Marie’s Mother’s Day

By Karen Walk

Recently the Wichita County Historical Society received a letter from Carole Johnson and Darlene Zentz, daughters of Marie Cibulski Van Den Langenburg, of Janesville, Wisconsin.   The letter included a check to be used for a project in the restoration of the Washington – Ames House in honor of their mother.  A certificate was made by the historical society and sent to her family to present to their mother on Mother’s Day 2010.    

Marie Cibulski, daughter of Walter and Lula Cibulski lived in the Washington - Ames House as a child after the depression and dust bowl years.  Some time after the passing of W.B. Washington in 1934, Walter and Lula rented the home from Herschel Washington, heir of W.B. & Julia.  Marie loved living in the beautiful home.  She felt like a princess as she walked down the grand staircase with its elegantly turned spindles and carved newel post.  The woodwork in this home is still outstanding. Years later the steps and upstairs hall were carpeted by Margie Ames Taggert in a striking red. It is in beautiful condition and will be left on the stairs as a remembrance of Margie. The wallpaper has been selected to co-ordinate with the red carpet and the hall will be decorated in true Victorian style.  The entrance hall was where a visitor got their first impression and they only had one chance to do that, so that area was decorated with the finest of furnishings. After the walls are finished, a settee and other accessories will be placed on the landing near the top of the steps. As a person stands in the entrance hall, they can look up at this elegant area.

The decision was made by the historical society to use the money from the family to purchase wallpaper for the entrance hall in honor of Marie Cibulski Van Den Langenburg.