Family connections with Kansas City

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Stick

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My father has just sent this link through regarding a property in Lawrence near Kansas City.

http://www.reececommercial.com/listings/72175
It has family connections for us as my great grandad, Sidney Endacott, was commissioned to undertake the carving of the wooden features found throughout the castle such as the panels and fireplaces. These can be seen in the photos in the link above. Sidney was only 17 at the time and when he returned to England he went on to become one of England's most acclaimed sculptors and water colour artists. Drawing (no pun intended) upon his skills as an artist he also produced maintenance diagrams of vehicles for the army in the first world war. Sidney died in 1918 aged 45. I have many fond memories of his son, Bernard, my grandfather 'Pa', who was normally seen with a pipe of choice and his favourite 'baccy, Erinmore Flake. 'Pa' also went on to become a renowned sculptor and artist and was commissioned to repair the windows in Exeter cathedral that were damaged during the bombing raids of WWII. Family legend had it that 'Pa' had left a hidden message in one of the windows of the cathedral so if I returned to Exeter to see my parents during leave, armed with a pair of binoculars I would often head up to the cathedral to search for the window in question. It took me about 15 years' of occasional trips home to locate it; on a brass plaque depicted behind a mayoral procession high up in a series of 3 arched windows, the initials of his four children is inscribed, one of whom of course is my mum.
 
That is a very nice example of that castle design. Throughout the midwest you can come across similar buildings. Usually as churches. I suppose it's the same in other areas of the country.
 
Lawrence is a fun town with a lot of interesting history, especially leading up to the US Civil War. Home to the University of Kansas, there is much to do and see. Mass street is a fun shopping area with lots of quirky shops. The castle is interesting for sure. A great story.
 
Very intriguing story David. Any plans to visit when this present crisis lifts? Kansas isn't all that far from me! ;)


Cheers,

RR
I'd love to, RR. It's certainly on my hit list. I need to get to Massachusetts too...

You'll no doubt know the story of the Mayflower and the 'Pilgrim Fathers' of 1620. Well, in 1628 the Abigail set sail from Weymouth, landing at and establishing Salem, Massachusetts. The governor of the ship and colony was a certain John Endecott of whom I am a descendant on my mother's side.

DSC_7199.jpg


Not that far from you RR?!!! It's 1000 miles and a 16 hour drive!!!
 
I'd love to, RR. It's certainly on my hit list. I need to get to Massachusetts too...

You'll no doubt know the story of the Mayflower and the 'Pilgrim Fathers' of 1620. Well, in 1628 the Abigail set sail from Weymouth, landing at and establishing Salem, Massachusetts. The governor of the ship and colony was a certain John Endecott of whom I am a descendant on my mother's side.

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Not that far from you RR?!!! It's 1000 miles and a 16 hour drive!!!

Aye it is that squire. But we spetics think that 100 years is a long time, and you Brits think that 100 miles is a long way! ;)


Cheers,

RR
 
I love KC, we pass though it 4 to 6 times a year on my way to and from AZ. I time it so we get there for lunch or dinner. Just had a great lunch at Arthur Bryant’s BBQ a couple of weeks ago. KC is a great pipe town with an active pipe club and in normal times I attend the GKCPC Pipe Show every year. :geek:
 
I often wondered who built that place. I used to drive through Lawrence, KS. a lot from Topeka to K.C. Now it's about twice a year. My son works
in K.C. and lives just south of the city while my other kids live west of Lawrence just off I-70. Both Lawrence and Topeka have some interesting
castle-like homes. Yes sir, if any of you venture out to the K.C. area, I would enjoy meeting you all and having a bowlfull!
 
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