

@buk6708

Жыл бұрын

i work in nyc and have property in Georgia. Columbia, SC is my favorite city. without a doubt the best downtown. x10 better than Savannah and Charleston.

My father painted the inside of the Capitol. I still have a little vile of the 24k gold paint they used. Miss him everyday. Great video.

This video has actually helped me appreciate the city that I have lived in my entire life.

I grew up and live in Topeka. Thank you for covering our city with respect. Hope you visit us again. ❤️

Wow! Some really nice neighborhoods there! Love the historic homes they look well kept. Another great video that didn't disappoint. Thanks for sharing your travels with us!

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, RR. :)

You guys did an EXCELLENT job of portraying our city. It really is a casual burg. Hope y'all enjoyed and return someday. Thanks!

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Joe!

My great aunt was a nun who taught science in Topeka for many years. I always found the city to be run down and depressing. It didn't matter if it was in 1980 or 2010. Always run down and depressing.

@bunnyben5607

Жыл бұрын

Kansas is just a naturally depressing state no matter where you go. We take great pride in how depressing our towns can be.

How fun is this! I’ve lived in Kansas City for a long time and learned some cool facts about Topeka from your tour through the town! 😊

So fun fact that you missed with Topeka High School is that it was the first school on the west side of the Mississippi River that cost one million dollars to build. The architecture inside and out is beautiful. Also, just on the east side of the school is a flag mast that belongs to the USS Constitution "Old Ironsides".

@treytonservantez9730

Жыл бұрын

I can confirm this as a student

@joebone3151

Жыл бұрын

Same

@mcbrides1

Жыл бұрын

Some of the leftover brick built a house on my street. Love Topeka High School!

@danibabyx

Жыл бұрын

West is best 🎉

@holoholohaolenokaoi2299

Жыл бұрын

@15:36 education taken seriously.

Lot’s of well-deserved comments. I’m a graduate of THS. We would gather every flag day around the mast of the USS Constitution “Old Ironsides”. Just to the north, facing 8th, is Grace Episcopal Cathedral. It was built to that Kansas dignitaries could have proper state funerals. The old gas station was on 10th I believe and it was a Phillips 66. I was in the first integrated class at Central Park Elementary and my 2nd grade teacher was black-a lovely, God fearing women. Oh by the way we prayed in school in those days as well. Back over on 8th, a couple of blocks east of the Cathedral was the old governor’s mansion. My father was a KBI agent and body guard for three Kansas Governors. Washburn University is actually about 2 miles from THS. Our home was near there and destroyed in the 1966 tornado. Topeka is also home of the general offices of the BNSF Railroad, the large white building with the microwave tower in your drone footage. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe (the SF in BNSF) is the largest private employer in Topeka. The old Santa Fe office building are now state offices across from the capital. Speaking of Atchison, Emilia Earhart was a native of …….Dick Cameron was a DJ at WREN and went on to become a United Airlines pilot. He retired as a DC-10 captain.Thanks again.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Great comment. Thank you.

@englishatheart

10 ай бұрын

Lots* Sorry, couldn't help myself. 😛

The mural you saw in the Capitol was the Coming Storm, painted by John Stuart Curry. My grandfather's cousin, in 1937. Curry was the great Kansas Regionalist, along with Thomas Hart Benton from Missouri and Grant Wood from Iowa formed the Midwest Regionalist School. The "Giant" is John Brown, The Kansas abolitionist who was hanged at Harpers Ferry, VA, on December 2, 1859, and led to the active beginning of the Civil War. This is the most famous of all artwork in the State. It shows John Brown with a Bible in one hand and a rifle in the other. The Tornado represents the Civil War. Kansas was an abolitionist state, and this portrays Bleeding Kansas, the first conflict of the Civil War fought between the slave state of Missouri and the Free State of Kansas. This was made famous in modern pop culture as the cover for the group Kansas's first hit album. He painted all the murals on the main floor of the Capitol, in the antechamber of the House and Senate. BTW, Amelia Earhart was born and raised in Atchison, Kansas.

You’ve done it again . Show was informative, interesting and entertaining. Love your videos- much appreciated

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Elena!!

As a Topeka native loved the deep dive. Fun to see a place I’m so familiar with through someone else’s eyes!

