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This is a painting made in 1833 by Karl Bodmer of Blacksnake Hills when Joseph Robidoux built his 1st house |
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This is the orginal street mapping of St Joseph Missouri |
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Aerial view of downtown St Joseph prior to Urban Renewal |
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Photo #1: This 1961 Cool Crest float carried girls from Benton, Central, Lafayette High Schools and Junior College Photo #2: Jennifer Kost, Diane Furlong, Carolyn Farrow, Becky Miller & Marti Parrish on a 1964 Apple Blossum Parade float which featured a replica of the red bridge at Cool Crest miniature golf Photo #3: Carnival near City Hall Photo #4: Murphy Spair - the little man who was always selling balloons, twirling toys on sticks, candy at circuses, parades & carnival Photo #5: 1948 Apple Blossom Parade Photo #6: 1960 Apple Blossom Parade Photos donated by John Fulmer |
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Photo #2: Rosecrans 1959 Photos donated by John Fulmer |
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Some of these Photos were donated by Dave Sietzen Photo #1: Looking south from
8th & Felix, Old US Post Office can be seen in left rear
Photo #2: The large building in center could be Noma Lites(?) Photo #3: Unknown what once stood here They will be distributed properly as the are identified Photo numbers are located on the right side of each photo If you recognize any, please email me at rickdrozd@gmail.com |
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Downtown St Joseph was once a thriving and very busy part of the city. However, the Urban Renewal of the 1970's removed many of the downtown buildings Over 100 buildings were destroyed leaving a lot of empty lots Several parking lots were created in the process for a the few remaining downtown businesses. A few structures were restored or are currently in the process of being restored Several people had started a law suit to prevent the demolition of the Market area. The publicity was very positive for retaining the old buildings and the outcome looked good. A court order was about to be issued to prevent it's destruction. The urban renewal people brought the wrecking ball in and destroyed the buildings before the court order was issued which would have prevented them from destroying this area. A lot of very old and historic structures were destroyed 3 multi-level parking garages were constructed where many buildings once stood, but the upper levels of all three were closed off as they were found to be unsafe. The top level of one garage has been considered for total removal The Trail Theater, downtown's remaining movie theater, the north wall can be seen at far left bottom. Manning's Market, which is now gone, is the building to it's right. Manning's has been replaced by a Taco Bell. The area that looks like a triangle is now consumed by a new Hardee's fast food resturant. The old Miller Chevrolet & South Western Bell buildings can be seen at the extreme bottom right |
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The Pony Express Bridge opened in 1929 In 1983, the city replaced the falling apart Pony Express Bridge that spanned the Missouri River with a new twin span brige We made a lot of trips over the old bridge to Wathena, Kansas. Every weekend was a trip to Jack's Tavern in Wathena. Those who went to Junior College made trips between classes. It was a neat looking bridge, but it was in terrible condition. The new bridges are a major improvement |
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Photo donated by John Fulmer |
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Joseph Robidoux was the founder of St Joseph. His house was the 1st building in St Joseph, it was built prior to 1830 It was originally located on the NW corner of 2nd & Jules Street It was later moved to Krug Park Photo donated by Rick Stafford |
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Once located near 13th & Lafayette Street, the house has been repainted and is now located at the Patee Museum at 18th & Penn |
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Once a thriving section of downtown, this was the Wholesale Food Business district. It used to be known as the
Farmers Market or Apple Market
