History

“To say it’s an eyesore is an understatement –it’s an embarrassment.”

“I’ve helped so many people that when I drive through any neighborhood, I have a sense of knowledge of how things used to be.”

 In the sinking of La Bourgogne, only 163 people survived of the 725 on board, most crew members, and only one woman passenger.

Annie Bird is part of the incredible history of the EBT department store that is held close to the heart of so many who have called Kansas City home. 

George Washington Johnson’s story is a testament of a soldiers’ sacrifice for the love and promises this country has offered over time.

J.D. Bowser was never one to cower in a corner, and his professionalism, reputation, writing and rhetorical skills were some of the very best in Kansas City.

“I think that football and the Chiefs in general are like the currency of Kansas City.”

One well-known missionary, physician, capitalist and translator to the Native Americans chose to spend his later life in Kansas City, and his presence was prolific to the city’s development. 

The real recipe for cooking- cooking from the heart for those close to you- still remains a key ingredient for success.

Barker recalls a cascade of feelings as thousands of houses in her old neighborhood were being torn down. “In the beginning it was interesting, then it was weird, then it was creepy.”

 Today, thousands of people live on Campbell and Charlotte Streets in Kansas City, and their namesake is a testament to the people who chose this place as their home.

“This is a tribute to all the young men and women who will remain forever 17 years old in this book.”

“Waterways would have thrown off scents for dogs and that’s why they would have used the Blue River.”

“I want to be clear that I do not actually believe in phrenology. But I’m good enough at it that I’ve had people tell me I could be a real phrenologist.”

“I used to be embarrassed by that sign. Now it’s way cool again.”