Hey! Topeka High School Alumni and Washburn Student here! Topeka High School was the first Million dollar school West of the Mississippi as well! The school is also incredibly diverse, as you get just about everything. There were around 1700 students and staff total. Gage Park is also a great place to visit. Bit of a shame you didn’t visit Washburn Campus since it is a very pretty campus as well! But overall, was happily surprised by your unbiased view on the city! Was a fun watch

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Messkey. THS was unbelievably beautiful. :)

@crocsanddocs

Жыл бұрын

I'm also a student at WU, this video was surreal as someone who was born and raised in Topeka

@jeebock2061

Жыл бұрын

Hey, i know you lol

It's just nice to see that someone has something nice to say about my Kansas state! Love your positive comments!👍God bless!

I’ve been following you guys around and am really enjoying lots of these places I haven’t been to…thanks for taking me along, good stuff.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching, Jack!

I was born and raised in Topeka, now I live an hour away from it. Needless to say I don't miss it much. It's really gone downhill from when I was younger.

My husband told me about the video you posted of southern Kansas and Oklahoma. And we just came across this video. I am from Topeka and go there several times a year to visit family. And it was really nice telling my husband about the downtown area and how we used to look at Christmas lights and all the pretty store fronts. I appreciate the virtual tour. It was nice watching it. I’m going to research that cool abandon building that you came across. I’m not quite sure where that’s at but my dad would probably know. The iron rail is my favorite place to eat by the way love their food and their beer.

@lauralawrence4146

Жыл бұрын

It was the ice house I believe

Loved this video, thanks for taking us along.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind words, Sukari!

My hometown since 1976. Nice and interesting video. Thanks for visiting us and posting your video.

So good to know where the largest wren is located! Thank you for solving that pressing problem! 😍

@summerz8867

Жыл бұрын

Yes💫🪶🐣

@richardfortner1251

Жыл бұрын

That Wren used to be mounted on the roof of the radio station. Just two blocks from the church we went to in the 60 and 70's. I think it would be at 10th and Clay Ave. I could drive there today with no problem, lol!

Really great video. I chuckled a little bit though as you were driving through one of the worst neighborhoods in the city, saying how beautiful it was lol. Over there by Topeka High School is a pretty bad area that has a lot of shootings. I lived over there for about a year. It's sad because the architecture is cool and the brick roads. But yeah you don't want to go walking around there at night.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Really? I would have never guessed it. It looks beautiful. That said, I have driven through the worst slums in Memphis, New Orleans, Detroit, Baltimore, Shreveport and Jackson. This area is not near as bad as those places.

@kathy9363

4 ай бұрын

Grew up in topeka. Definitely would not run out if gas in that area. The old archetecture is beautiful but a high crime & drug area.

My life started in Topeka in 1957. It was a great place to grow up. I enjoy going back for family visits. Great Video keep them up

I did not expect to come across this on my fyp, I'm glad someone took the time to review our city

I believe a few of those homes like the one shown at the 12:19 mark are those kit homes Sears and a few other companies sold. Most large cities across the country have entire neighborhoods with these, once you familiarize yourself with the typical design of those homes, you'll be able to point them out...even when they've had extensive remodeling over the years. One main feature most of these have is a random door on the side of the house, the door is usually located in the same exact spot on these homes. I believe these side doors usually lead up into the kitchen and are also where the basement stairs are usually at.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Interesting.

I'm so glad you liked Topeka! I drove through there on I-70 many years ago and wanted to stop but didn't have time so thanks! I always thought, driving through, that despite St. Louis' moniker of "Gateway to the West" that Topeka was really the gateway. I've always wondered where the biggest wren in the world was, so now I know. Couldn't have done it without you! 😃 But seriously, interesting to hear about Charles Curtis. He was the VP for Hoover (Thanks Google!) Surprising we haven't heard more about him on the news, as there is a Native American Congresswoman from Kansas now, and I think a newly appointed Secretary of the Interior. I had no idea as far back as 1929 there was a Native American VP. I wonder if, like Providence, some of those beautiful turn-of-the-century mansions were divided into low-income apartments. Beautiful neighborhood though. I love a big front yard and a wide street. Thanks for the tour of the State House. I thought your wife had already gotten all her passport State Houses stamped on your first trip around. My bad. (I was planning on getting some work done and having this on in the background but ended up stopping and just watching. I find these so interesting, thanks!

