1977 Volkswagen Van Ignition switch

Electrical problem
1977 Volkswagen Van 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

My ignition key won't turn. It has not operated the starter for some time. I rigged up a push button and would just use the key to turn on the electric. It stopped running while going down the highway recently, and smoke came out of yhe column after I turned the switch to the off position. The switch would no longer turn to the on position after this. Can I connect a switch to the ignition wires to bypass the key switch and still use my push button switch to start it? I noticed my wind shield wipers turn on with out the key turned on, is this normal?