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History & Museums: Remembering and Honoring
William Allen White Historic Home
RED ROCKS STATE HISTORIC SITE (927 Exchange St) is the home of William Allen White, editor of the Emporia Gazette from 1899 to 1944. White wrote many beloved short stories and novels, and rose to prominence on the world stage after penning his fiery editorial, “What’s the Matter with Kansas.” As a star author, journalist, and public figure in his day, Mr. White hosted five U.S. Presidents at his home here in Emporia. White’s gorgeous Tudor Revival style home features a staircase designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, furnishings and personal items of the White family, as well as a lily pond and gardens on the grounds. The site is open for tours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from April to October.
Honoring Heroes
Emporia is the official founding city of Veterans Day. In 1953, Emporia celebrated the first Veterans Day a year before Congress made it a National Holiday in 1954. Today, Emporia is known for its multi-day ALL VETERANS TRIBUTE CELEBRATION annually in November. Festivities include a Veterans Day Parade, Freedom Fest, Veteran Artists Exhibition, Quilts of Gratitude, and a Memorial Service to honor all veterans. Also during the month of November, take a walk downtown to see the annual VETERANS BANNER DISPLAY, a project led by the Emporia Main Street organization. Over 270 banners are displayed along Commercial Street and ESU Campus honoring veterans. At the ALL VETERANS MEMORIAL (933 S Commercial St), take a walk amongst the Tablets of Honor display, a World War II Sherman tank, a Huey helicopter, and USS Oliver Hazard Perry anchor. Also located at the All Veterans Memorial are the Vietnam Veteran Memorial and Purple Heart Memorial.
Honoring Teachers
Located next to Emporia State University’s One Room Schoolhouse, the NATIONAL MEMORIAL TO FALLEN EDUCATORS (12 W 18th Ave, ESU Campus) commemorates educators who lost their lives while performing their professional duties. The ESU Campus is also home to the NATIONAL TEACHERS HALL OF FAME, located in Visser Hall.
Historic Downtown
DOWNTOWN EMPORIA was designated a Federal and State Historic District in 2012. It encompasses a total of 18 blocks centered around Commercial Street and 6th Avenue. Within this area, you will find 17 architectural styles including Gothic Revival style churches and a number of Italianate-style buildings from the 1860s, built soon after Emporia was founded.
Museums
HOWE HOUSE AND WELSH FARMSTEAD (315 E Logan Ave) is one of the oldest homes in Emporia, built in 1867 by one of the first Welsh settlers to the area. The home is a rare example of an early settlement structure that has survived in near original condition, including 18-inch thick limestone walls, original black walnut woodwork, native oak floors and furniture. The surrounding 15 acres of land showcase antique farm tools and masonry equipment. Tours are available by appointment (620340-6310).