@jerrysullivan8424

Жыл бұрын

My guess is why we do not hear much about VP Curtis is, He was under Hoover. Hoover was not well-liked and blamed for the great depression.

@joycelebaron2582

Жыл бұрын

@@jerrysullivan8424 Right.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this, Joyce. :)

@richardfortner1251

Жыл бұрын

The Curtis home is just a couple of blocks from the capital building. It is/was very impressive, I will have to check it out the next time I get to Topeka. The home in the 60, 70, 80's had been converted to an Independent Insurance agency. I know this because my agent was there, it sits at the corner of 11th and Topeka Blvd, NE corner. My fascination with Topeka history has always fascinated me, I'm weird I guess. My wife who is also from Topeka is astounded when I take a drive through and point out points of interest. I think growing up in central part of Topeka, I was fascinated with the history, where as she grew up just North of town.

@joycelebaron2582

Жыл бұрын

@@richardfortner1251 It's interesting! According to the map, there's a Charles Curtis House Museum there now (temporarily closed). It looks beautiful. I think it's great that you've taken a great interest in the history of your home town.

Very enjoyable vid. Thanks for the trip, guys!

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!!

Never been there, heard alot about it since 1970! First time I have scene it. Good looking place.

Thanks for sharing this. Topeka is on my list to visit. My folks were born in that area in 1920. Mom from Topeka and Dad from Soldier Kansas which is just outside of Topeka. Thanks again.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

LOL!.

@isaiahwindle5348

Жыл бұрын

did they go to seaman? I'm a current student there

Hey Joe and Nick, videos like these are extremely important for several reasons, and I wanted to highlight a few as a measure of appreciation, as well as for commenting and engaging: I am prepping for a job interview in Topeka, probably around mid August early September. I have only driven through Kansas a couple times, And never had the pleasure/opportunity of being able to really visit it as I would have liked to. Being able to see drone footage of the downtown, and video footage of the neighborhoods that aren’t just stock photos on Zillow or trying to Rome, around by myself on Google earth is huge for allowing me to somewhat make a decision before I receive an opportunity to appear before the hiring managers and HR department. Thank you for taking the time to put something like this together because it’s really helpful and I’m positive that there are others in my position who will more than likely be using your videos to make educated decision on where they may end up in order to provide for their families. I wish you and yours well!

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

11 ай бұрын

Awesome! :)

@marymeissner4664

9 ай бұрын

Just keep in mind. Much more to these cities, they don't have the time. It's a beautiful place

Awesome drone footage with the allowable music. Very Cool 😎 👍

I just wanted to tell you that I really love your videos I watch them every day and I tell people at my work about them how great they are you are a very cool person great job on your videos I'm going to keep watching them and telling people about them thank you for making great videos

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Michelle! :)

I once went to my local grocery store to pick-up some Tapioca pudding for my ageing Mother. I got in a register line where the cashier was a real friendly clean cut looking young man...possibly a high school senior's part time job. He was just happily chattering to the customers ahead of me and when it was my turn he said cheerily "getting some Topeka pudding hey!' "actually" I said "it's actually Tapioca pudding". He looked at the package and said "you're right! Wonder where I got Topeka from". I said "maybe the name just reminded you of the city of Topeka". He looked at me kind of puzzled and said "you mean there's a city called Topeka?"..."there is" said I "and in fact it is the capitol of Kansas". His mouth almost fell open and he said...and I kid you not..."Dude, how do you know stuff like that!"....I cringed but responded "Well, when you've been around a while you just sort of pick some things up"......................Our unrivaled education system at work! And heck, I'm only a High School grad myself.

@wil7228

Жыл бұрын

That poor kid very little memory or learning rentention , possibly stupid teachers I hope he likes his job he will be there for life.

@joycelebaron2582

Жыл бұрын

I could have sworn we had to learn all the state capitals in grade school. I can understand forgetting a couple, but never having heard of them? Sad.

@TinkerTailor4303

Жыл бұрын

Thank God, at least you weren't in KS at the time!

@gregkerr725

Жыл бұрын

@@TinkerTailor4303 If you are meaning you are glad I wasn't in Kansas talking to a High Schooler there who had never heard of Topeka and that it is his State's Capitol....I agree that would be bad, though I imagine nearly all Kansans have heard of Topeka...but I imagine there are those who don't know which city is their State's Capitol. There are some seriously under educated folks out there!

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

What!!? Chimera!!

