*Courtesy: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO*

Petticoat Lane played an important role in Kansas City’s development, reflecting its growth from a frontier town to a modern urban center. Known for its holiday displays of lights, garlands, and decorated trees, the street became a gathering place for shopping and celebration.

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’s rapid growth saw the rise of 11th Street, between Main and Grand, as a central shopping district. Later known as Petticoat Lane, this area attracted major retailers, including Emery, Bird & Thayer (EBT), John Taylor’s, Harzfeld’s, and Peck’s. These stores shaped the city’s retail culture, introducing new shopping experiences and modern fashion trends.

Emery, Bird & Thayer became one of the street’s most influential stores. Originally a small dry goods shop on the riverfront, it moved to a six-story building at 11th and Walnut in 1889. The building featured innovative amenities like a pneumatic tube cash system and grand staircases, signaling a shift in retail toward larger, more elaborate stores.

*Postcard of Petticoat Lane facing west from Grand. Courtesy: MVSC.*

Petticoat Lane’s development reflected larger social changes in Kansas City. Groups such as the Women’s Christian Temperance Union worked to reform 11th Street, transforming it from an area known for saloons into a shopping and cultural destination. Harzfeld’s, initially the Parisian Cloak Company, was instrumental in this shift. Under Siegmund Harzfeld’s leadership, the store embraced and promoted the "Petticoat Lane" name, tying it to its brand and solidifying the area’s reputation as a shopping hub.

This transformation also coincided with shifts in consumer habits. Stores on Petticoat Lane helped transition Kansas City shoppers from custom-made clothing to ready-to-wear apparel, making fashion more accessible to a growing middle class.

Petticoat Lane's Golden Era

*Emery, Bird, Thayer Building located on the north side of 11th between Walnut & Grand. Courtesy: MVSC.*

By the early 20th century, Petticoat Lane was at the height of its popularity. Department stores like EBT, Harzfeld’s, and John Taylor’s were not only places to shop but also important social spaces. Tea rooms and parlors provided gathering places for visitors, while events and parades brought the community together.

The stores themselves were notable for their architecture and design. The EBT building, with its detailed façade and large windows, provided an early example of retail spaces designed to attract and engage shoppers. Inside, departments were carefully arranged to create a seamless shopping experience.

*1905: Window display with mannequins and purses of the department store on 11th Street between Walnut and Grand Avenue. Courtesy: MVSC.*

A Changing Retail Landscape

*Petticoat Lane, looking east from Main St. Courtesy: MVSC.*

The mid-20th century brought significant changes to Kansas City’s retail landscape. Suburban malls, with more convenient parking and locations, drew customers away from downtown. As a result, Petticoat Lane’s influence as a retail center began to fade. By the 1970s, many of its hallmark buildings had been demolished, including the EBT building in 1973.

Despite these changes, Petticoat Lane remains a significant part of Kansas City’s history. Efforts to commemorate its legacy include historical markers and archival preservation. While its physical presence has diminished, its role in shaping the city’s development and culture is still remembered.

*The EBT Building, built in 1885, once proudly stood at this corner. It was torn down by UMB in 1973 and replaced with…. this.*

Petticoat Lane illustrates a key period in Kansas City’s history, from its rise as a retail center to its eventual decline with the growth of suburban shopping. Its story reflects broader trends in urban development and consumer behavior. Though the buildings are gone, the legacy of Petticoat Lane continues to provide insight into Kansas City’s past and the evolution of its downtown area.

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.

Arrowhead Poster

Western Auto Poster