Recommended Books
Kansas City Houses: 1885-1938
Michael Kathrens · 2018
"Kansas City Houses" by Michael Kathrens is a visually stunning book that features 40 historic homes in Kansas City, Missouri, ranging from Italianate villas to contemporary mansions. The book offers a fascinating look into the city's architectural history, showcasing the diverse styles and influences that shaped the region over the past 200 years. With detailed descriptions and beautiful photographs, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in architecture, history, or the unique character of Kansas City.
Storied & Scandalous Kansas City: A History of Corruption, Mischief and a Whole Lot of Booze
Karla Deel · 2019
"Storied & Scandalous Kansas City: A History of Corruption, Mischief and a Whole Lot of Booze" by Karla Deel is a fascinating and entertaining book that delves into the darker side of Kansas City's history. From the notorious Pendergast political machine to the city's infamous red-light district, the book uncovers the scandals, corruption, and debauchery that shaped the city's past. Through engaging storytelling and rich historical detail, Deel paints a vivid picture of Kansas City's colorful and often scandalous past.
The Mafia and the Machine: The Story of the Kansas City Mob
Frank R. Hayde · 2010
"The Mafia and the Machine: The Story of the Kansas City Mob" by Frank Hayde is a gripping account of the history of organized crime in Kansas City, Missouri. The book chronicles the rise of the city's underworld, including the infamous Pendergast political machine, and explores the role that the Mafia played in shaping the city's criminal underworld. Through extensive research and interviews, Hayde offers a compelling narrative that sheds light on a dark chapter in Kansas City's history.
Historic Photos of Kansas City
Lara Copeland · 2006
"Historic Photos of Kansas City" by Lara Copeland is a captivating collection of over 200 vintage photographs that tell the story of Kansas City's past. Through images of the city's streets, buildings, events, and people, readers can experience the evolution of this Midwestern metropolis from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s. This book is a wonderful tribute to Kansas City's history and an essential addition to any history buff's bookshelf.
Secret Kansas City: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure
Anne Kniggendorf · 2020
"The Secret Kansas City: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure" by Anne Kniggendorf is a quirky and fun guidebook that uncovers the hidden gems and oddities of Kansas City. The book features over 100 unique places and experiences, from a giant shuttlecock sculpture to a haunted mansion to a museum dedicated to the history of hair. With engaging descriptions and practical information, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to explore the offbeat side of Kansas City.
Kansas City, Kansas (Images of America)
Joe H. Vaughan · 2020
Over the past 150 years, many of the consumer goods sold and used across the country were either manufactured in Kansas City, Kansas, or passed through this industrial center. From the westbound trails of pioneer times until today, Kansas has been the crossroads of the nation, and the city has benefitted from its geographic centrality in the country. Household names with ties to the city include Google; Cerner Corporation; Procter & Gamble; General Motors; Colgate-Palmolive; the Santa Fe, Rock Island & Union Pacific Railroad lines; Phillips Petroleum; Armour and Company; Owens Corning; Massey Ferguson; General Electric; Sunshine Biscuits; Lee (apparel); Sealy (mattresses); and United Telecom (which morphed into Sprint Nextel). Images of America: Kansas City, Kansas aims to present some of that historic past, much of which has long been demolished, so that modern readers may see the complete, "full service" city as it evolved between 1804 and 2012.
A History Lover’s Guide To Kansas City
Paul Kirkman · 2020
Kansas City is often seen as a "cow town" with great barbecue and steaks. But it is also a city with more boulevards than Paris and more working fountains than Rome. There are burial mounds that date back more than two thousand years. The National World War I Museum and Memorial, opened in 1926, stands more than two hundred feet tall. Leila's Hair Museum has a collection that brings tourists from all over the nation. The Kansas City Jazz Museum features a historic district and world-class museum that document a time when dance halls, cabarets, speakeasies and even honky-tonks and juke joints fostered the development of a new musical style. Join author Paul Kirkman as he cuts a trail past the stockyards into the heart of America--Kansas City.
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