As a college student I made the drive from Denver to Kansas City and back many times. Kansas is a state with many hidden gems, Topeka being one of them. I even stayed overnight in Topeka several times and had a chance to explore the city during the day. I really liked the art deco performing arts center. Also, those two story craftsman houses with the front porches are examples of homes that you just don't see being built anymore. I know that for most people Kansas is a fly-over state but if you have the chance take some time to drive through it. You won't be disappointed. Thanks for the video Lord Spoda.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great comment!

@brockcarter8748

Жыл бұрын

You will definitely be disappointed if you spend time in Topeka stop cappin

Nice video thanks, I been there years ago in Kansas thanks for taking me back

I've always wondered about Topeka! What a beautiful place. The homes are so charming.

Topeka while translated that way for modern usage, doesn’t specifically mean potato as we think of, as the natives didn’t have the potato that we think of, it’s really referring to wild “potato” roots that grew along the rivers. It would likely be unrecognizable to us today.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Interesting. Thank you for the clarification.

Topeka was never considered for becoming a location for the large skyscraper construction because of a law stating that no building in Topeka can be taller than the state capital building.

@meggison4674

Жыл бұрын

I've lived here my whole life and never knew that!

@brianwesley28

Жыл бұрын

@@meggison4674 It may be a myth, actually, but there haven't been any buildings approved being taller than it is.

@mattks1001

Жыл бұрын

@@brianwesley28it’s not a myth. The City of Topeka has an ordinance/law that no building can be taller then the Capitol building.

Love the video. Have a wonderful afternoon.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Jonathon!

Great tour of my hometown! Thank you! Ya missed going up to the outside of top of the dome though!

This is one of my very favorite videos of yours!

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you RR!

@bthomson

Жыл бұрын

So many of us find your videos to be just what we have needed! Light hearted but educational and informing! Many of us are fast fans!🍀🍺🗺🎯

Also I went to that high school and the inside will blow your mind. They give tours too, you could've literally just called em and set something up

Nice to see a video of Topeka I went to Topeka High school. Hope you had a nice visit!

we love your videos. about 2 weeks we watching your channel very good, keep up the great work 🥰🥰

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Danny!

If you ever come back by, you should try to stop in on the first Friday's of the month for a First Friday Artwalk. Parts of the city really come alive.

Last thing... BoBo's Dinner on 10th Street is the Best Cheese Burgers I have ever bought. They were even of the Food network they are that good. On Dinners, Dives, I think...

@timerison

Жыл бұрын

Don't forget the apple pie... My wife lived right accross the street from Mr. Bobo on James St. Way back in the 60's and 70's.

I lived in Topeka from '83-87 while I attended Washburn University. I haven't been back since graduating despite always wanting to make a return. Thank you for renewing my interest in revisiting the City. I thoroughly enjoying my years in Topeka. Beautiful city and Washburn was a beautiful campus.

Thanks for this video, my daughter moves around the country for work, and moved her this yr. I love that I can tour her new town.

Never thought I'd be spotted in the wild brewing and put on the internet. 🙃Good video!!

@Dev...

11 ай бұрын

Never know who you'll find in old comment sections either! 🤪

I really loved hearing all the lovely things you said about my hometown. Some of my favorite things in Topeka are the Ted Ensley gardens, Ward Meade, NOTO and Potwin at Christmas. But the true gem is about twenty miles to the east. Lawrence, Ks has so many cool things to see. Allen Fieldhouse, the Eldridge Hotel, and the most vibrant downtown you will ever see.

@joebone3151

Жыл бұрын

My grandfather helped start noto

I seen this video randomly and called the restaurant you went to and they had no clue this video was even up. At the time it was at 50k but this is just so cool to us topekans 😂😂 very interesting seeing your point of view on things not being from here

WREN thanks for sharing great content 👍🇺🇲

As a life long Kansas resident I haven’t been to the Capital building since 1961, which was our 100th anniversary of statehood. It was a school field trip and a Santa Fe rail ride from Wichita. As a little grade schooler it was so exciting to ride the train and then see the gargantuan capital building. Wichita has many similar homes surrounding the downtown area. Most of them are from 1880’s into the 1910’s. That was where most of the city leaders and majority of merchants lived. By the 20’s and 30’s the affluent had move on out to the then suburbs. Kansas has never built high rise buildings of any magnitude, everything is just spread out into the open prairie and farmlands. Most the major corporate offices are built closer to the affluent corporate leaders neighborhoods, making it an easy 5-10 minute drive to work for some executives.

