Monday, February 13, 2006

Topeka History 101: A lesson on Charles Curtis

By Dana Davis

Who is Charles Curtis?

Charles Curtis is one of many political legends from Kansas, but many people don't know about him.

Nova Cottrell and her husband, Don, are the current owners of the Curtis House which is now a museum and she finds the history fascinating.

Nova says Charles Curtis did not have a formal education or a high school education.

Born north of Topeka on an Indian reservation, Charles Curtis was a senator for many years before becoming vice president of the United States. He served from 1929 to 1933 during the Hoover administration. And, according to the Curtis Museum, the first and only vice president from Kansas.

And, to this day, he is the only vice president of Native American descent.

Nova says everyone in Topeka should know a little bit about Charles Curtis because he was a hometown boy that grew up to spend all his adult life in public service.

Charles Curtis died in 1936 and is buried in the Topeka Cemetary.

The Charles Curtis House Museum is open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment.

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