This last week we went to Topeka on a field trip to visit the Capitol Building and watch our state government in action.
We went with our church homeschool group. Granted it was geared towards high schoolers but we couldn't pass up the opportunity.
Construction on the Capitol started in 1866, taking 37 years to complete in 1903. Recently the entire building was restored at the cost of $300+ Million. Included in that was a new copper dome.
Above is a picture of the interior of the dome before the restoration.
This is the dome after a though cleaning. It is said that a century of cigarette and cigar smoke combined with dust and grime covered the copper. The building is one of the top historic buildings in the United States. It is beautiful inside.
The Kansas House of Representatives in session.
Our local state rep, Jim Howell is a part of our homeschool group and gave us the inside scoop on the doings of the Capitol. It was surprising to see so many reps not paying attention to who might be speaking at the podium. Jim explained it was all politics. To ignore the speaker or comments being made was a sign of disagreement. I thought it was rather rude! Representives were talking to each other, making phone calls, writing emails and even surfing the net all while another rep might be making an arguments for or against a bill.
During lunch, a group of teens sang in the Rotunda. The sound carried well and the acoustics were fantastic.
Across the way Nora and some of her friends watched.
Our local State Representatives.
Jim Howell giving us a tour.
In the restoration, a basement was carved out revealing the foundation walls, Kansas Limestone.
When the dome was rebuilt, a piece of the old was put on display in the museum.
Outside the Senate Chamber. There wasn't enough seating for us and besides the boys had had their fill of being still and quiet. Notice the wood paneling and the window they are peaking out of.
The Senate Chamber.
Here we met up for a tour of the building.
Some of the wall murals depicting Kansas history.
The Governor's office. No, we did not get to see him.
The tour guide explaining the bison hide on the Governors desk. Notice Timmy in front of the flag.
Another mural. This one of John Brown.
The boys tired of such boring stuff and started harassing Nathan L.
Next came the dome tour. Stairs, lots of stairs. Almost 300 of them to get to the roof.
Had I not seen Nora and Barb Z. coming down I don't think I could have done the climb. Knowing they could do it, gave me the desire to try.
Nora, coming down. She is the lowest person on the stairs. Nathaniel seeing her come down promptly declined to participate and asked to not climb any higher. I sent him down with some friends and attempted the last leg with Timothy.
So, after a terrifying climb, Tim and I made it to the top and to the outside.
Tim and Leah, his Cubbies (Church program) teacher.
Me, holding on for dear life and trying to smile. Timothy has Poison Ivy on his face, if you are wondering. Yes, it is possible to get it in the winter.
A view of Topeka.
Notice the shadow of the Capitol.
Coming down.
Coming down was easier, but still terrifying.
We made it to safety!
The view down at the Rotunda.
From there we went to visit the Lt. Governors' office.
Caleb is an alumni of our group and now works for the Lt. Governer. He was thrilled to see us and show off his desk.
The boys posing with an Indian bow and arrow.
I though it was really cool!
One last look at the dome before we left.
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