Buildings such of these once covered 12 square blocks, lining 2nd, 3rd & 4th Streets from Edmond St to Jules St Sidney Rothstein and his brothers, Bill and Leonard, were the owners of Central Fruit Co. Their father, Nate Rothstein, had started the company with a partner sometime around the turn of the century Another big fruit wholesaler was the Waris Fruit Company, they were located on the left side in some of these Photos This is one of the first areas to be torn down during the Urban Renewal program You could buy just about any kind of food at these markets Photo #1 - This is a view of the buildings taken from the west side. This area was torn down for the new Downtown
Hotel which has now changed hands several times (3 times as of 2011)
Photo #2 - With dirt streets and horse drawn wagons, this Photo is quite old Photo #3 - Farmer & Citizen Drug Company and the Sandusky Fruit Market are both visible on the left side of the photo Photo #4 - Notice how the advertising that was painted on the #3 & #4 buildings changed in the 2 similar photos Photo #5 - This is a view of 4th Street looking North from Felix Street, notice the once beautiful architecture Photo #6 - This is a photo that I took before the wrecking ball demolished these buildings - notice all of the lumber on sidewalks Photo #7 - Remnants of the wrecking ball during Urban Renewal are visible in Photo #7. This is a building that the wrecking ball destroyed only one day before I could take a photo Photo #8 - This shows (left to right) Billy McGaughey, Bill Rothstein, Norville Grace, Sid Rothstein Dale Kretzer, Nate Rothstein and on the steps in the back are Abe and Lou Blanar, owners of Blanar Fruit Company Photo #9 - This picture shows Bill, Leonard and Sidney Rothstein standing beside a Central Fruit Market truck Photo #10 - This is one half of the original half block Joseph Roubidoux set up as MARKET SQUARE |
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201 - 205 Felix Bert W. Pryor Owner Photo donated by Dave Sietzen |
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116 N. 4th Russell Peck (Pres) Barent Springstead (jr v-pres & sec) Rudolph H Falkenback (v-pres) Photo donated by Dave Sietzen |
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This was located on the Northwest corner of 4th & Felix Photo donated by Terry McGinnis |
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Photo #1 - 1st National Bank Photo #2 - 4th & Felix looking East Check out the old original street lights Photo #3 - 1st National Bank which is now
Commerce Bank Photo #4 - Current view of bank from 4th St
side Photo #5 - Old photo of the bank |
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The new auditorium is bounded by 4th & 5th Streets and Felix to Francis Streets
Photo #1 - Original city auditorium Photo #2 - Original city auditorium Photo #3 - Original city auditorium Photo #4 - Original city auditorium Photo #5 - new auditorium replacement for original Photo #6 - new auditorium replacement for original The original auditorium held the great circuses, basketball games, high school events,
musical shows, and many other events. It was a very nostolgic & historical
building
Rather than repairing the old building, the city tore it down and replaced it with a new modern auditorium As seen in Photo #5, one of the new Multi-level parking lot's top level is blocked off as it was deemed to be unsafe The city is now wanting to either remove the top parking lot level or repair it making it safe for use Photo #1 donated by John Fulmer
Photo #3 donated by John Fulmer |
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Looking East on Felix from
5th & Felix Einbenders can be seen at bottom right. McDonald Shoes & Leibowitz
can be seen on the left. The LOAN company on the left was HFC
Photo #1 Looking East - donated by Dave Sietzen
Photo #2 Looking West - donated by John Fulmer Photo #3: Current view - looking East from 5th & Felix Photo #4: Current view - looking West from 5th & Felix |
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Bottom row - 515 Felix, 515 Felix and 517 Felix These are buildings locate between 5th & 6th Street on the North side of Felix. I have no idea who originally occupied these buildings. The Plymouth building is somewhat visible in the bottom right Photo |
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Beautiful facade of Corby Building, now called Corby Place They don't build them like this anymore |
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Photos donated by John Fulmer |
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Photo donated by John Fulmer |
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Photos #1 & #2 - The current empty lot where Kresge's and Woolworth
once stood.
