At Home: Landmark Topeka homes — History still standing

Topeka, Kansas, founded in 1854, boasts a rich architectural heritage shaped by prominent historical figures who chose the city as their home. Through dedicated preservation efforts, several of these historically significant buildings, ranging from elaborate family residences to unique structures, continue to stand today. This article highlights three such landmarks: the Dillon House, the Anton-Woodring House, and Matrot Castle. The Dillon House, located at 404 S.W. 9th St., was constructed in 1911 by attorney Hiram Price Dillon in an Italian Renaissance style. Dillon, who made his wealth in Europe, settled in Topeka with his musician wife, Susie. Despite his affluence, he viewed his home as modest compared to others of its era. The house took three years to build and is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and materials. Its exterior features stone, brick, and clay tile, with lion statuary at the entrance and 48 lion images integrated throughout the structure, referencing the name 'Dalian' which translates to 'lion.' Other intricate details include a Greek god Hermes carving above the door, strong male figures flanking the grand hall fireplace made of marble and cast stone, and European stained glass windows lining the main staircase. Dillon's library features built-in bookshelves, stained wood wainscot, a green tiled fireplace with a Shakespearean quote, and stained glass windows depicting publishers' marks and literary figures. A leaded, stained glass series illustrates scenes from Lord Tennyson's 'The Idylls of the King.' The west wing originally housed separate music and dining rooms, now combined for events. Susie Dillon's gold-gilded piano, 'Goldie,' is also on display. The Dillons were known for their hospitality and philanthropy, anonymously fulfilling children's Santa wish lists and funding Auburn's first multi-racial swimming pool. Even their servants were treated well, with individual closets in their third-floor quarters, which also included a laundry room and Hiram's art gallery. The house was purchased by Ross Freeman of the Pioneer Group when it was in disrepair. A $5.5 million, three-year restoration protected its original stained glass and light fixtures. Today, it serves as an event space and houses the Dillon House staff and Pioneer Group offices. The Anton-Woodring House at 1011 S.W. Cambridge Ave., built in 1926 by Frederick Anton, founder of the Topeka Tent and Awning Company, showcases a blend of 20th-century Revival, Italian Renaissance, and Colonial styles with prairie accents. Anton, who prospered from awning improvements and WWII military contracts, commissioned architect Ralph Scamell. The property, originally named Terrace Lake, featured elaborate Italian-inspired gardens with stone, balustrades, a gazebo, and a formal reflecting pool, though the lake was filled in during the 1950s. Harry H. Woodring, the 25th Governor of Kansas and Secretary of War under President Franklin Roosevelt, bought the house in 1942 after being dismissed by Roosevelt. A personal tragedy struck Woodring when his son, Marcus, died of polio in 1946, leading him to abandon his re-election campaign. A political opponent, Charlie Rooney, built eight post-war houses on the adjacent land, replacing Woodring's front yard. The house later functioned as an office building before falling into disrepair and facing demolition. Don and Janet Chubb purchased the house in 1988 with a goal to restore it. The restoration, completed after 30 years, preserved the original architecture, including 13-foot ceilings with molded plaster, four fireplaces, and large windows overlooking the restored gardens. Woodring's library, located between the first and second floors, features African walnut paneling, a marble fireplace, and built-in bookcases, despite a past fire. The house has been associated with ghost stories, with former employees and tour participants reporting unusual occurrences, particularly in Marcus Woodring's former bedroom. However, the Chubbs dismiss the folklore, inviting visitors to appreciate the architecture and gardens, where several couples have become engaged. Matrot Castle, situated at 6424 S.W. Huntoon St., was built in 1883 by Seraphim Matrot, a French refugee who fled the Franco-Prussian War due to his socialist views. Matrot, an architect and contractor, constructed the 19th-century French Normandy-style castle with foot-thick walls and gun slits in turrets for defense, seeking safety as far inland as possible. The front door features a French fleur-de-lis molding with a concealed keyhole. Inside, the castle incorporates large open rooms flanked by smaller turret rooms across three stories, a spiral staircase, and a large wine cellar. The wine cellar served as a safe room with an underground escape tunnel. Matrot's plans to enter the wine business were thwarted by Kansas's 1881 Prohibition law. He died in 1898, and folklore suggests his coffin was lowered through a removed window due to the spiral staircase. Over time, modern amenities such as central air, electricity, plumbing, and a kitchen were added. A significant renovation in November 2004 involved brick and mortar work and the addition of grape arbors, while preserving the interior's period style and the structural exterior. The Kansas Heritage Foundation recently acquired Matrot Castle, intending to use it for charity events supporting educational initiatives, particularly international education. Davenport Winery uses the wine cellar as an outlet for its products on Saturdays. While the castle is currently closed to the public, the winery provides an opportunity to view the exterior and wine cellar. Clint Whitney, president of Midwest Management Group, hopes to further develop the property for weddings and events, recognizing its unique character and historical value as an asset for Topeka. #TopekaHistory #HistoricHomes #ArchitecturalPreservation #DillonHouse #AntonWoodringHouse #MatrotCastle #KansasArchitecture #HomeRestoration #LandmarkBuildings #TopekaHistory #HistoricHomes #ArchitecturalPreservation #DillonHouse #AntonWoodringHouse #MatrotCastle #KansasArchitecture #HomeRestoration #LandmarkBuildings