@danconner321

Жыл бұрын

To any and all who are planning a vacation trip that will some how take you thru The City of Topeka, . Kansas, make sure you take some time to visit The Forbes Airport area. They have a few interesting Museums there concerning old Military Air Craft and other things. It's a great place to visit

The house you were talking about at about 7:20 in the video is actually the sober living house my mom lives in and also plays a major part in running and in fact within a like a 4 or 5 block radius of that house there are 2-3 more sober living houses. I was born and raised in Topeka and still live here. I am a Topeka High grad of 22 and I am going to Washburn Tech for my LPN. (I'm obviously not a writer if you couldn't tell lol) Anyways I loved watching your review hope you come back to visit!

Such an interesting time seeing Topeka through someone else eyes

Great show

Great video, thanks 👍 I live in Topeka and I wish you would have shown the governor's mansion, Shawnee Lake, Shunga park, and the more modern area🙂 The high crime area is east Topeka btw. We also have a zoo at Gage park and a large event center! Thanks for visiting Topeka KS. Please come again! PS. Amelia Earhart is from Atchison Ks.🙂

As a Kansas native I have always considered Topeka an absolute hole.

I lived in area and worked on my friends farm growing up. His family grew potatoes. We delivered to most stores back then mostly Dillion stores. Nice to see the video. Thanks

Nice video for Topeka. I visited Kansas once and stayed in Lawrence. Wait for your video on Lawrence.

I'm 20 yrs old and graduated from Shawnee Heights. As of recently, lots of crime has erupted within down town/central Topeka, the most prominent cases being burglary, aggravated assault, and drug stings. It's only really nice if you live in a safe, suburban/rural housing area. Everywhere else is like trying not to step on a land mine 😭 That being said, a lot of rich history especially in nature. Just wish our economy were a bit more sustainable to make downtown neighborhoods safer for folks.

WOW!! You did such a wonderful job showing my home state Capitol!! Thank you for saying all the lovely, kind things about Topeka. Indeed.. Amelia Earhart is from Kansas. Also. Thank you for pointing out that Wichita is the aviation capitol of the world . There used to be a famous old hotel called the Jayhawker. Mom and Dad had their wedding night there. My twin and I went to several sorority and fraternity formals there. I wonder if it’s what you saw. You never disappoint! I can’t wait to see where the next town in Kansas is. Since you said it’s near the middle, I probably know it!!

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind words, Denise. We really like Topeka. It's always a pleasure to visit a city with a beautiful, vibrant downtown with beautiful neighborhoods surrounding it. So many cities in this country are not like that.

Thank you for the details. Was looking for some 🌻, after all- it is the Sunflower state.

As a native kansan I stay the heck out of Topeka. I went there once for a family thing as a kid and it was the lamest trip of my life.

It is/was a beautiful city. Starting to get sprawled out and the newer part getting more west of the city and away from downtown. Its very easy to find your way around though. Unfortunately, the crime has increased exponentially over the past decade and I tend not to go there anymore than I have to. I prefer the country with no neighbors for miles. Was very interesting to watch this video though. You hit all of the hot spots.

I visited Topeka once, and was really surprised at how lifeless the downtown was.

@donna7084

Жыл бұрын

Exactly, there's nothing to do there. I hated living there.

@jaronbalderes7109

Жыл бұрын

That is changing! The downtown is actually busy nowadays.

@RicJones-et9jh

Жыл бұрын

Like where is all the people man

@mattks1001

Жыл бұрын

Downtown Topeka is thriving now. Best it’s been in 30+ years.

@michaelavanduesen

9 ай бұрын

Living a couple blocks down from it, there is definitely more business than it used to be. But around the capitol building to the east, it seems desolate still when I have to go down there. Then again, it's more industrial so there isn't as many things making it busy.