In the background, the Plymouth building can be seen Photo #3 - The Plymouth, looking north on 6th street Photo #4 - 1947 Plymouth fire damage Photo #4 donated by John Fulmer |
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Downtown St Joseph used to have three 5&10 cent stores, actually 4 if
you counted United Department Store as one. Kresge's was on the northeast corner of 6th
& Felix & Woolworth was directly east of Kresge's. United was located on the
Southeast corner of 6th & Felix, directly across the street from Kresge. United's
basement was once loaded with 5 & 10 cent items but nothing to compare with Kresge
& Woolworth's selections. The 5&10 cent stores were often refered to as the "five
& dime" or "dime store" because the majority of their items for sale could be
purchased for 5 or 10 cents. Kresge's was the most popular of all the dime stores. It had
a great lunch counter with fabulous 15 cent limeades and you could keep the tall dark
green glass. My grandmother must have had 50 of those things. Photo #1 & #2 - Kresge's as it once stood Photo #3 & #4 - Kresge's & Woolworth's now empty lots Photo #5 & #6 - The demolition of Kresge's & Woolworth Photo #7 & #8 - F W Woolworth & Company 5 & 10 cent store Photo #7 - This was the Woolworth re-opening of the new store. I would say it was taken somewhere around WWI era. Notice the dirt streets & buggies in Photo #8 Photo #9, #10 & #11 - The United Department Store Photo #12 - the building in which once housed Mattingly's Photo #13 - the front windows of Woolworth in 1909 Photo #14 - Lunch counter - taken 1937 (Photo donor unknown) Photo #15 - Woolworth Menu - donated by Terry McGinnus Photo #16 - Kresege's 5 & 10 - donated by John Fulmer Photo #17 - United Dept Store Photo #18 - Woolworth Mattingly's was 1/2 block south on 6th St. between Edmond & Felix Sts, on the east side of the street. |
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Left of Thom McCan's, another shoe store can be seen JC Penny is the large building to the right Notice the painted on Steinway Piano sign atop the JC Penny building Photo #1 was donated by Dave Sietzen Black & White Photos are taken prior to Urban Renewal Color Photos show Felix Street as it looked in 2005 |
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Photo #1 - Federal Bakery Photo #2 - Joe Optican Jewelers - bottom right of Photo Photos #1 & #2 donated by Dave Sietzen Photo #3 - Looking north from 7th & Felix - the empty lot is where the Federal Bakery once stood Photo #4 - Looking east from 7th & Felix - the empty lot is where the Federal Bakery once stood Photo #5 - Current 2005 view of the old Joe Optican store - southeast corner of 7th & Felix |
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Located at 624 Felix, this building is now occupied by Pony Express
Community Bank on the southwest corner 7th & Felix Photo #1 - Felix Street Main entrance Photo #2 - 7th Street Side entrance Photo #3 - Spiral Fire Escape - isn't it neat? Photo #4 - Originally was German American Bank |
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The old Missouri-Kansas Telephone building located at 116 South 7th St. Built at the turn
of the century, it is still standing. The American Legion, which burned down in 1991,
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Photo #1 - The original YMCA was located at 7th & Felix It was built in 1887 Photo #2 - The YMCA later moved to 10th & Faraon Photo #3 - The YMCA has now moved into a new facility at 6th & Sylvanie Photo #4 - Donated by John Fulmer Photo #5 - Donated by John Fulmer Street |
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Numerous committess fought to save this unique building. It was once the home to KUSN
radio station. A municipal parking lot now consumes this area Photo #1 & #2 were taken right before the wrecking ball began Photos #3, #4 & #5 were donated by Dave Sietzen |
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One of the "unsafe upper level" multi-level, million dollar parking lots. Note the barred
entrance to the upper level This parking lot is located at 9th & Felix, across the street from the Trail Theater |
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I don't know what occupied the corner building. It used to be some kind of technical
school at one time |
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School District Offices and Public Library The downtown library has been totally remodeled, spending who knows how much money on it. It really looks nice inside Library floor plan donated by John Fulmer Bookmobile photo donated by John Fulmer |
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Photo donated by John Fulmer |
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Since Urban Renewal, Frederick Avenue now dead ends into the intersection of 9th & Francis Street Photo #1 - Schroer's Drugs was once located here at 8th & Frederick
across from Hirschs. The building was razed in 1979 during Urban Renewal (Photo donated
