Long ago on independence square (Kansas City, Liberty: mines, shipping, tools)

[WCHS'59]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

It reminds me of the old courthouse in KC.

Yes, it was the second of three Jackson County courthouses in Kansas City, opening in 1892 at Fifth and Oak and replacing an 1868 five story courthouse at 2nd and Main, which started life intending to be a hotel.

Truman believed it was dilapidated and was too far north and he was inspired to replace it with the 29 story job at 12th and Oak.

The building was torn down in the late thirties. This is the present day site.

[WCHS'59]

This Sanborn view is 1916. I was looking for a view of the loading dock (where the yellow portion is) that extended west from the middle of the building. Apparently they added on to it at a later date, most probably when motorized vehicles became the standard. In the fifties, I would estimate the dock extended west at least fifty feet. The only entry was on the Lexington side and that paved entry was as wide as the dock. On the Maple side of the dock was post office vehicle parking.

I am curious that in 1916 if they were using mostly horses for mail delivery, where they stabled the horses, chuckle.

[WCHS'59]

Kansas City Chiefs: 2-0, Hallelujah.

[CrownVic95]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

Kansas City Chiefs: 2-0, Hallelujah.

Great to see Alex Smith and the team get a good start. What happened to him in SF just wasn't right.

[WCHS'59]

Originally Posted by SilverDoc

The town was built on either side of the Missouri Pacific tracks on the K.C. to Lexington route. Anything on the south side of the tracks is now within the boundaries of Lake City Arsenal.

Lake City is currently the only active small-caliber ammunition manufacturing facility within the Department of Defense.

[WCHS'59]

According to an 1881 history of Jackson County, Lake City, Missouri, was laid out in April 1876 on the Kansas City and Eastern Railroad.

By 1881, Missouri Pacific had taken over the railroad and Lake City had a post office, general store, drug store, rail depot, a doctor, a lawyer, and a teacher.

According to Google Books, a Louisa Stephens wrote "A glimpse into the History of Lake City, Missouri" in 1966.

[WCHS'59]

What is left of the Lake City school.

[WCHS'59]

Stephens, Louisa, "A Glimpse into the History of Lake City, Missouri"
Lake City Folder
Mid-Continent Public Library
North Independence Branch
Independence, Missouri

If I were local, I would research that folder. But since I am not, I won't.

[WCHS'59]

According to a Historical Report by Jeffrey A Hess, 1984:

Lake City Army Ammunition plant occupies 3,900 acres.

Thirty-five farm families were forced to relocate in order to construct the plant.

The plant opened in 1941 as the Lake City Ordnance Plant with 350 buildings and was one of six ammunition plants constructed by the Army during the 1940-42 time period and one of twelve constructed during WWII time frame.

As the Korean War began the facility was named the Lake City Arsenal and in 1963 was named the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant.

135 new buildings were added in the fifties.

35 new buildings were added in the 60’s and 70’s.

420 buildings remain.

Lake City is a small arms manufacturing plant with ammo of .60 or less considered small arms ammunition.

[MRG Dallas]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

MRG, did you make it to Lake City on your recent trip to Independence?

It would appear that Jackson Street is now Heideberger. Van Buren St still exists. Nothing is left below the tracks. And very little above.

Actually I did not, altho that should have been on the agenda. I was all around: 7, 24, Twyman, Bundschu, Ferguston-Spring, Blue Mills Rd, then got "lost" heading s. on Buckner Tarsney. Since I had a VIP dinner engagement :-) pending, I panicked (without a GPS) and headed back to 24 for safety and punctuality. Did want to see LC as my GF was born there and Mom worked there WW II.

So much to see, so little time.