You were only a few blocks from my house. Glad you liked it here. Topeka has its problems like anywhere, but it is a great place to plant potatoes. 🙃

That’s a good question. I would imagine between half a million to a million to build with the same quality materials considering how well built houses were back then. Really enjoyed watching, thank you.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the estimate, CLK. :)

Nice video. It is neat that you found Hughes Conoco. Mr Hughes was a bit of a local legend. He sponsored and coached in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). He also was one of the first African Americans to operate a station selling gas supplied by a major petroleum company.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you for the extra info, Christine. :)

If you ever go back to Topeka please go to Northstar Steakhouse it's so much better than iron rail and has sooo much history

Thank you for this wonderful video of my home town and I still live here. I am also a graduate of Topeka High School. We all agree that it is a beautiful school! We do have some beautiful and unique neighborhoods. The neighborhood just past the little white and red brick building (old gas station) is called Potwin. The entire neighborhood all put up Christmas lights and decorate. Thank you for being so respectful of Topeka! You have yourself a new sub!!

@garrystidham2059

Жыл бұрын

Going to potwin is cherry picking Topeka go see the diversity!!!!

I’m from topeka and was so interesting seeing your perspective! Wish you would have explored the west side of town too, but still such a great video!

I was raised and still live in Topeka. I went to Topeka High and Washburn University. Topeka High is a beautiful building in and out, and I am very lucky to have attended it. The mural with the "giant" is a mural of John Brown the abolitionist. A controversial figure, but a kansas legend nonetheless. If you visit Topeka again, I would recommend The Blind Tiger for dinner. It has some cool history pieces in it, and is referential to the prohibition past of the US, and finally I think its probably the best restaurant in town. Safe travels.

@pickleddolphinmeatwithhors677

Жыл бұрын

I'm sorry

I grew up in a tiny town 30 miles outside Topeka. I remember field trips to the capitol, standing in front of that mural. The abolitionist history of Kansas is something I’ve always taken pride in. Also, Brown vs. Board of Education, the case that started the desegregation of public schools, took place in Topeka. Thanks for stoking up some wonderful, ancient memories.

@el-Cu9432

Жыл бұрын

Watershed Supreme Court case, Brown vs Board of Education of Topeka (1954). Seems like a beautiful city. One that I think I'll put on my to visit list.

@JamesBond-uz2dm

Жыл бұрын

The lawyer who prevailed for Miss Brown was Thurgood Marshall, who went on to serve on the US Supreme Court.

@1946luke

Жыл бұрын

Knowing what we know now, desegregation wasn't such a great idea. But of course, the left wing liberals wouldn't agree.

@someguy5438

Жыл бұрын

@@1946luke I'll bet all the good old boys at the clan rally agree.

@CatgirLinKC

Жыл бұрын

@@1946luke time to toddle on back to 1946. 😉

Great video 👍

The mural at 26:00 is John Brown. Also, I live in the area you were driving around in in Central Topeka. That's pretty cool. Your video popped in my recommends.

Thank you for being so kind about Topeka!! It’s a really wonderful city that gets a bad rep.

A lot of mom and pop shops closed when the larger businesses moved in, unfortunately. I wish the city, or state would offer zero taxes on all small businesses making less than 3,000,000 a year.

Hi my name is Jessica johnson my big brother lives in Kansas Topeka for years I'm 33 and his 48 thanks for sharing this town😄😀👍

I rented the 2nd floor of the home you filmed at 18:43. That was fun seeing it again. I loved it but there was a lot of crime happening a few blocks away. We used to open the curved glass window and crawl out onto the roof to watch storms develop into bad storms, sometimes maybe even a tornado. There was another big cypress tree that is missing now. Provided a lot of shade. My dad graduated from Topeka High School. I always thought it looked cool.

Hello! Time stamp about 17:40, 30 years ago the building on the left used to be an old apartment building that contained 3 apartments over the landlords workshop. My apartment was the one that faced out onto Buchanan. As you can see, the top part that held the apartments has been knocked down, probably due to squatters. This was my first apartment and my oldest son was born while we lived here. Good memories. The place next door was an old Iron Foundry. Im not sure what happened to it nor do I have much info on it.

@alanmedford1695

9 күн бұрын

it was an old ice house

The picture of the the big man with wild eyes and hair represents John Brown the abolitionist.

@bthomson

Жыл бұрын

Yes! I thought the same.

At 5:44 used to be a Hallmark Store. My dad leased the building and turned it into a church for a few years before moving to another state. It was a really cool building inside. We found safes above the ceiling, built into the stone. It was a Green Cross grocery store in the 40s

I liked how wide the tree lawns were between the sidewalk and the street in the neighborhoods you drove through.

@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

Жыл бұрын

Yep, big yards. Really nice.