by David Seitzen) Photo #2 - Looking West from 8th & Felix, Schroer's Drug sign can be seen at the far right side Photo #3 - Taken in 1921 during the Fire Chief's funeral, United Cigar Store is on southwest corner at this time Photo #4 - This later became the Nechi Elna Sewing Machine Company. I have no idea what was in this building when Photo #8 was taken - Photo donated by Dave Sietzen Photo #5 - Original Hirsch's Department Store, southeast corner of 8th & Frederick Photo #6 - A new more modern Hirsch's replaced the original structure. It was remodeled once again in later years. All the women loved to shop at Hirsch's. They moved to East Hills Shopping Center on the Belt Highway. I don't think they did so well there as they are now closed. JC Penny's, Sears, Wards, and other clothing stores were right next to them. Wards closed some years ago but Penny's and Sears are still in business as 2005 Photo #7 - 8th & Frederick around the turn of the century before Hirsch's was built Photo #8 - 8th & Frederick looking East from 8th street. Photo donated by John Fulmer Photo #9 - 8th & Frederick - Old Photo that is in Patee House Museum. This was taken before the Pony Express Statue was placed in the park area - photo donated by Terry McGinnis Photo #10 - 1954 photo of downtown, 8th & Felix looking south. Note big clock on top of building Photo donated by John Fulmer Photo #11 - 1954 photo of downtown, on Felix looking east toward Hirsh's Photo donated by John Fulmer Photo #12 - 1954 photo of 8th Street, between Edmond and Felix Photo #13 - 1963(?)photo of Felix just west of 8th Street Photo donated by Terry McGinnis |
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Photos donated by John Fulmer |
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(City Hall is visible at the far right of the 2nd Photo) Leonard McCoy (Pres) Dward A Moore (V-Pres-Sec) Photo donated by Dave Sietzen |
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In later years, it moved to Faraon, between 9th & 10th streets, behind Mannings Market |
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Owners were Victor L. Rudolf and his brother This was a block that was bounded by Felix, Francis and 9th St. A municipal parking lot that was constructed in the block during urban renewal. This view was from 9th & Francis looking West |
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Photo #1: Looking West on Frederick Avenue at 10th Street. This now
consumes the entire block beteen 9th & 10th Frederick Ave Photo #2: Looking North on 10th Street at Frederick Avenue. This was once Sammy's Drugs. I believe Sammy's closed in the early 1980's. St Joseph Plasma Center occupied the building for about 15 years. The building at the far right with the red front was once Bray Photography Studio |
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Photo of City Hall at 11th & Frederick Avenue as it appeared in the late 1940's Photo #1 donated by Butch Sollars |
Photo #2 donated by John Fulmer
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Rather than tearing the buildings down, they gutted them & totally restoring them on
the outside only at the time these photos were taken |
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Makers of Big Smith jeans & overalls, one of the first jean companies to leave town |
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#29 is almost the same Photo as #25. The Photographer merely walked east on Francis St. a
half block to the alley, and took a Photo of the wrecker taking out an old building on
the corner of 5th and Francis, SW corner. The Pioneer Building with its distinctive
roofline is clearly visible in the background. Location info submitted by Dr. Lawrence Pilgram Photos donated by Dave Sietzen |
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This empty lot, across street from Hotel Roubidoux, was the Jerome Hotel and Restaurant.
It was managed by Mr Harold Gordon. It was a six story, 75 room hotel which opened in in
1922 at 416 Francis Street.. It was gutted by fire on March 4, 1957 and ordered
demolished by the city. Details donated by: Don Erck, Elk Grove, CA Photo donated by Dave Sietzen |
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The Black Angus room was noted for it's fabulous steaks They used to have great record hops in the 2nd floor ballroom sponsored by KKJO radio We knocked the plaster off the ceiling below by stomping one night to the Mexican Hat Rock The hotel management no longer allowed the record hop to be held in the hotel so it was moved to the Eagles Lodge on North 9th St In 1978, Roubidoux Center, a modern, multimillion dollar, 6 story office building replaced the hotel. American National Bank, & other businesses, etc occupied the new building Photos #2 & #3 donated by Terry McGinnis Photos #5, #6, & #7 donated by John Fulmer |
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St Joseph Light & Power Company was located on Francis St, between 5th & 6th St. SJL&P
moved to 6th & Atchison streets, later was bought by Aquila |
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Originally, Lee's Record Shop was located at 601 Francis, across the street from Townsend & Wall It was later torn down and was replaced with Katz Drug Store Lee's Record Shop was then moved to 516 Francis Street The favorite record shop of the teenagers. This place was always packed with customers. You could buy the top hits on 45s for $1 Al and Irene Rothstein, owned Lee’s Record and Radio Photos donated by their daughter, Carol Rothstein |
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The St Francis hotel was located on the NE corner of 6th & Francis, across the street from Townsend & Wall The hotel was later torn down and replaced with a large Katz Drug Store Photo donated by John Fulmer |
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St Francis Hotel, originally located on the NE corner of 6th & Francis, across the
street from Townsend & Wall. It was torn down and a new Katz Drug Store was built in
it's place. The Katz Drug Store later became Skaggs Drugs. Skaggs then moved to East Hills Shopping Center. I'm not sure what business is currently in the old Katz building. Skaggs closed their drug store at East Hills a few years ago. |
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Townsend & Wall Department store was one of downtown's largest & finest department stores.
