The Story of Convention Hall
Courtesy: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO
On February 22, 1899, at the intersection of 13th and Central Street, a monument to the city's ambitions and resilience was unveiled: Convention Hall. This narrative chronicles the life and legacy of a building that not only hosted some of the most significant events of its time but also reflected the indomitable spirit of Kansas City itself.
The journey of Convention Hall began in the late 1890s, fueled by the passionate advocacy of the Kansas City Star for a grand venue that would elevate the city's status on the national stage. The vision was for a space grand enough to attract major political, business, and entertainment events, outshining the smaller opera houses that then dotted the city. This vision materialized on February 22, 1899, when a group of local businessmen unveiled the original Convention Hall, constructed at a cost of $225,000—a significant investment at the time.
The opening of Convention Hall was celebrated with a performance by John Philip Sousa's band, drawing a crowd of 20,000, a testament to the structure's magnitude and the city's appetite for grand events. That year, the hall played host to a variety of notable figures, including Polish pianist Ignace Jan Paderewski and evangelist Dwight Moody, whose visit ended in tragedy when he collapsed on stage and died a month later. Despite this somber event, Convention Hall proved its worth by drawing significant attention and guests to Kansas City.
1900: Aftermath of fire. Courtesy: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO
The hall's defining moment was on the horizon with the scheduled Democratic National Convention in July 1900, poised to be the most pivotal political gathering in Kansas City's history. However, fate intervened dramatically when, just three months before the convention, the hall was engulfed in flames and destroyed, leaving only its stone exterior walls standing. The fire on April 4, 1900, threatened to derail Kansas City's moment on the national stage.
Yet, the response to this disaster showcased the formidable spirit of Kansas City. Mayor James A. Reed, alongside a groundswell of public support, spearheaded a fundraising campaign that, combined with insurance money, financed the construction of a new Convention Hall. In a feat of collective will and determination, the city rebuilt the hall in just 90 days, in time to host the Democratic National Convention as planned. This remarkable effort, known as the "Kansas City Spirit," saw local construction firms set aside their differences to achieve a common goal, earning the city widespread admiration.
1928: Scene of the Republican national convention at Kansas City. A huge spread eagle design on a sunburst jewel was suspended before Convention hall just before the opening of the convention. The jewel was said to contain $30,000 worth of glass. Courtesy - Kansas City Museum / Union Station Kansas City MO.
The second Convention Hall stood as a beacon of Kansas City's resilience and capacity for greatness, hosting significant events including the 1928 Republican National Convention. However, the evolution of the city's needs and the construction of the more modern Municipal Auditorium in 1934 marked the end of Convention Hall's era. It was demolished in 1936, making way for a parking lot, yet its legacy persisted.
1927: Interior of Convention Hall. Courtesy - KC Museum/Union Station.
Today, Barney Allis Plaza is located on the former site of the Convention Hall.
Convention Hall's history was marked by both triumph and tragedy, from its auspicious beginnings and the catastrophic fire to its rapid reconstruction and eventual demolition. It served as a backdrop to notable historical figures and events, including a young Harry S. Truman's first foray into politics as a page at the 1900 Democratic National Convention, and even controversially, Ku Klux Klan rallies in the early 1920s.
Throughout its existence, Convention Hall was more than just a building; it was a symbol of Kansas City's ambition, resilience, and community spirit. It hosted grand political conventions that shaped the course of American history, cultural events that entertained thousands, and served as a refuge during the 1903 flood. Its story reflects the broader narrative of Kansas City's growth, challenges, and triumphs in the early 20th century.