Long ago on independence square (Liberty, Jackson: drug use, hippies, high school)

[MRG Dallas]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

I had forgot about the fountains. I believe I saw the effort once while home on leave. There were a few million $ wasted for the entire effort as I recall.

I hadn't been there in ages and remember driving along Maple and negotiating concrete barriers, diagonal parking et al and thinking WTH?

[Major Tom 58]

Home - Examiner - Independence, MO
Contains article on Sharon Kinney and her violent escapades. This has been discussed hereon this thread before, but was interesting to read about again.

[MRG Dallas]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

It is my understanding that major renovations are going on right now at the Independence courthouse to add five new court rooms.

This is occurring at the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse on Kansas Street, which was formerly known as the courthouse annex. I dont know where these courtrooms are being added, but I thought I read somewhere that this building can structurally bear another floor.

The recently renovated courthouse on the square is now known as the Truman Courthouse.

The courthouse in Kansas City is known as the Jackson County Courthouse.

And, I suppose the other courthouse on Kansas Street is known as the 1827 Log Courthouse. Somewhere I thought I read that this building was still under county control.

I've thought for some time that Jackson County and Independence should create courts in The Square to accommodate the growth in eastern suburbs. The older buildings are suitable to be rehabbed on the inside to law offices and associated businesses, would add some pizzazz and business activity. Not a bad location either, the trip up Noland via I-70 is short and would make the area a convenient Courthouse East.

[CaseyMO]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

This is supposed to be a 1979 view of Independence from the top of the courthouse. Someone please explain what corner this is.

This picture has me confused. First, notice the parked cars are facing as if the street has two-way traffic. I thought we discussed a while back about the streets were all one-way since at least the early 1950s or before.

Second, I don't recall that much lawn at the court house.

Third, look at the parking along the street towards the corner on the right. It appears to me that a paved cut-out is there that is off the street. I don't recall that.

Fourth, Katz was all glass on the first floor on the Main Street Side. The building in this picture is white.

Maybe these changes happened and I don't recall correctly; however, I don't believe this is a picture of Independence.

[CaseyMO]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

I guess we lost CaseyMO?

Not yet. :-) Sorry for the absence. I'll probably take a few, but I will return. :-)

[CaseyMO]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

Mad Anthonie posted her name on page 429 when she was teaching at McCoy and the first name spellings are similar. Could very well have been the same lady.

We have not heard from Sally on this site for quite some time. I think she said she graduated from WCHS in '53. We knew she was ill but that is all we have learned.

We also have not heard from Hazel W in a long time. She provided some interesting information, also.

I had a Miss or Mrs. Marcell for 3rd grade at Benton.

[CaseyMO]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

"What was the most popular hair-do of the William Chrisman High School Graduating Class of 1968?"

Here is another question posed on the Jackson County Historical Society web page without an answer but saying the answer is within the Society's archives.

Some of you younger whipper snappers may be able to answer this question. I was in my second of three years in Germany at the time and don't have any idea of the home hair styles during that time.

I cannot answer for 1968, but I was engaged to be married that year and had already served in Germany. In 1963, the haircuts for boys were still the flat top and a newer style called the Princeton. In both cases, the hair was short.

I believe the flat top was pretty popular in the late 50s too. :-)

[CaseyMO]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

I was able to cope with most of these deaths—even that of Lou Costello who checked out at age 52, but even as a high school senior I just could not understand the death of Superman.

What? You did not know that a man of steel could commit suicide? Unfortunately, I can relate.

[SilverDoc]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

This is supposed to be a 1979 view of Independence from the top of the courthouse. Someone please explain what corner this is.

I can't be certain, but this might be looking to the northwest corner of Liberty and Maple. The building in the top center of the photo, looks like the old Bank of Indep.

[WCHS'59]

Originally Posted by CaseyMO

I cannot answer for 1968, but I was engaged to be married that year and had already served in Germany. In 1963, the haircuts for boys were still the flat top and a newer style called the Princeton. In both cases, the hair was short.

I believe the flat top was pretty popular in the late 50s too. :-)

The flattop first started popping up in Independence Junior High School when I was in seventh grade, fall of '53. A guy here and there would appear one day with this new haircut and the girls would make remarks such as "Oh you didn't," etc. The girls did not seem to like them. And, I agreed with them. Slowly, but surely, though, the flattops snowballed and the girls began liking them and I wanted one. But, my mom said no. So, I have never in my life had a flat top. I did get a shaved head when I went into the Army, though.

I still have my '53-'54 Cub yearbook, somewhere. It would be interesting to look at the photos now and see just what the percentage of flattops were.