Townsend & Wall was located on the SE corner of 6th & Francis T&W had five floors and a bargain basement which sold the more "affordable" clothes. The store was filled with anything a person would want. Custom drapes, carpet, furniture, clothing, everything imaginable. It had a great snack bar of which was always busy. Real gold paint on the elevator doors. It has now been made into an apartment complex |
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The dime store was located at 613 Francis This Photo is the lunch counter as it was in 1937 The menu is 1957 vintage, check out the prices Photo donated by Claudia Spehn Spencer |
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I believe it was once a jewelry store |
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They recently rebuilt all steps on all sides Then entrances were closed off, allowing entry only on the east side for security reasons Everyone must now pass through a metal detector (such as airports have) when entering the building 2nd Photo was donated by John Fulmer) |
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Photo Circa: 1948 Photo donated by Rick Stafford |
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MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT
One of the "safe" multi-level, million dollar parking lots. Located at 6th &
Jules & 6th & Faraon, covering to 7th & Jules and 7th & Faraon Street |
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Occupying 2 solid blocks in downtown, this once was known as the Missouri Methodist Hospital.
All of the light colored brick areas are new additions. I was born in here in 1944. It was purchased
by Heartland Hospital and was called Heartland West. Heartland Hospital has a monopoly on the hospitals now here in St Joseph They have closed this building and it is currently in the discussion to demolish the structure. Great, just what we need, more empty lots. I would like to see another hospital take it over or even make it a home for the homeless people. As of 2010, the hospital has been torn down and converted into big empty lots |
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Aunt Jemima Mill, once located at 2nd Street, south of Edmond According to the sign on top of photo #2, they used to make Royal #10 Flour Check out the various vehicles in both photos |
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Was listed in 1902-1918 City Directories. There was no listings prior of 1902 nor after 1918 David Feltenstein was the proprietor. The business was listed as being a Wine & Liquor reseller, both wholesale and retail Check out all the wooden kegs near the street and all the liquor bottles on display in the windows Photo #1 - Donated by Suzy Wiberg (granddaughter) via Terry McGinnis Photo #2 - Feltenstein shot glass with advertisement on it |
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Everybody should remember Block's Army Surplus at 4th & Edmond owned by Leon Block Photo #1 is Block's at 5th & Felix Streets Photo #2 is Block's at 4th & Edmond Streets |
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#1 - Looking north from 4th & Edmond - Garland's Tavern & Voss
Wallpaper #2 - Garland's Tavern - Edmond Street is on bottom right of Photo #3 - Schlitz Cafe - somewhere at 5th & Edmond Above Photos donated by Dave Sietzen #4 - Looking north on Edmond, Garland's Tavern, another tavern, barber shop & Paul Blocks Furniture was at far right side |
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The cafe was built in 1919. They offered hamburgers for 25 cents and you could get a soda for 5 cents |
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In 1868, Joseph Robidoux's funeral was held here Pioneer Clothing Company had a store front The structure was torn down in the 1970's during Urban Renewal Photo donated by John Fulmer |
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Photos donated by Butch Sollars |
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The Orpheum Theater was located on the northeast corner of 5th & Edmond. The original Townsend, Wyatt and Wall
department store can be seen in the background. I only went there a couple times as a small child before they tore it down.
