DISTINGUISHED VISITORS
FROM TOPEKA PRESENT
FOR CEREMONY

Among the honored guests standing the commissioning ceremonies of the USS TOPEKA this afternoon, are Mayor and Mrs. E. J. Camp and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Warren of Topeka, Kansas. The presence of these real life plainsmen from the West indicates the broad interest shown by the people of Topeka in the reactivation of the ship named for their fair city. The citizens of Topeka have presented some fine gifts to the ship. Mayor Camp and Mrs. Warren, the original sponsor of the Topeka at its first commissioning, are members of the official party in the commissioning ceremony.

FOUR FLAG OFFICERS ONCE HELD COMMAND
OF USS TOPEKA

Of the five former commanding officers of the USS TOPEKA four now carry flag rank. Captain Paul B. Koonce, who commanded the ship 1 June 1948 to 19 June 1949 retired with the rank of, Admiral. Captain Ralph Earle, Jr., commanded the ship from 1 August 1947 to I June 1948. He later was retired as Vice-Admiral. The first; commanding officer was Captain Thomas L. Wattles who retired as Rear Admiral. He was in command during the combat phase from 23 December 1944 to 7 November 1945. At that time Captain Waiter G. J. Schindler assumed command and remained until 24 July 1946. He later served as Rear Admiral before retiring. From the period 24 July 1946 to 1 August 1947 the ship was commanded by Captain D. H. Johnson.

SHIP IS NAMED FOR A PLEASANT SPOT

A pleasant spot on the Kansas River near the Oregon Trail is the description taken from old records of the site of the city of Topeka. A ferry service operated by the Papan brothers was the only man-made landmark, it represented a breathing spell for early pioneers in their trek westward. Their wagons were ferried over the river by the Papans, while the drovers and settlers herded their stock and draft animals across to the other bank.

On December 5, 1854, representing a total population of twenty-five, a town company was formed with articles of agreement. The town site which was to be known as Topeka was divided into one-hundred shares by the original settlers. The town of Topeka was born. Three years later on the 14th of February 1857 the Territorial Legislature authorized the incorporation of the city of Topeka.

Back - Next