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Topeka, Kansas: Dr. Crumbine On a Soap Box

Bronze likeness of public health booster Dr. Samual Crumbine, who spread the word with health advice sidewalk bricks. Shown on a soap box near two larger-than-life flyswatters.

Address:
212 SW 8th Ave #300, Topeka, KS
Directions:
Downtown Topeka at the corner of SW 8th Ave. and SW Van Buren St.
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Dr. Samuel Crumbine.

Dr. Crumbine on a Soap Box

A new statue of the early promoter of public health, Dr. Samuel Crumbine of Kansas -- best known for his simple, humorous and healthy advice -- has recently been installed in downtown Topeka. The jocular doctor, whose famous imprinted bricks include "Don't spit on the sidewalk," is also known for such other healthy advice as "Ban the public drinking cup," "Swat the fly," "Out with the common roller towel," and "Bat the rat." These sayings in imprinted bricks are set in cement around the plaza where his bronze statue is situated.

Dr. Crumbine was an ardent promoter of disposable paper cups and fully endorsed the fly swatter to the extent of engaging children to take them up to eradicate the flying public health nuisances. The bronze statue of the doctor standing on a soap box is accompanied by two larger-than-life size fly swatters which add a comical emphasis to his lifelong commitment to public health.

[Phil Pasquini, 12/20/2017]

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