It smelled of stale cigar smoke. Back then, people were allowed to smoke in the theaters |
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Photo #1 & #2 - Masonic Temple - used until 1906 when a new temple
was constructed Photo #3 is Edmond St looking West towards 5th St. The Orpheum Theater was on the northeast corner of 5th & Edmond Photo #4 is a recent Photo looking East on Edmond from 5th St. As you can see, a few changes have occurred over the years. Wrights Jewelry is visible in the lower right |
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A Light & Power Company city bus rounding the corner Paul Block's Furniture store can be seen in the far background The Mechanics Bank is in the background. It is now Commerce Bank St Joseph Safety Council occupies the lower floor |
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As viewed from Edmond St between 5th & 6th, the Corby Building, our only 14 or 15
story skyscraper, towers in the background. Once filled with doctors, lawyers, etc., it
now is an apartment building called The Fountain. Looking at the large vacanct lot, the Orpheum Theatre was once located at the far left corner. The Stevers Pool Hall in the middle next to the Silver Slipper Saloon. They are all now gone creating one large parking lot |
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At one time, all of these shops were pawnshops |
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The old Katz Drug Store at SW corner of 6th & Edmond still stands. Currently occupied by a fabric store |
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6th & Edmond as it looked in the 1940's Photo donated by John Fulmer |
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Now a vacant lot, this building was once located between 6th & 7th on north side of
Edmond Street. If I remember correctly Nick's Cleaners was owned by the Zaroor family Photo donated by Dave Sietzen |
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Located on 6th Street, between Edmond and Felix, this once was Eshelman's Music.
We used to come here to listen to and buy the latest rock n' roll
45 rpm records in the 50's & 60's. They sold all types of musical instruments and
sheet music. Numerous businesses have been there since they closed. THe building was empty for many years then in 2009, it caught fire and damaged quite extensively. The Brazilian Steak House purchased the structure, totally remodeled it and just opened for business in July 2010. It is now a beautiful building inside and out The 4th photo shows the north side of Edmond since the rebuild There used to be a bowling ally on the 2nd floor of the brick structure just north of Eshelmans. It didn't have automatic pin setters. Lee's Record Shop was the most popular of the two stores because records were their primary business. It was located on Francis St between 5th & 6th on the south side. I'M LOOKING FOR MORE PICS OF LEE'S and ESHELMANS!!! |
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First Bank of Missouri on the Southeast corner of 6th & Edmond. This was Empire Trust
Co. which merged with Tootle which merged with American to form the predecessor of Merchantile Bank. Photo donated by Dick Heath |
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The city replaced all the downtown street lights with these good looking historic type
lamp posts. Too bad most of the historic buildings are gone This photo was taken on 7th Street between Edmond & Felix |
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Originally, Bechtold & Rouse Bicycle Shop, sold later to Red Rouse to become the
House of Wheels and Toys. Red ran it for years and years selling hobbies, crafts and toys.
Red sold it to Curt Gardener who renamed the business Big Boy's Toys. Big Boy's Toys closed up in Jan 1997. A dress shop
replaced the Hobby Shop. The dress shop then burned in 1998 and was remodeled but is
currently vacant the last time I looked. The tavern to the west was torn down after the fire. It is just a
vacant lot now. The tavern was called the Midway, then the Office, and then finally Avis before
burning down in 1998 |
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Left:Herman's Drug Store, 7th & Edmond - Out of business Right: Herman's Drug Store, 6th & Angelique - Out of business |
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Carbry Building, built in 1890, located on northwest corner of Edmond at 7th St, fell
victim to fire. Maid-rite was located on the corner to the right side of this building.
This entire Edmond Street side of this block is now a vacant lot |
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Photo #1 - View of Edmond Street looking East from 7th & Edmond - Circa 1930's Photo #2 - Dave Sietzen's father took this Photo from one of the upper floors of the main US POST OFFICE which is located at 8th & Edmond. It's an overview shot of the Missouri Theater and other buildings along the north side of the street. The original Greyhound Bus Depot can be seen in the bottom left corner. House of Wheels and Toys hobby shop can be seen between two larger buildings at the far left side. A car is parked in front of House of Wheels and Toys Photo #3 - A close up of the Missouri Theater Photos donated by John Fulmer and Dave Sietzen |
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Photo donated by John Fulmer |
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The Missouri Theater used to be owned by Durwood Theaters. Durwood also owned the Electric Theater, Skylark and Belt Drive-in theaters.
