If you have made your way around Topeka, you have probably noticed the Ichabod statues displayed throughout the city. There are 14 of these statues that were installed in honor of Washburn’s 150th year in 2015. These fiberglass statues were decorated by local and regional artists positioned all around Topeka. Having all of these statues around the city, often begs the questions “What even is an Ichabod?” The staff and faculty at Washburn get asked this every year by incoming freshman and transfer students wanting to know the meaning behind the unique mascot. It’s a fair question and probably one most of Topeka doesn’t know the answer to.
What is an Ichabod?
“Washburn University and its Ichabods are both named for an early benefactor of the school – Ichabod Washburn. Washburn students began referring to themselves as Ichabods in the late 1800s and a mascot was given an image in 1938.” – Washburn University Website
Where Can I Find These Statues?
Want to find or take a look at all of the different statues in Topeka? We did the hard work… now you enjoy the pictures or go see all 14 of them in person! The Washburn Alumni Association has put together the map below of the statues locations below.
1. “150 Years In Stride”
Artist: Margaret Ramberg | Topeka
Sponser: Bartlett & West
Location: NOTO Art Center, 935 N. Kansas Ave.
2. “Ichabod Comes To The Prairie”
Artist: Peggy Clark
Sponsor: Kaw Valley Bank
Location: Kaw Valley Bank 1110 N. Kansas Ave.
3. “Democracy In Education”
Artist: Patricia Kahn
Sponsor: Ramada Inn
Location: Ramada Inn, 420 SE 6th Ave
4. “A Good Day To You”
Artist: Larry Peters | Topeka
Sponsor: Westar Energy
Location: Westar Energy
818 S Kansas Ave.
5. “In The Black”
Artist: Patricia Kahn | Topeka
Sponsor: Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
Location: Great Topeka Chamber of Commerce, 120 S.E. 6th Ave.
6. “Then and Now”
Artist: Peggy Clark and Martha Imparato
Sponsor: Topeka Capital-Journal
Location: Topeka Capital-Journal, 616 S.E. Jefferson St.
7. “Topeka BouleBod”
Artist: Barbara Waterman-Peters | Topeka
Sponsor: Capitol Federal Savings
Location: Capitol Federal Savings, 1201 Topeka Blvd.
8. “Prairie Horizons”
Artist: Barbara Waterman-Peters | Topeka
Sponsor: KU Health System St. Francis Campus
Location: KU Health System St. Francis Campus,
1700 SW 7th St.
9. “Tribute to Aaron Douglas”
Artist: Susan McCarthy | Lawrence
Sponsor: Federal Home Loan Bank
Location: Chandler Library Pavilion, SW Horne St. & SW Washburn Ave.
10. “Excellence – 150 Years and Going Strong”
Artist: Colton Anderson |Topeka
Sponsor: Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation
Location: 1729 SW MacVicar Ave.
11. “Washburn Tech”
Artist: Nancy Palbicke
Sponsor: Washburn University
Location: Washburn University Institute of Technology, 5724 SW Huntoon St.
12. “Gift of Education”
Artist: Patty Kahn
Sponsor: Washburn University
Location: Westridge Mall,
1801 SW Wanamaker Rd.
13. “Original Mr. Ichabod”
Artist: Larry Peters
Sponsor: MRH Insurance
Location: 3735 SW Wanamaker Rd
14. “You are Washburn”
Artist: Washburn Rural High School Art Department students and faculty
Sponsor: Auburn-Washburn Unified School District 437
Location: Shuler Education Center, 5928 S.W. 53rd St.
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About the Author:
The above article Ichabods Around Town and Where To Find Them was written by Justin Armbruster of the Armbruster Team at Genesis REALTORS®, local leaders in Topeka Real Estate, Marketing, and Social Media. You can contact the Armbruster Team at (785) 260-4384 or through this form. They have helped hundreds of people buy and sell homes in the Topeka area for years, and would love the opportunity to help you as well.
Are you thinking about selling your home? They have a passion for listing and selling homes in Topeka and would love the chance to use their expertise in Real Estate, Marketing, and Social Media to help you sell or buy yours! Are you interested in buying a home? Give the Armbruster Team a call. They have helped people buy and sell real estate in the all of the following Topeka School Districts:
