Electric Park: A Journey into Kansas City's First Major Amusement Park
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Electric Park, the long-forgotten amusement wonderland that once graced Kansas City. Join us on a captivating journey as we uncover the captivating history, thrilling rides, and mesmerizing entertainment that made Electric Park a beloved destination of yesteryear. Rediscover the joy and nostalgia of this lost gem, and learn how Electric Park shaped the cultural landscape of Kansas City. Don't miss this chance to relive the magic of Electric Park and explore the enduring legacy it left behind.
Flight 42 Cocktail Lounge: Kansas City's Hidden Aviation Gem
Step aboard a piece of aviation history at Kansas City's Flight 42 Cocktail Lounge! Dive into the captivating tale of this unique bar nestled inside a decommissioned TWA Constellation airplane. Discover the thrilling journey of the Super Connie from New York to London, its transformation into a vibrant cocktail lounge, and the cherished memories it created. Although gone today, the spirit of Flight 42 lingers, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a time when Kansas City soared as an aviation hub. Join us as we revisit this iconic gem and relish the allure of a bygone era.
The 1933 Kansas City Massacre: The Tragic Morning That Shook the City
Discover the riveting story of the Kansas City Massacre, an infamous event that unfolded in 1933. Delve into the shootout and murder that shook the city to its core, involving notorious criminals, daring escapes, and a dangerous conspiracy. Uncover the aftermath, controversies, and the FBI's pivotal role in combating organized crime. Explore the lasting impact of this tragic incident on law enforcement and the nation's fight against crime.
“The Wettest Block in The World” - Exploring Kansas City’s Notorious Past at 9th & State Line
Step back in time to the early 1900s and explore the captivating history of the "Wettest Block" at 9th and State in Kansas City. Discover how this once-thriving neighborhood became a hub of illicit activities, from bootlegging and speakeasies to gambling dens and more. Delve into the reign of power of Tom Pendergast, the charismatic political boss, and the colorful cast of characters that shaped the block's legacy. Uncover the downfall and transformation of this notorious area, and experience how the West Bottoms has embraced its history while moving towards a new future.
Johnny Cash's Historic Visit to Leavenworth: A Legendary Prison Concert
Step back in time to 1970 when music icon Johnny Cash voluntarily visited Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Delve into the electrifying atmosphere as Cash took the stage amidst thunderstorm threats, delivering an unforgettable concert that resonated deeply with the prisoners. Discover the raw authenticity, emotional connections, and lasting impact of Cash's presence at Leavenworth, leaving an indelible mark on both the inmates and the legendary Man in Black himself.
The Rise and Fall of the Great Mall of the Great Plains: From Shopping Haven to Demolition
Explore the fascinating story of the Great Mall of the Great Plains in Olathe, Kansas, once the largest outlet mall in the state. Learn about its grand opening, unique layout, and initial success, followed by the challenges it faced, the closure, and subsequent demolition. Discover the failed attempts at redevelopment and how the site has found a new purpose under the ownership of Garmin Ltd. Relive the nostalgia of this beloved mall that holds a special place in the hearts of Olathe residents and visitors.
The Story of Ben Holladay: The Stagecoach King and Missouri Bourbon Pioneer
From Stagecoach King to Missouri Bourbon Pioneer - Uncover the incredible journey of Ben Holladay. Explore his empire of reliable stagecoaches, winning the government mail delivery contract, and becoming the largest employer in the US. Discover the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi River and its connection to Holladay.
The Liberty Memorial: Alternate Design Proposals
Unveiling a fascinating journey of design possibilities, this blog explores the diverse architectural proposals that could have transformed the iconic landmark. From soaring columns to grand obelisks and even a "modest" Statue of Liberty, delve into a captivating collection of renderings and envision how the city's skyline might have been altered. Join us on this captivating visual tour of alternative visions for the Liberty Memorial.
Honoring the Past: The Remarkable Legacy of the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City
Discover the remarkable legacy of the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, a renowned war museum and memorial dedicated to World War I. Uncover its rich history, from its establishment in 1926 to its recent redesignation as the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Immerse yourself in the exhibits that chronicle the global events of the war and experience the awe-inspiring Guardian Spirits atop the memorial tower. Explore the renovations, rededications, and its status as a National Historic Landmark.
Exploring the Forgotten Story of Imperial Brewing: A Glimpse into KC's Beer Legacy
Discover the forgotten history of Imperial Brewing Company, a relic of Kansas City's brewing legacy. Dive into the rise and fall of this iconic brewery, its architectural charm, and the challenges of restoration. Uncover the tales behind its signature lagers and the impact of Prohibition. Explore the uncertain fate of the Imperial Brewing Company Building and its enduring presence in the Westside.
Celebrating A 75-Year Legacy in Kansas City: Cosentino’s Food Stores
Discover the enduring legacy of Cosentino's Food Stores, a family-owned grocery store serving Kansas City for 75 years. Explore their remarkable journey from a small storefront to 31 thriving stores under the banners of Price Chopper, Apple Market, Sun Fresh, and Cosentino's Market. Uncover the Cosentino family's commitment to building lasting relationships with customers and the community, making them an integral part of Kansas City's fabric.
Discover the Early Years & History of the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)
Learn about the fascinating history of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, from its roots in the Lincoln and Lee University movement to its merger with local private institutions of higher learning. Discover how the university grew to become the largest in the Kansas City metropolitan area, with a medical school and high research activity classification.
The Resilient History of the Paseo YMCA: From the Birthplace of the Negro National League to a Revitalized Research Center
Discover the inspiring story of the Paseo YMCA, a historic building in Kansas City that was the birthplace of the Negro National League and has since been revitalized into the Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center. Learn about the setbacks and resiliency of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the greater Kansas City community to preserve and celebrate the rich history of African-American baseball.
The Early Years and Founding of Three Midwestern Universities: K-State, KU, and MU
Learn about the founding and history of three major universities in the Midwest: Kansas State University, the University of Kansas, and the University of Missouri. Explore the challenges they faced, their growth over time, and their contributions to education and research.
The Evolution of Kansas City International Airport: A Journey Through History
Discover the fascinating history of Kansas City International Airport, from its early days as Mid-Continent International Airport to its latest transformation with a new state-of-the-art terminal. Learn about the innovative design by TWA, the challenges faced in its development, and the major renovations that have shaped the airport into what it is today.
Metro North Mall: A Look Back at Kansas City's Iconic Shopping Destination
Explore the history of Metro North Mall, once a thriving shopping destination in Kansas City, and discover how it eventually fell into disrepair and was ultimately demolished for redevelopment. From its grand opening in 1976 to its closure in 2014, learn about the mall's anchor stores, popular restaurants, and unique features that made it a beloved landmark for decades.
Discovering the Hidden History of Kansas City's 8th Street Tunnel
Explore the fascinating history of Kansas City's 8th Street Tunnel, a true engineering marvel built in the late 1800s by Robert Gillham. Learn about the challenges Gillham and his team faced as they dug through the bluff, the tunnel's steep grade, and the maintenance issues that arose. Discover how the tunnel was used for more than 60 years and why it was eventually abandoned. Finally, find out about the current state of the tunnel and its future preservation.
The Story of Worlds of Fun: How a Kansas City Amusement Park Came to Be
Discover the history of Worlds of Fun, the amusement park located in Kansas City, Missouri. Learn about its founding by Lamar Hunt, the addition of Oceans of Fun, and the transformation of Screamroller into the first looping, stand-up roller coaster in North America. Find out how Cedar Fair LP purchased the park in 1995 and invested in new attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Uncovering the History of Southmoreland on the Plaza: a 110-Year-Old Mansion in Kansas City [Photos]
Learn about the intriguing history of Southmoreland on the Plaza, a 1913 single-family home turned boutique hotel in Kansas City. Discover how the property evolved over the years and the notable figures who owned it. Find out how the current owners transformed it into a gem of the travel industry, providing respite and fond memories to thousands of guests.
Reviving the Legacy of Heim Brewery: Sustainable Farming and Local Businesses in Kansas City's East Bottoms
Discover the rich history of Heim Brewery, from its roots in Austria to its transformation into a powerhouse brand. Learn about the three Heim brothers and their entrepreneurial ventures, including a professional baseball team, streetcar line, and amusement park.
Explore the remnants of the brewery that still remain in the East Bottoms and how J.Rieger and Urban Bounty Farms are reviving the area with sustainable farming and locally owned businesses. Join the movement to establish sustainable farming practices and community development in historic East Bottoms.