The Kansas Room

Of course being here in Kansas we couldn't pass up naming one of our rooms "The Kansas Room".

It was to be our daughter's room when she came home from college on weekends or during the summer she had some input into color and ideas. It also ended up with some KU items.

Sometimes our K-State, Nebraska and MU guests move or cover up those items when staying in the room. Never know where we might find our Jayhawk blanket.

It is the simplest of our three rooms and doesn't have it's own private porch but has a wonderful view of the back yard and the water garden. It is bright and cheerful. A wonderful place to relax.

International Room

Our second room is called "The International Room". We needed a place for some of the items we picked up while stationed in Germany for three years in the 1980's during Bob's Army career. This room seemed perfect.

The Bathroom in this room made us think of the baths in some of the German Guesthouses. No shower just a tub. When we purchased the home Bob spent two or three days, can't remember exactly, upside down working on adding the hand held shower unit and it's various parts. We didn't want to add a regular shower as the tub is surrounded by pillars and has a chandelier overhead.

This room has become a favorite of our newlywed couples especially if they come and take a tour before hand.

This room also has a private porch only accessable by the International Room guest. It faces the sunrise and from the porch you can see some of the flower gardens to the East.

Showering with Grover

The Prairie Queen Bed and Breakfast has three guest rooms for you to choose from. We gave them names based on the feel we had for each room as we developed them into guest rooms.

They are called The Carousel Room, The International Room, and The Kansas Room. To see more pictures of the Carousel Room and our other rooms go to our web site at: http://prairiequeen.com/

They are each individually decorated and have some very unique features.

The Carousel Room has many antique fixtures in the Bathroom that are still in use today. One of them is the shower. It has been given many different names one of which is a "Cleveland Shower" named after President Grover Cleveland. They say he had one installed in the White House for his use. Go to: http://www.vintageplumbing.com/toiletsshowersetc.html for some interesting information on these showers. They also are referred to as "Rib Cage Showers" or "Needle Showers" Ours was installed in a renovation in 1914 when the house had plumbing and electricity added. This bathroom also has an old pedestal sink, and a claw foot tub that has been modernized. It also has antique tile on the floor and walls. To get the true feel you will just have to come and stay.

This room also has a private porch that is only available to the guest staying in the Carousel room. It faces the west (sunset) and is perfect for relaxing.

July 21, 2009 - Some History

We have been in business for ten years. When Bob was stationed at Fort Leavenworth for the second time our kids decided they had been dragged around enough and as they were either already on their own or going off to college they informed us they would be staying in Kansas. Our Son was working and living here in Leavenworth and our Daughter was going to start at University of Kansas in the fall. We had planned on opening a B&B back in NY when Bob's Army career was finished. Plans changed and we found what is now The Prairie Queen Bed & Breakfast.

Built in 1868 by early industialist John Wilson and his wife Eliza, it started out as a brick home. He was President of Great Western Manufacturing. For some history facts about Great Western go to:

http://www.gwmfg.com/history01.htm It is Kansas' oldest continually operating manufacturing firm.

For more info also check out: http://skyways.lib.ks.us/genweb/leavenwo/library/GRTWEST.htm

When his son Samuel inherited the home he decided it needed a makeover and changed it to the Classic Revival style that it is today. It underwent major renovation with plumbing and electricity added at that time. Next time I'll tell you about one of the unique showers installed at that time.

July 20, 2009

Such a beautiful day today. Guests checked out early to start their trip back home. I was able to sit out on the porch and sip a cup of coffee. The birds were singing and taking baths in the pond. The flowers are looking great. LouAnn (my grandaughter) says the hydrangea flowers look like cotton candy. She recently had some at a Royals game so it was on her mind.

If the weather lasts the guests may eat out on the porch this weekend.

July 19, 2009

We had a full house last night. One set of guests was in town to celebrate a birthday and use a gift certificate they bid on and won at "The Taste of Leavenworth" auction/fundraiser this past February. One young man was in town to visit his grandmother. The other couple came to attend the Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison.

Breakfast this morning was blueberry pancakes served with homemade sausage. Bob was the chef this morning as I was on my way to attend a seminar about learning how to blog, twitter, and join facebook. Hence this post. I will try and keep you posted on what is going on here in Leavenworth and the surrounding area.

The weather was perfect. In fact we needed jackets last evening. Have had the air conditioning off for the last three days. Unheard of here in Kansas this time of year.