It is located on Edmond Street, between 7th & 8th. It was St Joseph's most elegant theater. The colored photos show the remodeled Missouri Theater. There's quite a bit of facial difference between what it looked like in the 1930's and today. The Missouri usually showed only one A Class movie and a cartoon such as Droopy, Road Runner, etc. The Missouri is now primarily an Arts Theater; dancing, singing, & miscellaneous performing acts George Carlin was the last act that I saw at the Missouri It is no longer a considered a normal movie theater |
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Photo #1: 1925 photo of the Majestic Theater In 1925, there was an alley on the east side of the theater Note the telephone pole and all of the wires Photos #2 & #3: 1926 photos of the Electric Theater Evidently the Majestic was torn down and was replaced in 1926 Photo #4: looking east on edmond from 7th Street In the far background, you can see the original post office Photo #5: 1911 Map of Edmond & Charles between 7th & 8th Majestic Theater Grand Opening: Thurs Oct 13,1910 General Admission 10 c and Box Seats reserved 20 c High Class Motion Pictures Sullivan and Considine Vaudeville Doors Open 7:30 Last Date Open: Friday April 23, 1915 Last Movie: The Arrival of Major Janet & Buster Brown at Hicksville Electric Theater Grand Opening:Thurs September 23,1915 The Grand Opening show was Wilton Lackaye and Clara Kimball Young in TRILBY Admission was 10 cents Last date open: Saturday, October 28, 1961 Last shows played: Susan Travers in The Snake Woman Kieron Moore in Doctor Blood's Coffin The Electric & Missouri Theaters were owned by Durwood. What grand memories! As you came out of the show, you would smell the orange drink & hot dogs produced by Wakely's, a very small snack bar just west of the Electric. Wakely's was later torn down and replaced by the Victory Cafe Later, the LaFonda restaurant replaced the Victory Cafe Only a parking lot remains there now. Does anyone remember the shoe shop to the east of the Electric? How about the shoe shine stand on the sidewalk? I remember buying my first Buttercup Popcorn at the Electric Theater. A box of plain popcorn was 15 cents and the Buttercup was 25 cents. That was a lot of money for a kid back then who only got 50 cents to spend for snacks I remember coming to the Electric on Saturdays for cartoon/serial matinees. The 3 Stooges & cartoons all day long for 25 cents. Everyday they always had a newsreel, 3 stooges movie short, (or a serial like Rocket Man,Flash Gordan, etc) plus 2 full length B Class movies The vacant lot with the trees is where the Electric Theater once stood Photos #1 & #3 was donated by John Fulmer The Popcorn Girl photo donated by John Fulmer Wakely Advertisement donated by Terry McGinnis Some theater data donated by Terry Plumb |
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Photo #1 - The Greyhound Bus depot used to be here on southwest corner of
8th & Edmond. Howard Sisson, Farm & Home Savings once occupied the building. The
depot was torn down and Hall Abstract replaced it with this structure. I am currently looking for a Photo of the old Greyhound Bus Depot Photo #2 - Northeast corner of 8th & Edmond. The Jones Pharmacy used to be here. They made awesome "SUICIDES"! Everyone knows what a "Suicide" soft drink was (one squirt of every flavor) Currently the "ENTIRE" block belongs to St. Joseph News Press Photo #3 - This is the Main Post Office, built in the early 50's, it is located on the SE corner of 8th & Edmond Photo #4 - Looking north east from 8th & Edmond. This once was the home of a drug store and Hirsches (I have no idea what was between) Photo #5 - View of Edmond Street looking West from 9th & Edmond |
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2 easily identifiable landmarks are City Hall and the Cathedral |
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It was located on the SE corner of 8th & Edmond It was established in 1840 and was originally known as the Black Hills Post Office Julius Roubidoux was the first postmaster In 1843, the name was changed to St Joseph Post Office The original building was torn down in 1939 and replaced with the current building As of January 2012, the US Postal Service is wanting to close down the newer building, possibly selling it Photo donated by John Fulmer |
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Photo of the News-Press/Gazette building taken in the 1920's. The building is located on
the northwest corner of 9th & Edmond. The St Joseph News-Press bought out the
Gazette, later changing the name to News-Press only |
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Located on the northeast corner of 9th & Edmond After the clinic closed, the building was occupied by Cook Computers for many years. I don't know if anyone is occupying this building now in 2011 |
