Libby Kriz-Fiorito was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1916, the daughter of Czechoslovakian emigrants. She was an accomplished, independent and intelligent woman, attending the Illinois Institute of Technology in the 1930s where she became a dietitian. Libby was very proud of her heritage and frequently referred to herself as a "Bohemian." After graduation she moved to Lawrence to become a dietitian at the University of Kansas. Libby was known to many as "Miss Kriz." She was a wonderful mixture of Victorian sensibilities and Twentieth Century independence.
Libby and a friend decided to open a restaurant and purchased the house in 1947, renaming it the "Castle Tea Room". Within days Libby's partner was sadly diagnosed with a terminal illness and Libby became sole proprietor of the Castle Tea Room. For more than half a century she oversaw countless events: weddings, showers, community meetings, engagement parties and people just hungry for a good meal.
As Libby moved into the last decade of her life, she was determined that this magnificent old home would continue to be available for memorable moments in peoples lives. An astute business woman, she established a not for profit foundation to continue her legacy and that of the Castle. The Libuse Kriz Fiorito Historical Foundation has assumed its responsibility to enact Libby's will with the following mission:
- To maintain the physical structure of the Castle for future generations.
- To preserve and promote the Castle's unique history and heritage.
- To maintain access to the Castle for the public's use, enjoyment and education.
