The Story of Petticoat Lane
Courtesy: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO
Petticoat Lane, an enchanting street in Kansas City, captures a rich narrative of the city's evolution from a bustling frontier town to a modern urban center. During the holiday season, the popular district would be adorned with an abundance of decorations including lights, garland, trees, and festive crowns for patrons to enjoy while shopping.
This historical account delves into the story of Petticoat Lane, exploring its origins, rise to prominence, cultural significance, and eventual transformation amidst changing societal and commercial landscapes.
The Dawn of Petticoat Lane (Late 19th Century)
1925: Looking west from the south side of 11th at Grand. Streets outfitted with Christmas decorations. Courtesy: MVSC
In the late 19th century, Kansas City was undergoing rapid development. The area between Main and Grand on 11th Street, later known as Petticoat Lane, emerged as a retail nucleus, attracting a variety of department stores. These establishments, notably Emery, Bird & Thayer, John Taylor’s, Harzfeld’s, and Peck’s, played a significant role in shaping Kansas City's emerging consumer culture and fashion trends.
Emery, Bird & Thayer (EBT) was particularly instrumental in this early transformation. Starting as a humble riverfront dry goods store, EBT's relocation to a six-story structure at 11th and Walnut in 1889 signaled the beginning of a new retail epoch. This building, an architectural marvel, featured state-of-the-art amenities like a pneumatic tube cash system, grand stairways, and ornate decor, exemplifying the burgeoning era of modern retail.
Postcard of Petticoat Lane facing west from Grand. Courtesy: MVSC.
The transformation of Petticoat Lane paralleled broader societal shifts. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union and Women’s Suffrage Association's crusade against the city's saloon-dominated past coincided with 11th Street's metamorphosis from a notorious saloon area to an upscale shopping district. Literary figures like poet Minnie McIntyre captured this shift in their works, portraying Petticoat Lane as a symbol of Kansas City's refined and sophisticated cultural landscape.
The Parisian Cloak Company, later known as Harzfeld’s, under the visionary leadership of Siegmund Harzfeld, played a pivotal role in defining Petticoat Lane's identity. Harzfeld's innovative marketing strategies included adopting and popularizing the Petticoat Lane name, intertwining it with the store's branding and thereby establishing it as a beacon of fashion and quality in women’s apparel.
Petticoat Lane's Golden Era
Emery, Bird, Thayer Building located on the north side of 11th between Walnut & Grand. Courtesy: MVSC.
The architectural splendor of the department stores on Petticoat Lane was a significant aspect of its allure. Emery, Bird & Thayer's building, for instance, was not just a store but a monument to the era's architectural ambition. With its elaborate façade, grand windows, and intricate interior designs, it reflected the optimism and prosperity of the time. The store's layout was designed to provide a seamless and luxurious shopping experience, with each department from ladies' wear to household goods presenting a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Similarly, stores like Harzfeld’s and John Taylor’s were more than mere retail spaces; they were emblems of a burgeoning consumer culture. Harzfeld’s, in particular, was known for its fashionable displays and high-quality merchandise, which included everything from the latest Parisian fashions to more locally produced goods. These stores also played a crucial role in shifting consumer habits from custom-made to ready-to-wear clothing, marking a significant transition in fashion history.
1905: Window display with mannequins and purses of the department store on 11th Street between Walnut and Grand Avenue. Courtesy: MVSC.
Petticoat Lane was not only a shopping destination but also a vibrant social and cultural hub. The street was a common gathering place for various events, parades, and public celebrations, reflecting the communal spirit of Kansas City. The tea rooms and parlors in these department stores were popular meeting spots for city's socialites, offering a space for relaxation and conversation amidst the shopping experience. This aspect of Petticoat Lane contributed significantly to its reputation as a center of urban sophistication and elegance.
A Changing Retail Landscape
Petticoat Lane, looking east from Main St. Courtesy: MVSC.
As the 20th century progressed, the allure of Petticoat Lane began to wane, primarily due to the rise of suburbanization and the changing retail landscape. The convenience and accessibility of suburban malls, coupled with ample parking and a growing preference for suburban living, drew customers away from the downtown area. This shift was a significant factor in the gradual decline of Petticoat Lane’s prominence as a retail destination.
Despite the transformations and the eventual decline in its retail dominance, the legacy of Petticoat Lane has been preserved in the collective memory of Kansas City. Efforts to commemorate the street's historical significance have included historical markers and preservation of some architectural elements. The Emery, Bird, & Thayer building was added to the National Register of Historic Places but was torn down by UMB in 1973. The story of Petticoat Lane continues to be a point of interest for historians, architects, and locals, symbolizing an important era in the city’s development.
The EBT Building, built in 1885, once proudly stood at this corner. It was torn down by UMB in 1973 and replaced with…. this.
Today, Petticoat Lane stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era. It embodies the evolution of Kansas City from a frontier town to a sophisticated urban center. While modern developments have transformed its physical appearance, the legacy of Petticoat Lane lives on, reminding us of the city's dynamic past and its journey through times of change and progress.
Petticoat Lane remains a cherished historical jewel in Kansas City, symbolizing the enduring spirit of a city that honors its past while moving forward into the future.
Speaking of shopping…
This holiday season, I commissioned two vintage-style posters for two iconic landmarks in Kansas City. They come in a variety of sizes and are the perfect gift for the KC lover on your shopping list.
These posters are printed locally and shipped by me in KC to anywhere in the world (shoutout to James F. in Alaska and Stuart T. in Australia for your orders!)
If you've enjoyed reading my free articles this year, please consider purchasing a poster to support the future of KC Yesterday.
Order now to guarantee delivery by Christmas ⬇️