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Ole Man Jackson, who owned the big furniture store at 4th and Charles can be seen in this photo In this Apple Blossom Parade float, he is reclining in the recliner with 2 ladies at his feet The photo was taken around 1962 on 5th Street just south of Edmond during the Apple Blossom Parade Rick Stafford's sister, Carol (Stafford) Kramer, is the girl standing up showing off the Westinghouse refridgerator Jackson and Rick's father were very close friends and he wanted Carol to be the "Westinghouse lady" in the parade Ole man Jackson was not the same as the Jackson furniture store that was on South 6th street Ole Man Jackson did have a store in the 1970's south of Betty Jackson next to the Greyhound depot at 6th and Charles In the sixties Ole Man Jackson had the biggest furniture store in Northwest Missouri Photos donated by Rick Stafford |
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Photo donated by John Fulmer |
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Cosmopolitan Shoe Repair Owner: Nick K Shoras Jackson Furniture Store 209 -11 S. 6th Owners: Louis and Betty Jackson (This was not Ole Man Jackson's) Star Furniture 213 S. 6 Owner: Saul Manski Photos donated by Dave Sietzen |
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St Joseph Transfer Company - East side of 3rd & Charles. The words Pony Express are barely visible at top left of lettering I think this has recently been made into a small city park Clayton Paper Company, West side of 3rd & Charles. One of St Joseph's most beautiful buildings. Observe the window panes & sculpturing. Clayton Paper moved to the Mitchell business park. Downtown Furniture Emporium now resides in the building |
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The 2nd Photo shows how it looked 120 years later in 1995. St. Joseph Tent and Awning occupied this building for many years prior to Appliance Man Rentals You can still see the outlines of the old window openings in the newer photo |
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Central Fire Station, 7th Street, between Charles & Sylvania Sts. |
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Known companies that were in this building was Dannen Mills, Chase Candy and Farmland I saw this building every day for 10 years when parking my milk truck at the fence. I plugged my milk truck into electrical outlets mounted on the fence every night |
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There are still a few cobblestone streets downtown |
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CD Smith Drug Company recently built and moved into a new building in Mitchell Park |
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Old Missouri Pacific Warehouse |
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Owned by Sam Mannshreck and his cousin. Located on the Northeast corner of 8th & Angelique Sam Mannshreck was Charles Mannshreck's uncle Charles Mannshreck owned Mannshreck's Book Store on Felix Charles son, Craig Mannshreck, inherited the book store Photo donated by Wheeler Schmidt |
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Photo #1 This store was located on the Northeastern corner of 6th & Messanie - Circa 1952 Photo #2 shows Chief Raincloud stsnding in front of the store. He was a real Indian Chief, Byron Stafford would pay him to promote the store Photo #3 shows the current empty lot where Stafford's Household Goods once stood Photo #4 This photo was taken about 1979. These are the store buildings that Byron bought after he moved from 6th and messanie in 1957 Byron Stafford is standing in doorway of one of his stores at 508-10 South 6th Street The white painted building to the north was owned by Roy Knapp. His father had a store there for years called "Knapps" Photos were donated by Rick Stafford |
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Was N.S.Hillyard Vocational-Technical school 1941-1943 It is now the National Heritage Military Museum located on the Northeast corner of 7th & Messanie There are lots of old military memories in this museum A local model railroad club had an HO scale model train layout inside the building but I don't know if it still exists |
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A carpet store once occupied this building. The last time I looked, this structure was empty |
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These 2 photos were taken in 1978 or 1979 Photos were donated by Rick Stafford |
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You had to browse through his attic & shelves for the odity that you were searching for Most of the time, he would have it On the north side of the building, he had hundreds of used & junk motorcycles |
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The Desarai Lounge was the last business to occupy part of this structure The only building remaining on the SW side of the block is what once was Max Phillips grocery, the green newer structure seen in the far right side of photo #2 The buildings were pretty dilapidated, empty for many years and had become an eyesore |
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