Washburn University Standing Strong for 150 years

Since I am on campus at Washburn University right now, I thought it would be fun to write a short post about the campus. Washburn was founded in 1865 by members of the Congregational Church as Lincoln College. The name was changed to Washburn after a benefactor of the same name donated money that saved the school from financial disparity. Since then, Washburn has been at the front of many political movements, such as allowing women to attend college, one of the first desegregated colleges, and now rights to protect the LGBT community. Washburn Is a beautiful, open campus with lots of things to do from seeing sports, theatre, music, to seeing guest Speakers, attending clubs, go to the recreation center, and creating kid friendly events.
Here are a few pictures around campus:

Picture taken on 3rd floor of Garvey Building looking out over campus. Photo by: Ben Faires

Watching a football game from the Rec Center. Photo by: Ben Faires

Memorial Union in fall. Photo by: Ben Faires

View of Whiting Field House through the trees. Photo By: Ben Faires

This is actual a picture I took on my first day of school after taking 6 years off. View of Memorial Union and the Bell Tower. Photo By: Ben Faires

For more information about Washburn go here.
Thank you for reading, 
Ben Faires

A Little Kansas History

         

Photo Found on: Legends of Kansas

            Since the weather has been so cold here in Topeka as of late, I decided to head to the Kansas Museum of History to warm up. The museum is located in the northwest portion of the city at 6425 Southwest 6th Avenue Topeka, Ks 66615. Doors open up at 9 A.M. and close at 5 P.M. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. on Sunday. Along with the Museum, the building is also home to the Kansas State Archives which houses more than a centuries worth of historical documents. Here is a link to the Kansas Museum of History web page for more information. 

             I have to say, I was very surprised with this museum. When I first decided to go I wasn't sure what to expect. I have been to museums all over the country, how could our little museum stack up? Having said that, this museum is a fantastic place for any history buff or curious visitor to Kansas and the city of Topeka. When you first enter the exhibit you start in pre-historic Kansas, and through the twists and turns you go through the civil war, the industrial revolution, all the way to modern Kansas. Visiting the museum was a great way to spend an afternoon in the city and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. 

Here are a few pictures from my visit:

Photo By: Ben Faires @ Kansas Museum of History

Photo By: Ben Faires @ Kansas Museum of History

Photo By: Ben Faires @ Kansas Museum of History

Photo By: Ben Faires @ Kansas Museum of History

Photo By: Ben Faires @ Kansas Museum of History

Introduction to Topeka Based

Photo By: Tara Lohmann @ Barristers Ball, Great Overland Station

      My Name is Ben Faires, I am a student at Washburn University in Topeka, Ks. I am relatively new to the city. I moved here in June of 2014. Every time I move to a new place I look up all the things to do there; the night life, the art scene, concerts, museums; anything and everything the city has to offer. This Blog, Topeka Based, is about finding and describing such places here in Topeka so as to be used as a helpful guide to visitors, those new to the area, and even long time locals. Topeka Based will feature pictures of the places I visit, if you like any of the pictures and are interested in seeing more then go look at my Instagram page, @bfaires7, or search the hashtag #TopekaBased.

Here are a few pictures I have already taken around town:

Photo By: Ben Faires @NOTO Art District

Photo By: Ben Faires @ Kansas State Capitol

Photo By: Ben Faires @ Memorial Union Washburn University