"STORIES FROM THE KANSAS STATE CAPITOL: HE WAS BOTH CUSTODIAN AND ARTIST"

A Moment in Time

After the Kansas State Capitol was completed in 1903, people began to criticize its maintenance. Some thought that it degenerated to the point of becoming a health hazard to all who entered. The only hot water in the building was at a food bar. The Capitol was nearly closed by the health department for a lack of hot water in restrooms. Birds flew freely through the building because windows were not properly repaired and maintained. Floors were sometimes not swept for days much less mopped.

According to newspaper accounts of the day, janitors were appointed to their positions by powerful legislators who owed some favor to a constituent. Several stories dealt with the topic: "Grace And Beauty Get a Break," Topeka State Journal, July 10, 1939; "A Job 'Heaven' Ends," Kansas City Star, February 14, 1950; and "Tear Down The Statehouse," Topeka State Journal, July 20, 1937. Constituents were said to have found jobs for unemployable relatives. Consequently, the capitol janitorial staff was accused of being a crew of uncooperative misfits who would clean if and when it suited them.

Into this setting, in1931, came head custodian, L. D Robinson. Robinson was an amateur artist. In addition to making the Capitol more respectable, he was given a good deal of leeway in adding his own artistic touches to the building. By March 1939, at least two major pieces decorated the Capitol. One was in the Attorney General, Clarence V. Beck's office, a mural They Came for Homes. Robinson painted a scene depicting pioneers in covered wagons crossing the Kansas prairie. One family is staying to settle while the rest go on. Over the windows in the Kansas House of Representatives he painted the history of transportation from walking to airplanes. He was also credited with decorating a podium in the House which looked like marble but was composed of putty and paint.

While none of these exist today, there is one memorable wood carving which still adorns the old Supreme Court Room. (Room 313 south.) The carving is of the seal of the Kansas Supreme Court. An article, "Carved Court Seal Another of Robinson's Capitol Memorials," Topeka Daily Capital, October 6, 1948, explains that contractors, building the "highly polished wooden backdrop" behind the justice's bench did not feel they could fulfill the request. Robinson volunteered to do it. With a piece of 18-inch ponderosa pine measuring two and a half inches thick, Robinson used a woodcarving set he purchased for $4.50. He worked on it in his spare time. This is the only remaining evidence of L. D. Robinson's artistic efforts at the Kansas State Capitol.

To learn more stories about the Kansas State Capitol, join a free guided tour at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. The Capitol is located at 300 W. Tenth Topeka KS 66612; 785-296-3966; www.kshs.org. To reach the Capitol in downtown Topeka take exit 362B I-70 and follow the signs. During the legislative session, January through May, parking is limited.

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© Kansas Historical Society 2001