The Ritchie House

Get ready to attend Sunday, September 20, 2026, the Shawnee County Historical Society’s Historic Homes & Buildings Tour.
This year’s tour promises to be an especially memorable journey through Topeka’s architectural and cultural heritage. Tour guests will have the opportunity to explore five significant historic sites:
• Historic Fire Station No. 2, built in 1927 at 719 SW Van Buren Street.
• The Grand Masonic Temple, built in 1916 at 320 SW 8th Street, a landmark reflecting Topeka’s civic and fraternal history.
• The Tinkham House, built in 1884 at 827 SW Topeka Boulevard, an outstanding example of Topeka’s Victorian-era residential architecture.
• The Kansas State Office Building at 9th and Harrison, rebuilt featuring historic Poco Frazier panels from the earlier state office building.
• The Hiram Dillon House, built in 1913 near 9th and Harrison, another important historical home where at 4:00 p.m. we will have our featured presentation. Because of space limitations at the Dillon house, tickets will be limited.
• Tickets will be limited and society members get the first chance to pay $65 for the tour which will begin at 1pm Sunday the 20th and culminate with a presentation at the Dillon House at 4pm. Julie Scott is our featured speaker who will talk about the history of the Dillon House located just north of the State Office Building. The first place to tour is the Docking State Office Building at 1pm as a limited amount of people can see what the state has done with the new building.
Contact the Shawnee County Historical Society at [email protected] to make arrangements for a ticket or send in your check to PO Box 2201 Topeka, Kansas 66601.

Also, don't forget on the 13th of September, we will have a presentation at 3pm at the Cox Center at 1118 SE Madison for a discussion about Dr. J.R. Brinkley, the man who almost became governor of Kansas through a write in campaign. Cost for this event is $5 for non members of the society.

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On Sunday, September 13th at 3pm learn about the Kansas political figure and medical quack, Dr. John Brinkley. Brinkley, otherwise known as "Goat Gland Brinkley was a very interesting figure in Kansas history and Liz Frazier who has researched the quack doctor, broadcaster, marketer and independent politician will give her take on this infamous figure in Kansas history. In some circles, it is believed he could have been governor if they had accurately counted all of the write in ballots. Liz will talk about his medical background which consisted of him buying a medical degree from a diploma mill. Join us at 1118 SE Madison September 13th at 3pm for this informative session on politics and lore in Kansas.

Today, July 17th is John Ritchie's birthday.....as he was born on this date in 1817. Ritchie moved from Franklin, Indiana to Topeka, Kansas Territory, in early spring of 1855 in search of cheap land and to help Kansas enter the country as a free state. His wife, Mary Jane Shelledy Ritchie, was the fifth woman to settle in Topeka and their young son, Hale was the third child. As early settlers they lived in a dugout through the first winter and around 1856 had constructed and moved into a limestone house that still stands in Topeka today, located at 1116 SE Madison. He was selected to serve as a delegate in two of the four Kansas constitutional conventions: Leavenworth (1858) and Wyandotte (1859).

Ritchie was part of the Bleeding Kansas episode in history and was engaged in various acts opposing the expansion of slavery in Kansas Territory. Ritchie was a close associate and supporter of the notorious politician James H. Lane. Ritchie was associated with the "Topeka Boys" and operated a "station" on the Underground Railroad. In January 1859, Ritchie helped John Brown and eleven slaves elude federal troops and escape to Nebraska.

Remember John Ritchie on this date...and come by his house at 1116 SE Madison.

WIBW recently visited the Ritchie House.

https://www.wibw.com/2026/05/06/ritchie-house-topekas-underground-railroad-safe-house-stands-testament-freedom/

Ritchie House, Topeka’s Underground Railroad safe house stands as testament to freedom - NewsBreak TOPEKA, Kan. — The oldest house still standing in Topeka remains because of the foundation it was built upon — a family committed to helping enslaved men,

Join us this coming Sunday at 3pm April 19th for an interesting presentation about the old county poor farm located at 300 NE 43rd where the Shawnee County North Community center is now located. Learn the history of the Shawnee County Poor Farm as Shawnee County Society trustee Devin Cooper tells you about its past. Nestled against the banks of Indian Creek, Shawnee North Park was originally established in 1871 as the Shawnee County Poor Farm. Over its 150-year history it has housed hundreds of people and was an important institution for Topekans and individuals living in Shawnee County. This presentation explores the park’s history, beginning with its roots in the Civil War and until its doors closed in 1942. Explore a bygone institution with connections to other important Topeka hospitals and parks. Donations of $5 are encouraged.

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