Monday, December 10, 2012

Historic Northeast Mansions - Volume 8- Townley Manor

              Townley Manor, designed by Root and Siemens, was built in 1901 for prominent businessman
                   James P. Townley.   It is located right across the street east of the Kansas City Museum.


 There are rich exotic woods throughout the home....   these shots are from the first floor.  Above, the entry hall just inside the massive front door.
                                                   Above, looking west into the parlor.
 Behind the main staircase is a marvelous nook ...  with fireplace.  All the windows are original.
 The parlor looking east toward the Kansas City Museum, above..  below the parlor looking north..all pocket doors are fully functional and intact. 

 Parlor looking southwest toward Gladstone Boulevard and the front entry hall... please note cate in the foreground. Below, one of four fireplaces on the first floor.  There are two on the second floor.

 Above, entry hall looking into the dining room.  
 Above and below, the dining room.  The woodwork includes burnt english oak and mahogany. 
 Mr. Townley owned Townley Metal and Hardware Company... custom hardware throughout the home came from his sources.


 The kitchen has been completely remodeled .


 Off the kitchen is the home-office with views of the Museum grounds.

 Above, servants stairs to second floor.  Below, sitting area next to the parlor.  The large pocket door on the left can be opened to create one large room.


 Above, another view of the "nook."   Below, newly remodeled first floor bathroom.

 Above, stairway to second floor and, below, windows on the landing..

Below, the east side of the home.  Townley Manor has 5400 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths.   
This home just came on the market...  http://www.ericbsellskc.com

Friday, December 7, 2012

Pond Visitors

Nothing particularly unusual visits the pond... at least while I'm looking at it... and particularly if I'm looking at it holding a camera.
Thanks to John P Cooper in St. Louis for the identifications.
All shots taken with the Nikon D800 and 80-400mm lens.

Above, Robin.   Below, Starling


Above, gray squirrel... I have about 5 of them hanging around at any one time.  Below, juvenile Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker with plumage changing to adult.

more squirrels

                                            Above, Starling    Below, I think you know.



                                          Robin with a fledgling that still knows how to beg.
                                                                       Female Cowbird

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Colonnade From Cliff Drive

                               Looking up at the Colonnade from Cliff Drive, December 4th, 2012.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

A Very Northeast View

                                                           A view from Scarritt Point.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Sunset from Scarritt Point

 Before heading inside the Museum's Carriage House last night to meet the Princesses, took a couple of skyline/sunset shots .

Friday, November 30, 2012

Princess Arrival



The throne room, above, was ready and a welcoming bow adorned the gate as the Kansas City Museum welcomed the Fairy Princesses back for their 2012 appearances.  




 The Museum's Carriage House is festively adorned in keeping with the season... and Friday night was their neighborhood open house.  Anyone from the six Northeast Neighborhoods was welcome to attend.
 The Fairy Princess will greet her young subjects beginning tomorrow, Sat. Dec 1.  Check out the KC Museum site for other days and times.  http://www.kansascitymuseum.org/fairy.html







 Christopher Leitch, Museum Director, introduced the four young ladies who will occupy the throne this year...


 Above, this year's winners of the Museum's Halloween Princess Contest were introduced. Also, in the center, Carol Barta who was a Princess in 1957.    Below, Councilman Scott Wagner and Neighborhood Leader Jeff Zumsteg were in attendance.

 Above, Princesses mingled and below, left to right, Leslie Caplan, President of Scarritt Renaissance, Leslie Collins, Editor of the Northeast News, and Kent Dicus, President of the Northeast KC Historical Society chatted over the excellent food.